“Hello, what is your name?”

“Maria”

A grin from ear to ear: “Just like the one we are celebrating today!”

This was my welcoming greeting in Kangatem, a refugee camp for the Murle tribe of South Sudan – December 25, 2025.

It is Christmas! Joy is in the air: drums are beating, children are vibrating with excitement, women are dancing, and men are singing. The sun is scorching, and the vivid colors of the fabrics—and of the bodies scarred by war—tell stories through their gazes…

Years have passed since the last time they were able to celebrate Christmas. Threatened by bloody riots first in South Sudan and then in Gambela (Ethiopia), they “lived” trapped, hidden, and paralyzed by fear in the camp established by the government in Gambela.

In the midst of such darkness, the flame of their faith shone brightly; it grew every day as they prayed to God to liberate their people.

Until, as they tell it, He answered!

He led them to a safe area in the Omo Valley, 70 km from our Prince of Peace mission in Nyangatom.

Ángel celebrated the Christmas Mass and shared with us that the light of the Baby Jesus—who became flesh to share in our pain—would always be with us in our hearts. He reminded us that whenever we feel alone, lost, or afraid, we should look for that light.

The love and respect with which they took Communion is beyond words.

We sang, we gave thanks, we prayed, we smiled, and we shared bread and goat meat. Peace, faith, and ecumenism were the themes of the day during our conversations with the elders. It was a dialogue of hope that brings this year of pilgrimage to a triumphant close.

As long as there is a heart thirsty for peace, there will be hope—and that day in Kangatem, more than 2,000 hearts were beating in flames.

Maria Vidal-Aragon

MCSPA Junior Apprentice

Mizan Teferi [Ethiopia]

Today, at Ave Maria Catholic Mission in South Sudan, love truly filled the air as the Church celebrated the Feast of the Holy Family in a deeply moving and life-giving way. The Family Life Group, in Ave Maria and St Thomas parishes concluded a two-day workshop under the theme: “Marriage: God’s Design for Love, Friendship and Life.”

It was not simply a workshop, it was a pilgrimage of hearts. Over the two days, couples were gently led back to the heart of Christian marriage, as taught by the Catholic Church. Marriage is a sacrament, a covenant and a vocation rooted in God’s own faithful love. Through rich teachings, couples reflected on marriage as a journey of companionship, sacrifice, forgiveness and shared mission. Special emphasis was placed on rekindling love, nurturing friendship between spouses and rediscovering joy even after years of shared struggles.

One of the most touching moments was listening to couples share their love stories: simple, honest, and deeply African in spirit. Stories of long walks, patient waiting, family negotiations, prayers under the stars, and love tested by hardship reminded everyone that true love grows not in haste, but in commitment.

Recognising that love also carries wounds, the workshop courageously addressed trauma healing and mental health, affirming the Church’s teaching that caring for the soul includes caring for the mind and emotions. Couples were encouraged to heal together, to speak, to listen and to walk the journey of restoration, hand in hand.

The climax of the celebration was nothing short of sacred and joyful. One couple received the Sacrament of Matrimony, sealing their love before God and the community. Ten couples celebrated their Silver Jubilee, giving thanks for 25 years of faithfulness, perseverance, and grace. Thirty four couples renewed their marriage promises, standing once again before God to say “Yes”, not because life was perfect, but because love had endured.

Today at Ave Maria Catholic Mission, the Church did not only speak about marriage, it celebrated it, healed it and renewed it. Love was in the air, faith was in action, and God’s design for family life shone brightly among His people.

By Ben Maketa

MCSPA Apprentice

Ave Maria Mission [South Sudan]

Much was prepared for Christmas Day, both spiritually and materially, with decorations, choir, food and dance activities. It was a great gathering of parishioners from different outstations for a warm and communal celebration of Christmas.

When the clock struck 7:00 pm, the celebration of Mass began. The Mass was presided over by Fr. Steven Ochieng, assisted by Fr. Fernando Aguirre as con-celebrant and Deacon Dominic as the serving deacon. The joy of the night swelled with the welcoming of catechumens who received their First Holy Communion and Baptism. This signified the growth of the Church and the living witness of the Gospel.

Christmas is not only about having the best dishes or dancing to sweet melodies; it is about remembering the birthday of Jesus Christ, who was born for us. As the Deacon emphasised in his homily, the meaning of Christmas lies in the very heart of our faith in the mystery of the Incarnation, God-made-flesh dwelt among us. It is a time to renew our love for one another, to forgive, and to share with the poor and needy, just as Christ shared His love with the world.

Mass concluded with the Christmas dance, a beautiful chaos of devotion and order as parishioners expressed their joy before the altar.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

By Louis Mkweza

MCSPA Apprentice,

Benga Mission [Malawi]

Furrows in the Desert (FID) held its 23rd graduation ceremony on 11 December 2025 at the FID Training Centre Hall, marking another important milestone in strengthening agricultural skills and food security in North Turkana.

The event was well attended by the Lobur community, demonstrating strong local support and ownership of the programme. Distinguished guests included Sister Joy, the Guest of Honour, and Father Joseph, Parish Priest and MCSPA representative, alongside community members.

During the ceremony, FID management congratulated the graduates for their dedication and encouraged them to apply the skills acquired to improve food production, household income, and nutrition within their communities. Appreciation was also extended to all donors and benefactors, with special recognition given to MCSPA for its continued support.

All trainees were awarded certificates of completion, and the community presented gifts to the graduates in celebration of their achievements.

FID reaffirmed its commitment to empowering local farmers, strengthening food security, and transforming livelihoods across North Turkana through sustainable agricultural development.

By Maque Falgas

MCSPA Secular Branch

Lobur Mission [Kenya]