Musie Ghebreghiorghis

Contents

Musie Ghebreghiorghis OFM Cap. (born 26 July 1949) is an Eritrean-born Ethiopian Catholic hierarch who served as the first Eparchial Bishop of the Eparchy of Emdeber from 2003 until his retirement in 2024.

Biography

Early life and ministry

Musie Ghebreghiorghis was born on 26 July 1949 in Aderho, present day in Southern region, Eritrea. He joined the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin and was ordained to the priesthood on 13 June 1976.[1]

He pursued higher studies in Ireland, where he obtained a licentiate in Franciscan spirituality. Following his studies, he held several significant roles within the Capuchin Order, including serving as master of novices and counselor for the Vice-Province. Prior to his episcopal appointment, he served as the rector of the Capuchin Philosophical and Theological Institute in Addis Ababa, an institution of central importance for the training of clergy across the ecclesiastical jurisdictions of southern Ethiopia.[2]

Episcopal ministry

On 25 November 2003, Pope John Paul II established the Eparchy of Emdeber from territory formerly belonging to the Archeparchy of Addis Ababa. Ghebreghiorghis was appointed as its first bishop.[2] He received his episcopal consecration on 8 February 2004 from Archbishop Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel.[1]

During his leadership, the Eparchy of Emdeber focused heavily on humanitarian and developmental projects in the Gurage Zone, including initiatives in education and food security.[3] In 2023, he emphasized the necessity for "radical conversion" in the African Church to better serve the faithful in the modern era.[4]

On 23 August 2024, Pope Francis accepted his resignation from the pastoral governance of the eparchy, upon him reaching the age limit. He was succeeded by Teshome Fikre Woldetensae.[5]

References

  1. 1.[1.2]Cheney, David M. "Bishop Musie Ghebreghiorghis, O.F.M. Cap". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. Retrieved 3 May 2026.
  2. 2.[2.2]"Rinunce e Nomine, 25.11.2003" (in Italian). Holy See Press Office. 25 November 2003. Retrieved 3 May 2026.
  3. 3."Leadership". Catholic Eparchy of Emdibir. Retrieved 3 May 2026.
  4. 4."Bishop Musie Ghebreghiorghis: Church in Africa needs radical conversion". Vatican News. 15 March 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2026.
  5. 5."Rinunce e nomine, 23.08.2024" (in Italian). Holy See Press Office. 23 August 2024. Retrieved 3 May 2026.