Two Ethiopian Comboni Missionaries take vows, become Deacons

Scholastics Asmare Gawo and Biruk Girma took their perpetual vows on the morning of September 18, 2026, during a Eucharistic celebration in Qillenso mission, Diocese of Hawassa, in southern Ethiopia.

Their final commitment to the Institute was celebrated in a simple manner, in keeping with Pope Francis’ call for religious congregations to celebrate religious professions simply.

Father Asfaha Yohannes, Provincial Superior, received their perpetual vows on behalf of Father Luigi Codianni, Superior General of the Comboni Missionaries.

Several Comboni Missionaries, two nuns (one being Scholastic Asmare’s sister), and a group of Catholics from the first Comboni mission among the Guji people attended the celebration and witnessed the two missionaries’ definitive commitment to the Institute and its mission.

Ordained to the Diaconate

The following Sunday, September 20, Asmare and Biruk were ordained deacons at St. Daniel Comboni Church in Adola.

Bishop Merhakristos Gobezayehu Yilma, of the Apostolic Vicariate of Hawassa, conferred the diaconate on the two candidates during a well-attended and lively liturgical celebration.

In his homily, Bishop Merhakristos reminded the newly ordained deacons that they had not been chosen for this ministry because they were the best, but because “they were called by God’s mercy and protection for service.”

He recalled that Asmare and Biruk had journeyed alongside many other candidates in responding to God’s call, although some had made different choices along the way.

A call to witness to the Gospel

Father Asfaha expressed his gratitude to the bishop and congratulated the newly ordained deacons and the large congregation that had gathered to celebrate this important occasion.

Addressing Deacons Asmare and Biruk, he reminded them that they had reached this stage through God’s grace and mercy. He encouraged them to continue bearing witness to the Gospel through their lives and ministry.

The celebration concluded with a shared lunch at the St. Daniel Comboni Public Library.

Deacon Asmare will continue his missionary ministry in Haro Wato, while Deacon Biruk will remain in Qillenso, serving its local communities.

Over the next six months, both deacons will continue their pastoral formation and missionary service in preparation for their ordination to the priesthood.

Father Habtamu Masresha, MCCJ