Apostolic Vicariate of Hosanna

Bishop Seyoum Fransua Noel Vicar Apostolic of Hosanna

Birth Place: Waragu Birth Date: 20 Aug 1970

Ordained Priest: 5 Sep 1998

Consecrated Bishop: 2 Jul 2017

In the Apostolic Vicariate of Hosanna, evangelization was started in 1928 by Pascal of Luchon and other French and Canadian Capuchins. Abba Pascal began his first church community at Wassera, one of the mother parishes with a large community. From there, the father went to different out stations and evangelized most of the areas that are currently under this vicariate. Later gradually moved to Dubbo part of Wolayta, which is the present Soddo Vicariate. According to the history the prefecture apostolic of Hosanna was established by the apostolic constitution “Quae Utilia” on February 13, 1940, with territory taken from the apostolic vicariate of Neghelli. In 1975, it took the name of Soddo-Hosanna and on October 15, 1982 was elevated to the status of apostolic vicariate of Soddo Hosanna. In the Ethiopian Catholic Church administration structure, Hosanna area was under the vicariate of Soddo-Hosanna.
Because of great need for pastoral and social development interventions as a new Vicariate “Apostolic Vicariate of Hosanna” was established on 20th January, 2010 in the nomination of Bishop Woldeghiorghis Matheos by the Holy Father Benedict XVI as Vicar Apostolic of Hosanna. The Second Bishop Abune Seyoum Fransua was consecrated on July 2, 2017.

Extent

The Apostolic Vicariate of Hosanna comprises the whole population of Hadiya, Kembata-Tambaro zones and parts of Halaba Zone and Silite zone. At present there are 128,415 Catholic faithful 6,779 Catechumens in 30 parishes, 27 Quasi-Parishes, 58 big out stations, 609 Chapels. There are 235 Permanent Catechists Vicariate Paid, 240 Permanent Catechists Parish paid, 439 Helper catechists and 210 Volunteer catechists, 64 Diocesan and religious Priests and 43 religious Sisters are serving in different development and Pastoral Activities in the vicariate. There are 77 religious priests and 221 religious Sisters from the vicariate serving whole over the world.

Approximate figures

At present there are 128,415 Catholic faithful (Total Population of 3,068,202) 6,779 Catechumens in 30 parishes, 27 Quasi-Parishes, 58 big out stations, 609 Chapels. covering area of 569,318.5 Hectare.