A Catholic bishop in Ethiopia has spoken of his horror after local people torched and looted a church compound that had been working to help them.

Bishop Abraham Desta, Apostolic Vicar of Meki, told Aid to the Church in Need how one of the area's oldest and biggest parishes was attacked by "the people for whom, and with whom, we work very closely."

Bishop Desta described how Gighessa parish came under attack from villagers including young and old, women and children. They started throwing stones and destroying church properties, including the presbytery, diocesan pastoral centre, a small Ursuline convent and a clinic specialising in care for the handicapped and disabled.

More than 55 people from around the world were attending a conference on nursery education at the pastoral centre at the time.

After setting fire to the presbytery, the attackers made off with a year's supply of food, as well as livestock including cows.

Bishop Desta said: "The Ursuline Sisters who run the clinic were left behind with the patients as they were not willing to leave the patients alone, but the people did not spare them."

He added: "Sad to say no one went to help the Sisters, but by God's grace they managed to reach Shashamane, the nearest parish, along with the patients and spend that night in the parish. They have lost everything, except the precious gift of life that is being given freely by God almighty. And, sad to say, all this was done by the people of the locality whom they were serving, whom they know very well." 

The furniture that was taken included more than 250 beds, mattresses, 700 blankets, bed sheets, bed covers, fridges and deep freezers, washing machines, televisions, generators, copier machines, computers and even the doors and windows of the house. More than 26,455 Ibs of food was also taken including the wheat, rice, and pasta that was the centre's supply for the year. Cows and chickens from the parish smallholding were stolen. 

 "And today there is a question in our hearts and minds. Why Lord? Why like this? I hope that in due time the Lord will give us an answer," said Bishop Desta, adding that the Blessed Sacrament was left behind and was retrieved later by two Catholic girls from the parish.

"Through all these incidents, the Lord is reminding us that he is with us until the end of time."