Ethiopian and Eritrean Catholics in South Africa have marked World Mission Sunday with a call for unity, peace and solidarity, amid tensions in their countries of origin and growing insecurity facing migrant communities in South Africa.

Members of the Ethiopian and Eritrean communities from the Archdioceses of Johannesburg and Pretoria gathered at St Augustine Catholic Church in Germiston, Johannesburg, for the celebration, presided over by Ethiopian Comboni missionary Fr Kifle Kintamo Kirba, who ministers in South Africa.

Speaking to the communication office of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), Fr Kirba said Mission Sunday was an opportunity to remind Catholics living far from home to remain close to God and maintain their connection with the Church, despite demanding work schedules and the challenges of migrant life.

He stressed that faith should also inspire integration into local communities, respect for others and ethical business practices.

“God is one Father. Whether you come from outside or not, we belong to one God,” he said, emphasising that everyone is part of one human family.

Prayers for peace in the Horn of Africa

Fr Kirba also expressed concern about tensions affecting Eritrea and the wider region, calling for prayer, reconciliation and understanding among neighbouring peoples.

He said Ethiopians and Eritreans shared deep historical and social bonds, despite political divisions.

“I grew up with Eritreans,” he said, adding that people continued to support one another in their daily lives, even when political developments created divisions.

He called on political leaders to work towards peace and unity, echoing the appeal for peace from the bishops in the region.

Migrant communities facing insecurity

Turning to South Africa, Fr Kirba spoke of the difficulties faced by migrants amid protests and incidents of violence targeting businesses in several areas.

He recounted the experience of a community member whose shop had reportedly been looted at gunpoint, leaving him unable to protect his livelihood.

Fr Kirba acknowledged the fear and uncertainty experienced by migrant families and said prayer remained central to the community’s response during these difficult times.

“It’s a challenging moment now. What can we do? We pray, we pray and we pray that the Lord may bring a solution and understanding,” he said.

A community sustained by faith

The Ethiopian and Eritrean Catholic community in South Africa was established in 2000 through the ministry of an Eritrean Capuchin missionary priest, Fr Victor.

Today, it brings together faithful across several dioceses, with regular monthly Masses in different parts of the country, alongside pastoral care, sacramental celebrations and support for families in times of illness and bereavement.

For Fr Kirba, Mission Sunday is a reminder that, even far from their homelands, Catholics are called to remain rooted in faith, build bridges with their neighbours and work for peace wherever they live.