ACWET Assembly Highlights Unity, Mission, and Formation for Women Religious

The Association of Consecrated Women in Ethiopia (ACWET) held its General Assembly on 12 March 2026 in Addis Ababa, bringing together women religious from across the country for a day of prayer, reflection, and shared missionary experience.

The Assembly opened with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Berhaneyesus Souraphiel, Archbishop of Addis Ababa and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia (CBCE), together with Rev. Fr. Tamene Asaro, President of the Conference of Major Religious Superiors of Ethiopia (CMRS).

Reflecting on the importance of the association, His Eminence explained that ACWET reflects the spirit of existing priestly associations in Ethiopia, where members come together for prayer, shared experiences, and coordinated pastoral and missionary planning. He noted that ACWET, functioning under CMRS, represents a promising beginning for deeper collaboration among women religious in Ethiopia. He further encouraged the Sisters with a powerful reminder: “Bloom where you are planted. Do not seek comfort, but continue bringing new life and hope through your mission.”

The Assembly welcomed representatives from twenty‑three Congregations of Women Religious, each bringing diverse charisms and ministries that serve both the Church and society. Participants shared highlights of the activities and achievements accomplished since ACWET began its coordinated work during the past year. Throughout the meeting, several important themes were presented and discussed in depth.

A summary was offered on the recent Advocacy Skills Workshop, designed to strengthen the Sisters’ capacity to promote justice, peace, and the dignity of all people. The theme of Synodality was also explored, with trained Sisters sharing reflections on walking together as a Church that listens, participates, and discerns with unity of purpose.

Another discussion on Safeguarding, during which the ACWET team presented a draft safeguarding document under development for use across Congregations. This initiative aims to ensure safe environments in religious communities and ministries, reflecting the Church’s firm commitment to the protection of vulnerable persons.

Looking ahead, the Assembly announced two major formation initiatives: an upcoming Chapter Facilitators formation program intended to prepare Sisters who assist Congregations during leadership and decision‑making processes, and an ongoing formation program for Sisters in mid‑life to support their spiritual, personal, and missionary growth. Both programs will take place soon at the Consolata Fathers Spiritual Center in Mojo.

Throughout the gathering, ACWET leadership and participants emphasized the importance of unity among Women Religious in Ethiopia and encouraged all Congregations to take an active role in the association, recognizing that unity strengthens the mission of consecrated life within the Church.

The Assembly concluded with a renewed commitment among the Sisters to work together, support one another, and continue serving the Church and society with dedication, compassion, and faith. As Consecrated Women, they reaffirmed their shared responsibility to witness to the Gospel through their diverse charisms and ministries across Ethiopia.

ACWET continues to grow as a vital platform where women religious pray together, share experiences from different parts of the country, and collaborate in responding to the pastoral and social needs of the Church in Ethiopia.