Being one of the pioneers of the missionary presence in this country, can you tell us something about the first Salesians who came here?
In 1909, the Italian government in Eritrea told Father Rua that he wanted to entrust the Salesians with the management of the technical schools of the country and of an orphanage. In the following years, many requests were made to bring the Salesians to Ethiopia. In the end, between 1960 and 1970, three Ethiopian priests from the Diocese of Adigrat became Salesians and one of them, Sebhat-LeabWorku, was elected Archbishop of Adigrat in 1972. He opened the first technical school in Makallè in 1976.
How do you evaluate the growth of the Salesian presence in Ethiopia in these years?
When I think of the Salesians in Ethiopia, only words of gratitude to God come to my mind. Being among the pioneering missionaries in this country fills me with joy. I saw the Salesian charism grow here in Ethiopia, a land where the Orthodox tradition is strong. Our presence has always been accepted by Ethiopians and local authorities have appreciated our work over time.
Can you tell us about an unforgettable event, experienced in recent years?
As soon as I arrived, I worked with children and lived the joy of being a missionary. Then, between 1984 and 1985, Ethiopia was struck by a great drought. It was a real humanitarian disaster. The TV continuously spread images of skeletal and malnourished children.
As Salesians we decided to help those most in need. We wanted to save as many people as possible. From here on, the whole world was mobilized and many came to see what was happening: the singer Bob Geldorf, the actress Audrey Hepburn, the American senator Ted Kennedy. And then Mother Teresa, who came from Calcutta. I asked her to send some missionaries to Adua and she promptly did so.
What is the greatest result that can be achieved as a missionary in Ethiopia?
Of course, the greatest achievement is not to build infrastructure. The greatest result is to see how faith has grown in this land.
What advice would you give to the young people of your Vice Province?
That they are always generous! They must not hesitate to give themselves to others and to place themselves at the service of the most needy.
