The joy and happiness on the faces of the members and apprentices of the Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle, as well as the people present, were evident. The entrance hymn, ”Chaka! Chaka! Lero kuli chaka,” meaning “Rejoice! Rejoice! Today is a big day,” sang of joy as the procession of the Mass began.

On this evening of July 30, the MCSPA expanded its footprint by opening its first Formation House for Philosophy, St. Augustine’s Philosophate, at Balaka, in Mangochi Diocese, Malawi. This milestone marks the continued growth of the MCSPA. The President of the MCSPA, Scholastica Wamalwa, along with other members, were present to witness this celebration.

The inauguration began in the late afternoon with Mass led by Rt. Rev. Montfort Sitima, Bishop of Mangochi Diocese. The Bishop blessed the church and the compound, and priests and seminarians from all six congregations enlivened the celebration by participating in the choir and the inauguration.

In his homily, Bishop Montfort drew an analogy from the potter’s house in the Book of Jeremiah, emphasising the importance of moulding lives with care and intention. This blessing marked more than a new building; it marked a place of genuine human formation.

We pray that everyone who enters this house will leave moulded and formed, stronger and ready to serve as missionaries in the charism of the MCSPA.

Scholastica Wamalwa thanked Bishop Montfort for welcoming the MCSPA in Balaka and the Society of Montfort Missionaries for welcoming our first seminarians. She also recognised the efforts of Frs. Manuel Hernandez and Fernando Aguirre in sourcing funding and building the buildings of St. Augustine’s Philosophate.

By Louis Mkweza, Benedict Maina & Laurent Tsamba

Apprentices of the MCSPA

Balaka [Malawi]

As the Universal Church celebrates the lives of Sts. Joachim and Anne, the beloved grandparents of Jesus and parents of the Virgin Mary, Kibish Parish burst into a double celebration woven with laughter, song and grace. The parish rejoiced not only in honoring its patron saints, but also in marking its 8th anniversary of existence, taking root in the desert.

The Christians were radiant. Clad in vibrant traditional Turkana attire, wazees, mamas, youth and children filled the church as early as 9:30 a.m., their voices rising in beautiful hymns that made the walls reverberate. The Holy Mass was presided over by Fr. Andrew Yakulula, MCSPA, accompanied by apprentices of the MCSPA and visitors from Spain and Kenya.

Indeed, the spirit of Joachim and Anne hovered over the day. Joy overflowed in every ululation and every step of the dance. To behold those smiling faces was the most sacred moment of all – a reminder that when we gather to pray and sing for God, peace overflows and the heavens open to shower blessings.

After being nourished by the Blessed Sacrament, the entire congregation was invited to share lunch in the parish compound. As abundant food was served, songs of joy still poured from the lips of the mamas.

Finally, under the cool shade of the neem tree, the wazees sat with Fr. Andrew. With grateful hearts, they appreciated the work the parish is doing in Kibish and pledged their unwavering support for all its activities. In that quiet, profound moment, we felt our Founder, Paco, was truly with us.

Lastly, we would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to all those who have worked in Kibish Parish, for the joy of this day is the fruit of your tireless labour.

May God continue to grant us wisdom through the intercession of Sts. Joachim and Anne.

By Paul Tobias
MCSPA Apprentice
Lobur Mission [Kenya]

The feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, the beloved grandparents of Jesus, was celebrated 2 days early at Nariokotome Mission. Both these saints are patrons of the elderly, whose lives in our midst continue to remind us of the beauty of family, faith and the lasting example of loving and devoted parents.

The celebration began with Holy Mass which was presided over by Fr. Antonio Aguirre, MCSPA, assisted by Deacon Joachim Basil. The mass was beautifully animated by all MCSPA members present and also by our beloved elderly from around. Their enthusiastic participation was a touching reminder that faith has no age limit. Their prayers, joyful singing and heartfelt responses echoed the wisdom, resilience and love that they impart.

In the homily Fr. Antonio reminded us that the parents of the Virgin Mary conceived their child very late in life when they thought they would die childless. Both Sts. Joachim and Anne knew that Mary was conceived miraculously, as a result of many prayers, but they certainly had no idea what God’s plans would be for their daughter.

After mass, we all made our way to the St. Martin de Porres Bakery grounds at Nariokotome, where the festivities continued with music and dance, food and a huge cake.

And then the dancing began … If anyone thought that age slows people down, our grandmothers and grandfathers here were determined to prove them wrong. The moment the music started and especially when the cake was being cut, they danced with such passion. The enthusiasm of the elderly reminded us all that a joyful heart never grows old.

As a beautiful sign of our love and appreciation, each one of them received a blanket and a small gift bag generously facilitated by the Embassy of Spain in Kenya. Our appreciation also goes to Cantabria Labs for their continuous support which has benefited 300 elderly persons every year.

The day’s celebration was a wonderful reminder that growing old is indeed a blessing, and that joy, faith and love only become richer with the passing of the years.

May Sts. Joachim and Anne continue to intercede for all our elderly, blessing them with good health, peace, strength and abundant joy. May we never cease to honor, cherish and care for those who have walked before us and lovingly paved the way for future generations.

By Mercy Kawira
MCSPA Junior Apprentice
Nariokotome Mission [Kenya]

All 123 of our KG3 students (Kindergarten) at Muketuri set an unforgettable example recently. They seized the opportunity of the school closing day to give a powerful presentation to all present: a play that recounted the story of a blind child who was not accepted at school because of his disability.

This moving presentation by 6-year olds, sent a message to the adults: every child, regardless of ability or disability, has the right to go to school, receive an education and fulfil his or her dream. The message that every child deserves love, respect and equal opportunity sank in!

This would have been difficult to imagine a few years ago in the Muketuri area where children with special needs were usually confined in their homes.

Today, we are happy to see a great change. Children with special needs are now increasingly accepted as part of the community. Families are bringing them to school where they learn alongside other children, and they are being seen not for their disabilities rather for their abilities and dignity.

This is a beautiful sign of hope and an important step towards a more inclusive society where every child is valued and given the chance to reach his or her full potential.

Tigist Mekonnen

MCSPA Apprentice

Muketuri Mission [Ethiopia]

“You are here today not because you are perfect, but because in your imperfections, God has found you, called you, and chosen you.” This was the core of the message by Bishop John Mbinda at the ordination mass at St. Paul the Apostle Church at Nariokotome Mission, Diocese of Lodwar, Kenya.

On July 10th, The Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle and Mary, Mother of the Church (MCSPA) witnessed the ordination to the priesthood of their sons: Timothy Kaburu, Stephen Iyerio, Zackayo Sakwa, Cosmus Onyango and Micheal Mwangi. Together with them, Vitalis Nyongesa, of the Diocese of Lismore, Australia, was also ordained at St. Paul the Apostle Church, Nariokotome Mission.

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Bishop John Mbinda, CSSp, Bishop of Lodwar, together with Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of Tombura-Yambio Diocese of South Sudan. Present were also all MCSPA priests, as well as diocesan and visiting clergy.

In his homily, Bishop John reminded the elect for ordination that priesthood is not about recognition or applause, but about humble service. Reflecting on the Gospel, he encouraged them to be priests who walk closely with God’s people, both in their good moments and in their struggles, following Christ, “who went about doing good.” He concluded with six guiding counsels to the newly ordained: To remain faithful in prayer, live with humility, stay close to the people, love your brother priests, be obedient to your bishop and superiors, and to always keep the Eucharist at the centre of their priesthood.

On behalf of the all the newly ordained, Fr. Timothy expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who had nurtured their vocation and accompanied them through their years of formation. The President of the MCSPA, Scholastica Walwama, thanked all those who generously contributed to the success of the celebration. Bishop Eduardo also expressed his gratitude for the invitation and rejoiced in receiving one of the newly ordained priests to serve in his Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, highlighting the growing bond between the dioceses of Lodwar and Tombura-Yambio.

As these six new priests begin their priestly ministry in Todonyang Mission (Turkana, Kenya), Nyangatom Mission (Ethiopia), Benga Mission (Malawi), Ave Maria Mission (South Sudan), and Solor (Indonesia), we entrust them to the Good Shepherd. May they be faithful shepherds of the people, bringing His love and hope to all that they serve.

“The priesthood is not about being celebrated; it is about becoming a gift for others.”

St. Paul, pray for us!
Mary Mother of the Church, pray for us!
St Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, pray for us!

By Joel Jeremiah and Innocent Phiri
MCSPA Apprentices

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]

It was a happy occasion when all parishioners of Benga came together on the Monday after Pentecost to celebrate the feast of their parish: Mary, Mother of the Church. It was a time when Christians from different places shook hands and strengthened their unity and friendship.

The celebrations started with Holy Mass in the morning, presided over by the Auxiliary Bishop of Lilongwe, Rt. Rev. Vincent Makhwawa. Dressed at their best, the women and men showed their preparedness and joy for this special day.

This year’s feast at Benga Parish was not only a celebration, but also a sign of the growth of the Church. Rt. Rev. Makhwawa administered the Sacrament of Confirmation on 155 faithful who came from different outstations of the parish. In his homily, the bishop preached on faith and the importance of Mary as the Mother of the Church.

The day ended with the sharing of food and drinks, and photo taking sessions with the Bishop. This brought joy and smiles to many people. The Bishop will continue to stay with us at Benga Parish for some days to share more about life and the growth of the Church.

By Louis Mkweza

Junior Apprentice of the MCSPA

Benga Mission [Malawi]

The memorial of St. Joseph the Worker which falls on 1st May brought together all Ave Maria mission employees, watchmen, cooks, teachers and health workers for a day centered on reflection, growth and celebration during the annual World Labour Day celebrations.

The day began with a workshop on finance, focusing on key practical insights, managing small income with discipline, saving consistently for future needs, and practical ways to manage their hard earned income.

This was followed by Holy Mass, presided over by Fr. Albert Salvans (MCSPA), grounding the gathering in faith and emphasizing the dignity of work, inspired by the life of St. Joseph.

After the spiritual reflection, the atmosphere shifted into celebration mode. All workers were treated to a meal. Thereafter came the exhibitions from the trainees of St. Joseph the Worker Vocational Training Centre showcasing creativity and small initiatives by the workers. Then there were presentations, dances and performances from the different mission departments which brought together energy, unity and joy.

Celebrating this day together highlighted the strength found in unity and shared purpose. Beyond the activities, it was a reminder that work, when embraced with responsibility and faith, becomes more meaningful. In coming together, the workers not only marked a feast day but also strengthened the sense of community that sustains their daily efforts, reflecting the quiet example of St. Joseph.

Benjamin Maketa,
Junior Apprentice
Ave Maria Mission (South Sudan)