In this new anthology of Consolata Missionary Experience in Africa, we journey through the 11 countries where the Consolata Missionaries are present, organized into seven circumscriptions through the eyes of the superiors: the South Africa–Eswatini Delegation, the Mozambique–Angola Region, the Tanzania–Madagascar Region, the Kenya–Uganda Region (the mother region), the Ethiopia Region, the Ivory Coast Delegation, and the DR Congo Region. Across these territories, the missionaries serve in diverse ministries, parish work, evangelization, education, healthcare, social outreach, and the formation of new missionaries.
Our exploration begins in Ethiopia, a land long cherished by our founder, St. Joseph Allamano, highlighted in an insightful conversation with Fr. Tamene Asaro, the first indigenous Regional Superior of Ethiopia.
Q: Please introduce yourself and tell us about your mission work in Ethiopia.
My name is Fr. Tamene Asaro Safato, and I am the Regional Superior in Ethiopia. In our country we serve in several dioceses and vicariates. For example, we have missions in the Archdiocese of Addis Ababa, in the Vicariate of Mekhi, and in the Vicariate of Hosanna, where we recently opened a new mission in a place called Shone.
In the past two to three years, we have opened two new missions: one in Alaba and another in Shone. Ethiopia has a population of about 130 million, but Catholics make up only about 1.1 million. We are a very small minority compared to the Orthodox Christians, who account for around 60% of the population, and Protestants and Muslims, who are also growing in number.
Q: What kind of work do you focus on in these missions?
We carry out both pastoral and social activities. Our founder’s charism and motto is “Evangelization with human promotion.” That means we combine pastoral ministry with social development. Social works include schools, clinics, and health programs. Alongside these, we serve parishes directly in pastoral work.
Currently, we have about six mission houses and formation houses for seminarians, including pre-philosophy and minor seminary stages, leading up to philosophy studies. Our work as Consolata missionaries is widely recognized and appreciated by the local people and the vicariates where we serve.
Q: Can you tell us about the history of Consolata missionaries in Ethiopia?
St. Joseph Allamano, our founder, had a strong desire to open missions in Ethiopia. But at that time, entry was very difficult. The missionaries first went through Kenya and later entered Ethiopia disguised as merchants.
The first Consolata missionaries arrived in 1913 and settled in the western region, in Kafa,today known as Jimma-Bonga Vicariate. By the time of the Second World War, there were 46 Consolata missionaries in Ethiopia, serving mainly in the south and west, and also in Addis Ababa.
However, the war changed everything. Since Italians were colonizing Ethiopia, and most of the missionaries were Italian, they were misunderstood and had to leave around the 1940s. Consolata missionaries returned only in 1971, and since then, we have continued the mission despite challenges.
Q: You are the first indigenous African Regional Superior for Ethiopia. How has this transition been?
I am the first African in this role, and it is truly a transition period. Transitions are never easy; if not handled carefully, they can create disorder. But thanks be to God, things are going well.
We have now secured our own canonical houses (domus ordinis) in Alaba, Mojo, and Addis Ababa, which contributes to self-sustainability. Some missions, like the clinic and school in Mojo, are already self-supporting. This is very encouraging for the future.
Q: Ethiopia is predominantly Orthodox. How does this affect the Catholic presence?
History plays a big role here. The Orthodox Church has been the state church for centuries, even influencing politics up to the reign of Haile Selassie. Because of this, the Orthodox sometimes see the Catholic Church as a threat, fearing that Catholic growth may weaken their numbers.
Distinguishing between cultural practices and faith is also a challenge. For instance, feasts like Timket (Baptism of the Lord) and Meskel (the Feast of the Holy Cross) are both religious and cultural and are even recognized by UNESCO. Navigating these traditions requires sensitivity.
Despite this, we enjoy good ecumenical relations today with the Orthodox, Protestants, and Muslims. The Catholic Church in Ethiopia has 13 vicariates and eparchies, serving both Latin and Oriental rites.
Q: What are some challenges and opportunities for missionaries in Ethiopia?
Language is the biggest challenge. Amharic has its own alphabet, and it usually takes a new missionary at least a year to learn it well enough to work effectively. This can discourage some young missionaries.
But Ethiopia also offers great opportunities. The population is large and the faith is growing. Political instability remains an issue, but the country is developing quickly, and there is space for mission expansion.
Q: How strong is the relationship between Ethiopia and Kenya in missionary formation?
The relationship is very strong, both historically and culturally. Ethiopia and Kenya allow each other’s citizens to travel without visas. Haile Selassie and Jomo Kenyatta established close ties, which remain visible even today.
Many of our Ethiopian seminarians’ study in Kenya, especially in Sagana, Tangaza University, and Allamano House in Nairobi. I studied here and even served in Kisumu for my pastoral year. Culturally, Ethiopians may seem reserved at first, but once trust is built, they integrate very well.
Q: What has your experience been like as Regional Superior, and how important are continental meetings like this one?
This is my second term as Regional Superior. At first, it was difficult, financial pressures, community management, and political challenges are part of the role. But I was trained in organizational leadership, and I learned to systematize things.
One of my first decisions was to keep the former superior as administrator to ensure continuity and patrimonial legacy. It was not easy, but it helped stabilize the transition. Now, people are beginning to see real change.
Continental meetings are very important. They provide training on leadership, management, finance, accountability, and project development. They help us to be effective stewards of the mission entrusted to us, ensuring that our service truly transforms the lives of the people we serve.
Editor’s Note: This interview was conducted in Sagana, Kenya, on August 15, 2025, during the Continental Meeting of the Consolata Missionaries’ newly elected superiors and their councils. The conversation was led by Paschal Norbert, Editor of CISA News.
