Choir’s Spiritual Retreat for Ethiopian New Year

by Admin · September 18, 2021

By Evangelist Hailu Adalo – A Choir Spiritual motivation workshop event was held in the Archdiocese of Pretoria Hartbeespoort Youth Retreat Centre. 17 Young People participated with great joy during this Ethiopian New Year festivity period.

Unlike the rest of the world, Ethiopia rings in its New Year, Enkutatash, on September 11, and not on January 1. This is because their unique calendar considers September, called Meskerem in Amharic, to be the first month of the year.*

The aim of the event was to deepen the choir’s spiritual motivation. The retreat was led by Centre Director Fr Chris Schonenberger and Community National Coordinator Evangelist Hailu Adalo, who gave spiritual guidance and discipleship.

The Choir has been serving the Ethiopian Community in South Africa since 2013 at various events like Mass celebrations, wedding ceremonies, funerals and spiritual gatherings. At the end of the event, choir leaders shared their wish to continue occasional motivation workshops in the future with youth groups in different spiritual centres.

By Ethiopian and Eritrean Catholic Community National Coordinator in South Africa, Evangelist Hailu Adalo. For more pastoral services call 072 357 7185 or email

*Enkutatash means the ‘gift of jewels’. According to legend, the Queen of Sheba returned from her famous visit to King Solomon of Jerusalem some 3,000 years ago, with jewels gifted by her host. Her return to Ethiopia after receiving this gift coincided with the New Year celebration in September, and hence the name Enkutatash came to be.