CLC Pan-African Assembly | My Personal Testimony Shimelis Biratu, CLC in Ethiopia

Participating in the CLC Pan-African Assembly in Gaborone was a profoundly enriching and transformative experience for me. From the very beginning, the atmosphere of hospitality and fraternity created a genuine sense of belonging. The assembly was marked by constructive inputs, meaningful sharing, and spiritually nourishing conversations that invited deep reflection and personal growth. Among the most powerful moments was the empathy walk, which allowed us to truly encounter one another’s stories and struggles—an experience that left in me a lasting image of interconnectedness and the seeds of hope that bind us together as one African CLC family.

This encounter helped me see more clearly how the Spirit moves through communal discernment. The prayerful processes and methods used during the assembly inspired me to bring this same spirit of listening and discernment back to our communities in Ethiopia. I felt invited to help create more space for collective reflection, deeper prayer, and shared decision-making, so that our mission may truly flow from our attentive listening to God and to one another. The experience reaffirmed for me the beauty of humility and service that lies at the heart of our CLC vocation.

I am deeply grateful to the organizers and facilitators whose patience, generosity, and joyful spirit sustained the entire assembly. The inclusion of parish Masses, cultural exchanges, and small group sharing made the event holistic and life-giving. I would strongly encourage the continuation of such experiences, especially the small group sharing and the empathy walk, as they offer a safe and grace-filled space for genuine connection and interior growth. The Gaborone Assembly will remain a cherished memory and a guiding light in my journey as a CLC member.