The Arch-eparchy of Asmara recently conducted a workshop on the meaning and celebration of what are referred to as Sacraments of Christian Initiation, namely Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
Fr Teame Ghebrehohanes, -Asmara, Eritrea.
The workshop was attended by all parish priests of the Eparchy of Asmara.
Archbishop Menghesteab Tesfamariam presented a brief historical background of the three Sacraments during which he stressed the origin, background and how to celebrate them. He gave detailed information about the past, present and future style of celebration and the meaning of Sacraments of Christian Initiation.
In the Eastern Catholic rite, the three Sacraments are conferred at the same time
Archbishop Tesfamariam explained that initially, the Church in the Latin Rite tied the three Sacraments together but later for pastoral and other reasons, they came to be celebrated separately. However, in the majority of Eastern Catholic Churches, all three Sacraments are administered at the same time.
After listening to the presentation, the priests resolved to similarly provide these three Sacraments of Christian Initiation at the same time.
Overcoming pastoral challenges
Participants then extensively discussed practical and pastoral challenges that may occur in providing the three Sacraments together and how to handle them.
Among other topics discussed during this meeting were Rubrics in the Ge-ez Rite celebration of the Eucharist. An evaluation of the implementation of directives and ordinances given by the Holy See in 1996 was also made.
