Sunday, August 3 2025
On August 2, 2025, a significant event took place in the Apostolic Vicariate of Harar in Jijiga, located in the Somali Region of Ethiopia, as Deacon Mintesnot Simeneh Lemessa was ordained as a priest. The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Apostolic Vicar of Harar, H.E. Bishop Angelo Pagano, OFM Cap., and the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Addis Ababa, H.E. Bishop Tesfasilasie Tadesse, MCCJ.
During his homily, the ordaining bishop, Bishop Tesfasilasie Tadesse, highlighted the beauty of priestly ministry, emphasizing the sacred responsibility that comes with serving the church and the community.
The event was dignified by a large gathering of religious priests and sisters, including representatives from the Comboni Missionaries and Comboni Sisters. St. Joseph Parish, which has been blessed with the presence of missionaries for over a century, celebrated this special occasion with jubilation and a deep sense of spiritual fulfilment.
Mintesnot Simeneh, who completed his theological studies in Brazil and was ordained as a deacon, has been appointed to serve as a priest in the South American country. The provincial, in a message of gratitude, highlighted the new priest's assignment as a missionary contribution from St. Joseph's parish, the Harar Apostolic Vicariate, the Comboni Missionaries in Ethiopia, and the Ethiopian Catholic Church as a whole.
The celebratory day concluded with a festive meal prepared in the parish hall, symbolizing unity, joy, and the blessings of a new chapter in the life of Minstesnot Simeneh as he embarks on his journey as a newly ordained priest serving the faithful in Brazil.
Fr Asfaha Yohannes, mccj