Faith Amid Ruins: Tigray’s Catholic Church Leads Healing After War

Ethiopia, January 18, 2025: The Catholic Church in Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray region remains resilient in its mission to heal and rebuild despite the scars of a two-year conflict that claimed over 600,000 lives, displaced 2.6 million, and left nearly 4 million in dire food insecurity. The conflict, which began in November 2020 between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and Ethiopian National Defense Force, devastated communities, shattered infrastructure, and inflicted unimaginable suffering.  

Abune Tesfaselassie Medhin, Bishop of the Ethiopian Catholic Eparchy of Adigrat, recounted the horrors: “Faithful were massacred during Christmas celebrations. Priests were dragged from altars, and I myself narrowly escaped death with God’s protection.” His diocese, with just 25,000 Catholics served by 99 priests, has been at the forefront of trauma recovery and reconciliation efforts. 

The war’s impact on women and children was particularly brutal. Thousands of women endured sexual violence as a weapon of war, while 88% of educational institutions and 77% of healthcare facilities were destroyed. Despite these challenges, the Church provides trauma recovery services, directs victims to hospitals, and supports the displaced with food and medical aid, with significant contributions from Catholic Relief Services and the Daughters of Charity. 

The Eparchy of Adigrat has launched a Resilience and Peacebuilding Institute to foster reconciliation and train community leaders in conflict resolution. Additionally, its seminary adapted its curriculum to address trauma healing, ensuring future priests can guide communities through recovery. “Wounded healers must first heal themselves to serve others effectively,” said the bishop. 

Seminarians, who fled violence and survived on figs in the wilderness, have returned to rebuild their calling. “Even in the worst times, I found strength in helping others,” shared Subdeacon Berihom Berhe. The resolve of clergy to stay with their people, even in life-threatening conditions, exemplifies Christ’s sacrifice. 

As Tigray continues its arduous path to recovery, the Catholic Church’s unwavering commitment to faith, reconciliation, and healing remains a source of hope in a region scarred by conflict. “The only thing you can lean on is God’s mercy and grace,” Bishop Tesfaselassie affirmed.

Courtesy: Vatican News