The Ethiopian Christian tradition, also known as the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, is one of the oldest Christian denominations in the world. It traces its origins to the early centuries of Christianity and has a unique heritage and practices that set it apart from other Christian traditions. One distinctive aspect is its use of the Ge’ez language in liturgical services, which adds a sense of historical continuity and cultural identity. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church also follows the teachings of the Coptic Christian Church, with a strong emphasis on monasticism, fasting, and liturgical worship.

Ethiopian Christians observe ancient traditions such as the Ark of the Covenant, which they believe is housed in the Church of St. Mary of Zion in Axum. They also have unique religious festivals, such as Timkat (Epiphany), Meskel (Finding of the True Cross), and Fasika (Easter), which are celebrated with colorful processions, prayers, and rituals.

The Ethiopian Catholic Church follows the same liturgical calendar as the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Hence, yesterday we celebrated Easter here at Nyangatom Mission. It was a colorful celebration – simple but moviing. The baptism of 29 young persons made it special. Eventhough you may have already celebrated it some time back, we still would like to wish everybody a Happy Easter, Melkam Fasika!

Fr. David Escrich, MCSPA
Prince of Peace Catholic Mission
Nyangatom-Ethiopia

On April 30, Children’s Day was celebrated in Mexico, an official date established by President Álvaro Obregon in 1924, after the signing of the Geneva Declaration. Since then, all over Mexico, this day is celebrated by giving away toys and carrying out activities in schools and other institutions. At the El Paraíso mission we were not left behind. The intentions were two-fold: firstly, like everywhere else in the world, it is to recognise the rights of all minors and to acknowledge that one day we too were children with our own dreams.

A second and equally important intention was to help rebuild the social fabric that has been damaged by violence and neglect. El Paraiso is a place that is an amalgam of people who come from different parts of the Mexican Republic and who come with their backpacks laden with their history, culture and tradition, fleeing poverty or violence in their places of origin.

During these 7 years we have discovered that through the creation of traditions while reinforcing those that exist, values, models, ideas and other variables that help to build the social fabric of community building and thus making us one: recognising themselves and at the same time recognising the other. The aim is to move away from being a mere island in the asphalt jungle that is Mexico City, and to be a living cell that brings life to others. So, through traditions such as Children’s Day, Mother’s Day, the feast days of Saints, Epiphany and Christmas Day among other festivities, we reinforce what we all want: unity between all the people of the neighbourhood, so that those who have more can see those who have less, so that everyone feels responsible for each other.

Our gratitude goes to all those who make this task possible: the students and teachers of the UMV and volunteers who offered us this occasion, the gifts and the piñatas, the activities and for simply being there … and leaving behind a little bit of yourselves.

By Luz María, MCSPA
Mexico City

Today, at Nariokotome Mission, we commemorated the 3rd death anniversary of Peter Ndung’u Chege, a member of the Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostles (MCSPA).

The eucharistic celebration in his memory was presided over by Fr. Zacchaeus Okoth. During the mass, memories of the good works he did were shared. We thank God for his life and we ask you all to continue praying for the eternal repose of Peter’s soul, his family and the MCSPA fraternity.

Peter, forever in our hearts!

By Lydia Imbala MCSPA,
Nariokotome Mision.