Between 11 and 17 November, representatives of the Irish Bishops’ Conference undertook a pastoral visit to Tigray, Ethiopia, as part of a delegation organised by Trócaire. Led by Caoimhe de Barra, CEO of Trócaire, the delegation included Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin, Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly SMA of Cashel and Emly, Bishop Denis Nulty of Kildare and Leighlin, Bishop Martin Hayes of Kilmore, Bishop Fintan Monahan of Killaloe, Bishop Niall Coll of Ossory, and Martin Long, Director of the Catholic Communications Office.
On the first day of their visit, the bishops were warmly welcomed by Cardinal Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel, Metropolitan Archbishop of Addis Ababa. Following this, the group engaged with Trócaire’s Ethiopian Catholic Church partners and observed their impactful work with communities in Adigrat. The bishops later concelebrated Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour in Adigrat with Bishop Tesfasellassie Medhin and local clergy.
During their time in Ethiopia, the delegation also visited women entrepreneurs in Enticho who are supported by Trócaire in partnership with the Relief Society of Tigray. They witnessed firsthand various successful initiatives, including poultry and grain farming projects, which have significantly improved livelihoods in the region. Mayor Gebreweld of Enticho informed the bishops that these programmes have positively impacted over 2,000 local residents.
Talking about their visit to Ethiopia on his X account, Bishop Nulty said, ” Another very engaging day as our visit to Ethiopia showed how small communities are helped to overcome huge personal trauma, are then supported to set up small micro businesses while building capacity by modelling same for neighbours and friends. Our visit took us to Enticho in Tigray where we met Askale who was supported by CST Ethiopia and REST to set up a pullet business for little chicks before establishing a chicken feed business”
Ireland’s ambassador to Ethiopia, Olivia Leslie, hosted the bishops at the embassy in Addis Ababa which is celebrating 30 years Ireland-Ethiopia diplomatic relation this year. The delegation also visited displacement camps, meeting with survivors and learning about the challenges that they face.