Every December 27, the brothers of Saint John celebrate their patron saint in all the countries and continents where they are established. This year, although we were in union with our brothers throughout the world, we also wanted to live it, particularly in communion with the church of Ethiopia whose liturgical calendar is a little different from the Roman calendar used by all the Catholic faithful. This first experience took place on January 12, according to the said calendar.  To well prepare for this feast, a novena in honor of Saint John was organized and crowned on the last day by a vigil of prayer and adoration. To make the Ethiopians discover the figure of Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist, we also gave teachings on the life and works of the beloved disciple of our Lord.

Many people were invited to this feast, namely the priests of the archdiocese, the oblates and friends of the community, the young students and many other people. The young people invested a lot of time with the brothers so that the celebration could take place in a good atmosphere.

Concelebrated by a group of about ten priests, the Mass of Saint John was celebrated in the Ethiopian rite with G’eez as the liturgical language. Around this sacred and magnificent altar, the priests began the mass with the presentation of the offerings: the fruit of the work of men that would become the Body and Blood of Christ during this holy celebration.  In his homily, the preacher, Abba Gabriel, a Capuchin, explicitly emphasized in his fervent preaching that the priory of the brothers of St. John in Entoto is like Mount Sion, a place of spiritual renewal where one comes to meet God and contemplate him. It is a pleasant place where one breathes the fresh air of the mountains and nature, a sign of profound life. The mass was animated by a group of young people gathered for the occasion.  The sublime songs performed by this youth choir accompanied by the piano expanded our hearts and raised us to heaven.

After this beautiful Eucharistic celebration, there was a teaching on the figure of Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist by Father Daniel (exegete) followed by a short presentation of the community by Brother Philippe François. This allowed our guests to know better our charism and our apostolates in Ethiopia and in the world. At noon the prior, Brother Philippe François blessed the festive meal carefully prepared by the mothers under the guidance of one of our oblates. We enjoyed the delicious dishes accompanied by sweet and alcoholic beverages that gave a better taste to our mouths.

In joy and good humor, we continued the feast with musical animation and games.  The simplicity and the closeness of the brothers during this feast favored the reinforcement of our fraternal links with the local clergy and the young Ethiopians.

As in a choir, everyone played their part in a beautiful harmony sot that this first experience becomes a success and that it remains engraved forever in our hearts. We are delighted with the efforts made by each one for this beautiful realization which makes us think that it was the first and not be the last.

We would like to thank all those who supported us spiritually, morally, financially and materially. May God repay you a hundredfold!