A diverse and inclusive community
Our mission is to spread the Gospel, foster spiritual growth, and promote integral human development through education, health, and community programs. We are committed to empowering clergy, religious, and lay faithful to live out Catholic values with compassion and purpose.
Our story
The Apostolic Vicariate of Meki is a missionary jurisdiction of the Catholic Church located in central Ethiopia, committed to evangelization, pastoral care, and integral human development. Its roots trace back to the missionary expansion of the Catholic Church in the 20th century, aimed at evangelizing the southern and southeastern regions of the country. Originally part of the Apostolic Prefecture of Neghelli and later the Apostolic Vicariate of Harar, the region was recognized for its pastoral potential and socio-cultural diversity, prompting the Holy See to grant it a separate ecclesiastical status.
The journey toward becoming a fully established vicariate began in 1970, when the territory was entrusted to the Consolata Missionary Institute (IMC). This marked a new phase of missionary presence and institutional development in the area.
A major milestone occurred on March 6, 1980, when Pope John Paul II officially established the Apostolic Prefecture of Meki. Fr. John Bonzanino, IMC, initially served as administrator of the territory. On September 8, 1981, Abba Yohannes Woldegiorgis was appointed as the first Prefect Apostolic. Under his pastoral leadership, the local Church experienced significant growth in vitality, structure, and outreach.
Recognizing this development, the Holy See elevated the jurisdiction to the status of Apostolic Vicariate on December 21, 1991. Abba Yohannes was consecrated as its first bishop on May 3, 1992, and served faithfully until his passing in 2002. He was succeeded by Bishop Abraham Desta, who was appointed on January 29, 2003, and continues to serve with dedication and missionary zeal.
To harmonize and strengthen its dual mission of spiritual and social development, the Vicariate established the Meki Catholic Secretariat (MCS) in 1995. MCS functions as the executive arm of the Vicariate, coordinating pastoral ministry and social ministry across the region.
In 2012, to enhance evangelization and pastoral coordination, the Vicariate shared part of its territory to form the Apostolic Prefecture of Robe.
Today, the Apostolic Vicariate of Meki covers six administrative zones and one special woreda:
- From Oromia Regional State: East Shoa, Arsi, and West Arsi
- From Central Ethiopia Regional State: East Gurage Zone, Silte Zone, Halaba Zone, and Mareko Special Woreda
The Vicariate spans an area of approximately 34,997 square kilometers, serving an estimated 40,500 Catholics through:
- 16 parishes and missions
- 18 diocesan priests
- Numerous religious men and women
- Committed lay collaborators
The Apostolic Vicariate of Meki remains a beacon of hope in the region, nurturing vibrant Christian communities, fostering peace and justice, promoting quality education and health service, and extending compassionate social services to the poor and marginalized. Deeply rooted in Catholic social teachings and the Gospel, the Vicariate continues its mission of transforming lives and communities across its territory.
Vision of Apostolic Vicariate of Meki
A vibrant, missionary, and synodal Church rooted in Christ, proclaiming the Gospel, fostering the full well-being of every person, and promoting justice, peace, and compassion for all humanity and creation.
Mission
The Apostolic Vicariate of Meki exists to evangelize and nurture Christian faith, serving all humanity through pastoral care, sacramental life, integral human development, and collaborative ministry, guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church
Core Values
- Faithfulness to Christ and the Church – Grounding all actions in Gospel values and Catholic teachings.
- Compassion and Service – Prioritizing the dignity and needs of the poor and vulnerable.
- Accountability and Stewardship – Managing spiritual, human, and financial resources transparently and responsibly.
- Inclusivity and Collaboration – Engaging clergy, religious, laity, and partners in shared mission.
- Care for Creation – We promote ecological responsibility and environmental sustainability, recognizing our shared duty to protect God’s creation.
- Care for Creation – We promote ecological responsibility and environmental sustainability, recognizing our shared duty to protect God’s creation.
- Peace, Forgiveness, and Faithfulness – We are called to be peacemakers, living with integrity, reconciling differences, and remaining faithful to Christ and His Church.
- Integrity and Stewardship – We commit to honesty, transparency, and the responsible use of all spiritual, human, and material resources entrusted to us.
- Solidarity and Participation – We foster a spirit of unity and shared responsibility, encouraging active participation of all in the life and mission of the Church.