Italian Catholic community establishes new presence in Muslim-majority area of Ethiopia

The Villaregia Missionary Community has established a new presence in Ghinnir, located in the East Bale zone of Ethiopia's Oromia region. The Italian community moved to the area to reach locations where the Catholic Church has a limited presence, specifically within Muslim-majority communities.

The relocation follows an invitation from Father Angelo Antolini, the prefect of the Apostolic Prefecture of Robe. Missionary Teresa Zullo, who has worked in Ethiopia for seven years, stated that the move to Ghinnir resulted from a period of discernment and experience within the territory.

The community has been visiting areas in East Bale to raise awareness about issues such as early marriage and female genital mutilation. Zullo noted that the group is entering a new reality by learning how to be present in areas that do not yet have an established Catholic community.