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Ethiopia: Priestly Ordination |
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Scritto da Fr. Jean-Marie Bilwala-Kabesa, Imc
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 On 2008-05-18, some of us, Consolata Missionaries IMC and MC were so delighted to join our Confrere Deacon Ashenafi, his family, friends and faithful from different places in Ethiopia to attend his Priestly Ordination. The ceremony happened in his home parish in Wasera town. Many Catholics and some from other religions were present to the ceremony, especially since our Deacon was well known in his town. The Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by His Excellency Rodrigo Meija, S.J. and concelebrated by more than 15 priests: diocesans and missionaries. Before the conclusion prayer, Fr. Ashenafi briefed us on his vocational life, beginning from Ethiopia, his Country; then Kenya and Colombia where he spent some years for novitiate and theological studies. In two words, it was “Praising God”.
I always remember that we were created to praise God. In Rev. 19:5-7, we read: “there came from the throne (of God) the sound of a voice saying: ‘Praise our God, all his servants and all people, both great and small, who worship him!’ Then I heard what sounded like the sound of a roaring waterfall; like loud peals of thunder. I heard them say, ‘Praise God! For the Lord, our Almighty God is King! Let us rejoice and be glad; let us praise his greatness.” Surely the only reasonable response to such a heavenly invitation is to join Mary in saying: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour” (Lk. 1:46-47). But what brings human fulfilment? Meaning, said Frankel. Power, said Adler. Pleasure, said Freud. Surely St. Augustine was correct when he said that our hearts are restless until they rest in God. The prayer of Praise is our response to the experience of the Lord. That’s why the Shorter Westminster Catechism says: “Men’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” This echoes the inspired words of St. Paul: “We who have first hoped in Christ, have been destined and appointed to live for the praise of his glory” (Eph. 1:12). Patrick Collins, C.M. in one of his books, titled “ME YOU AND GOD” quotes an Irish verse which says: “Only a fool would fail to praise God in his might, when the tiny mindless birds, praise Him in their flight.” Sir.43:30 goes even further: “When you praise the Lord, exalt him as much as you can; for he will surpass even that. When you exalt him, put forth all your strength, and do not grow weary, for you cannot praise him enough.”
Even tough it is said somewhere in psalms that our praise to God adds nothing to His greatness, I also and always believe that “God lives in the praises of his people” (Ps. 22:3)
Thanks for praising our Lord for all the marvellous things done in your life, Rev. Fr. Ashenafi. Enjoy your mission in Poland.
May God bless you forever! Amen.
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