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,

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!” (Ps 118:24)

13th July 2025 marked a joyful milestone, 50 years since the foundation of the Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle and Mary, Mother of the Church (MCSPA). It was a day filled with thanksgiving, joy, and renewed commitment to the missionary journey.

It was 50 years ago that Fr. Francisco “Paco” Andreo took the first step to put into practice his vocation to become a Shepherd to others, especially promoting vocations to the priesthood among the youth.

What began in 1975 as a small seed of faith planted by Fr. Paco has grown into a flourishing missionary family, present today in Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Malawi, the Philippines, Mexico and Colombia. A journey that began with simple acts, walking with the poor, helping the vulnerable, and nurturing vocations has become a living witness of the Gospel in action.

The Anniversary Mass was celebrated at Church of St. Paul the Apostle at Nariokotome Mission, Turkana, presided over by Bishop Dominic Kimengich of Eldoret. It brought together priests, sisters, lay members, and guests from the diocese and around the world to celebrate God’s faithfulness through the years.

The President of the MCSPA, Scholastica Wamalwa, gave an address in which she thanked all the bishops in whose dioceses members of the MCSPA work. Scholastica also encouraged the younger generation of the MCSPA to forge ahead with faith and hope because “Hope Does not Despair”, echoing the theme of this Jubilee Year. A deeply touching moment was the sharing by Fr. Albert and Cecilia, among the first companions of Fr. Paco. They recalled the early days of hope and hardship, of trust and perseverance, and how God has been present at every step of the journey.

“He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion on the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

The celebration continued with joyful songs, dances, shared meals and moving testimonies, reminders of the many lives that have been touched and transformed over the years. It was a day not only to look back with gratitude but also to look forward with hope and vision.

As we mark this Anniversary, we thank God for the path that we have travelled, the people who have walked with us, and the mission that continues to unfold. Let us keep praying for the MCSPA family across the world that we may remain faithful, generous and joyful in our call.

May the soul of our founder, Fr. Paco, who gave himself entirely to God’s mission, rest in peace.

Louis Mkweza & Joel Jeremiah

Junior Apprentices of the MCSPA

As we prepare to mark a milestone in our community, our 50th Anniversary invites us to look back with gratitude and hope. It asks of us to pause and give thanks, and also invites us to begin again and renew our commitment by deepening our bonds and to welcome new life into the heart of the community: it is both MEMORY and PROMISE.

At the cusp of our anniversary, we have been blessed with a quiet but powerful sign of life: the incorporation of 3 men into our community. These are not strangers or sudden arrivals. They have walked among us, prayed with us, eaten at our table, and worked beside us. They have lived the apprenticeship in the MCSPA not just in name but also in heart.

The stages that a potential young man or woman has to undergo before becoming a member are: Come and See, then Junior Apprentice and then Senior Apprentice.

The solemn incorporation of these new members took place on the evening of July 11th at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle at Nariokotome Mission, the motherhouse of the MCSPA.

The occasion started with a holy mass presided over by Fr. Andrew Yakulula who asked Zackayo Sakwa, Cosmus Onyango and Micheal Mwangi to always be humble as the day’s Gospel taught (Mt 10:16) because it is humility that will make them better members of the community. The three incorporated members were given a cross each as a symbol of their new life in the community: simple, silent but deeply meaningful.

At the same mass, 9 new Junior Apprentices were given scarves as a sign of commitment to their vocation on the road to being missionaries in the MCSPA. The new Junior Apprentices that received the scarves are:
1. Dionisius Kandar
2. Joel Jeremiah Robert John
3. Owen Mafupa
4. Emmanuel Okello
5. Brian Stephen Waswa
6. Patrick Omondi Oduor
7. Bereket Luigi
8. Bright Mwasangwale
9. Maria Vidal

They are from Indonesia, Malawi, Kenya, Malaysia, Ethiopia and Spain. Their presence reminds us that formation is a life-long process and the Spirit keeps beckoning.

We thank God for these signs of hope. As Scripture says, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Is 43:19). May this Anniversary find us ready to remember with joy, to welcome with love, and to walk forward together, as a family in Christ Jesus!

By Sokakulo Peter & Benjamin Maketa (Apprentices of the MCSPA)

It was a joyful evening at the St. Joseph and St. Francis Xavier Theological Formation House in Metro Manila. Fr. Andrew Yakulala, with the permission from Bishop John Mbinda, Bishop of Lodwar Diocese, presided over the mass for the conferral of the Minor Orders of Lector and Acolyte on Timothy Kaburu, Zackayo Jumba, Cosmus Onyango and Micheal Mwangi.

The mass was cocelebrated by Fr. Alex Campon and Fr. Francis Teo, formator and rector of the Manila House respectively.

Let us pray that the 4 lectors and acolytes may persevere in their vocation and dedication to the service of the Lord through His people.

By Dionisius Kandar and Innocent Phiri.

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MCSPA Members at Nariokome Mission, the Mother House of the Missionary Community of St Paul the Apostles (MCSPA), carry out different pastoral and human developmental programs in service to the local community in Turkana, northern Kenya. The county of Turkana is co-terminous with the Diocese of Lodwar.

In the semi-arid area of Turkana, water resource development has always been the first priority for further development. Hence, the missionaries constructed earth pans and rock dams, drilled boreholes and set up solar pumps to avail water for schools and the local community at large.

Since human beings need both physical and spiritual health, an integral development involving body, soul and mind, it has always been an important part of the MCSPA charism to take care of the sick, the vulnerable and the elderly. This is being actively done by the Nariokome Primary Health Care program with its 19 outstations covered by the mobile clinic. In addition, pastoral activities provide the sacraments and pastoral care to the inhabitants of 20 outstations, seeing to their spiritual nourishment and growth.

Thanks to the agricultural activities being carried out, vegetables and fruit are produced, cows and poultry are reared. As a result, more than 900 children in the primary schools, nurseries and feeding centres sround the mission are able to have milk, eggs and vegetables for their breakfast and lunch.

For more than 35 years the missionaries at Nariokotome Mission have been trying to enable children to obtain an education. This has been done through child sponsorship programs, improved education facilities, including staff houses for teacher, hiring teachers, providing food for both mission, mission-sponsored and government schools around the area. Furthermore, there has been active participation of sports activities between the children of St. Joseph’s Nariokotome Primary school and other schools around enhancing social interaction and strengthening friendship among the younger generation.

There is an African saying that goes, “Strong women don’t wait for doors to open – they build their own.” Different initiatives have been put in place to empower women. Among them are the small businesses involving bread and scone baking, pizza making as well as other local handcraft. This has created alternative job opportunities for women, so that they have alternative ways of earning an income instead of alcohol-brewing.

All these activities are being carried out in the area thanks to our benefactors, friends and families who support the missionaries in all ways.

By Lydia Imbala, MCSPA
Nariokome Mission [Kenya]

“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)

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