First International Conference of the

Catholic Eparchy of Keren

Held in Columbus, Ohio, USA (June 11-13, 2010) Concluded successfully!

The First International Conference of the Catholic Eparchy of Keren ended with a great success.
About one hundred people that came from Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, Canada and the USA
attended the conference. The conference ended with a Holy Mass concelebrated by Bishop Kidane
Yebio, Bishop of Keren, and five priests.

Youth presenter One of the interesting and captivating

presentation was on Faith and cultural
challenges for our Diaspora youth
presented by Musie, Tesfasion,
Sefanit, Merih, Gherima and Daniel.
The presentations were inspiring,
though provoking and challenging.
Among the pressing problems for the
youth is the use of the Geez language
in our liturgy. Other challenges
including cultural norms from dating
to what subjects parents want their
children to study in college were also
presented. A summary of their
presentations is presented in a power
point format and posted under the title
“Faith and Cultural challenges”.
 Topics discussed on the second day of the conference include
 Achievements of the Catholic Eparchy of Keren
in the 14 years of existence, by his Excellency
Bishop Kidane Yebio the bishop of Keren.
 St. Michael church and the future plans for the
Catholic Eparchy of Keren, by Dr. Amine Kidane.
 Priesthood in the 21st Century by Abba
Meconnen.
 Pastoral challenges in the Diaspora by, Abba
Negusse, Abba Ghebriel, Abba Yosiefe and Abba
Kessete.
 How cam medical professionals help our people
by Dr. Tsehaye and Dr. Sultan.
 How can we help the Eparchy of Keren by
Deacon Hugh.
 Presenters from prayer groups and organizations
Saturday Presenters in Diaspora communities in the USA, Canada,
Germany and UK include: Agazit from New York
City, Dr. Amine from Columbus, Bahlbi from
Toronto, Hamid from London (UK), Habtezghi
from Frankfurt Germany and Sr. Rezan from
Washington D.C.
Fruitful accomplishments and resolution were adopted thanks to productive discussion groups as well as
practical suggestions from fantastic and dedicated conference participants. As the following photos show the
enthusiasm of the group discussions demonstrate the resolute dedication of out people.

Group discussions

Committee members
Celebration of the Holy Mass at the Josephinum

Lunch Time

Some other group photos