AMECEA Secretariat and Members congratulate the Chairman of AMECEA and the Archbishop of Addis Ababa; Ethiopia Cardinal Designate H.E. Berhaneyesus D. Souraphiel after having been elevated to the rank of Cardinalate.
In a message sent to him by the Secretary General of AMECEA, Very Rev Fr Ferdinand Lugonzo
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| H.E. Berhaneyesus D. Souraphiel |
on 09 January 2015 stated, “Upon your elevation to this privileged position in the Catholic Church, we at AMECEA Secretariat congratulate you and promise you our prayers. Indeed, your elevation to the rank of Cardinalate is recognition of the distinguished service you have rendered to the Universal Church, to the Church in Africa, in a particular way to the Church in AMECEA Region and in Ethiopia.”
Speaking from Malawi, on behalf of Bishops of AMECEA, Most Rev Thomas Msusa, the Archbishop of Blantyre, who is the Vice –Chairman of AMECEA said, “That is Great News for AMECEA. We thank the Holy Father, Pope Francis, for this great honour to the Church in our region,” he said adding that “Let him be assured of our Prayers.”
A message posted online by the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) stated “CUEA family congratulates Most Rev Berhaneyesus D. Souraphiel, who is the Chancellor of the University; on his elevation to be a Prince of the Church.”
On Sunday 04 January 2015 at the Angelus, Pope Francis announced the names of fifteen Archbishops and Bishops whom he will raise to the dignity of the Cardinalate on February 14, 2015; among them is Most Rev Berhaneyesus D. Souraphiel, C.M., Archbishop of Addis Ababa; Ethiopia and the Chairman of AMECEA.
In his e mail message, the Cardinal-designate said, "I feel humbled by what our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has done: elevating me to become a Cardinal of our Holy Mother Church. I do not feel worthy to serve the Universal Church on that level. However, with the Grace of God, I shall try to serve the Church with all my heart, mind, and prayers. After all, the true Shepherd of the Church is Our Lord Jesus Christ. We are only his unworthy servants trying to do His Will,” read his e mail message adding “Pray for me as I take this great pastoral responsibility.”
SOURCE: Fr Chrisantus Ndaga; AMECEA Communications Office