A Pentecost of Grace: Over 7,000 Receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Apostolic Vicariate of Hawassa

In a profound outpouring of the Holy Spirit during this Pentecost season, the Hawassa Apostolic Vicariate of the Ethiopian Catholic Church witnessed a historic moment of spiritual renewal. Over the course of two weeks, more than 7,000 of the Catholic faithful received the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. Family Parish in Fulasa and its surrounding chapels — a true manifestation of God’s grace at work in His Church. The sacramental celebrations unfolded in two solemn Mass. The first was presided over by His Excellency Bishop Merehachristos, Bishop of the Hawassa Apostolic Vicariate, together with concelebrating clergy.

Addressing the faithful, Bishop Merehachristos emphasized the importance of this sacrament in the life of every baptized Catholic and expressed deep gratitude to God for allowing such a moment of grace after many years without a bishop in the Vicariate. “The Sacrament of Confirmation is the seal of the Holy Spirit, strengthening the baptized with the fullness of the gifts of the Spirit,” Bishop Merehachristos said. “As Our Lord promised, ‘I will ask the Father, and He will send you another Advocate to be with you always.’ This sacred anointing configures us more perfectly to Christ and strengthens us to live and defend our faith. May all who have received this sacrament today live as courageous witnesses of the Gospel.” He added.

In the second celebration, His Excellency Bishop Lukas, Bishop of the Eparchy of Emdeber, joined Bishop Merehachristos to administer the sacrament to more candidates who had completed their catechetical formation. Their joint ministry reflected the unity and apostolic fraternity of the episcopate, and the unity of the oriental and latin rites of the Church. “Through Confirmation, you become fully initiated into the Mystical Body of Christ,” said Bishop Lukas. “You are now called to be soldiers of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out your mission in fidelity, charity, and truth.”

St. Family Parish, under the pastoral care of Abba Eyasu Duguna, includes over 72 outstations and serves a growing community of more than 46,000 Catholics. Many of the faithful had been preparing and waiting for this sacrament for years. Their long spiritual journey culminated in these days of grace, marked by reverence, joy, and a deep sense of ecclesial communion. Abba Eyasu emphasized “This is a Pentecost blessing unlike any we have seen in recent memory. It is the fruit of tireless catechesis, pastoral coordination, and above all, divine providence. Our faithful have been spiritually nourished and now go forth strengthened by the our newly ordained Bishop and Gifts of the Holy Spirit.”

The Sacrament of Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism, marking the recipient with an indelible spiritual character and empowering them to bear witness to Christ and to participate more fully in the Church’s apostolic mission. With thousands now sealed with the Holy Spirit, the Vicariate of Hawassa rejoices in a new chapter of evangelization and renewal.

As the Church celebrates the mystery of Pentecost — the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles — the flame of faith continues to burn brightly in Ethiopia. This historic sacramental event is a testament to the enduring vitality of the Church, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the ever-renewing life of grace within the People of God