On October 7, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. At Sts. Joachim and Ann Parish (Kibish, Diocese of Lodwar, Kenya), at the outstation of St. John the Evangelist (Lobur Mission), a procession was held in the village of Lobur, where many people took part. We continue to ask our Mother Mary to bless us during this month of the Missions and of the Rosary.

by Fr. Andrew Yakulula, MCSPA

Lobur MIssion, KENYA.

Meskel is one of Ethiopia’s most important religious and cultural festivals; it is celebrated every year on September 27 or on September 28 in a leap year. It commemorates the Finding of True Cross on which Jesus died by Saint Helena.

A large bonfire (called Demera) is lit using dry wood and this is done in public places. At the village of Dakuna where the MCSPA has its mission, it was done at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church. All the faithful gathered in the evening of the day, and the bonfire was lit. Abba Filipos officiated at the ceremony with the help of church deacons who led the chanting and prayers, and the incensing. Three elders performed the traditional blessing, before lighting the Demera. Abba Filipos explained to the faithful gathered at the Church the meaning of the Cross.

Members of the MCSPA communities at every mission in Ethiopia also gathered with families that invited them to share in the traditional Ethiopian meal and drinks.

Meskel also marks the end of the rainy season in Ethiopia. There is a tradition that interprets the position of where the bonfire leans or collapses to predict future events for the community. We hope and pray that this year 2018 of the Ethiopian Calendar will be full of blessings to all the MCSPA missions in Ethiopia.

by Lydiah Obok, MCSPA

Dakuna Mission, ETHIOPIA

In every culture and tradition, caring for the elderly is seen as a noble and meaningful act. Showing love and respect, and according attention and dignity is a simple yet profound way of taking care of the elderly.

We have a group of 30 elderly persons whom we support with monthly rations. Also, every year we organize a special meal for all the elderly of Dakuna village and the surrounding villages. This year on the feast day of St, Gregory the Great, we at St Scholastica Mission organized a meal for 45 elderly men and women. We also took food to the home-bound, making a total of 102 beneficiaries.

Apart from offering them a warm plate of food, we shared conversation and compassion. The fellowship was warm and provided a deep sense of belonging. After all the activities, we distributed soap and salt.

The gratitude so apparent in their eyes, the stories heartwarmingly shared, and a presence that was warm and reassuring … all a gentle reminder of the value of life and the power of human connection! A two-way exchange becomes apparent: while they received care, we received wisdom and blessings!

A meal given lovingly can be a prayer in action – a silent, powerful gesture that uplifts hearts. In a fast-paced world, taking time to feed and care for our elderly is a way to pause, reflect and give back!

We would like to express our gratitude to all who collaborated in this endeavour, especially the GREGO (a group from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in Spain) and their families and friends who support this annual event for the elderly. Our thanks also go to friends from Mexico.

“When you feed an elder, you don’t just give them food, you give them joy, remembrance and hope.” – an African proverb.

By Lydiah Obok, MCSPA

St. Scholastica Mission, Dakuna (Ethiopia)

The Women’s Empowerment Project at Dakuna Mission in the Eparchy of Emdeber (Ethiopia) was born as a result of a discernment based on walking with and listening to the needs of women in the area. One of the greatest needs identified is that of empowering women who are the heart of families at Dakuna.

Today, 80 women are registered; they are organized into 4 work groups who meet weekly to learn practical skills. Their training includes making of handcraft (such as baskets, sugar pots and table mats), beadwork (producing beautiful bracelets, bangles, key holders and pen holders) and food preparation (such as njera, coffee etc).

Despite having to walk long distances, the women faithfully attend meetings, finding joy in working together, often singing and dancing as they learn. Their products are then sold in local markets, bringing sustainable income that helps improve their families’ lives.

But the MCSPA’s St. Scholastica Mission at Dakuna goes beyond training: we provide pastoral accompaniment, supporting the women spiritually and building community around faith. We foster solidarity, where women learn not only skills but also encourage, support and uplift one another. We work hand in hand with local leaders to ensure that development efforts are rooted in the local culture, dignity and sustainability.

A special moment came this past August 27 when we celebrated the Feast of St. Monica, patron of one of the work groups. The day was marked with gratitude, joy and renewed hope showing that this project is not only about economic growth but also about nurturing faith and unity.

We thank our partners, World Doctors of Italy, represented by Dr. Gabi Janssen and Monika, whose generosity and commitment have made this initiative possible.

The presence of MCSPA in Dakuna is a sign of hope: by empowering women, we are planting seeds of transformation for families, the community and the Church. Together, we walk the path of faith and development, hand in hand with the people of Dakuna.

Josephine Amuma, MCSPA

Dakuna, Eparchy of Emdeber (Ethiopia)

Theme: “Hope Does Not Disappoint”

From 18 to 21 August, the 3rd Youth Encounter of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Deanery was held at the outstation of St. John the Evangelist (Lobur Mission) in Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish, Kibish. The event was guided by the inspiring theme, “Hope Does Not Disappoint”.

6 parishes of the Deanery were invited to attend, but due to heavy rains, only four were able to make the journey. We were also delighted to welcome St. Joseph the Worker Parish from the Lake Deanery as a special guest.

Over the four days, young people came together in faith, fellowship and joy. We prayed the Rosary, celebrated the Holy Eucharist and shared meals as one community. The event featured a variety of sports including volleyball, basketball, football, and track events (100m, 200m, and 400m) for both girls and boys. The evenings were filled with music, dance and other lively entertainment, creating a joyful and memorable atmosphere.

A heartfelt “Thank you!” to all the parishes who participated to help make this encounter a true celebration of hope and unity.

Fr. Andrew Yakulula, MCSPA

Lobur Mission (Kenya)

When I recall our journey to Nyangatom, I don’t only remember the long distances covered but I remember the faces, laughter, prayers and the Spirit that accompanied us there. Leaving Muketuri, our hometown in the green highlands of Ethiopia, whose people are mainly-orthodox and work in agriculture and small businesses, we set out on a road-trip of more than 1,100 km, trusting that this was an opportunity for God to work in our hearts. The aim was to visit the MCSPA mission in Nyangatom, which lies in the far southwest, near the border with Kenya, and whose population is mainly pastoralist, a people proud of its cultural heritage.

When we arrived at Nyangatom, we were met by the youth from Kokuselei Mission, another MCSPA mission in the semi-desert area of Turkana County, Kenya. At first, we were strangers to each other from — Ethiopian, Turkana and Nyangatom — but it didn’t take long before a volleyball net, a few games and open conversations turned us into one family. Working side by side — painting, planting trees, clearing bushes, cleaning — we learned that service has no borders.

We had cultural nights which proved to be a window into each other’s worlds. The Kenyan team shared the richness of the Turkana tradition — their dresses, dances, stories and even the slaughtering of a goat in the traditional way. For many of us from Muketuri, it was a surprise and quite a shock, but it was also a moment to understand how food, tradition, and community are deeply connected in the Turkana culture. The next night was Ethiopia night — we cooked traditional dishes, dressed in our cultural clothes, danced and taught our friends the rhythms of our homeland. At those moments, we were not only displaying culture, rather we were sharing ourselves.

One of the most powerful moments was climbing the mission hill to place a cross for peace at the top. Standing there, praying in many languages for peace, hope and reconciliation, I felt the truth of our calling — that we are one Body, sent to bring light where it is most needed. That night, praying and singing with the community, I knew that this trip would leave a mark on all of us.

On the way back, the Brothers of St. John welcomed us at Addis Ababa. Their kindness, together with the Spiritan Missionaries who had received us earlier, reminded me that the missionary spirit is alive and strong in many hearts.

All this was made possible thanks to the dedication, effort and enthusiasm of three MCSPA missions: Kokuselei, Muketuri and Nyangatom. Working together for this encounter of our youth has been a sign of unity and a living prayer for peace in Ethiopia, Kenya and South Sudan.

Tigist Mekonnen

MCSPA Apprentice,

I am a third-year commerce student at Strathmore University and a volunteer with the Community Service Centre. Recently, I joined a women’s promotion camp in Nariokotome Mission, collaborating with Strathmore Turkana Education Project and the Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle (MCSPA).

Along the western shore of Lake Turkana, lies a humble but powerful movement that strings one bead at a time. My journey to Nariokotome introduced me to a group of extraordinary women whose resilience, creativity and spirit continues to inspire me long after my departure from Turkana.

These women are part of a beadwork project that empowers them to earn a sustainable income in a community where the odds are often stacked against them. They have neither had the opportunity to go to school nor a stable source of livelihood. Here the land is vast and bare, while access to the necessities like water and food is difficult. Rather than give up, these women have chosen to stand up.

Most of these women walk long distances each day to participate in the program. Some make a 3-hour journey on foot, driven not by obligation but by dedication. Despite the physical challenges, their positivity, work ethic and humility stand out. They sing as they work: their melodies weaving through the air with the same grace and rhythm as the beads through thread.

I had the joy of interacting with them closely, wearing their colourful shangas, dancing, laughing and joining them in song as they worked. Though we were separated by language, we were united in purpose and joy. The “raiya” women, i.e. those women who have never been to school, still call out with excitement to Teacher Jenny whenever they face a challenge, knowing that guidance and support are always available. Their eagerness to learn is unmatched.

Most of these women are fast learners, now creating up to three pieces a day. Over time, they have not only refined their skill but also gained the confidence to recognize the value of their craft.

This project, led by Lydia and Lenny and supported by Strathmore and it’s partners, is more than just beadwork. It is a lifeline, a source of identity and pride. The project leaders constantly remind the women that this is their office, and that they should approach it with the same pride and professionalism as at any workplace. The women take this to heart, cherishing the fact that they, too, have a job, a purpose and a place of belonging.

With the breathtaking view of Lake Turkana as backdrop, there truly was no better way that I could have spent my semester break. I got the impression that this is not just a community initiative; it is a transformational project weaving resilience and sisterhood among the women.

My experience there has been a testimony to the lengths that Turkana women will go to for a better life. I have witnessed the power of patience, hard work and belief. There is a beauty that blossoms when women are given the tools, not handouts; but skills to shape their own futures and I am grateful to have been a little part of it.

By Stacy Nyamwange,

BCom 3rd Year, Strathmore University, Nairobi

Prior preparations took place to ensure success at the 3rd Talent Show held at St Joseph Kokuselei Comprehensive School.

The whole Kokuselei community gathered to witness the great talent, gifts and skills demonstrated by the learners under the keen eyes of parents, teachers, visitors and missionaries from Kokuselei Mission (MCSPA) who have always supported the school in its developmental, academic, extra-curricular and pastoral activities.

It was enriching to see more deeply all that was showcased by these young people that day for it went beyond mere mimicking or showing, it reflected the effort, love and dedication put by each and every person who, in one way or another, has touched and positively contributed to the lives of these learners.

From cultural plays, modern dances and creative art exhibitions to scientific experiments, the steps taken to highlight growth, morals and professionalism were very evident. Themes on the ills of early marriages, the importance of education and upbringing, and the vital responsibility of parents were communicated with great enthusiasm; these left the audience with laughter and a deeper understanding of the power of these messages.

This Talent Show filled us with much admiration at the knowledge of the learners, the great work done by the teachers, mutual support of the parents, and the tireless efforts of the missionaries whose dream is to equip the youth with lifetime skills for better living and greater sustainability of the Turkana community.

With hearts full of gratitude, we give thanks to all who have been and still continue to be part of this journey, supporting the education of young people around the Kokuselei area.

Fridah Ejore,

MCSPA Apprentice,

Kokuselei Mission.

On July 26th, Nariokotome Mission joyfully joined the universal Church in celebrating the memorial of Sts. Joachim and Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandparents of Jesus. This special day holds particular meaning for us, as we came together with our Sts. Joachim and Anne Elderly Programme members to honor not only the holy grandparents of our Lord, but also the invaluable role of grandparents and elders in our own community.

The day began with a solemn Mass presided over by Fr. Zaccheaus Okoth, during which a special intention was offered for all elderly members of our parish. Fr. Zaccheaus reminded us of the deep faith and perseverance of Sts. Joachim and Anne, encouraging everyone especially our elders to continue being pillars of wisdom, prayer and love in their families and society.

After Mass, the 275 elders in the programme were offered a warm reception at St. Martin de Porres Bakery at Nariokotome Mission. Songs and traditional dances, marked the celebration, creating a lively and joy filled atmosphere.

A highlight of the celebration was the presentation of small gifts to each elderly member present. These included food items and simple necessities, offered in gratitude for their contributions to the Church and community.

We concluded the day with a shared meal, filled with laughter, friendship and gratitude. It was a beautiful reminder of the importance of honoring our elders not just on special feast days but every day!

The celebration strengthened our bonds as a Christian family and renewed our commitment to walk in the footsteps of Sts. Joachim and Anne with faith, humility and love.

By Lenny Jillo, MCSPA

Nariokotome Mission