Fr. Ghebrezghiabiher Woldehawariat is an Eritrean young Comboni Missionary ordained two years ago. Despite the fact that men under 52 are not allowed to leave the country, he managed to get his exit visa. Eritrea is experiencing tough times with one of the most oppressive regimes in the world, often called the “North Korea of Africa”. Leadership asked him to share his experience with the readers…
I belong to Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus. I’m in Uganda for a short vacation and to process my documents to go to Rome for further Studies. I joined the Comboni Missionaries in 2004 when the Charism of Comboni attracted me. Before that I did one year obligatory military training as the laws of Eritrea prescribe. I decided to abandon the military conscription and joined the Comboni Missionaries postulancy knowing that it was a great risk. I was admitted to the postulancy and completed two years of philosophical course. Later I was considered for the novitiate, I went to Decamere (the newly opened novitiate). In normal circumstance I was supposed to go for inter-provincial novitiate at Namugongo (Uganda) or Lusaka (Zambia).
But due to the tough political situation of the country we could not move out of the country with other colleagues. Therefore, the superiors were forced to open a local novitiate for Eritreans in Decamere 40 km South of Asmara.During the formation, I went to Ghash Barka (Western part of Eritrea) for pastoral experience for six months. I served among the most dominant tribe, the Nilotic group called Kunama. According to historians this is the original tribe of Eritrea before the Semitic groups crossed to Eritrea as early as the 1000 BC. The Kunama practice Christianity, Islam, and the traditional religion. As in many parts of Eritrea, their social life is seriously affected by the volatile political situation. Experience taught me to be passionate about justice, respect and to appreciate other cultures. Though Eritrea accepted Christianity in the 3th Century AD, and declared it the official religion of the state in 325 AD, there are still groups not yet evangelized. Therefore, Gash Barka is the place, which accepts and goes with the Charism of Comboni.
By the grace of God, I successfully finished my novitiate and made the first religious profession on 3rd June 2008. After that we were supposed to go abroad to pursue theological studies in preparation for priesthood in one of the international scholasticates of Comboni formation. But the rules and regulation of the country didn’t allow us. Therefore, the Superiors in Rome authorized the opening of a “Temporary Scholasticate” in Sembel, in the outskirts of Asmara. The Comboni students went to Asmara Inter-Religious Theological Institute affiliated to Urbaniana University in Rome. After completing the four years theological course and fulfilling all the requirements I received a BA degree in theology issued by the Urbaniana University of Rome.I would like to underscore the fact that, I had to undertake my basic formation in Eritrea, due to the ailing political situation of our country, unlike the other Comboni Missionary candidates from other countries. I was ordained a missionary priest without going out
of my country even for a single day. This in itself is an experience, though a frustrating and humiliating one. Since my birth I was allowed to leave my country only 2 weeks ago when I am 33 years old. Some may not believe this, but it is the naked truth. Despite all the negativities, I still believe that God is always with his beloved ones. He looks at them with love and mercy. Even in difficult situations He calls young men and women to be His co-workers. He called me to be the herald of His Word. I did my perpetual Vows on 4th August 2012 and priestly ordination on 20th January 2013 with this act of faith.After my ordination, I was assigned to Decamere Minor Seminary to be Director of Vocation Promotion/Mission Animator and Co-formator of the Seminary. My work as Vocation Director in this crucial time was challenging. The young generation is escaping from the country.
Those within the country dream of going out of the country due to the influence their relatives or peer groups have found abroad. A lot of work has to be done at a personal level. Though the tense atmosphere restricted my duties, I tried my level best to talk to the young generation using their language and propose missionary vocation. I had a lot of experience on how to serve in such difficult and hostile situations.Besides God’s love and mercy, what I experienced in all my basic and ongoing formations are: patience, prudence while waiting for one’s heart desire, read the sign of the times and to challenge the current situation with wisdom and flexibility.I also learnt many valuable things from the ordinary people of Eritrea. The people of Eritrea have a great respect for each other and for foreigners. They are welcoming people. They are hardworking though the young generations flee the country for a life of freedom. Another positive value of Eritreans is that they are generous. In fact those who are living abroad are concerned about their country, they send help to their families and relatives.Eritreans suffered a bloody Ethiopian regime for thirty years before they could attain independence in 1991.
After independence, war broke out with Ethiopia due to the border issue in 1998, which lasted for two years. Many young people perished during the war (according to experts more than 100,000 people died). The people of Eritrea are tired of war and conflict and want peace with all the neighbouring countries. The people of Eritrea hopefully await a better future in all dimensions of life.My missionary vocation was consolidated by the Catholic Church of Eritrea. During the social political turmoil in the country, it distinguished itself as the “voice of the voiceless”. I can proudly say that at the moment the Church is the sole hope of the people. The educational and health services of the church are the best though with few facilities. Unfortunately, the policy of the oppressive regime in Eritrea is to block private enterprises including those of the Catholic Church. The only university which was founded by the Catholic Church was closed 10 years ago, despite the resistance of the Catholic Bishops and many intellectuals.The Catholic Bishops wrote several pastoral letters challenging the government in defense of the people. The last was written in May last year with the title “Where is your brother”.
The letter, which got worldwide recognition, decried the mass exodus of the young generation. It also denounces, corruption, lack of freedom, lack of rule of law, etc. No other denomination has come out with a similar courageous pastoral letter. But many religious denominations endorsed the pastoral letter of the Catholic Bishops.All the above-mentioned events emboldened my missionary formation and experience though I never came out of the country. I have learned that to be a missionary is to be for the people and with the people. I also read that our veteran Comboni Missionaries in Sudan and Northern Uganda suffered and died with the people. Because of this, our communities in this part of Africa are flourishing.I conclude with the words of St. Paul: “all these things happened to them as examples for others, and they were written down as a warning for us. …Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps His promise, and He will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm” (1cor. 10, 11, 13).
