Cardinal in Ethiopia Encourages Charity during Fasting ahead of the Feast of Assumption

CANAA || By Makeda Yohannes, Ethiopia || 10 August 2015

The Metropolitan Archbishop of Addis Ababa, Berhaneyesus D. Cardinal Souraphiel, has encouraged the Catholic faithful in Ethiopia to reach out to the needy as they fast in preparation of the feast of the Assumption due in less than a fortnight.

According to the Ethiopian Liturgical Calendar, the 15-day fast, from August 7 through 21, 2015 before the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is an important time for the spiritual renewal of the faithful throughout the nation.

In his message at the beginning of the fasting period, Cardinal Souraphiel encouraged the faithful to follow the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary by taking care of those in different kinds of need in society.

“Charity and giving love to the needy and the vulnerable should be our religious responsibility, this fasting period is a good time to practice charity and make it part of our life,” Cardinal Souraphiel said.

“Our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary was the first to visit her cousin Elizabeth in her house to offer her support when she heard the news of Elizabeth’s conception, she also understood the need of the host at Cana wedding and interceded to her Son on their behalf, she is our model of Charity and kindness to others and we must follow her footsteps” Cardinal Souraphiel explained.

He also asked all Christians to love one another and also love and respect followers of other religions saying, “This is a time for all Christians to renew and strengthen their spirituality by loving one another and also striving for peace and mutual existence with brothers and sisters of other religions.”

He further called on the youth in Ethiopia to stand united against illegal migration and human trafficking.

“Let this be a time we decide to engage ourselves in various sectors of work in our own country. I ask the youth to participate on the ongoing development efforts of Ethiopia and earn to change your life and also contribute to the integral growth of your country,” he said.

He also recommended the faithful to pray for rain, as it is the main rainy season in Ethiopia, that the Lord may send rain wherever it is needed for sowing crops.

He finally wished all the faithful a blessed season of preparation for the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.