The Jesuit And The Kingdom Of Ethiopia

On the llth of February, 1626, the court and the nobles of the land were assembled in the open air. Two rich thrones were occupied by the monarch Susenyos and his distinguished guest, and a surrounding multitude gazed upon the imposing ceremony in silence.

" The hour is come,"

exclaimed the Jesuit Alphonso Mendez,

" when the King shall satisfy the debt of his ancestors, and submit himself and his people to the only true head of the church."

A copy of the Gospel was produced, and the monarch, falling upon his knees, took the oath of homage.

" We King of the kings of Ethiopia, believe and confess that the Pope of Rome is the true successor of the Apostle St. Peter, and that he holds the same power, dignity, and dominion, over the whole Christian church. Therefore we promise, offer, and swear sincere obedience to the holy father Urban, by God's grace Pope and our Lord, and throw humbly at his feet our person and our kingdom."

As the Emperor rose from his position, Ras Cella Christos, suddenly drawing his sword, shouted aloud,

" What is now done is done for ever; and whoso in future disclaims the act, shall taste the sharp edge of this trusty weapon. I do homage only to true Catholic kings."

The monks, clergy, and noblemen followed the example of their superiors ; and the assembly was closed by a public edict, proclaimed through the royal herald, that all Abyssinians should, under pain of death, forthwith embrace the Roman religion. Palaces and revenues were set apart for the ministers of the new faith; seminaries for youth were established throughout the country, and baptism and ordination went on in peace. The success of the Jesuits increased rapidly, and many thousand souls were enrolled, who had been converted from the delusions of the Alexandrian creed.

Link (here) to the excerpt of the book entitled, The Highlands of Aethiopiana.

Photo is of the castle of Emperor Susenyos of Ethiopia called, Fasilidas Castle Gondar Ethiopia.

Maltese Jesuits In Ethiopia

My experience in Ethiopia
Ġemma Zammit, Birkirkara

A wish I had since I was a little girl became reality this year, at age 62. This was thanks to Fr Joe Cassar S.J. who organised and led, with the help of Br Anthony Mifsud SJ, a group of 12 aged between 19 and 31 and myself in our adventure helping the missions in Ethiopia. It was a beautiful, but not an easy experience.

Our main work was to be of service to the residents at the Mother Theresa Home for the Dying in Addis Ababa. Sometimes, we also worked with children and babies.

When we were shown the place on our first day, I asked myself "Where have I come?" The smell bothered me, there were all types of diseases including malaria, leprosy, AIDS, TB and cancer and many open wounds.

We used to start our day with Mass followed by breakfast and a 20 to 25 minute walk to where we had to work with patients.

On arrival, we used to greet the 1,200 patients. Our work was with the men. We used to do our utmost with the sick who, once we had seen to them, looked at us with pleading eyes and thanked us, smiled and showed us they were happy even though their only possession was illness.

When one sees the love between them and how they try to help each other, one has no option but to stop and think.

They waited for us daily and remembered our names, and we became their family for that period.

After treating our patients, we would talk to them.

After giving them food, we would return home, eat and rest and then walk back to work. On Sundays we used to sing to them and they waited happily for us.

Although tired, I would feel real love and happiness which are not felt in everyday life.

Sometimes, we worked with babies or the children being cared for by Monica Tonna-Barthet, a 72-year-old Maltese woman who sold all her belongings to buy land and set up a home for sick street boys in Addis Ababa.

Before dinner, we used to pray and share our experiences, another beautiful moment of a group of different ages. We became a family.

Well done to the young people who, with courage, love and sincerity, take up such work.

Link (here)