The grounds of Benga Mission came alive with vibrant performances, powerful messages and a joyful community spirit as more than 400 attendees gathered for the much anticipated Tiyamike Talent Show. This event, held on April 25, showcased the talents of 75 children divided into five groups, each representing a house.

Each house was challenged to creatively explore and present a specific theme through drama, song, dance, and poetry. The themes : Love, Environment, Poverty, Economics, and Gender were not only timely but also deeply resonant, offering the young participants an opportunity to engage with pressing social issues through performance.

“The children poured their hearts into their acts,” said one of the event organizers. “It was inspiring to see them express such complex topics with passion and creativity.”

The audience was treated to stirring performances ranging from a moving skit about environmental conservation to a thought provoking poem on gender equality. The children demonstrated not only their artistic abilities but also their understanding of the challenges their communities face.

The event culminated in a lively raffle draw, adding an extra layer of excitement. Prizes included an African wrapper, flour, sugar, soap, and honey, items that brought smiles to the lucky winners and underscored the spirit of sharing.

The Tiyamike Talent Show proved once again to be more than just a performance stage — it was a platform for education, empowerment, and unity. Organizers hope to continue holding the event in the coming years, reinforcing the belief that when children are given a voice, they can speak powerfully for change.

By Laurent Tsamba

Junior Apprentice MCSPA

Malawi

In a heartwarming display of environmental care, students from four different schools have dedicated a portion of their holiday break to cleaning up plastic waste at Nyangatom Mission in a united effort to protect the planet.

The initiative saw a significant amount of plastic waste collected and properly disposed of, making a visible difference in the mission grounds and surrounding areas. The students from Nyangatom, studying in Lobur, Kibish, Todonyang and Lodwar, independently organized the cleanup after connecting through a shared interest in environmental conservation. Recognizing the extensive issue of plastic pollution and its harmful impact on ecosystems, they chose Nyangatom Mission as their initial target.

The enthusiastic students worked tirelessly, collecting discarded plastic waste that had accumulated on the mission grounds. Their efforts raised awareness among the local community about the importance of proper waste management and the dangers of plastic pollution.

“We learned about the devastating effects of plastic on life and the land in our environmental science classes, and we felt we couldn’t just sit back during our holidays. Taking action, even in a small way, is crucial to saving our planet.” said the students. The students’ leader added, “It’s amazing to see what a group of determined young people can achieve. We hope our initiative inspires others, both students and adults, to take responsibility for their waste and participate in keeping our environment clean.”

Nyangatom Mission, run by MCSPA members, expressed their profound gratitude for the students’ initiative. “We are deeply moved by the dedication and hard work of these young environmental champions,” commented Fr. Angel Valdivia, the in-charge of the mission.

The students plan to continue their environmental efforts during their holidays and hope to establish a network of young environmental activists across Nyangatom. Their inspiring initiative also demonstrates the power of youth engagement in addressing critical environmental challenges.

Peter Sokakulo,

Junior Apprentice, 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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Ciudad Bolívar, one of Bogotá’s largest and most densely populated localities, faces considerable challenges in terms of social and educational development. Many of its residents live in vulnerable conditions, highlighting the urgent need for programs that offer children and young people opportunities for holistic growth.

In response to this need, the Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle (MCSPA) collaborates with the Centro Fuente, run by the Teresian Sisters, to support extracurricular learning and values-based education. Thanks to this partnership, we have been able to work together for the benefit of the children in the area.

This initiative specifically supports children and adolescents in vulnerable situations in the Santa Viviana neighborhood of Ciudad Bolívar. A vital space is being created where, through a combination of academic support and values education, the skills and talents of each child and young person are cultivated. At the same time, a strong foundation of ethical and moral principles is built from an early age.

A wide range of activities is offered, including painting, music, math, and reading and writing support. Educational outings are also organized, providing new experiences and, most importantly, exposing the children to environments they might never have imagined possible.

Recently, we held a rap competition in which participants used music and lyrics to express complex emotions such as sadness, anger, and frustration. Their songs also explored themes of self-improvement, identity, respect, and empathy. By creating and listening to these lyrics, the young people developed a more critical and conscious understanding of the world around them.

Another favorite activity is painting. Many of the children come from challenging backgrounds and lack safe spaces to express their feelings. Painting offers them a non-verbal way to release emotions like fear, anxiety, sadness, and anger. It becomes a form of emotional cleansing. Creating something of their own—and seeing others value their work—greatly boosts their self-esteem and communication skills. It also helps them explore their identity, their origins, and how they see the world around them.

Afternoons at the Fuente Centre are filled with joy and laughter. It is a safe, welcoming space where children feel free to express themselves, where every voice is heard, and where everyone matters.

Alexia Moreno, MCSPA

Bogotá, Colombia

Today was a joyful day at St. Joseph of the Mountain Mother and Child Center as we came together to celebrate the blessing of our new multipurpose hall, St. Filipo Neri Hall! This new space will serve as a hub for parent formation, youth programs, and activities for street children, reinforcing our commitment to nurturing and empowering the community.

The celebration began with a special blessing by our parish priest, marking the hall as a place of growth, learning and community. In a symbolic moment of new beginnings, we cut the ribbon, officially inaugurating St. Filipo Neri Hall.

The event brought together over 100 people, including parents, youth, staff and supporters, all eager to witness and share in this special occasion. One of the highlights of the day was an engaging play performed by the Lions, illustrating the contrast between good and bad parenting —sparking thoughtful discussions among attendees.

Following the blessing and performances, we gathered to share a delicious meal, strengthening bonds and celebrating this new chapter for our center. And, as is traditional in Ethiopia, we ended the day with a coffee ceremony, a moment of gratitude for the blessings of community and progress.

We are deeply thankful to everyone who supported this initiative, and we look forward to seeing St. Filipo Neri Hall become a place of learning, growth, and transformation for the many children and families we serve.

By Amanda Falgas
Apprentice, MCSPA
Mizan Teferi, Ethiopia

#Community #Blessing #StFilipoNeriHall #YouthEmpowerment #ParentFormation #NewBeginnings #Ethiopia

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]

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

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

Both Nariokotome and Kokuselei Missions were delighted to have visitors from Strathmore University of Nairobi and their Kenyan and international partners come by our missions in the Diocese of Lodwar. The visiting team carried out educational activities in English, leadership workshops, youth mentoring and mentoring of women in micro-businesses during a week leading up to Christmas.

The girls appreciated the opportunity to learn leadership skills to become more responsible and better learners. The women’s group from Nariokotome were happy to gain knowledge for future business initiatives that would improve their livelihoods, while the youth also appreciated the opportunity to interact with the team, learn about mental health, personal relationships and guidance to improve their academic level and possible future career.

The MCSPA thanks the “Another Kind of Christmas” team and Strathmore University for their support in the education of children and youth from their missions in Nariokotome and Kokuselei.

Diana Trompetero and Fr. Zacchaeus Oduor, Members
Kokuselei and Nariokotome Missions (KENYA)

While global warming is at its peak, there’s no doubt that it is rapidly becoming our new normal. In these present times, some places across the world have experienced the change in their climate where temperatures have risen. This has mostly affected large water-bodies which have kept on growing while others are drastically drying up. Before it gets too late, it is time that each and every human being, takes the primary responsibility to be promoters of the good of the environment. This means caring for earth’s green layer by caring for the already existing trees and planting more so as to enjoy all the benefits that come from trees: for food, for medicinal uses, for shade and wind-break, a habitat for animals and humans. The recycling of plastics that contaminate the environment could also positively contribute towards saving nature. If all could unite and work towards promoting the care for nature, life on earth could be much better than what it is now.

At Kokuselei Mission, in Turkana (Kenya), the children of St Joseph’s Konokono Centre are starting to take a lead towards promoting the care of nature through caring for trees and planting more trees that will later be beneficial for the local people living around Kokuselei. This group of children delight in cleaning the environment by collecting plastics around Kokuselei and reusing them for planting and decorative purposes. Together with the help of the missionaries at Kokuselei Mission, they have gone ahead and created St Francis of Assisi Environmental Club through which they will be coordinating activities related to the care of the environment.

All these are moves towards a better world, more beautiful and environment-friendly. The more young people grow up with this kind of sensitivity for the care of the environment, the better, as this will be a seed planted in their hearts that is assured to grow through the generations and bear good fruit.

Fridah Ejore,
MCSPA Apprentice.
Kokuselei Mission, Turkana (Kenya)