Italian Catholic community establishes new presence in Muslim-majority area of Ethiopia

The Villaregia Missionary Community has established a new presence in Ghinnir, in Ethiopia’s East Bale, seeking to reach communities where the Catholic Church has a limited presence.

Ethiopiaʼs East Bale region is in the Oromia region of the country and encompasses the eastern areas of Bale Mountains National Park.

According to a report on Sept. 29 by Agenzia Fides, the Villaregia Missionary Community has been visiting communities in East Bale where they have been raising awareness about femFRICA/ETHIOPIA , including the issues of female genital mutilation and early marriage.

Teresa Zullo, a missionary from the Community of Villaregia who has been in Ethiopia for seven years, following an invitation from Father Angelo Antolini , prefect of the Apostolic Prefecture of Robe , said that missionary work is not permanent. She said it is about taking the Gospel and pastoral services to places in most need.

“There are moments when mission asks us to stay, to put down roots, and build relationships, and there are others when it asks us to set out again and cross new horizons. The time has come for us to begin again,” Zullo said.

“We moved to Ghinnir, in the heart of East Bale.…