Some say that adolescence is an invention of the Western world since the term was first introduced in 1904 by the American psychologist and educator G. Stanley Hall, who attributes specific biological and psychological characteristics to people between the ages of 14 to 24. Later, Sigmund Freud reinforced this new age segment. According to UNICEF, “adolescence is a stage with value and richness in itself, a challenging stage of many changes and questions for adolescents themselves, but also for their parents and other adults that are close to them”.

In many countries of the world, especially in Africa, it seems that this stage does not exist: one passes directly from childhood to adulthood through many rites and rituals. In our case, after seven years working in the neighborhood of El Paraíso in the Diocese of Xochimilco, we have come across this reality: that the children who used to come to our programs, stop coming because they are no longer children, but they are not adults either, many changes in a short period of time. So, we decided to accompany them in this interesting and decisive process in human development, not only physical and sexual but also psychological, “vocational, moral and of the self”.

This year, with the help of Ana Nájera, a specialist in Emotional Education and Mindfulness, workshops are being carried out for young people between 11 and 15 years of age in El Paraíso to help them make decisions, live a fullfilling life and give them tools to prevent risks such as dropping out of school, unwanted pregnancy, drug addiction, etc.

It has been months of learning and sharing and we firmly believe that it has been the beginning of the creation of a safe space for the development of positive bonds among themselves and with their parents. In this way, we can continue to work together to improve their lives and that of the community of El Paraíso.

By Luz María Mejía, MCSPA
El Paraiso, Mexico

For the second consecutive year, we conducted the Tamaisan summer camp at Lobur Mission. We welcomed boys and girls from the schools of the four MCSPA missions in Turkana. Unfortunately, we could not include children from Nyangatom because of the swollen river which made its crossing dangerous.

From Spain, we were joined by a group of 13 monitors who worked tirelessly for three weeks. The first week was dedicated to the preparation of the camp, setting up the space and organising materials, while the following two weeks were devoted to the camp activities.

During the camp, the children were divided into six teams, each with approximately 18 participants, supervised by two Spanish monitors and a young Turkana. Additionally, we had a team of cooks, as the food logistics were extensive, providing three meals a day. We also had the support of two security officers.
Throughout the year, we meticulously worked on planning every detail of the camp. This year, the camp was structured into two thematic weeks: the first dedicated to values and the second to different cultures. To explore these themes, various activities were organised, including sports, crafts, informational sessions, and dances. We also dedicated a special day to peace, one of the main topics addressed throughout the camp.

It has been a very meaningful experience for all the children who participated. Our goal is to foster an environment of unity and peace to promote a culture of peace that contributes to the transformation of the region.

By Maque Falgas, MCSPA Secular Branch

A few days ago we enjoyed the annual meeting with the volunteer mothers who make possible the running of the 11 mother-child centres of Kokuselei Mission in Turkana.

Together with the team of child care agents, the MCSPA missionaries organised this training and integration meeting that boosts their child nutrition programme thanks to which, every year, more than 850 children under 6 years of age can eat twice a day. This is an important support that their parents are grateful for, as the difficult living conditions in their communities (aggravated by long droughts) do not allow them to guarantee what they need in their homes.

The meeting allowed them to share experiences, learn about child care and think together about promoting participation in each community, where they are an example of commitment and responsibility.

The joy of all these women, expressed with dances and beautiful songs during the meeting, shows their generosity and expresses our enormous gratitude to all those who make it possible that every day, hundreds of children can eat, grow up healthy and smile in this beautiful place in Africa.

By Diana Trompetero MCSPA
Kokuselei Mission (Kenya)

On 27 July, the feast day of Sts. Joaquim and Anne, we at Benga Mission in Malawi celebrated a special anniversary: the founding of our Centre for the Elderly.

The occasion was marked by a joyful gathering of the elderly residents of Benga and the surrounding outstations, together with the MCSPA apprentices. The celebration began with Holy Mass presided by Fr. Manuel Hernandez; Deacon Louis Kampala from the Archdiocese of Lilongwe delivered a thought-provoking homily. Deacon Louis also highlighted an aspect of the MCSPA vocation: assisting the elderly.

After Mass, the seniors took center-stage by showing their talent through a delightful drama performance and songs of appreciation for all that they have received. The day culminated in a festive lunch together when stories were shared, memories made and community bonds strengthened.

The day’s celebration was a testament to the importance of honoring and supporting our elderly in our midst.

By Agostinho Barros de Deus
Senior Apprentice,
Benga (Malawi)

Three years ago, some members of a school in Madrid, Escuela Ideo, visited Turkana. We had the opportunity to show them our missions and schools, and from there, we began to explore forms of collaboration on how to share methodologies based on Kenya’s new curriculum. This year, we started an online pilot program focused on teacher collaboration to implement these new methods and adapt them to the reality of Turkana. This July it culminated with the visit of eight of their teachers to the four educational centers of the MCSPA in Turkana (Kenya) and one at Nyangatom (Ethiopia).

It has been truly enriching for both parties, as there has been a lot of interaction – despite the short few days – which has helped us to focus and see the reality of each center. The eight members of Escuela Ideo departed happy and motivated to continue seeking synergies to support us in our educational project.

By Maque Falgas
MCSPA Secular Branch Member
Lobur Mission (Kenya)

Every year, members and apprentice together with members of the Secular Branch of the Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle (MCSPA), gather at Nariokotome Mission in Turkana, Kenya, for a series of meetings and “encounters”. At these gatherings, we reflect on our life as missionaries and imbibe on the charism and original inspiration of Fr. Paco, our founder. This would involve a series of talks on various topics and issues. We also take advantage of the presence of the different groups to do training and on-going formation.

This year, our Formation Meetings commenced on 24th June with members and apprentices eagerly participating in sessions on Mary, Mother of the Church; St. Joseph, patron of the Universal Church; and also the role of women in the formation of priests. One session focussed on the latter theme, from the point of view of anthropology, theology and ecclesiology, and how mature women members have a balancing role in the discernment journey of members and apprentices, including those being formed to the priesthood. Ester Ciancas, a Secular Branch member, expressed her joy at realising that in the Church, women do have a significant role to play in the formation of priests.

Following the Formation Meetings, members and senior apprentices embarked on a retreat led by Fr. Marcel Uwineza, SJ, who is the Principle of Hekima University College. Throughout the series of enlightening talks, Fr. Marcel underscored the twin virtues of forgiveness and reconciliation as essential elements for maintaining harmony within our community. The retreat provided a fertile ground for introspection and dialogue among the MCSPA members and senior apprentices.

While retreat was being conducted, the junior apprentices underwent sessions on Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults, acknowledging the crucial importance of this in all of our ministries and community life.

On the last day of the retreat, we were honoured to have Bishop John Mbinda, the local ordinary of the Diocese of Lodwar, visiting the community gathered at Nariokotome Mission. He led us in the Eucharistic celebration on the feast of St. Thomas the Apostle. In his homily, the Bishop reminded the members of the MCSPA that just like the apostles were sent, they were also being sent by the Lord. He added that all of us are unique in one way or another and that our uniqueness is not be a burden to others rather a blessing.

By Stephano Ziba,
Senior Apprentice, MCSPA

We drilled two more wells 60m depth and installed solar pumps that brings water to taps in public spaces to facilitate access to clean water in the towns of Adere Gordoma and Bosoke Yate, benefiting around 1,106 persons.

On June 9, we celebrated the occasion with the beneficiaries of Bosoke Yate. We began with the blessing of the group of elders followed by a meal in which Lourdes Larruy thanked God for this gift and encouraged everyone to live in harmony, to support each other and to make good use of this precious resource.

Once the supply of clean water was assured, we organised workshops on hygiene with nurses and even skits or plays on the importance of cleanliness for good health.

By Tigist Mekonnen, MCSPA Apprentice
Muketuri Mission, ETHIOPIA

In late April, tension swelled up in the hitherto peaceful atmosphere of Western Equatoria State, more especially at Tombura County. Until then, we had enjoyed months of peace. And now people lived in fear.

During the previous conflict in 2021, thousands of people fled their homes and took refuge in different places that they deemed “safe”. Then, Ave Maria Mission hosted thousands of refugees of that war. Now another tribal war was looming in the horizon and it was building up so fast.

Now that the flames of war have been lit again, the only safe place that appeared in the minds of all affected is Ave Maria Mission at Ngboko.
Hundreds of internally displaced people (IDPs) began to arrive from the neighbouring villages of Dingimo, Akpa and Nabanga, all out-stations of the parish. The refugees came on their bicycles fully laden with their few personal belongings. They brought along all that they could manage to salvage from their homes. The more unfortunate one fled only with the clothing on their backs.

The priests at the mission, Frs. Avelino and Albert welcomed the IDPs and hosted them at the Magnificat Pilgrims’ Center, in the parish hall and in any other available space within the compound. There were 603 displaced persons: men, women, children and the elderly. Everyone got a place to rest and ease their troubles after walking for 3 days and 3 nights.

With clean water that is available at the mission as well as other amenities, and with a functional kindergarten, primary and secondary schools and a vocational training center, the displaced persons who sought refuge at Ave Maria have been able to survive.

Feeding all the refugees has not been an easy task but with the little we had in our stores, the IDPs have been able to at least have something to eat. For most of them, returning to their homes is a mere illusion for now.

Since the vast majority of them are totally dependent on farming as their source of livelihood, the mission has also seen to it that the IDPs have portions of land nearby where they may carry out some agricultural activities.

Many of the IDPs are hoping to be around for the long term as they feel safer and at home here. Ave Maria Mission is committed to promoting peace and discouraging tribal conflicts by any means at our disposal.

Providing a safe haven to people in dire need is one of the ways of assisting the refugees, and we have tried to do this by bearing in mind Paul’s exhortation in his letter to the Romans (see Rom 15:7): “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”

Benjamin Maketa
Junior Apprentice, MCSPA
Ave Maria Mission

On May 20, Benga Parish marked its 11th anniversary of erection with a dual celebration, expressing gratitude to Mary, Mother of the Church, who is also the patroness and mother of the parish.

In his homily, the Parish Priest, Fr. Steven Ochieng, emphasized the parish’s growth and maturity over the years. “We are no longer children; we have matured as a church,” Fr. Steven remarked. With this maturity comes the responsibility to develop our parish independently. Despite the challenges we may face, we should always remember to turn to Mary, who intercedes for us to her son, Jesus Christ.

The celebration was a profound reminder of the parish’s journey and the continual support and guidance of Mary, reinforcing the community’s commitment to their faith and to each other.

Brian Mandala
Junior Apprentice,
MCSPA
Benga Mission, Malawi

Today was a very special day at Lobur Mission as we had our deanery recollection which began in the morning with a walk to the Risen Christ statue and ended in the afternoon, graced with Mass celebrated by Fr. Andrew Yakulula and a beautiful homily from Deacon Stephen Iyerio. We cherished it as a profoundly important day because it afforded us the chance to examine our consciences, seek forgiveness, renew our spiritual lives, and deepen our faith and above all to continue offering our lives in the service of all those in need.

The recollection was attended by the visiting priest from Lokitaung Parish, the Marianitas Sisters, the Mensa Domini Sisters (fondly known as the “Yellow Sisters”), and priests from Kaikor parish. We gathered as one, ascending the mountain slowly, engaging in heartfelt interactions. Standing at the top of the mountain, we were all captivated by the breathtaking view of Lobur Mission. It was a moment of serene introspection and shared smiles. Then, we descended the mountain, where we joined in the Rosary prayer, adoration and the Eucharistic celebration.

We fortified our bonds as we shared our food, drinks and stories over lunch. This time has helped us individually by reflecting and healing and stepping back from our daily routines and focusing on the spiritual life since we learned a lot from each other. We are grateful for this day and we hope and pray that we have all been re-energised to continue carrying out our apostolates in our missions and beyond.

By Louis Mkweza, MCSPA Apprentice
Lobur Mission, Turkana, Kenya