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)

We are delighted to have had our pre-primary and lower primary teachers from all MCSPA schools in Turkana (at Nariokotome, Kokuselei, Todonyang and Lobur missions) with us. Our two-day training on foundational learning held at Lodwar inspires us to continue working together for the benefit and educational quality of the youngest children at our missions in Turkana.

by Diana Trompetero, MCSPA
Kokuselei Mission [Kenya]

This Wednesday, Fr. David and Mateo from The Prince of Peace mission at Nyangatom, Ethiopia, visited Betanzos, accompanied by Popy (a volunteer for over 13 years), at her workplace: Fundación Hospitalarias Betanzos.

Fundación Hospitalarias Betanzos serves more than 160 people with intellectual disabilities, working for and toward the holistic health of each one of them, providing person-centered therapeutic care that prioritizes wellness and professionalism.

Before their arrival, the participants in the occupational workshops watched some videos about Nyangatom and reflected on them so that, when Mateo and David arrived, they could share their thoughts and concerns.

At the end of the visit and the conversations, as we do every Wednesday, we held a Mass presided by Fr. David, during which we kept in mind above all that, whether from Nyangatom or Betanzos, every life matters, and we must approach each one with love and peace.

Popy García

Friend and Collaborator of the MCSPA

Coming home after a long journey and realizing that something inside you has changed forever. That is exactly what has happened to the two of us.

We arrived in Kenya with doubts, expectations and many questions about what we would find and what we would take away from this adventure. Today we know that there are not enough words to describe everything we have lived, felt and learned during these days.

We spent ten days at Lobur Mission of the Missionary Community of Saint Paul the Apostle (MCSPA), where we had the opportunity to closely experience the projects that sustain the community: nurseries and child nutrition programs, a primary school, healthcare through the clinic and mobile clinic, the construction of water wells and dams, and a school for training young farmers, supporting them so that they may apply at their homes all that they have learned and generate resources for both self-consumption and trade.

However, what has left the deepest mark on us was not only the projects but the people. Being able to live alongside the local community, connect with their culture, their way of life, and listen to their stories has been profoundly transformative. During these days, we shared moments that will stay with us forever: from helping to donate shoes to children, attending lively local masses and baptisms, to assisting at the mobile clinic while nurses cared for pregnant women and vaccinated children.

We want to sincerely thank everyone who accompanied us and made this experience so special, especially Deacon Micheal and Fr. Andrew both members of MCSPA. We realise that this is much more than a community – it is a family, a chosen family, and it was a true gift to be a part of it, even if only for a few days.

We return from Africa more humble, with full hearts and, above all, with a renewed way of seeing the world. Sometimes we go on with our lives without stopping to think that all of this is real, that there are people living realities we could never imagine and who need our help. This journey was a necessary pause, a soul-shaking experience that opened our eyes.

It has been a deeply human, transformative and magical experience.

by Toni & Silvia
Barcelona [Spain]

The 51 staff members of St. Joseph’s Mother and Child Centre (MCC) at Muketuri participated in a training on Child Safeguarding which was facilitated by representatives from the Catholic Archdiocese of Addis Ababa. The training focused on building awareness and strenghthening the responsibility of all workers in protecting children.

The workshop began with the definition of a “child”: any person from birth to 18 years. This was followed by an explanation of the different stages of a child’s development and the importance of responding to children according to their age and needs.

The facilitators stressed that it is the role and responsibility of staff handling and caring for children to do so in a respectful and appropriate manner. They also shared on how to interact with children in ensuring their safety.

In addition, the participants were told the procedures to follow when a safeguarding concern arises, including who to report to and the steps to be taken to ensure appropriate and sufficient action is taken. The staff members were also encouraged to be vigilant and responsible in protecting every child.

Participants were later divided into groups to share their understanding and work experience, creating an open space for discussion and opportunities for learning from one another. All staff appreciated the workshop and expressed their committment  to being more aware, responsible and active in promoting child protection at the Centre and in the wider community.

by Esther Kerubo MCSPA

Muketuri Mission [Ethiopia]

Ángeles Leal’s story is a beautiful testament to hope and perseverance. Members of the MCSPA first met her in Jardines de San Juan Ajusco, an informal settlement on the outskirts of Mexico City, in 2001. When the MCSPA built the San José Mother and Child Centre, they invited women from the neighbourhood who could look after the children in the three pre-primary classrooms. At that time, Ángeles was the mother of one of the children attending the Centre; she was a housewife. She was asked to take charge of one of the classrooms, and along with four other women from the neighbourhood, she was given the opportunity to train as a nursery school teacher. Through her interactions, the camaraderie and the work she carried out alongside the members of the MCSPA, a desire to better herself and help others was awakened in her heart. Her husband and children were part of that dream, which brought them closer together as a family.

Over the years, through hard work, dedication and, as she puts it, ‘what the members of the MCSPA passed on to her’, Ángeles set up a community centre in the neighbourhood, where she cared for and educated pre-school children, whilst also providing learning opportunities for adults. A few years later, she set up a civil association and obtained a degree in Education.

Today, 25 years on, Ángeles continues to sow hope. Every fortnight she travels to Paraíso, a settlement 23 kilometres from Jardines de San Juan Ajusco; due to transport difficulties, it takes her three hours to get there. After a long time, Ángeles has once again answered the call from members of the MCSPA to share her testimony and encourage other women in another community facing severe social hardship.

With simplicity and warmth, she shares her stories and struggles, reminding them that they too can dream, study, grow and build a more dignified life for themselves and their families.

It is deeply moving to see how, over time, the seeds sown with faith, love and effort have grown into strong and fruitful roots that, even after 25 years, continue to bear fruit. Stories like Ángeles’ remind us that every small step and every mustard seed, as the Gospel tells us, can transform lives.

by Rosa Murillo, MCSPA

Andode Mission [Ethiopia]