Formation of Talitha Kum network in Ethiopia
From 27-29 February 2020, around 25 participants ( Religious and lay people) met in the headquarters of the Conference of Major Religious Superiors (CMRS) in Addis Ababa Ethiopia to discuss the possibility of forming a net work to address the pressing issue of human trafficking in Ethiopia. The main facilitator was Sr. Gabriella Bottani who is the main coordinator of Talitha kum in Rome, Italy. Operating under the authority of the UISG (International Union of Superior Generals), Talitha Kum is an International network of religious, working in fifty three countries worldwide with a mission to raise awareness on the issue of human trafficking. Under the frame work of Talitha Kum , male and female religious and lay people work together at the National level to prevent further suffering caused by the evil of human trafficking and to offer what aid they can provide to survivors as they strive to integrate in to society upon returning to their home countries.
The main purpose of this workshop was to gather religious and lay people in Ethiopia who have a particular interest or activity related to human trafficking, with a goal of forming a Talitha Kum network here in the country. To further this end, on the first day of the workshop Sr. Gabriella informed the participants about the history, mission, vision, objectives and activities of Talitha Kum as an umbrella organization and how different Regional Networks associate themselves with it. She gave the participants a brief overview of the global reality of human trafficking as well as the International conventions to address it. Much discussion was held on the definition of human trafficking, various crimes related to it as well as the distinction between trafficking and smuggling. The second day of the workshop was dedicated to an overview of the reality of human trafficking as it pertains to Ethiopia. Testimonials were presented form Ethiopian Religious and lay people working directly in the areas of prevention and survivor reintegration, as well as two former trafficked persons shared their painful experience of being trafficked to Saudi Arabia.
After being enriched by the different sharing and input, and considering the reality of Ethiopia the group really felt the need of having Talitha Kum network in Ethiopia. The time was given to develop mission and mission statements for the new network which is called Talitha Kum Tinsay Ethiopia.
A coordinating committee is formed who would be taking initiative to plan and implement the activities of Talitha Kum.
Vision / Mission Statement of Talitha Kum Tinsay Ethiopia
Vision
Through our collective efforts and living witness, we recognize the pain of suffering of all those affected by human trafficking. we Envision the fullness of life and freedom designed for the children of God and is guided by the Christian values such as compassion, mercy, dialogue, and collaboration
Mission
To reduce human trafficking in Ethiopia by preventing, empowering, re-integrating survivors (Victims) and their families through networking.
Vocation Animation
Sr. Theresia Sitriyati SSpS
n February 23th until March 3th 2020 I was attending the National Vocation Animation of Uganda conducted at Fort Portal Diocese. 25 religious from different congregations and different dioceses in Ugandan attended this program. The Goal of this program is to awaken and encourage sensitivity to the call of GOD in the lives of the young people. The program was organized by DARVA (Diocesan Association Religious Vocation-Animation) of Kampala-Uganda. I was invited to give energizer during our encounters with the youth. We visited 42 schools in different level of education. We met around 700 until 1030 students in each school. They experience first time this kind of the National Vocation-Animation program. Each of us made short introduction about own Congregation after on from us shared about Vocation. It was interesting and wonderful experience for me to share about our SSpS Congregation and how God has called me. After that the students ask with enthusiasm many questions, wanted to know more about the Vocation. On Sundays and on Ash Wednesday we celebrated the Holy Eucharist. Later similar program will be continued in other dioceses of Uganda.
Responding to the call of Education
Our Children in St. Paul Catholic Church `elementary School in Alemtena – Ethiopia during their morning assembly. Greetings to all From Ethiopia with love!
Celebrating 25 years of God’s unfailing presence ever with us
2019 – A YEAR OF GRATITUDE
We are happy to share in this website the Joy of recalling and celebrating the stories, blessing and sign of GOD’S DIVINE PRESENCE throughout the 25 years of SSpS presence in Ethiopia which extended to South – Sudan and Uganda.
History of 25 years might not seem long if we realize that there are histories that go through centuries and ages. However, what is important, is not the length, but what He, our GOD, writes and accomplish through his chosen ones. And it is precisely what we, as the Divine Presence Region, have been recalling and celebrating this years.
We have chosen for our silver jubilee celebration the theme: “Did not our heart burn within us as He walked with us on the road”, because we do recognize and are tangibly aware of the grace of constant accompaniment, constant PRESENCE OF GOD on our journey … the Holy Triune God drawing near and walking with us … in all circumstances of our religious missionary life, in joyful happening, challenging events, encounters with people, their culture and their stories; in encounters with each other, our own culture, our giftedness and woundedness … writing HIS story with our lives and using our responses to accomplish His mission.
As we celebrate with gratitude God’s unfailing Presence and Providence ever-with us, we are grateful for ever person and event in our Region’s history that proved HIS faithfulness to us.
On behalf of all the sisters in the Region I wish to express our sincere gratitude to all who have walked with us the way of service to the people we have been sent to. It is difficult to mention each one by name and to spell out the blessings that came our way through people from near and far … just be sure, you who read this words, that you are one of those whom we wish to remember … and pray for with joy …for all the support and thoughtful presence we are grateful …. History is His (God’s) Story … and it is also our story
Thank you for being part of our common STORY
Sr. Judyta Ligieze SSpS
First SSpS Vocation Camp in Uganda
In the day of 29 November – 3 December 2019 we host in Lodonga 11 girls from Uganda and South Sudan. Our ministry in Uganda has started 2 years ago, but already some girls how’s interest to know more about our congregation. For those girls Sr. Theresia Sitriyati and Sr. Francesa prepared the program of Vocation Camp. The accommodation was in the Marian Brothers house nearby to our community house. The meal were serve also in that place the rest activities took place in our house in Lodonga.
On the first day we had activities integrating this multicultural and even international group of girls. after that, through input given by Sr. Theresia, they could reflect on the love of God. In the evening we had adoration and were given the opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation. Next day, on Sunday, we had Holy mass together with the community. Because our chapel is small, we pray in our “Tocool”. After breakfast Sr. Francesca had for them two session about vocation. The girls got to know better the meaning of vocation seeing the people in the Bible. They learn also 7 important steps helping to discern the vocation.
Afternoon we involved them in preparation for celebration of renewal of vows of Sr. Celestina. Evening we pray together Mission Rosary in Grotto of Blessed Mother Marry in Marian Brother place. On Sunday, through Morning Prayer lead by Sr. Theresia, we welcome with them the new liturgical year and the time of Advent. The girls joined us in Basilica for the Holy Eucharist with renewal of vows of Sr. Celestina Amaka, our junior from Nigeria.
The girls were sitting behind us and were presented by the parish priest as our aspirant. For this day we prepared and placed on the back of Basilica the board with important information about our congregation. Through this celebration the young people could be really encouraged to respond positively to God’s call.
The girls were with us during lunch and presented nice entertainment by Sr. Celestina and all our guests. In the evening we showed them the movie about appreciation of Blessed Mother Mary in Lourdes “Bernadette”
On Monday, Sr. Theresia presented to the girls story about our Founding Generation. The girls could also get to know about missionary service of our sisters all over the world. Sr Dorothea shared with them the experienced to be missionaries.
On the last day, We evaluated with them the experience of this few days. through this we realized that it was very important time for them. They received the proper knowledge about vocation to religious missionary life; They got courage to continue the way of discernment. The girls experienced the unity and togetherness despite the differences of the background. They had time to reflect on their life and on the call from God. some of them showed true interest to join our congregation.
It was our first experience with this group, but we really see the need to continue this program.
By Sr. Francesca Ratajczak SSpS
Reading is the gate of wisdom
Vocation Camp in Uganda with Missionaries Sisters Servant of the Holy Spirit
