The people of Abo Kaso Koit, a small village in Muketuri, Ethiopia, recently gathered to celebrate the completion of a well that is already transforming daily life in the community.

Most families in the village depend on agriculture, growing crops such as teff, chickpeas, beans and wheat. In recent years, however, the situation of insecurity has made life increasingly difficult. Access to clean water was one of the community’s greatest challenges, forcing women and children to walk long distances to fetch water for their families.

The project was delayed for more than two year due to insecurity in the area. Despite these difficulties, the community never lost hope. Thanks to the support received, a new well was successfully drilled and is now providing clean and safe water to approximately 80 families, totalling 505 people.

The benefits are already evident: children spend more time in school; women have more time for other activities; and families have access to a reliable source of clean water, improving health and well-being in the village. It is hoped that in the future they can produce vegetables using water from the well.

To express their gratitude, the community organized a thanksgiving celebration. All gathered to share their appreciation and celebrate this important achievement together.

During the event, Lourdes Larruy, a member of MCSPA, explained that we are here to share the love of God – the same God for Orthodox, Catholics and Protestants. God is asking all of us to build a world where we can all be brothers and sisters. She encouraged them to also help one another.

The celebration was a beautiful expression of gratitude, hope and community spirit. We thank all those whose generosity and support helped make this project possible and which has now brought clean water to the people of Abo Kaso Koit.

Tigist Mekonnen

MCSPA Apprentice

Muketuri Mission [Ethiopia]

Ave Maria Mission was blessed by the pastoral visit of Bishop Edward Hiiboro Kusala of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio (CDTY) on the 19th of June,2026.

Before arriving at Ave Maria Mission, the Bishop celebrated Holy Mass at Tombura Parish, where he blessed the newly renovated Cathedral Church of Mary Help of Christians and encouraged the faithful to work together for lasting peace, reconciliation and unity.

At St. Daniel Comboni Township Centre of St. Thomas Parish in Rii-Yubu, Bishop Hiiboro celebrated the Sunday Eucharist and administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 417 children. He was joined by Fr. Avelino, MCSPA, parish priest of the two parishes and apostolic vicar of Western Deanery, Fr. Albert, MCSPA, assistant priest of the two parishes, as well as Fr. Emmanuel, the Bishop’s Secretary, and Fr. Andrew of CDTY.

Following the Mass, the faithful participated in a joyful procession to the town centre, where Bishop Hiiboro consecrated the entire township of Rii-Yubu to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and prayed for God’s protection and lasting peace. Along the way, he blessed a newly constructed multipurpose hall for community events. He also blessed and officially opened the newly built convent for the Mexican Sisters at Don Bosco Primary School, where Sr. Judith, the Mother General, welcomed the guests.

The following day, Bishop Hiiboro celebrated Holy Mass for pupils and students at Ave Maria Church, encouraging them to remain focused on their education, persevere through challenges, and become ambassadors of peace. He also blessed the newly completed Fr Paco Primary School and the girls’ hostel.

The pastoral visit left a lasting message of faith, peace, and hope. Through the blessing of churches, schools, community facilities,and religious houses, as well as the consecration of Rii-Yubu to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Bishop Hiiboro reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to the spiritual and human development of the people in this area.

Bamu Claudius Zangazee & Ben Maketa
MCSPA Junior Apprentices
Ave-Maria Mission [South Sudan]

Today, Furrows in the Desert celebrated its 24th graduation ceremony, with 22 trainees successfully completing the programme’s 5-month course and officially becoming farmers. As they return to their communities across Turkana North, each graduate will establish a 500 m2 farm with the support of a drip irrigation kit.

This young and enthusiastic cohort reflects the growing adoption of agriculture as a pathway to food security, self-reliance and increased household income in Turkana. Graduates will continue to receive mentorship and follow-up support from the Furrows in the Desert team as they begin this new chapter.

This milestone reflects the ongoing commitment of the Missionary Community of Saint Paul the Apostle (MCSPA) to empower communities through sustainable agriculture and livelihoods.

Maque Falgás

MCSPA

Director FID [Lobur Mission]