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

On the memorial of St. Daniel Comboni, on October 10, at Lobur Mission (Turkana, Kenya), a new Dining Hall building was officially blessed and opened at St. Irene’s Lobur Primary School. During the opening ceremony, the children performed their first Talent Show which proved amazing! It was a grand occasion for the school and was attended by all the personnel and staff of Lobur Mission. There were performances of traditional and modern dances, comedy skits, public speaking, a fashion show featuring outfits made locally by the children themselves, and also various art-works.

Not only did the school celebrate a proper building for meals, but it was also a celebration of joy and pride as we witnessed the children showcasing their talent in different areas.

By Maque Falgas
MCSPA Secular Branch

St. Daniel Comboni is the patron saint of Catholic education. As he dedicated his life to evangelise many people in Africa, we are all called to continue with the same spirit of evangelization.

St. Daniel Comboni once said, “Save Sudan with the Sudanese and Africa with Africans”. Hence, we ought to take education seriously in order to save our country, South Sudan.

On the memorial of this great saint, on October 10, at Ave Maria Mission, we celebrated Catholic Education Day together with the educational institutions in the parish: 8 primary schools, 2 kindergartens, 1 secondary school, and 1 vocational training centre.

The celebration with all children from these institutions involved also the Ave Maria Brass Band and many local people from Source Yubu. We had performances from the different student bodies and groups, followed by a common lunch. It was a truly joyful day!

By Romai
Ave Maria Mission
South Sudan

Last July, a group of 15 Spanish youth had the incredible opportunity to visit the Prince of Peace Mission at Nyangatom, Ethiopia. We set up a summer camp to enhance the educational efforts of the Ekisil Group project, and we returned with our hearts full from all that we experienced.

There’s so much to share about our month at camp that we could go on forever. Each story, every face, every sunset, every moment spent together, each Sunday mass, every morning at camp, every smile, every fun evening, and every shared experience and hug reflected God’s presence on Earth, and that’s what we feel called to share.

With our hearts opened, we are inspired to live in accordance with all that has touched us, to be that face of God that we have seen in others, and to nurture a grateful perspective for the gift of life.

by Pilar Jofre
Volunteer at Nyangatom Mission

On Sunday 22 September 2024, we finally crossed the border from Ave Maria Mission in South Sudan into the Central African Republic, following the only road linking both countries. Our Fr. Joseph Githinji, MCSPA, was the last priest they had seen in Bambuti town before he was forced to leave South Sudan in 2018. Frs. Avelino and Albert had been seven years waiting to visit these Christians, since the Spanish Comboni Bishop  from Bangassou, Msgr. Juan José Aguirre, had requested them to do so because his diocese was not able to reach out pastorally to these communities. They had been under Islamic fundamentalist militias which had flooded in from Niger and Chad. These armed groups committed many massacres and terrorised the population on both sides of the border, until our local militias, called the “Arrow Boys” flushed them out last May, after weeks of heavy fighting.

The Zande ethnic group is spread through three neighbouring countries, namely South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic. Whenever they experience conflict in one country, they migrate to the neighbouring country … and vice versa.

When many of our Christians from St. Thomas and Ave Maria parishes saw the priest and some apprentices heading for the border post yesterday, they followed us on motorbikes, bicycles and on foot. Dozens of them had never been in Bambuti before. After an incredibly difficult 7 km stretch of road and several falls, we passed the new barracks of the UN Rwandan Peace contingent and reached the small chapel compound, surrounded by hundreds of faithful. The new woman Sub-Prefect of Bambuti, Madame Kumba, ushered us in, in perfect French. The Member of Parliament, Monsieur Bernard, who had just landed there in a helicopter from the capital Bangui, welcomed us and assured the people that free movement between the two countries will be guaranteed by the security forces from now on.

The atmosphere of joy and reconciliation was palpable through the singing in Sangu (local dialect), the xylophones and drums. Many years of fears and suffering seemed to have been put behind. Many people came for the sacrament of Reconciliation, and the celebration of the Eucharist was very well-participated and faith-filled! In November the local authorities promised that the road will be levelled, and a new opportunity for peace and development will once again flourish in this region.

Thanks be to God, to the Catechists and the Christians of Bambuti for the perseverance in their faith despite incredible difficulties and challenges!

by MCSPA missionaries at
Ave Maria Mission