On 14 January, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Paderborn (Germany), Most Rev. Matthias König, together with a group of five others, visited our mission at Muketuri, Ethiopia. The visit was a grace-filled encounter that has strengthened faith, hope and missionary commitment. Bishop Matthias’ visit was a great encouragement to both the members of MCSPA and the community whom we serve.

Bishop Matthias visited the St. Joseph Child and Mother Centre with its teachers, cooks, and workers together with the 400 kindergarten students. The students sang songs of welcome and proudly showed the visitors their handiwork. The group also met mothers and their underweight babies enrolled in the program, and they spent time in the Special Education classroom, listening attentively to the stories of the baby-sitters and 15 children living with disabilities. The words of comfort from the visitors were much appreciated.

Bishop Matthias expressed deep gratitude for the missionaries’ dedicated service to the most vulnerable and for the compassion shown in their daily outreach of serving others.

At the Eucharistic celebration, Bishop Matthias also encouraged the MCSPA members to live with missionary zeal and prayed for the people of the area. After the Mass, which was celebrated at the Holy Family Ecumenical Chapel, Bishop Matthias blessed the special-needs children one by one. It was a very meaningful moment of sharing in the suffering of special-needs persons and their families, often deeply marginalised in society.

The visitors also visited one of the community dining rooms in a village called Jebene, 23 km far from Muketuri where they saw people fetching clean water from the taps of a drilled well, the community vegetable garden and the dining room, where daily efforts to provide nourishment and care to 60 children were evident.

The visit concluded with lunch at the MCSPA house at Muketuri – “Bete Mariam” or House of Mary. We were all filled with renewed inspiration and gratitude. The visit reminded us of the call to serve with love, unity and perseverance in mission and reinforced the long commitment between the Archdiocese of Paderborn and the MCSPA.

Esther Kerubo

Muketuri Mission

[Ethiopia]

For more than 35 years, the Mission of Nariokotome has served the people of Turkana through essential projects such as drilling boreholes, digging dams, building schools and health centers, and supporting women’s empowerment programs. These efforts have been vital in responding to the daily challenges of life in a remote and difficult region.

Beyond these fundamental efforts, something quieter and perhaps less visible is taking place next to the mechanic workshop at Nariokotome: a carpentry workshop where furniture for churches, homes, and mission projects is made. What makes this workshop unique is its focus on wood carving. Here, craftsmanship goes beyond function and becomes an expression of care and creativity.

Two local men from Turkana were trained by an experienced wood-carver from Tanzania. Under his guidance, they developed their skills and now create beautifully-carved doors for churches and chapels, finely crafted benches, and pieces commissioned by the diocese.

This work reflects the vision of Fr. Paco, the founder of the community, who often said that building a dam with love is different from building one without love. The same is true for a door or a table. Carving is not just about producing an object, but about infusing it with intention, patience and care.

Missionary life in remote areas is often focussed on survival and utility. When art finds its place, it is a sign that the mission is thriving and making room for aesthetics. At the Nariokotome carpentry workshop, love is carved into every piece of work. And through this beauty, hearts are lifted and drawn closer to God.

Amanda Falgas

MCSPA Apprentice

Mizan Teferi [Ethiopia]

On December 26, we traveled 75 km from Naturomoe mission in Southern Ethiopia to Lotimor, a remote village in South Sudan at the foothills of Mount Naita.

We camped on the grounds of the old mission founded by the Saint Patrick’s Missionary Society, which now lies in ruins 25 years after the missionaries were forced to leave the place.

We stayed there for three days. It was an opportunity to speak about the importance of Christian unity across different denominations, as well as unity between the Toposa and Nyangatom, the ethnic groups that coexist in the area.

Jacob, a South Sudanese catechist, who – along with a few others – keeps the flame of the Catholic faith alive in this remote place, presented us with a list of people ready to receive the sacrament of baptism, and another list of 23 catechumens still under preparation.

On Sunday, December 28, sheltered by the ruins of the old mission, we baptized 182 persons. It was a day of celebration and color, where everyone danced and sang.

These visits overwhelm our hearts. Living alongside people who, despite being so isolated, remain faithful to the faith received from the missionaries, is an opportunity to witness a miracle from the front row. There, it becomes clear that God walks with them; He is the one who feeds and sustains them – otherwise, what is experienced there would be impossible to understand.

By Blanca Beltran, MCSPA

Muketurri Mission

[Ethiopia]

“Hello, what is your name?”

“Maria”

A grin from ear to ear: “Just like the one we are celebrating today!”

This was my welcoming greeting in Kangatem, a refugee camp for the Murle tribe of South Sudan – December 25, 2025.

It is Christmas! Joy is in the air: drums are beating, children are vibrating with excitement, women are dancing, and men are singing. The sun is scorching, and the vivid colors of the fabrics—and of the bodies scarred by war—tell stories through their gazes…

Years have passed since the last time they were able to celebrate Christmas. Threatened by bloody riots first in South Sudan and then in Gambela (Ethiopia), they “lived” trapped, hidden, and paralyzed by fear in the camp established by the government in Gambela.

In the midst of such darkness, the flame of their faith shone brightly; it grew every day as they prayed to God to liberate their people.

Until, as they tell it, He answered!

He led them to a safe area in the Omo Valley, 70 km from our Prince of Peace mission in Nyangatom.

Ángel celebrated the Christmas Mass and shared with us that the light of the Baby Jesus—who became flesh to share in our pain—would always be with us in our hearts. He reminded us that whenever we feel alone, lost, or afraid, we should look for that light.

The love and respect with which they took Communion is beyond words.

We sang, we gave thanks, we prayed, we smiled, and we shared bread and goat meat. Peace, faith, and ecumenism were the themes of the day during our conversations with the elders. It was a dialogue of hope that brings this year of pilgrimage to a triumphant close.

As long as there is a heart thirsty for peace, there will be hope—and that day in Kangatem, more than 2,000 hearts were beating in flames.

Maria Vidal-Aragon

MCSPA Junior Apprentice

Mizan Teferi [Ethiopia]

Today, at Ave Maria Catholic Mission in South Sudan, love truly filled the air as the Church celebrated the Feast of the Holy Family in a deeply moving and life-giving way. The Family Life Group, in Ave Maria and St Thomas parishes concluded a two-day workshop under the theme: “Marriage: God’s Design for Love, Friendship and Life.”

It was not simply a workshop, it was a pilgrimage of hearts. Over the two days, couples were gently led back to the heart of Christian marriage, as taught by the Catholic Church. Marriage is a sacrament, a covenant and a vocation rooted in God’s own faithful love. Through rich teachings, couples reflected on marriage as a journey of companionship, sacrifice, forgiveness and shared mission. Special emphasis was placed on rekindling love, nurturing friendship between spouses and rediscovering joy even after years of shared struggles.

One of the most touching moments was listening to couples share their love stories: simple, honest, and deeply African in spirit. Stories of long walks, patient waiting, family negotiations, prayers under the stars, and love tested by hardship reminded everyone that true love grows not in haste, but in commitment.

Recognising that love also carries wounds, the workshop courageously addressed trauma healing and mental health, affirming the Church’s teaching that caring for the soul includes caring for the mind and emotions. Couples were encouraged to heal together, to speak, to listen and to walk the journey of restoration, hand in hand.

The climax of the celebration was nothing short of sacred and joyful. One couple received the Sacrament of Matrimony, sealing their love before God and the community. Ten couples celebrated their Silver Jubilee, giving thanks for 25 years of faithfulness, perseverance, and grace. Thirty four couples renewed their marriage promises, standing once again before God to say “Yes”, not because life was perfect, but because love had endured.

Today at Ave Maria Catholic Mission, the Church did not only speak about marriage, it celebrated it, healed it and renewed it. Love was in the air, faith was in action, and God’s design for family life shone brightly among His people.

By Ben Maketa

MCSPA Apprentice

Ave Maria Mission [South Sudan]

Much was prepared for Christmas Day, both spiritually and materially, with decorations, choir, food and dance activities. It was a great gathering of parishioners from different outstations for a warm and communal celebration of Christmas.

When the clock struck 7:00 pm, the celebration of Mass began. The Mass was presided over by Fr. Steven Ochieng, assisted by Fr. Fernando Aguirre as con-celebrant and Deacon Dominic as the serving deacon. The joy of the night swelled with the welcoming of catechumens who received their First Holy Communion and Baptism. This signified the growth of the Church and the living witness of the Gospel.

Christmas is not only about having the best dishes or dancing to sweet melodies; it is about remembering the birthday of Jesus Christ, who was born for us. As the Deacon emphasised in his homily, the meaning of Christmas lies in the very heart of our faith in the mystery of the Incarnation, God-made-flesh dwelt among us. It is a time to renew our love for one another, to forgive, and to share with the poor and needy, just as Christ shared His love with the world.

Mass concluded with the Christmas dance, a beautiful chaos of devotion and order as parishioners expressed their joy before the altar.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

By Louis Mkweza

MCSPA Apprentice,

Benga Mission [Malawi]

Furrows in the Desert (FID) held its 23rd graduation ceremony on 11 December 2025 at the FID Training Centre Hall, marking another important milestone in strengthening agricultural skills and food security in North Turkana.

The event was well attended by the Lobur community, demonstrating strong local support and ownership of the programme. Distinguished guests included Sister Joy, the Guest of Honour, and Father Joseph, Parish Priest and MCSPA representative, alongside community members.

During the ceremony, FID management congratulated the graduates for their dedication and encouraged them to apply the skills acquired to improve food production, household income, and nutrition within their communities. Appreciation was also extended to all donors and benefactors, with special recognition given to MCSPA for its continued support.

All trainees were awarded certificates of completion, and the community presented gifts to the graduates in celebration of their achievements.

FID reaffirmed its commitment to empowering local farmers, strengthening food security, and transforming livelihoods across North Turkana through sustainable agricultural development.

By Maque Falgas

MCSPA Secular Branch

Lobur Mission [Kenya]

This past Sunday, the parish of Sts. Joachim and Anne, Kibish (Turkana, Kenya), celebrated the commissioning of 13 members into the Catholic Women’s Association (CWA). The celebration took place at St. John the Evangelist Mission, one of the outstations of the parish. It was a colourful ceremony where the newly incorporated women were encouraged to live intensely and joyfully their vocation as Catholic women.

By Fr. Andrew Yakulula MCSPA

Lobur Mission, KENYA

A day of spirit and surrender, where faith met fire and history found its echo in four humble hearts. Something sacred stirred in Our Lady of Pentecost Parish of Loyola Heights, Quezon City (Philippines) on the morning of October 25.

The community gathered in the Church rejoiced as 4 members of the Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle (MCSPA) – Timothy Kaburu, Zackayo Sakwa, Cosmus Onyango and Micheal Mwangi – were conferred the order of diaconate by the Archbishop Emeritus of Jaro, Most Rev. Jose Romeo O. Lazo DD.

It has been about 2 decades since the MCSPA had seen 4 men being ordained together, and the occasion felt more like a revival of spirit. From the first chords of the entrance hymn, the parish came alive. Members of the MCSPA and family and friends leaned forward with pride, the young looked on in quiet admiration. When the 4 stepped forth, dressed in white, something about the moment said promise. Their faces were steady, but their hearts … you could feel it, were burning! At that moment, it was clear: vocation is not about prestige, but surrender.

Archbishop Lazo, in his gentle yet firm voice, opened his homily by saying that this ordination of MCSPA members reminds us that the Church is missionary. The diaconate is born of love in order to serve. These words came across not as lofty rhetoric, rather as a lived truth. Service – the Archbishop reminded the deacons-to-be and everyone in the beautiful Church – begins not at the altar but in the heart: in listening, lifting up and loving the people whom God places in our path.

Most Rev. Marvyn Abrea Maceda, Bishop of San Jose de Antique Diocese also concelebrated at the ordination mass together with the Parish Priest, Fr. Herbie Santos, and a number of priests from MCSPA and guest priests as well.

The whole liturgy and mass was solemn and beautifully celebrated.

After the final blessing, the celebration continued in the parish hall. Laughter replaced the solemn chants, and old friends clasped hands as if to say, we were part of something holy today. Photographs were taken, stories shared, food passed around … nothing extravagant, just the warmth of communion, the taste of shared joy.

This ordination was more than an event: it was a reminder that God still writes His story in human hearts. In our 4 brothers, the church glimpsed her own renewal: a spark of hope in a world that so often forgets the beauty of service. Testimonies during the reception also lightened the day. It became apparent how despite the humble beginnings, immense efforts were made by the priests and seminarians of the MCSPA in its different apostolates and outreach in the poorer neighborhoods of the parish and in building bridges between the Philippine and African churches. It was heartwarming to learn of God’s grace acting throughout the 13 years of the MCSPA’s presence in the Philippines.

As the event came to a close, the words of St. Teresa of Kolkata came to mind: “At the end of life, we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, or how many great things we have done, but by how much love we put into the doing”.

To Timothy, Zackayo, Cosmus and Micheal: congratulations! May you savour the joy of service!

by Benjamin Musyoka,
Junior Apprentice of the MCSPA

How often do we pass by the broken, the restless, the ones who seem out of place, and convince ourselves that they are “not our problem”? And yet, in the Gospel, Christ reminds us that what we do for the least among us, we do for Him. This is no mere comfortable truth … it is a wake-up call­­­.

Our parish in the Diocese of Tombura-Yambio in South Sudan, Ave-Maria Parish, was confronted with this reality when a woman, appeared not speaking any English or paZande (the local language of the area), but only French. She carried the weight of mental instability … thus she walked through our doors. Beside her was her little boy, silent and watchful, totally dependent on the woman who seemed so lost herself. She had no documents on her, no place to go to, only the hope that someone, somewhere would take her in. We sensed that this was her story before she made her way to the parish.

What seemed like madness to many soon unfolded into a story of faith, patience and reunion – a testimony that no soul is ever truly lost when love chooses to search. She wandered into our church not just seeking shelter, but unknowingly asking a question that God often places before us: will you welcome me?

The mystery of her struggle was evident. Many whispered, others wondered, some even began flinging things at her claiming she was a devil! She dirtied the church on numerous occasions, attacking people even. Yet even in her distress, we saw something sacred: a cry for belonging, a reminder that every soul, no matter how broken­, remains precious in God’s sight.

Instead of closing the doors, the mission opened them wider. She received food, clothing, bedding, blankets and refuge on the premises of the parish church. She actually did not want to leave the church, as she claimed having seen an image of Mary similar to the one from her home parish, and she was convinced that Mary would soon come take her home.

It became clear though that compassion had to take us further. Temporary care was not enough. With the help of our teachers from Cameroon, we discovered that she was also from there and not from Central African Republic (CAR), as we initially thought. It became clear then that this woman had been on the move for quite some time. Our Cameroonian teachers then began a social media awakening by posting her photo on all platforms they could could get their fingers on. Through these efforts, piece by piece, her story was uncovered. The invisible threads finally connected back to her home. Her family got to know of her whereabouts. The woman had been lost for four whole years!!!

With this, the mission organized a motorbike, and a “laissez passer” as she had no travel documents on her, to take her to Obo where she was received by Fr Francis, the Parish Priest of Obo in CAR. Her older brother arranged to go pick her up at Bangui, the capital of CAR, and they proceeded to Cameroon together. What began as a wandering journey marked by fear and uncertainty, ended in belonging, safety, and love.

Her son, once a quiet shadow, now had a home. She, once seen as “mad” was restored to her dignity as a mother, a sister, and a daughter. Humanly speaking, her case seemed impossible. No documents, no clear trace of family, no hope of re-integration. But through patience and prayer, the mission managed to trace her roots. The day of her reunion was nothing short of miraculous.

This was not just her miracle. It was ours too. Because through her, God asked us: Do you believe that love can restore the broken? Do you trust that no one is too lost to be found? Her journey is proof that miracles are not far removed from us. They unfold when faith meets compassion. It asks each of us: Where do I draw the line of my compassion? Who do I choose to see, and who do I ignore? When do we choose to open doors instead of closing them? When do we dare to believe that God still works wonders through ordinary people and in mundane places?

From wandering to belonging – this woman’s story is more than an ending; it is a call. It calls us to wake up, to see Christ in the most unexpected faces, to believe again in a God who reunites, restores, and redeems. Sometimes, the greatest miracle is not fire from heaven, but a lost woman and her child finding their way home. Her testimony reminds us that the church is not first a building of stone, but a refuge of hearts. It is where the lost find home, where mercy becomes flesh, where faith is proven not in words but in deeds.

by Benjamin Maketa,

MCSPA Junior Apprentice

Ave Maria Mission, South Sudan