Ghébrē-Michael
Male·October 3·Ethiopia·18th century
Ghébrē-Michael was an Ethiopian Catholic priest and monk who suffered persecution for his faith. He was imprisoned and tortured by Emperor Tewodros II for refusing to renounce Catholicism, ultimately dying in prison due to ill treatment. Ghébrē-Michael was beatified by Pope Pius XI in 1926.
Key Facts
- ›Ghébrē-Michael was born in Ethiopia in 1791 and became a monk in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in 1813.
- ›He met Giustino de Jacobis, the Catholic Apostolic Vicar of Abyssinia, during a pilgrimage and was received into the Catholic Church by him in February 1844.
- ›Ghébrē-Michael was ordained a priest on January 1, 1851.
- ›He was arrested and tortured for his Catholic faith by the new Orthodox bishop in Ethiopia and later by Emperor Tewodros II.
- ›Ghébrē-Michael died in prison on July 30, 1855, due to ILL treatment.
- ›He was beatified by Pope Pius XI on October 3, 1926.
Vincentians
About Ghébrē-Michael
Ghébrē-Michael, born in Ethiopia in 1791, was an Ethiopian Catholic priest and a postulant in the Congregation of the Mission. His life was marked by a deep commitment to his faith, leading to his persecution and eventual death.
Life and Historical Context
Born in Dibo, Ghébrē-Michael belonged to one of the Ethiopian religious sects. He received his education locally and then pursued studies in monastic schools, demonstrating a shrewd and gifted intellect. He became a monk in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in 1813. His early spiritual journey involved investigating perceived declining standards within monasteries, which led him to travel and conduct research. This quest for knowledge also took him to Jerusalem for further studies.
During a significant pilgrimage aimed at requesting a new Orthodox bishop from the Coptic Patriarch in Alexandria, Ghébrē-Michael encountered Bishop Giustino de Jacobis, the Catholic Apostolic Vicar of Abyssinia. This meeting proved pivotal. De Jacobis, initially reluctant, agreed to join the delegation if it would travel to Rome. It was during this period, in September 1843, that Ghébrē-Michael first met de Jacobis, who advised him to return home via a different route, sensing potential dangers from his research.
Their paths crossed again, and after several meetings and discussions, Ghébrē-Michael was received into the Catholic Church by de Jacobis in February 1844. This conversion inspired six other Coptic monks to join the Catholic fold.
Ministry and Persecution
Ghébrē-Michael's desire to serve led him to consider joining the Congregation of the Mission. In 1850, de Jacobis asked him if he wished to become a priest, and he was ordained on January 1, 1851. His Catholic faith and ministry soon attracted the attention of the new Orthodox bishop of Ethiopia, who harbored an intense dislike for Ghébrē-Michael and de Jacobis. The bishop instigated persecution against Catholics, leading to the arrest of Ghébrē-Michael and others.
Following the accession of Tewodros II as Emperor of Ethiopia in 1855, Ghébrē-Michael's persecution intensified. The emperor sought to force him to renounce Catholicism and the teachings of the Council of Chalcedon. Ghébrē-Michael was imprisoned and subjected to torture, enduring these trials without renouncing his faith. He was kept in chains and moved with the emperor during his travels. In May 1855, he was put on trial in the presence of the British Consul, where he refused to abandon his faith. Although the consul intervened to spare him from immediate execution by firing squad, he remained imprisoned and died due to ill treatment on July 30, 1855. His remains were never recovered.
Beatification
An informative phase for the investigation into Ghébrē-Michael's cause for beatification took place in Addis Ababa in 1904 and Asmara in 1909. His cause was formally introduced under Pope Benedict XV on January 25, 1920, after which he was titled a Servant of God. Following an apostolic process and validation of previous proceedings, Pope Pius XI formally approved his beatification on May 22, 1926, and beatified him on October 3, 1926. He is recognized as a martyr for the faith.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ghébrē-Michael?
Ghébrē-Michael was an Ethiopian Catholic priest and monk who lived from 1791 to 1855. He is recognized for his steadfastness in faith despite facing severe persecution.
What was Ghébrē-Michael's early life like?
Born in Dibo, Ethiopia, Ghébrē-Michael became a monk in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in 1813. He pursued studies, becoming a gifted student and later investigating issues within monastic life.
How did Ghébrē-Michael become Catholic?
During a pilgrimage, Ghébrē-Michael met Giustino de Jacobis, the Catholic Apostolic Vicar of Abyssinia. De Jacobis received him into the Catholic Church in February 1844, a decision that led six other monks to follow suit.
Why was Ghébrē-Michael persecuted?
After converting to Catholicism and being ordained a priest, Ghébrē-Michael faced intense dislike from the new Miaphysite Abuna (bishop) appointed for the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. He was later imprisoned and tortured by Emperor Tewodros II for refusing to renounce Catholicism.
When and how did Ghébrē-Michael die?
Ghébrē-Michael died on July 30, 1855, in prison due to ill treatment. His remains were never found.
When was Ghébrē-Michael beatified?
Ghébrē-Michael was beatified by Pope Pius XI on October 3, 1926, recognizing him as a martyr for his faith.
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