Testimonies about Father Marie-Dominique Philippe

Letter of Mgr Abune Berhaneyesus D. Souraphiel, CM
Archbishop of Addis Abeba
President of the Conference of the Catholic bishops of Ethiopia

Addis Abeba, August 28, 2006

Dear Fathers, Brothers, Contemplative Sisters, Active Sisters of St. John
Dear Seminarians and Postulants of St. John,

May the Grace and Consolation of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
It is with great sadness that I have heard of the death of your dear founder Father Marie Dominique Philippe. I will like to send you my heartfelt condolences to all of you. May He rest in Peace. Amen.
I consider myself fortunate for having met Father Marie Dominique in person. We had a good conversation together and I felt I was in the presence of a holy person.
Therefore, in a way, God’s will is done:
"... Well done, good and faithful servant; you have shown you are trustworthy in small things; I will trust you with greater; come and join in your master’s happiness.” (Mt. 25:21).
Therefore, I say to all of you, courage and be consoled because you have a faithful Father in Heaven !

Yours in Christ,

+Abune Berhaneyesus D. Souraphiel CM
Metropolitan Archbishop of Addis Abeba
President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia