by Antonella Prenna
Nemi – “How can I exercise my episcopal ministry not simply as an administrator or decision-maker, but as a servant of communion who guides, listens, accompanies, coordinates and strengthens the missionary Church entrusted to me?”
This was one of the reflections shared with Fides by Bishop Markos Gebremedhin CM, Vicar Apostolic of Jimma-Bonga, Ethiopia. The Lazarist bishop took part, together with 20 other bishops from English-speaking Africa, in the formation course “Servants of Communion in the Church”, organized by the Dicastery for Evangelization, Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches . The course concluded yesterday, September 19, at the Ad Gentes Centre in Nemi.
“It was a time rich in grace and meaning. After more than ten years of episcopal service, a bishop brings substantial pastoral experience, but also needs time to step back, listen, discern and allow the Holy Spirit to renew his missionary vision,” Bishop Markos stressed. “This experience in Nemi can be understood not simply as a course, but as a spiritual renewal and strengthening of the episcopal ministry. The formation has given me an opportunity to pause from the daily responsibilities of governance and pastoral administration and return to the heart of my vocation as a bishop. Being together with other bishops who have served for more than ten years creates a unique fraternity. We can share our experiences, challenges, failures, hopes and discoveries without feeling alone in the ministry. What is particularly new is not necessarily that we learn completely new theological information. Rather, we are looking at our episcopal ministry with renewed eyes. The experience, reflections and challenges of the past years are being re-read in the light of the Gospel, the Holy Spirit and the missionary mission of the Church.”
Among the themes addressed during the days of formation, Bishop Markos was particularly struck by missionary evangelization, pastoral governance, financial sustainability, conflict and reconciliation, communication, synodality, safeguarding, young people, women, and collaboration with priests, religious and the laity.
“What is especially beneficial for me and for the future of my Apostolic Vicariate of Jimma-Bonga is the following concrete suggestions:- Spiritual renewal before pastoral renewal. The first person who needs evangelization and conversion is the shepherd himself. A renewed bishop can help renew the clergy, religious and laity. Another important question is how to move from administration to missionary leadership. It encourages me to ask not only, “How do I administer the Vicariate?” but “How do I lead Jimma-Bonga toward a more missionary Church?” Bishop Markos also stressed the importance of listening to other bishops. “Listening to other bishops strengthens the conviction that the bishop does not carry the mission alone. Priests, religious, catechists, youth and lay faithful must participate in discerning and carrying out the mission. This experience can help me develop a stronger culture of ongoing formation, fraternity, accompaniment and spiritual renewal among the 42 clergy of the Vicariate.” The Apostolic Vicar also reflected on the role of young people. “The Church needs to see young people not simply as recipients of pastoral programs but as missionary protagonists and builders of communion, hope and peace.”
“Many of the topics presented, whether directly or indirectly, touched the very heart of my ministry and my responsibility as Bishop and shepherd of the Apostolic Vicariate of Jimma-Bonga.
For me, this has been much more than an academic or pastoral course. It has been a time to pause, to listen, to reflect and, above all, to allow the Lord to renew me in my vocation and mission as a Bishop. The sharing of experiences among brother Bishops has also reminded me that, although each of us comes from a different pastoral reality, we share the same call to serve Christ and His people with humility, courage and hope.”
“The formation helps me return to Jimma-Bonga with the question: What does the Gospel require from us in our particular social, cultural, economic and religious context? This can strengthen proclamation, catechesis, sacramental life and missionary outreach. If I ask myself what is new for the future,from what I have understood the newness is not simply acquiring new knowledge, but receiving a renewed spiritual and missionary vision for exercising my episcopal ministry. For my given responsibilities as Vicar Apostolic of Jimma-Bonga ,the fruits could become very concrete: a renewed pastoral plan, stronger synodal structures, better formation of clergy and laity, greater involvement of youth, missionary expansion, responsible financial management and deeper collaboration with the local Church and other ecclesial partners.”
“Ultimately, the most important benefit is that I return to Jimma-Bonga not simply with ideas from Nemi, but with renewed energy, deeper fraternity with brother bishops, greater openness to the Holy Spirit and a clearer sense of my responsibility as shepherd and guide of the missionary Church. I return to Jimma-Bonga with a renewed spiritual and missionary outlook. I feel encouraged to strengthen communion among our priests, religious, seminarians and lay faithful, to listen more attentively to our young people and families, and to promote a more participatory, synodal and missionary Church. I also return with a renewed desire to serve the poor and vulnerable and to seek sustainable ways of supporting the evangelizing mission of our Vicariate.”
In conclusion, Bishop Markos expressed his gratitude to the Holy See and, in particular, to the Dicastery for Evangelization for offering him this opportunity.
“This time has been truly fruitful for me. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide us, renew our hearts as shepherds, and give us the wisdom and courage to lead our people toward Christ.”
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