ACN is supporting the priestly Order of the Imitation of Christ in Ethiopia to run their Bible and catechetical apostolate.

By ACN Staff

The priestly Order of the Imitation of Christ was established in 1919 in Kerala in India. It has also been present in the Horn of Africa since 2009. In fact the order now has three monasteries in Ethiopia, in the diocese of Endibir and in the apostolic vicariate of Nekemte.

The Fathers minister to 6 parishes, devoting themselves especially to the Bible apostolate, to catechesis for adults and children and above all to preparation for the Sacraments and the formation of catechists. They are also translating the Sacred Scriptures and liturgical and catechetical books into local languages and publishing them. And at the same time they are engaged in teaching. They consider it especially important that every family should have a copy of the Scriptures and be encouraged to read and meditate on the Word of God.

We have already helped once, in 2019, for their Bible apostolate and educational work for the laity, with a contribution of €3500. According to Father Matthew C Augustine, this support has borne good fruit, in that many more people than before are now coming to Holy Mass and the parish churches are full! There are also many people seeking baptism and many others who have already been baptised. And it is good to see the high number of parents now bringing their babies and small children to be baptised.

Once again the Fathers have asked us for help, since it is their aim that every family that comes afresh to the Catholic Faith should be given a copy of the Sacred Scriptures. And additionally they now plan to publish the Catechism in two of the local languages. We are only too happy to support this wonderful work and are proposing to contribute €6600.