“Give justice to the weak and the orphan; maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute.” Psalm 82:3

When war, ethnic clashes and natural disasters force families to flee their homes, children are often the hardest hit. Many lose access to education with their future hanging in uncertainty. But in the heart of our parish, Ave Maria Mission at Ngboko, something remarkable is happening. Amidst the struggles, a beacon of light has emerged: a small but determined school, built up from faith, compassion and an unshakable belief that every child deserves access to learning, and hope is being rebuilt – one classroom at a time.

Fr Avelino Bassols, MCSPA, the parish priest, saw the plight of displaced children arriving with their families from various parts of Tambura, Dingimo, Nagero, Gamunakpe, Mabaiku, Akpa, Modurumo, just to mention but a few of the tragedy-struck places. He knew that something had to be done. These young souls, already bearing the weight of trauma, needed more than just food and shelter; they needed a place to learn, grow and dream again.

With no proper school buildings available, the parish community sprang into action. Spaces that once served as church halls were quickly transformed into makeshift classrooms. Wooden benches were crafted, blackboards salvaged, old textbooks and few learning materials that the parish could get at the moment were availed. The search for volunteer teachers and also some trained ones, was no easy task.

Nonetheless, lessons began!!!

Despite the lack of proper infrastructure, the children’s enthusiasm to learn has been unstoppable. They gather each morning, eyes bright with anticipation, eager to grasp the knowledge that war and displacement tried to steal from them.

While the initiative has been a success, challenges remain. The classrooms are only temporary structures, teaching materials are scarce and more volunteers are needed. However, with faith and determination, the parish is working towards securing more permanent solutions, perhaps even a fully-fledged school in the future.

Currently, there are, at Ave Maria Mission, children originally from 8 affected primary schools from around who are being attended to by this small school.

What was started as a simple effort to help a few children has now become a symbol of resilience and love. In a world where displacement often means despair, this small school is proving that love, faith and education is not just a privilege, rather it is a right, a necessity, and above all a beacon of hope.

Through this small school, the parish is living out the words of Psalm 82:3 – defending the weak, uplifting the oppressed, and giving displaced children a chance to reclaim their future. It is more than a school. It is a promise that no matter the circumstances, the pursuit of knowledge and hope must never be abandoned.

by Benjamin Maketa, Junior Apprentice, MCSPA.
Ave Maria Mission (South Sudan)

“BE A GIRL, BE A LIGHT”, was the theme of the gathering we had in Loropio last weekend with girls between 14 and 17 years old from the communities of Riokomor and Kokuselei. Our inspiration: ‘’Let your light shine before others‘’.

The big change that schooling brings for Turkana girls is a big responsibility, so the meeting organised by the missionaries and teachers of Kokuselei aimed to guide them on their life project. It was an opportunity for them to explore their self-knowledge, self-esteem and health, and what it means to be part of the first generation of schooled women in their communities.

The joy in their hearts was evident on their faces. For some of them, it was the first time they had ever boarded a bus, tasted new food, gone outside their communities and swam in Lake Turkana. Their happiness was overflowing as they sang non-stop to express their excitement.

During the meeting, their courage and the incredible strength they carry within them was emphasised. We reminded them that they are not only the pride of their community, but also a light that enlightens others and will benefit the whole society.

By nature, the girls like to get to the bottom of things when they talk about life, and this aspect shone through when we answered questions about their dreams and the difficult challenges they face.

We believe their determination and desire will shine through in their communities!

By Maggie Gitau & Frida Ejore

Apprentices of MCSPA

Kokuselei Mission (Kenya)

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‘‘Fr Paco always promoted agriculture in Northern Turkana and is one of the little revolutions that he instigated and that are leaving more testimony in Turkana. Thanks to his impetus, many fruit trees were planted in the missions and villages’’

I came across these words at the Nariokotome Mission Library, wherein is a museum with memorabilia of Fr Paco, our founder. The little museum was set up by members of the MCSPA in his memory. As those following in his footsteps, we hold onto these words and we are determined to make his legacy alive. This dream of Fr Paco has been passed by the older ones in the community to all the recent generations and through it, many initiatives such as the ongoing MCSPA Fr. Paco Tree Planting Campaign 2025 and other environmental related moves have been put in place to make this legacy well lived.

On Saturday 01 March , we had an interesting encounter at Kokuselei Mission with the parents of the children of St Joseph Konokono Centre. This was a result of the invitation made to them by the St Francis of Assisi Environmental Club members of the Centre; all its members are children.

A good number of families from around Kokuselei area showed up to stand and work together with their children. All those families participated in planting trees, watering and fencing them well to protect the trees from goats and for better growth. It was so encouraging to see the effort that the children put into this endeavour making it so successful … right from getting their parents involved in the activity to cooking for the parents, something rarely done by children! It’s also worth mentioning the effort, care, generosity and responsibility shown by the parents in order to join their offspring in this noble call of care for the environment.

Indeed, the family is the stronghold of the society and the role of parents in the upbringing of their children is the center of all and truly vital.
The event helped the parents to witness the knowledge, strength and the different talents of their children. This is a very good sign of parents taking part in their children’s formation and therefore taking responsibility in accompanying them throughout the process. Together with the missionaries, the parents aim to bring up dignified persons and instilling in them growth and preparation for their later life in society.

Let’s work together, to make the world a better and more hospitable place for all of creation.

Fridah Ejore,
MCSPA Apprentice,
Kokuselei Mission.

Benga Mission in Malawi had a late commemorative celebration of Fr Francisco Andreo’s 12th Death Anniversary. It was held only last Sunday when all members and apprentices could be present.

We were also blessed with the presence of Fr. Albert Salvans at Benga Mission. The day began with Holy Mass, presided by Fr. Albert, and the celebration concluded with the blessing of trees and planting of a mango tree in the parish compound.

Benga Mission’s tree-planting campaign is ongoing, and we are fundraising to plant 2,000 trees in Benga Parish.

Emmanuel Masiku

Junior Apprentice

Benga Mission

On February 8th, we celebrated the drilling of a 90 meters well with the installation of a solar pump, a 10,000-liter water tank, a fountain with 8 taps, and a drinking point for animals in the village of Igukura, in Wuchale Woreda, Ethiopia.

93 families, now have enough water to meet their basic needs like health, hygiene, and nutrition.

The impact of bringing water to a community is bigger than we can imagine. A grandmother from the village told us that without enough water, they were at risk of all sorts of diseases like cholera, skin infections, stomach issues, and infections during childbirth because of poor hygiene. Now that water is closer, women and girls won’t have to walk for kilometers carrying 20 liters on their backs, facing all sorts of dangers along the way, not to mention suffering from back pain, problems during pregnancy and childbirth.

Another big plus is that they’ll now be able to grow vegetables for their families to eat and also sell, which will improve their nutrition and bring in some extra income. This will help families afford things like sending kids to school and paying for medical expenses.

A big thank you to all who made this possible and helped improve the lives of the people in Igukura.

by Blanca Beltran, MCSPA

ETHIOPIA

We are neither adrift in memories
Nor trapped by illusions
For YOUR STORY
Marks this unique anniversary
A rebuilding of your efforts
Within our community of kindred spirits
Gathering us here
To honour your life’s meaningful deeds.
Your spirit lingers in every whispering leaf,
A gentle reminder that your work lives on.

The trees give LIFE
Manifestations of your will
Planted abundantly in Turkana’s soil
As apprentices in all our missions
We now tread in your footsteps
Striving towards the essence of your vision
YOUR VISION guides us
Like the sun nurturing new growth
Lighting the path for those who follow

A calling that nurtures life …
There you rest
In eternal peace, yet ever present
In every sapling, we find the echo of your dreams
A testament that your spirit endures
Rooted deeply within us all.

By Louis P. Mkweza
Junior Apprentice (MALAWI)

On 15 February all the members of Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle (MCSPA) living in Turkana together with more than 500 faithful gathered at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle at Nariokotome Mission to commemorate the 12th death anniversary of our founder, Fr. Francisco Andreo or simply Paco as he preferred to be called.

At the same Thanksgiving Mass, the ashes of the late friend of Fr. Paco and the Community, Mr. Roy Gontier, were also blessed and inurned at the columbarium. Roy was a most able pilot who passed away on 27 June 2013. Roy did many flights for the missions and often flew Paco to Nairobi for his medical checkups. These memories and stories were shared with the congregation gathered at mass.

The event began at the church graveyard where various trees were planted. Fr. Alex Campon, assisted by Deacon Stephen Iyerio, presided at the Eucharistic celebration in the company of Fr. Joseph Ebenyo, the Chancellor of the Diocese of Lodwar, and all the MCSPA priests living in Turkana.

In his homily, Fr. Alex drew similarities between Paco and Pope Francis in their acts of compassion toward the needy and hungry, and the care for the environment. Cecilia Puig, in her tribute message, encouraged all to use every drop of water to plant trees in their homes, schools and everywhere. Mr. Derek Seton, a close friend of Roy read a brief euology and tributes from Roy’s family.

This was followed by songs, a dance and poems by students and pupils of Nariokotome Girls and St Joseph’s Primary School.

Finally, there was the blessing of the trees and all the children present were fed.

As Cecilia remarked, “Let us keep Paco in our memory until we change our dear Turkana into a garden.”

By Brian Odhiambo Nyamuok,

Nariokotome Mission

Today, being the feast day of St. Scholastica, the twin sister of St. Benedict (and our nominated patron saint for rains), St. Scholastica’s Mission at Dakuna, Ethiopia, joyfully celebrated the occasion with the Catholic faithful and villagers from Dakuna.

The Holy Mass was presided over by Abba Nathanael, with Abba Geremew concelebrating. During the celebration, Abba Nathanael explained to the faithful the life and significance of St. Scholastica.

Following the Mass, a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony was held as an expression of thanksgiving. Tea and bread were also shared, fostering a spirit of community and joy.

And as expected, a downpour followed!

By Lydiah Obok MCSPA
Dakuna, ETHIOPIA

Today, we are happy to celebrate the appointment of a dear friend of the MCSPA, Abuna Tesfaye Tadesse Gebresilasie, the Superior General of the Comboni Missionaries, as the Auxiliary Bishop of Addis Ababa.

Representatives of the Catholic Church from across all regions of Ethiopia, Africa, Asia, Europe, and America were present, including many missionaries, making this a most moving and universal celebration: the Church united in joy and strengthened by the bonds of collaboration and faith.

We pray for Abuna Tesfaye’s new appointment of shepherding the Ethiopian Catholic Church hand-in-hand with Berhaneyesus Cardinal Souraphiel in these challenging times.

May God bless you, Bishop Tesfaye and do count on our prayers!

By Amanda Falgas and Maria Vidal
MCSPA Junior Apprentice
ETHIOPIA

On January 25, 2025, the Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle (MCSPA) held our annual Family Day at the Women’s House in Nairobi. Families and friends were invited for the celebration. This followed the General Assembly of the membership of MCSPA.

The celebration coincided with the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, our patron saint. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Most Rev. John Mbinda of the Diocese of Lodwar. The bishop encouraged all to continue with the spirit of servitude towards the needy and invited more people to embrace the missionary life.

The event also marks 10 years since the launch of the New Ways for Africa Trust Foundation in Kenya. Furthermore, this year the ongoing tree planting project commemorates the late Fr. Paco’s legacy for the care of the environment.

The Foundations’ board members encouraged families and friends to use the Trust to channel financial support for the different missions’ projects.

Finally, Fr. Andrew Yakulula gave a vote of thanks to all who came and turned the day into a joyful gathering of family and friends!

By Lydia Imbala MCSPA
Nariokotome Mission