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

On 10th January 2025, Most Rev Mathias Konig, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Paderborn (Germany) visited Benga Mission, Malawi. Bishop Mathias was welcomed by Fr. Fernando Aguirre, Fr. Manuel Hernandez and Fr. Stephen Ochieng. The MCSPA and the Archdiocese of Paderborn maintain a strong working relationship as the MCSPA has a presence within this German archdiocese as well. During the visit, the bishop and his team met and shared with our young men who are aspiring to become missionaries.

Fr. Steven Ochieng guided the guests around the mission. They had a chance to see the animal farm where chickens, goats, rabbits and pig are reared. They also visited the soap factory, the up-and-coming bakery, the school, the elderly Day Care Centre and the Parish Offices. Bishop Mathias was impressed by the progress made at Benga Mission over the past 12 years and expressed his gratitude to God and to the MCSPA members. Hence, in his homily at the community mass, Bishop Mathias encouraged the young men to stay committed to their vocations and asked everyone to pray for more vocations, especially in Germany, where vocations to the priesthood and religious life have been on the decline. He added that the increase of diverse religious communities in Germany, including refugees from conflict zones and rising Muslim population, poses a challenge for maintaining faith. Thus, he asked for our prayers.

The following day, the bishop presided over the mass at the main parish church with our school children and some of our parishioners. At mass, the group of Catholic Women’s Association (CWA), all beautifully dressed in their finest, brought gifts to the altar but most importantly, they gave Bishop Mathias a carved map of Malawi as a parting gift, a symbol of the warmth that the people of Malawi are known for.

The guests also had an opportunity to appreciate our Formation House that is under construction at Balaka which was also an opportunity to greet our young men studying philosophy at the Inter-congregation institute there.

By Stephano Ziba
MCSPA Apprentice, Benga Mission [MALAWI]

On December 27, we traveled along the road to Mount Naita, which took 3 years to construct, crossing the mountains to reach a village called Lotimor in South Sudan. We went there to celebrate Christmas with the people and to baptize many catechumens who had been patiently waiting for years for a priest to visit them. Priests of the St. Patrick’s Missionary Society, founded the mission at Lotimor but had to leave shortly after.

When we arrived, we settled and camped at the former mission compound. The day after our arrival, we baptized 45 children and youth who joyfully welcomed us into their “church” which was the shade of some huge trees.

We attempted to reach remote communities such as Lorengalup towards the plateau, but when it proved too difficult, we decided to stay an extra night so that they could come to a nearer village to meet us.

Children, women and even elderly people walked barefeet for hours over scorching stones to reach the chapel. They arrived singing and dancing, and when asked if they were happy, they answered, “Very happy!!!” At the celebration that day, we baptized more than 200 catechumens!

We were surprised and deeply moved to witness such strong faith – a faith that crosses mountains, and spans over many years without the Eucharist. We thank God for the gift of bringing His grace to them once more this Christmas.

Amanda Falgas, MCSPA Apprentice
Ethiopia

This month, the MCSPA had the privilege of engaging in two meaningful events centered on vocation promotion in the Philippines, reinforcing the Church’s commitment to inspire young people to dedicate their lives to God’s service.

It began with a visit to the Archdiocese of Jaro in Iloilo (Central Philippines), where Deacon Stephen Iyerio and Innocent Phiri met with Archbishop Jose Romeo and joined him in the Eucharistic celebration marking the conclusion of Vocation Month in the archdiocese. The celebration was a beautiful occasion of prayer and reflection, offering a moment of grace for those discerning their vocation. It was a privilege to be part of this meaningful event, as the Church in the Philippines continues to emphasize the importance of nurturing vocations, particularly among the youth. Deacon Stephen went further to encourage the seminarians, preparing for diaconate ordination, to be willing to serve even in difficult places like Turkana in Kenya.

After Iloilo, the MCSPA in Manila participated in a vocations event event of the Diocese of Cubao (Metro Manila). The gathering was a lively and inspiring occasion, filled with young people eager to learn more about the possibilities of dedicating their lives to God’s mission. The event highlighted the diverse ways in which young Catholics can serve the Church, whether through priesthood, religious life, or lay ministry. It was a beautiful encounter, with the energy and enthusiasm of the youth reminding us of the hope that the next generation brings to the Church. We also had the privilege to meet and chat with the then-bishop-elect of Cubao, Fr. Elias Lumayog Ayuban Jr., CMF, whose episcopal ordination and canonical possession will be held on Dec 03 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

This encounter with the youth has been truly inspiring, and we are hopeful that more will answer the call to serve as missionaries, especially in places where the need is greatest. In particular, we are praying for more young men and women to consider responding to the call to work in difficult and underserved regions, such as in Africa. The Church’s mission in such places requires dedicated and courageous individuals who are willing to bring the light of Christ to the most challenging environment.

As we continue to reflect on these experiences, we are filled with hope for the future of vocations in the Philippines and beyond. We pray that more young people will be moved by the Spirit to take the bold step of dedicating their lives to serving God’s mission, wherever they are called.

By Dionisius Kandar and Innocent Phiri
MCSPA Apprentices, Manila (Philippines)

From 22 to 24 November, Nyangatom Mission was honoured to welcome the Catholic Women’s Association as well as some members of the Catholic Men’s Association from Queen of Peace Mission at Todonyang.

The main purpose of their visit was to share with the people at Nyangatom different experiences both in faith and culture.

It was an interaction that sparked a lot of emotional reactions as this was the first time that such an event of this sort has been hosted by the mission. Indeed, recalling all the terrible conflict that has been going on between the Turkana and the Nyangatom, no one expected such an encounter to take place. The Turkana and Nyangatom peoples are two tribes that are similar in terms of language and cultural practices. However, they are separated by the international boundary between Kenya and Ethiopia. The Turkana belong to Kenya while the Nyangatom are in the latter. Conflict between the two communities have persisted over generations due to a lack of resources. Cattle raiding was the daily bread of life and the loss of life was considered the expected norm.

However, due to great efforts from many parties, the Catholic Church included, throughout the past 3 years, there has been peace between the two tribes and this has facilitated some interaction and sharing between the two tribes.

The visit of the people from Todonyang is a sign of the peace being currently enjoyed by the two tribes. We hope this will be the first of many visits and interactions that will seal a more permanent peace. We pray also that the peace that has been restored will yield much fruit and that we may not see anymore bloodshed between the two peoples.

It was a moving occasion to see the interaction between peoples who were previously enemies and who have now known peace.

May Christ, the Prince of Peace, and Mary, the Queen of Peace, forever guide and teach us the way to work for peace.

Daniel Jepter,
Senior Apprentice, MCSPA
Nyangatom Mission (Ethiopia)

On the memorial of St. Daniel Comboni, on October 10, at Lobur Mission (Turkana, Kenya), a new Dining Hall building was officially blessed and opened at St. Irene’s Lobur Primary School. During the opening ceremony, the children performed their first Talent Show which proved amazing! It was a grand occasion for the school and was attended by all the personnel and staff of Lobur Mission. There were performances of traditional and modern dances, comedy skits, public speaking, a fashion show featuring outfits made locally by the children themselves, and also various art-works.

Not only did the school celebrate a proper building for meals, but it was also a celebration of joy and pride as we witnessed the children showcasing their talent in different areas.

By Maque Falgas
MCSPA Secular Branch

St. Daniel Comboni is the patron saint of Catholic education. As he dedicated his life to evangelise many people in Africa, we are all called to continue with the same spirit of evangelization.

St. Daniel Comboni once said, “Save Sudan with the Sudanese and Africa with Africans”. Hence, we ought to take education seriously in order to save our country, South Sudan.

On the memorial of this great saint, on October 10, at Ave Maria Mission, we celebrated Catholic Education Day together with the educational institutions in the parish: 8 primary schools, 2 kindergartens, 1 secondary school, and 1 vocational training centre.

The celebration with all children from these institutions involved also the Ave Maria Brass Band and many local people from Source Yubu. We had performances from the different student bodies and groups, followed by a common lunch. It was a truly joyful day!

By Romai
Ave Maria Mission
South Sudan

On Sunday 22 September 2024, we finally crossed the border from Ave Maria Mission in South Sudan into the Central African Republic, following the only road linking both countries. Our Fr. Joseph Githinji, MCSPA, was the last priest they had seen in Bambuti town before he was forced to leave South Sudan in 2018. Frs. Avelino and Albert had been seven years waiting to visit these Christians, since the Spanish Comboni Bishop  from Bangassou, Msgr. Juan José Aguirre, had requested them to do so because his diocese was not able to reach out pastorally to these communities. They had been under Islamic fundamentalist militias which had flooded in from Niger and Chad. These armed groups committed many massacres and terrorised the population on both sides of the border, until our local militias, called the “Arrow Boys” flushed them out last May, after weeks of heavy fighting.

The Zande ethnic group is spread through three neighbouring countries, namely South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic. Whenever they experience conflict in one country, they migrate to the neighbouring country … and vice versa.

When many of our Christians from St. Thomas and Ave Maria parishes saw the priest and some apprentices heading for the border post yesterday, they followed us on motorbikes, bicycles and on foot. Dozens of them had never been in Bambuti before. After an incredibly difficult 7 km stretch of road and several falls, we passed the new barracks of the UN Rwandan Peace contingent and reached the small chapel compound, surrounded by hundreds of faithful. The new woman Sub-Prefect of Bambuti, Madame Kumba, ushered us in, in perfect French. The Member of Parliament, Monsieur Bernard, who had just landed there in a helicopter from the capital Bangui, welcomed us and assured the people that free movement between the two countries will be guaranteed by the security forces from now on.

The atmosphere of joy and reconciliation was palpable through the singing in Sangu (local dialect), the xylophones and drums. Many years of fears and suffering seemed to have been put behind. Many people came for the sacrament of Reconciliation, and the celebration of the Eucharist was very well-participated and faith-filled! In November the local authorities promised that the road will be levelled, and a new opportunity for peace and development will once again flourish in this region.

Thanks be to God, to the Catechists and the Christians of Bambuti for the perseverance in their faith despite incredible difficulties and challenges!

by MCSPA missionaries at
Ave Maria Mission