Up to 7.6 million Ethiopians are in need of help, with 2.2 million needing assistance immediately and a further 5.4 million affected by drought. These figures were disclosed by Archbishop Berhaneyesus of Addis Ababa in Dublin last night.
Speaking at a Mass in the Pro-Cathedral, he compared the plight of his own people today with that of the Irish during the Famine 150 years ago. Earlier yesterday, at the Famine Memorial on Dublin's quays, he launched Trócaire's Lenten campaign, which this year focuses on helping Ethiopia. He noted how, just like the Famine Irish then, his people today were trying to escape hunger by going to Europe or America.
At the Mass, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin launched the first joint initiative by the archdiocese and Trócaire, focusing on Ethiopia. Welcoming Archbishop Berhaneyesus, whose name Archbishop Martin said "meant 'Light of Jesus' - a lovely name for a bishop", he commented that Lent had "become a time to give, not just give up". He pointed out that as many people die in Africa every three weeks as had died in the recent tsunami.
Archbishop Berhaneyesus said that he had been struck by the response of the Irish people to the tsunami appeal. "The generosity shown by you has yet again held you apart and shown to the world your deep care and concern for those afflicted by suffering and poverty," he said. "It reminded me of how Irish people responded to the great tragedy of famine in my own country of Ethiopia 20 years ago," he said.
Next Friday, Archbishop Berhaneyesus, with Bishop Jim Moriarty of Kildare and Leighlin, will launch a similar joint initiative between Trócaire and that diocese for Ethiopia at the Standhouse Hotel on The Curragh.
In the article Digging deeper to help Ethiopia in yesterday's editions of this newspaper, an incorrect telephone number was given for donations. The correct number is Callsave 1850-408-408.
