Ethiopian Catholics celebrate new chapel

The Catholics of Dakaya village in the south of Ethiopia are delighted to have a new chapel. With ACN’s help, the parish built a new chapel for the village to replace a dilapidated hut that was not fit for purpose.

By ACN Staff

New chapel in Ethiopia. (Credit: Aid to the Church in Need)

The more than 500 Catholic faithful in the village of Dakaya in the Apostolic Vicariate of Soddo in the south of Ethiopia are delighted because they have at last their own chapel. Thanks to the generosity of our benefactors, we were able to contribute €14,900 so that their new chapel could finally be blessed.

Construction of Dakaya Chapel. (Credit: Aid to the Church in Need)

Dakaya belongs to the parish of Saint Francis in Kanafa, and is situated in a very rural region. The village is around 10 miles (15 km) from the parish centre and only accessible via dirt tracks. The journey on foot to the parish church was too difficult for many. The village did already have a small and very dilapidated chapel, but when the priest did come from time to time to celebrate Holy Mass, the majority of the faithful had to stand outside in the blazing sun. The parish priest, Father Abraham Waza, was fearful that some of them might desert them and be lured by the sects.

But now the Catholic community in Dakaya finally has a chapel of its own. “Our prayers have been heard, and our joy is complete. Our faithful feel at home. I would like to thank all our benefactors on behalf of all the people of the parish. May God bless you. We are praying for you! I truly appreciate your love and your work for the kingdom of God”, writes Father Abraham. We are happy to pass on his thanks to all our benefactors. May God bless you all for your help!