Places of Power

Debre Libanos Monastery, set between a cliff and a gorge in Showa, Ethiopia, a key region for the Ethiopian Church, is Saint Takla Haymanot’s greatest gift through Christ. Tradition says he started this holy home in 1284 AD to train monks and share Christ’s love, making it the heart of the Ethiopian Church for nearly 500 years. His holy relics rest under the altar, moved from his cave, tradition says 56 years after his death in 1313, when he told Pope Hezkial in a dream to bring them to the monastery church. Pilgrims visit this special place, where some say a man’s broken leg healed after touching the relics, showing Takla’s care through Christ.

Kids can visit and feel the peace of Takla’s prayers through Christ. The monastery is more than old stones—it’s alive with Takla’s love! In 1937, soldiers caused trouble, hurting monks and people, but Emperor Haile Selassie rebuilt the church at Debre Libanos in 1961 over Takla’s tomb, keeping his legacy strong. Monks feel Takla’s prayers through Christ during feasts on 24 Nehase, with hymns and holy water flowing nearby. For kids, Debre Libanos is like Takla’s headquarters, where his love through Christ hugs everyone, showing he’s never really left!