Happy
New Year 2008 in Ethiopia!
On
the occasion of the Ethiopian New Year 2008, this Saturday 12 September, the
Archbishop of Addis Ababa, Cardinal Berhaneyesus Souraphiel has given his New
Year message and blessing through the Ethiopian media.
The
Ethiopian calendar follows the Julian calendar of 25 BC by the Emperor Augustus
of Rome with a start date of 29 August J.C., thus establishing the New Year on
this day. The date marks the approximate end of the "rainy season".
It has also been associated traditionally with the return of the Queen of Sheba
to Ethiopia following her visit to King Solomon in Jerusalem round about 980
BC.
In
his New Year message and blessings to Ethiopians, Cardinal Berhaneyesus calls
on the faithful to pray for all families. The Cardinal has said that the
universal Church is currently preparing for the upcoming Synod on the Family
and the Catholic Church in Ethiopia is praying for all families in preparation
for the Synod.
“The
Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church remain
the same always. Our Church gives special attention to families as family is
the foundation of society and of the Church. A marriage is between a man and a
woman (Mt. 19: 4-6). It is a Sacrament and as such in a Catholic marriage,
there is no divorce,” he said.
Cardinal
Berhaneyesus, explained that a family can remain strong by praying together.
“This does not mean that there are no problems in marriages, couples go through
many challenges in their married lives thus we must pray for Christian families
who are facing problems that the Lord may bless them and have Mercy on them.”
In
his message the Cardinal also stressed the importance of peace for the
development and prosperity of a nation. “Co-existing peacefully with all
neighbouring countries is a benefit for all of us. Thus I ask that we continue
our efforts of peace building and pray that Jesus Christ, the King of Peace,
may bless us and our neighbouring countries with His peace,” the Cardinal said.
According
to the Ethiopian calendar the year 2007 is ending and 2008 is about to begin,
Cardinal Berhaneyesus, said that “when a year ends and a new one begins we must
always remember that we live in God’s gift of Mercy; when we live in the world
that He has created for us and a new year He has given us, we must grow more
spiritually and need to live as His faithful children.”
The
Cardinal has advised that it is important for all people to make proper use of
the time given by God, “In our family and professional life we must fulfill our
responsibility devotedly and with thoughtfulness. It is important to be happy
with the time God has given us, and to put Him first before all our activities
asking Him to bless all our activities and New Year resolutions,” the Cardinal
has guided.
(By
Makeda Yohannes in Ethiopia)
e-mail:
engafrica@vatiradio.va
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