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

At Ave Maria Mission in South Sudan, we have started the Rosary for Peace. These times of insecurity in the Tombura area and this being the month of Mary, we are holding the recitation of the rosary and a daily procession while praying for peace to prevail in the area.

We invite you all, dear friends, to join us in countering violence by praying the Rosary. May Mother Mary hear our prayers!

by Lillian Omari, MCSPA
Ave Maria Mission,
South Sudan

The Ethiopian Christian tradition, also known as the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, is one of the oldest Christian denominations in the world. It traces its origins to the early centuries of Christianity and has a unique heritage and practices that set it apart from other Christian traditions. One distinctive aspect is its use of the Ge’ez language in liturgical services, which adds a sense of historical continuity and cultural identity. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church also follows the teachings of the Coptic Christian Church, with a strong emphasis on monasticism, fasting, and liturgical worship.

Ethiopian Christians observe ancient traditions such as the Ark of the Covenant, which they believe is housed in the Church of St. Mary of Zion in Axum. They also have unique religious festivals, such as Timkat (Epiphany), Meskel (Finding of the True Cross), and Fasika (Easter), which are celebrated with colorful processions, prayers, and rituals.

The Ethiopian Catholic Church follows the same liturgical calendar as the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Hence, yesterday we celebrated Easter here at Nyangatom Mission. It was a colorful celebration – simple but moviing. The baptism of 29 young persons made it special. Eventhough you may have already celebrated it some time back, we still would like to wish everybody a Happy Easter, Melkam Fasika!

Fr. David Escrich, MCSPA
Prince of Peace Catholic Mission
Nyangatom-Ethiopia

On April 30, Children’s Day was celebrated in Mexico, an official date established by President Álvaro Obregon in 1924, after the signing of the Geneva Declaration. Since then, all over Mexico, this day is celebrated by giving away toys and carrying out activities in schools and other institutions. At the El Paraíso mission we were not left behind. The intentions were two-fold: firstly, like everywhere else in the world, it is to recognise the rights of all minors and to acknowledge that one day we too were children with our own dreams.

A second and equally important intention was to help rebuild the social fabric that has been damaged by violence and neglect. El Paraiso is a place that is an amalgam of people who come from different parts of the Mexican Republic and who come with their backpacks laden with their history, culture and tradition, fleeing poverty or violence in their places of origin.

During these 7 years we have discovered that through the creation of traditions while reinforcing those that exist, values, models, ideas and other variables that help to build the social fabric of community building and thus making us one: recognising themselves and at the same time recognising the other. The aim is to move away from being a mere island in the asphalt jungle that is Mexico City, and to be a living cell that brings life to others. So, through traditions such as Children’s Day, Mother’s Day, the feast days of Saints, Epiphany and Christmas Day among other festivities, we reinforce what we all want: unity between all the people of the neighbourhood, so that those who have more can see those who have less, so that everyone feels responsible for each other.

Our gratitude goes to all those who make this task possible: the students and teachers of the UMV and volunteers who offered us this occasion, the gifts and the piñatas, the activities and for simply being there … and leaving behind a little bit of yourselves.

By Luz María, MCSPA
Mexico City

Today, at Nariokotome Mission, we commemorated the 3rd death anniversary of Peter Ndung’u Chege, a member of the Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostles (MCSPA).

The eucharistic celebration in his memory was presided over by Fr. Zacchaeus Okoth. During the mass, memories of the good works he did were shared. We thank God for his life and we ask you all to continue praying for the eternal repose of Peter’s soul, his family and the MCSPA fraternity.

Peter, forever in our hearts!

By Lydia Imbala MCSPA,
Nariokotome Mision.

In mid-April, we received visitors coming from Strathmore University in Nairobi at Nariokotome Mission. The Strathmore team, comprised of 2 staff members, alumni of the school and students – a total of 12 persons. The group spent 7 days engaging with the local youth of Nariokotome. Their mission was to mentor and educate the youth on various aspects of life such as academic, economic, social and spiritual matters.

Throughout their visit, the mentors covered topics such as careers and career choices, the dangers of drugs and substance abuse, youth and the church, and healthy relationships with the opposite sex. The interactions also included drama, English Language competition, song and dance. They also had a friendly football match where the local team showcased superior skills against the visitors! Additionally, this visit served as a valuable cultural exchange, allowing the Strathmore team to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of the Turkana people.

These topics were selected with the aim of helping the youth lead a purposeful life, inspiring them to dream big, and instilling confidence in their academic pursuits and future career choices, be it in colleges or technical institutions.

The Strathmore mentors are optimistic that their efforts will have a lasting impact on the lives of the youth, thereby encouraging them to lead fulfilling and responsible lives.

We had a chance to take our visitors to see interesting sites nearby. They visited the “Turkana or Nariokotome Boy” monument commemorating the site of the discovery of a nearly-complete fossil skeleton of a Homo Ergaster youth who lived some 1.5 to 1.6 million years ago. A short trip was made to Lake Turkana, the world’s largest permanent desert and alkaline lake.

Following the effective mentorship workshop, both the Nariokotome and Strathmore teams have come up with many ideas and plans for the future. We are considering the following concrete plans for the future:

1. Making this mentorship programme an annual encounter during the school holidays;
2. Working out an arrangement that would allow Strathmore students to undertake their service-based learning program in Nariokotome community projects; and
3. Making a support plan towards the various Nariokotome projects by students, staff and friends of the University.

By Brian Siara
Apprentice, MCSPA
Nariokotome Mission

Matthew 9:37 declares that “The harvest is abundant but the labourers are few”! The philosophy students of the Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle (MCSPA) studying at the Inter-Congregational Institute of Philosophy (ICI) at Balaka in Malawi went out on Good Shepherd Sunday to promote vocations in the Catholic Church, but in especially, vocations to the priesthood.

“Perhaps you are being called to a life of consecrated service as a priest or religious. Or maybe your vocation is to live out your faith in the midst of the world – as a parent, teacher, doctor or in some other profession. Whatever it may be, know that your vocation is a precious gift, and that God has a plan and purpose for your life.” These words of Rt. Rev. Montfort Stima, Bishop of Mangochi Diocese, who was the main celebrant at St. Louis Catholic Church, Balaka, left many youth present with the zeal for working towards a vocation journey.

Dear friends, may Vocation Sunday be a time of renewed commitment to living out our God-given callings. Let us go forth from this place with hearts on fire, ready to serve the Lord with gladness.

By Kevin Rakara,
Apprentice, MCSPA
Balaka, Malawi