Saint Walatta Petros

St Walatta Petros icon

St. Walatta Petros is the second in our series. In the early 1500s, Jesuits arrived in Ethiopia to convert the nation to Roman Catholicism, ignoring the existance of the ancient Christian church that already thrived there. Walatta Petros, who lived from 1594-1643, was a wealthy woman who left her husband in order to travel around the country to preach against them after the missionaries had converted the emperor. Walatta Petros helped mobilize a large following of nonviolent resisters, ultimately leading to the Jesuits being routed and preserving the Ethiopian Church.

The book about her life highlights the importance and vitality of women's friendships and support for one another. It also includes accounts of miracles that happened to people, including royalty, who called on her name after she died. 

In the name of the Lord, St Walatta Petros, pray for us!