On 10th January 2025, Most Rev Mathias Konig, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Paderborn (Germany) visited Benga Mission, Malawi. Bishop Mathias was welcomed by Fr. Fernando Aguirre, Fr. Manuel Hernandez and Fr. Stephen Ochieng. The MCSPA and the Archdiocese of Paderborn maintain a strong working relationship as the MCSPA has a presence within this German archdiocese as well. During the visit, the bishop and his team met and shared with our young men who are aspiring to become missionaries.

Fr. Steven Ochieng guided the guests around the mission. They had a chance to see the animal farm where chickens, goats, rabbits and pig are reared. They also visited the soap factory, the up-and-coming bakery, the school, the elderly Day Care Centre and the Parish Offices. Bishop Mathias was impressed by the progress made at Benga Mission over the past 12 years and expressed his gratitude to God and to the MCSPA members. Hence, in his homily at the community mass, Bishop Mathias encouraged the young men to stay committed to their vocations and asked everyone to pray for more vocations, especially in Germany, where vocations to the priesthood and religious life have been on the decline. He added that the increase of diverse religious communities in Germany, including refugees from conflict zones and rising Muslim population, poses a challenge for maintaining faith. Thus, he asked for our prayers.

The following day, the bishop presided over the mass at the main parish church with our school children and some of our parishioners. At mass, the group of Catholic Women’s Association (CWA), all beautifully dressed in their finest, brought gifts to the altar but most importantly, they gave Bishop Mathias a carved map of Malawi as a parting gift, a symbol of the warmth that the people of Malawi are known for.

The guests also had an opportunity to appreciate our Formation House that is under construction at Balaka which was also an opportunity to greet our young men studying philosophy at the Inter-congregation institute there.

By Stephano Ziba
MCSPA Apprentice, Benga Mission [MALAWI]

Both Nariokotome and Kokuselei Missions were delighted to have visitors from Strathmore University of Nairobi and their Kenyan and international partners come by our missions in the Diocese of Lodwar. The visiting team carried out educational activities in English, leadership workshops, youth mentoring and mentoring of women in micro-businesses during a week leading up to Christmas.

The girls appreciated the opportunity to learn leadership skills to become more responsible and better learners. The women’s group from Nariokotome were happy to gain knowledge for future business initiatives that would improve their livelihoods, while the youth also appreciated the opportunity to interact with the team, learn about mental health, personal relationships and guidance to improve their academic level and possible future career.

The MCSPA thanks the “Another Kind of Christmas” team and Strathmore University for their support in the education of children and youth from their missions in Nariokotome and Kokuselei.

Diana Trompetero and Fr. Zacchaeus Oduor, Members
Kokuselei and Nariokotome Missions (KENYA)

On December 27, we traveled along the road to Mount Naita, which took 3 years to construct, crossing the mountains to reach a village called Lotimor in South Sudan. We went there to celebrate Christmas with the people and to baptize many catechumens who had been patiently waiting for years for a priest to visit them. Priests of the St. Patrick’s Missionary Society, founded the mission at Lotimor but had to leave shortly after.

When we arrived, we settled and camped at the former mission compound. The day after our arrival, we baptized 45 children and youth who joyfully welcomed us into their “church” which was the shade of some huge trees.

We attempted to reach remote communities such as Lorengalup towards the plateau, but when it proved too difficult, we decided to stay an extra night so that they could come to a nearer village to meet us.

Children, women and even elderly people walked barefeet for hours over scorching stones to reach the chapel. They arrived singing and dancing, and when asked if they were happy, they answered, “Very happy!!!” At the celebration that day, we baptized more than 200 catechumens!

We were surprised and deeply moved to witness such strong faith – a faith that crosses mountains, and spans over many years without the Eucharist. We thank God for the gift of bringing His grace to them once more this Christmas.

Amanda Falgas, MCSPA Apprentice
Ethiopia

The children of Ave Maria Kindergarten and Centenary Cross Kindergarten – two of the 3 kindergartens that the MCSPA runs in South Sudan – had a wonderful end of the year celebration.

The top class of both schools ended the year in style and with a remarkable celebration organised by their parents and the school administration. There was a procession from the primary school down to the kindergarten and it stretched for about 2 km! The children, dressed in their graduation attire, were escorted by the Ave Maria brass band. This attracted the attention of most of the children in villages along the way but especially the little ones. From a distance you could hear a child saying to the mother, in the local language: “Mama I would like to go to school like these children”.

The “graduating” children were so happy and they truly earned all this celebration. Later, in front of their parents, the children showed their talent in song and poetry. Their parents were proud to see their children receive awards and certificates that enabled them to pursue their primary education. It was an event to celebrate a simple occasion but one that meant the world to the children and families of a little forgotten village of South Sudan. It reminded me of another exceedingly important event that occurred 2,000 years ago in a little and insignificant village of Judaea except that that event of the birth of the Child passed largely unnoticed.

It is our wish and joy to make our children love school and to encourage more parents to send their children to school. We hope that by 2030 all children between the ages of 4 to 8 years will be sent to school without us (the school administration) following or requesting the parents to do so.

With these beautiful photos we give thanks to all who supported this year’s Ave Maria Educational Program – Education for Peace!

Lillian Omari, MCSPA
Ave Maria Mission (SOUTH SUDAN)

While global warming is at its peak, there’s no doubt that it is rapidly becoming our new normal. In these present times, some places across the world have experienced the change in their climate where temperatures have risen. This has mostly affected large water-bodies which have kept on growing while others are drastically drying up. Before it gets too late, it is time that each and every human being, takes the primary responsibility to be promoters of the good of the environment. This means caring for earth’s green layer by caring for the already existing trees and planting more so as to enjoy all the benefits that come from trees: for food, for medicinal uses, for shade and wind-break, a habitat for animals and humans. The recycling of plastics that contaminate the environment could also positively contribute towards saving nature. If all could unite and work towards promoting the care for nature, life on earth could be much better than what it is now.

At Kokuselei Mission, in Turkana (Kenya), the children of St Joseph’s Konokono Centre are starting to take a lead towards promoting the care of nature through caring for trees and planting more trees that will later be beneficial for the local people living around Kokuselei. This group of children delight in cleaning the environment by collecting plastics around Kokuselei and reusing them for planting and decorative purposes. Together with the help of the missionaries at Kokuselei Mission, they have gone ahead and created St Francis of Assisi Environmental Club through which they will be coordinating activities related to the care of the environment.

All these are moves towards a better world, more beautiful and environment-friendly. The more young people grow up with this kind of sensitivity for the care of the environment, the better, as this will be a seed planted in their hearts that is assured to grow through the generations and bear good fruit.

Fridah Ejore,
MCSPA Apprentice.
Kokuselei Mission, Turkana (Kenya)

This month, the MCSPA had the privilege of engaging in two meaningful events centered on vocation promotion in the Philippines, reinforcing the Church’s commitment to inspire young people to dedicate their lives to God’s service.

It began with a visit to the Archdiocese of Jaro in Iloilo (Central Philippines), where Deacon Stephen Iyerio and Innocent Phiri met with Archbishop Jose Romeo and joined him in the Eucharistic celebration marking the conclusion of Vocation Month in the archdiocese. The celebration was a beautiful occasion of prayer and reflection, offering a moment of grace for those discerning their vocation. It was a privilege to be part of this meaningful event, as the Church in the Philippines continues to emphasize the importance of nurturing vocations, particularly among the youth. Deacon Stephen went further to encourage the seminarians, preparing for diaconate ordination, to be willing to serve even in difficult places like Turkana in Kenya.

After Iloilo, the MCSPA in Manila participated in a vocations event event of the Diocese of Cubao (Metro Manila). The gathering was a lively and inspiring occasion, filled with young people eager to learn more about the possibilities of dedicating their lives to God’s mission. The event highlighted the diverse ways in which young Catholics can serve the Church, whether through priesthood, religious life, or lay ministry. It was a beautiful encounter, with the energy and enthusiasm of the youth reminding us of the hope that the next generation brings to the Church. We also had the privilege to meet and chat with the then-bishop-elect of Cubao, Fr. Elias Lumayog Ayuban Jr., CMF, whose episcopal ordination and canonical possession will be held on Dec 03 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

This encounter with the youth has been truly inspiring, and we are hopeful that more will answer the call to serve as missionaries, especially in places where the need is greatest. In particular, we are praying for more young men and women to consider responding to the call to work in difficult and underserved regions, such as in Africa. The Church’s mission in such places requires dedicated and courageous individuals who are willing to bring the light of Christ to the most challenging environment.

As we continue to reflect on these experiences, we are filled with hope for the future of vocations in the Philippines and beyond. We pray that more young people will be moved by the Spirit to take the bold step of dedicating their lives to serving God’s mission, wherever they are called.

By Dionisius Kandar and Innocent Phiri
MCSPA Apprentices, Manila (Philippines)

From 22 to 24 November, Nyangatom Mission was honoured to welcome the Catholic Women’s Association as well as some members of the Catholic Men’s Association from Queen of Peace Mission at Todonyang.

The main purpose of their visit was to share with the people at Nyangatom different experiences both in faith and culture.

It was an interaction that sparked a lot of emotional reactions as this was the first time that such an event of this sort has been hosted by the mission. Indeed, recalling all the terrible conflict that has been going on between the Turkana and the Nyangatom, no one expected such an encounter to take place. The Turkana and Nyangatom peoples are two tribes that are similar in terms of language and cultural practices. However, they are separated by the international boundary between Kenya and Ethiopia. The Turkana belong to Kenya while the Nyangatom are in the latter. Conflict between the two communities have persisted over generations due to a lack of resources. Cattle raiding was the daily bread of life and the loss of life was considered the expected norm.

However, due to great efforts from many parties, the Catholic Church included, throughout the past 3 years, there has been peace between the two tribes and this has facilitated some interaction and sharing between the two tribes.

The visit of the people from Todonyang is a sign of the peace being currently enjoyed by the two tribes. We hope this will be the first of many visits and interactions that will seal a more permanent peace. We pray also that the peace that has been restored will yield much fruit and that we may not see anymore bloodshed between the two peoples.

It was a moving occasion to see the interaction between peoples who were previously enemies and who have now known peace.

May Christ, the Prince of Peace, and Mary, the Queen of Peace, forever guide and teach us the way to work for peace.

Daniel Jepter,
Senior Apprentice, MCSPA
Nyangatom Mission (Ethiopia)

Thank you for helping us turn the world into a garden.

After careful consideration, we decided that Nariokotome Mission in Turkana, Kenya, would be the perfect place to celebrate our Golden Wedding Anniversary! The family could not come – that was the only drawback – but we would share the celebration at a distance. We had a trip organised with our friends, Jose Luis, Angelina and Chelo, to perform minor surgeries and to organise the new operating theatre at the mission and the dates coincided. It was a unique occasion!

And so, it has happened! We got married again in Turkana. The missionaries are refined GOLD!

The church at Nariokotome was decorated in its best! Flowers, palms, white tablecloths on colorful fabrics of the area! Such are the efforts of the missionaries who, after an exhausting day, find time and strength to please others.

Fr. Antonio Aguirre, with the homily on Mark 10:17-30 on the account of the rich, young man to whom Jesus says, “go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” Never a better gospel to describe the missionaries of the MCSPA!

The Turkana mass and feast revolved around this gospel, and also around the meaning of Catholic marriage. One couple, for life, with its joys and sorrows, with its bad times and good times, a difficult journey at times but with a very positive balance!

The church at Nariokotome was overflowing with people. Dressed in their best clothes; typical necklaces and multi-colored costumes; school children in their uniforms.

Angelic voices, magnificent choirs and rhythms with drum beats and clapping! Noise, emotion, illusion, flowers, colorful, incense and smoke, handshakes as a sign of love and peace. Enveloped in this atmosphere that embraced our five senses we renewed our wedding vows, for as long as God wants us to be together.

At the end we were given the most precious title here: “Elders of Turkana” they dressed us up in the traditional style, giving the scepter and to Emilio the cap and “ekicholong”. Photos, laughters and reports! Dancing and shouting to celebrate.

Then we shared with more than 400 children a juice, a bun and candy and they were happy! Those innocent little faces with smiles of white teeth, black eyes and joy, are also worth gold! I left the bouquet on Paco’s grave! He would have loved to be at this ceremony, I am sure!

At Scholastica and Lydia’s place, we made the paellas, and at Patrizia and Lenny’s place, we shared them together with 35 other persons.

We did not expect more details and celebrations …. but yes, Lenny made a wedding cake with candles marking out “50” and brought out champagne to toast.

In the evening, looking back on the day, I thanked God again for the good fortune of having a husband like Emilio and for having met Fr. Paco Andreo, the founder of MCSPA, who taught us how he loved the people of Turkana and their spirituality, and introduced us to a missionary family, whom we continue to love and are increasingly united.

Special thanks to our missionaries at Nariokotome who made possible the renewal of our marriage vows on our Golden Anniversary! Thank you for being so generous and for showing us an example with your actions!

Thank you!

Ana Mañas Rueda,
Doctor of Paco, an “Elder of Turkana

As in many of the missions of the MCSPA (Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle), in Muketuri, Ethiopia, we have dedicated great efforts to the development of nutrition and education for children under the age of seven.

When the MCSPA first arrived in Muketuri, at the invitation of the present Cardinal Berhaneysus Souraphiel CM, the local population was surprised that we focused on nutrition and education of young children, ages 4 to 6, before they even start primary education.

After drilling a well on the land donated by local authorities to the Ethiopian Catholic Church and creating a vegetable garden to ensure water and food supply for what would later become the St. Joseph Mother and Child Centre, we conducted a socio-economic study of a sample of 500 families in the area. This study provided data on the most vulnerable: women and children affected by malnutrition and preventable diseases.

In many rural areas of Ethiopia, children under the age of 7 receive very poor nutrition and are often involved in tasks such as herding animals – as in the case of boys – and fetching water, cooking, and caring for younger siblings – as in the case of girls. Many of these children survive diseases without any medical treatment and are often the last to eat at home, because, in reality, until they reach 7 years old, it’s uncertain if they will survive.

The first children who came to the Centre were attracted by the promise of daily breakfast and lunch. However, few people believed that such young children could learn much or that education at that age could change their future development.

Gradually, more families began bringing their children to the Centre, not only for the food but because of the remarkable holistic development of the children attending the school. During the closing day festival, 5 and 6-year-old recite poems, even in English, participate in fashion shows, and, most importantly, learn to read and engage in learning games that prepare them for a future education.

All human development professionals – nutritionists, psychologists, doctors etc. – emphasise the importance of the early years in human life. Brain connections that form in early years of childhood require proper protein intake and the necessary stimuli for full physical, neurological and psychological development.

Now, in this area, most families recognise the importance of this age group: childhood before the age of 7. Those living in larger towns, who do not rely as much on farming and animals but have small businesses or other professions, strongly desire their children to start school from the age of 4. Our Centre accepts 120 children a year, but the number of applicants for the lottery to enter is three times that number. Muketuri now has some private kindergartens, and the government has started adding a year of pre-primary education to its curriculum. The MCSPA Centre has been a model and reference in this field.

Little by little, the quality of life for children – and consequently the entire population in the near future – is improving, thanks to the emphasis on nutrition and education in the early years. We want to contribute to holistic development of human beings from the very beginning, during those early years when strength and personality are shaped. By creating a safe, healthy environment without distinction of sex, race or religion, we aim to bring good news (i.e. to evangelize) to so many people who still live in subhuman conditions.

Lourdes Larruy, MCSPA
Muketuri Mission, ETHIOPIA