Sr. Medhin Tesfay Receives the International Lorenz Werthmann Medal

In recognition of her faithful service to communities affected by hardship, war, and displacement, her effective leadership in humanitarian and development initiatives, and her genuine commitment to restoring dignity and hope to the poor and vulnerable, Sr. Medhin Tesfay, a member of the Daughters of Charity of the Ethiopian Catholic Church, has been awarded the prestigious Lorenz Werthmann Medal in Germany.

Rev. Fr. Ketema Asfaw, Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia, and Mr. Bekele Moges, Director of Catholic Caritas Ethiopia, have extended their messages of congratulations and solidarity to Sr. Medhin Tesfay, who serves as Director of the Daughters of Charity Project Office in Adigrat under Catholic Caritas Ethiopia Adigrat.

Rev. Fr. Ketema Asfaw, Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia, conveyed heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to Sr. Medhin on behalf of all the Bishops of Ethiopia. He stated that this honor is not only a recognition of her personal achievements but also an acknowledgment of the entire Church, which carries out its mission through works of charity, mercy, and humanitarian service.

The Secretary General further noted that Sr. Medhin’s dedicated service to our people has been a living witness to the Gospel spirit of love expressed through concrete action.

In addition, this recognition serves as a strong encouragement to the mission of charity and humanitarian service carried out by the Daughters of Charity, while also affirming the fruitful and longstanding partnership between the Congregation and Caritas Germany.

The Lorenz Werthmann Medal is a distinguished award named in honor of Fr. Lorenz Werthmann, who founded the German Caritas Association in 1897. The medal is bestowed upon individuals who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of Christian charity, humanitarian service, and social justice.

Under the leadership of Sr. Medhin Tesfay, the partnership between the Daughters of Charity and Caritas Germany has implemented nine major humanitarian and development programmes since 2005, benefiting more than 145,000 people through life-changing assistance and sustainable development initiatives.

“This distinction is not only a recognition of Sr. Medhin’s dedicated service, but also a source of pride for the entire Catholic Church in Ethiopia. We pray that the Lord may continue to bless her and the mission of the Daughters of Charity, strengthening them in their witness of Christian charity and service to those most in need,” said Rev. Fr. Ketema Asfaw on behalf of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia.