Cabrini Ministries Ethiopia Holy Week Retreat

On April 15, 2025, the staff members of Cabrini Ministries Ethiopia gathered for a retreat during Holy Week in preparation for Easter. It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to strengthen relationships, journey together, and embrace the Cabrinian identity.

Fr. Mathewos Ajabo leading the Adoration

The retreat was led by Father Mathewos,a Franciscan priest. The day began with a reflective lesson, followed by a time of adoration. It was a serene moment for all attendees to pause and connect with their spirituality. After the spiritual activities, a communal lunch was shared, further fostering the sense of community and togetherness.

The theme for the retreat's reflection centered around the importance of forgiveness, especially during the time of Lent. It was a call to forgive one another, inspired by the Gospel of Luke 23:26-34, which recounts Christ's Passion and suffering. In this passage, Jesus says, "Lord, they don't know what they are doing," highlighting His immense ability for forgiveness even in the face of suffering.

Fr. Mathewos encouraged participants to reflect on their own capacity for forgiveness. He also encouraged everyone to reflect on this question: "Are we truly forgiving as we have been forgiven?" It was a reminder to ask ourselves how often we have been forgiven and to extend that same grace to others.

The retreat concluded with a collective prayer for forgiveness, echoing the teachings of Jesus. It was a heartfelt plea for the strength to forgive others and to continue striving towards forgiveness in our daily lives. It was a meaningful experience for all involved, reinforcing the values of compassion, understanding, and the importance of forgiveness as we prepare for the joyous celebration of Easter.

By Sr. Berhane Ashebo, MSC.