Emahoy Haregeweine goes from non-Catholic to foundress of Ethiopia’s first Catholic convent

Ethopia, November 7, 2024: Emahoy Haregeweine, a pioneering Ethiopian religious sister, established the first local Catholic convent in Ethiopia, known as the Holy Trinity Benedictine Convent, fulfilling a mission inspired by faith, community service, and Ethiopian culture. Driven by a vision to pray in her native language and a calling to serve the poor, Emahoy founded the convent in 2018, setting a significant milestone for Ethiopian Catholicism with the support and blessing of Cardinal Berhaneyesus Souraphiel, Archbishop of Addis Ababa.

Emahoy Haregeweine, born in Addis Ababa, felt a deep connection to Catholicism after attending her first Holy Mass at Saint Francis Parish. Though raised in the Orthodox tradition, her encounter with Catholic liturgy at 16 moved her to explore religious life as a sister. Following years of formation in various countries, including Kenya, Egypt, France, and Italy, Emahoy felt called to create a convent rooted in Ethiopia’s unique spiritual traditions. Her mission solidified in 2007, and with help from the Benedictines in France, she gathered resources, eventually acquiring land in Holeta, 40 km from Addis Ababa.

The convent’s members are given the title “Emahoy,” meaning “My Mother” in Amharic, symbolizing their role as spiritual mothers. Committed to self-sufficiency, Emahoy implemented agricultural projects, including organic farming and poultry production, aligned with Pope Francis’ environmental teachings. These initiatives not only sustain the convent but also benefit the local community.

Emahoy’s vision extends to local educational outreach. She launched a kindergarten program that serves as a bridge between the convent and surrounding villages, and she offers guidance on parenting and sustainable farming to promote self-reliant pastoral activities. Her hope is to foster a community where faith, education, and ecological care coexist, making the convent a sanctuary for prayer and spiritual growth for the faithful.

Courtesy: Vatican News