Fr. Michaelangelo, the superior of the Friars in Egypt, wrote a letter suggesting that two Ethiopian priests and two Latin missionaries should be sent to Ethiopia. In response the Propagation of the Faith chose Abba Tobia and Abba Michael Kefle Giorgis. Consequently, the Holy See, nominated Abba Tobia, aged 33, as the Titular Bishop of Adulis on 21st April 1788. Prior to his episcopal consecration, however, which took place on 24th June 1788, the decree of his nomination had stipulated that he should take an oath to retain the use of the Ethiopian rite.