Our Lady of the Nativity

Advocación mariana de Addis Abeba (Archieparquía de Addis Abeba)
✔ Recognized by the Church

The Catholic cathedral in Addis Ababa is dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the Ethiopian-Alexandrian rite. The archbishopric was established in 1961 and elevated to metropolitan in 1969; the structure of the Ethiopian Catholic Church was consolidated after World War II. The dedication to the Nativity of Mary expresses the sign of the Incarnation and continuity with the deep-rooted Ethiopian Marian tradition.

Main data

Origin and history

The Catholic cathedral in Addis Ababa is dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the Ethiopian-Alexandrian rite. The archbishopric was established in 1961 and elevated to metropolitan in 1969; the structure of the Ethiopian Catholic Church was consolidated after World War II. The dedication to the Nativity of Mary expresses the sign of the Incarnation and continuity with the deep-rooted Ethiopian Marian tradition.

The image and the sanctuary

It is the official cathedral of the Ethiopian Catholic Church and a Marian landmark for the country's Catholic faithful, reflecting the strong Mariology of the Ge'ez tradition. No exact date of consecration is recorded in general sources, nor are there any specific miracles or legends associated with its main image.

Patronage and coronation

Canonical coronation: not recorded. It is the metropolitan cathedral of the Ethiopian Catholic Church, fully recognized by the Church.

Celebration and devotion

It is celebrated on September 8, the Nativity of Mary, according to the Roman calendar; in the Ethiopian calendar, it is adjusted with its own time lag (exact date: not recorded). The devotion is part of a highly developed Mariology, with major festivals such as the Filseta (Dormition/Assumption) after fifteen days of fasting and the Kidane Mehret or Covenant of Mercy.

Link with the Rosary

The Rosary is prayed in this cathedral as in the whole Catholic Church, contemplating in the joyful mystery the birth of Mary, dawn of salvation, whom Ethiopian tradition sings as Ark of the Covenant and permanent intercessor before Christ.