A Tribute to a Communications Founder and a Dedicated Deputy Secretary General

The Catholic Church in Ethiopia joins together in heartfelt sorrow as we bid farewell to two remarkable servants of God, Sister Catherine Gaynor, DC, and Brother Gregory of the Saint John de La Salle. Their long and faithful journeys have come to a peaceful close, leaving behind a legacy of love, humility, and devotion that will continue to bless the Church for years to come.

Sister Catherine, who entered eternal rest at the age of 99, touched the life of the Church in Ethiopia in profound and lasting ways. Since first arriving in 1969, she served as a teacher, principal, community leader, and later as the founder and head of the Communication Department at the Catholic Bishops Conference of Ethiopia. Her compassion lifted the hearts of young girls, blind students, and vulnerable families, and her gentle wisdom formed generations of sisters. Even after retiring to Ireland, Ethiopia remained forever in her prayers and in her heart.

Beyond the humanitarian service Sister Catherine offered to the community, she made a lasting contribution to the Church in Ethiopia by founding the Social Communications and Public Relations Department at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia and by training staff to continue its mission. Through this work, she helped expand the reach of the evangelization to the broader society. Among her many contributions were the launching of the “Fikirna Selam” newsletter from the Addis Ababa Archdiocese and initiating the first monthly bulletin at the national level; establishing a radio and audio recording studio; creating the Catholic directory; and equipping the department with tools and training professionals to document Church services through audiovisual media. These are only a few of the many services she rendered. She continued to serve in this office with dedication and responsibility until her retirement.

The Church also mourns the passing of Brother Gregory, whose dedication as a member of the Saint John de La Salle and former Deputy Secretary General strengthened many of the Church’s social development efforts. His quiet commitment, integrity, and service touched communities across the country and helped advance the mission of hope and human dignity.

With gratitude for their faithful witness and the countless lives they uplifted, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia entrusts both Sister Catherine and Brother Gregory to God’s loving embrace.