The joy and happiness on the faces of the members and apprentices of the Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle, as well as the people present, were evident. The entrance hymn, ”Chaka! Chaka! Lero kuli chaka,” meaning “Rejoice! Rejoice! Today is a big day,” sang of joy as the procession of the Mass began.

On this evening of July 30, the MCSPA expanded its footprint by opening its first Formation House for Philosophy, St. Augustine’s Philosophate, at Balaka, in Mangochi Diocese, Malawi. This milestone marks the continued growth of the MCSPA. The President of the MCSPA, Scholastica Wamalwa, along with other members, were present to witness this celebration.

The inauguration began in the late afternoon with Mass led by Rt. Rev. Montfort Sitima, Bishop of Mangochi Diocese. The Bishop blessed the church and the compound, and priests and seminarians from all six congregations enlivened the celebration by participating in the choir and the inauguration.

In his homily, Bishop Montfort drew an analogy from the potter’s house in the Book of Jeremiah, emphasising the importance of moulding lives with care and intention. This blessing marked more than a new building; it marked a place of genuine human formation.

We pray that everyone who enters this house will leave moulded and formed, stronger and ready to serve as missionaries in the charism of the MCSPA.

Scholastica Wamalwa thanked Bishop Montfort for welcoming the MCSPA in Balaka and the Society of Montfort Missionaries for welcoming our first seminarians. She also recognised the efforts of Frs. Manuel Hernandez and Fernando Aguirre in sourcing funding and building the buildings of St. Augustine’s Philosophate.

By Louis Mkweza, Benedict Maina & Laurent Tsamba

Apprentices of the MCSPA

Balaka [Malawi]

As the Universal Church celebrates the lives of Sts. Joachim and Anne, the beloved grandparents of Jesus and parents of the Virgin Mary, Kibish Parish burst into a double celebration woven with laughter, song and grace. The parish rejoiced not only in honoring its patron saints, but also in marking its 8th anniversary of existence, taking root in the desert.

The Christians were radiant. Clad in vibrant traditional Turkana attire, wazees, mamas, youth and children filled the church as early as 9:30 a.m., their voices rising in beautiful hymns that made the walls reverberate. The Holy Mass was presided over by Fr. Andrew Yakulula, MCSPA, accompanied by apprentices of the MCSPA and visitors from Spain and Kenya.

Indeed, the spirit of Joachim and Anne hovered over the day. Joy overflowed in every ululation and every step of the dance. To behold those smiling faces was the most sacred moment of all – a reminder that when we gather to pray and sing for God, peace overflows and the heavens open to shower blessings.

After being nourished by the Blessed Sacrament, the entire congregation was invited to share lunch in the parish compound. As abundant food was served, songs of joy still poured from the lips of the mamas.

Finally, under the cool shade of the neem tree, the wazees sat with Fr. Andrew. With grateful hearts, they appreciated the work the parish is doing in Kibish and pledged their unwavering support for all its activities. In that quiet, profound moment, we felt our Founder, Paco, was truly with us.

Lastly, we would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to all those who have worked in Kibish Parish, for the joy of this day is the fruit of your tireless labour.

May God continue to grant us wisdom through the intercession of Sts. Joachim and Anne.

By Paul Tobias
MCSPA Apprentice
Lobur Mission [Kenya]

The feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, the beloved grandparents of Jesus, was celebrated 2 days early at Nariokotome Mission. Both these saints are patrons of the elderly, whose lives in our midst continue to remind us of the beauty of family, faith and the lasting example of loving and devoted parents.

The celebration began with Holy Mass which was presided over by Fr. Antonio Aguirre, MCSPA, assisted by Deacon Joachim Basil. The mass was beautifully animated by all MCSPA members present and also by our beloved elderly from around. Their enthusiastic participation was a touching reminder that faith has no age limit. Their prayers, joyful singing and heartfelt responses echoed the wisdom, resilience and love that they impart.

In the homily Fr. Antonio reminded us that the parents of the Virgin Mary conceived their child very late in life when they thought they would die childless. Both Sts. Joachim and Anne knew that Mary was conceived miraculously, as a result of many prayers, but they certainly had no idea what God’s plans would be for their daughter.

After mass, we all made our way to the St. Martin de Porres Bakery grounds at Nariokotome, where the festivities continued with music and dance, food and a huge cake.

And then the dancing began … If anyone thought that age slows people down, our grandmothers and grandfathers here were determined to prove them wrong. The moment the music started and especially when the cake was being cut, they danced with such passion. The enthusiasm of the elderly reminded us all that a joyful heart never grows old.

As a beautiful sign of our love and appreciation, each one of them received a blanket and a small gift bag generously facilitated by the Embassy of Spain in Kenya. Our appreciation also goes to Cantabria Labs for their continuous support which has benefited 300 elderly persons every year.

The day’s celebration was a wonderful reminder that growing old is indeed a blessing, and that joy, faith and love only become richer with the passing of the years.

May Sts. Joachim and Anne continue to intercede for all our elderly, blessing them with good health, peace, strength and abundant joy. May we never cease to honor, cherish and care for those who have walked before us and lovingly paved the way for future generations.

By Mercy Kawira
MCSPA Junior Apprentice
Nariokotome Mission [Kenya]

All 123 of our KG3 students (Kindergarten) at Muketuri set an unforgettable example recently. They seized the opportunity of the school closing day to give a powerful presentation to all present: a play that recounted the story of a blind child who was not accepted at school because of his disability.

This moving presentation by 6-year olds, sent a message to the adults: every child, regardless of ability or disability, has the right to go to school, receive an education and fulfil his or her dream. The message that every child deserves love, respect and equal opportunity sank in!

This would have been difficult to imagine a few years ago in the Muketuri area where children with special needs were usually confined in their homes.

Today, we are happy to see a great change. Children with special needs are now increasingly accepted as part of the community. Families are bringing them to school where they learn alongside other children, and they are being seen not for their disabilities rather for their abilities and dignity.

This is a beautiful sign of hope and an important step towards a more inclusive society where every child is valued and given the chance to reach his or her full potential.

Tigist Mekonnen

MCSPA Apprentice

Muketuri Mission [Ethiopia]

“You are here today not because you are perfect, but because in your imperfections, God has found you, called you, and chosen you.” This was the core of the message by Bishop John Mbinda at the ordination mass at St. Paul the Apostle Church at Nariokotome Mission, Diocese of Lodwar, Kenya.

On July 10th, The Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle and Mary, Mother of the Church (MCSPA) witnessed the ordination to the priesthood of their sons: Timothy Kaburu, Stephen Iyerio, Zackayo Sakwa, Cosmus Onyango and Micheal Mwangi. Together with them, Vitalis Nyongesa, of the Diocese of Lismore, Australia, was also ordained at St. Paul the Apostle Church, Nariokotome Mission.

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Bishop John Mbinda, CSSp, Bishop of Lodwar, together with Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of Tombura-Yambio Diocese of South Sudan. Present were also all MCSPA priests, as well as diocesan and visiting clergy.

In his homily, Bishop John reminded the elect for ordination that priesthood is not about recognition or applause, but about humble service. Reflecting on the Gospel, he encouraged them to be priests who walk closely with God’s people, both in their good moments and in their struggles, following Christ, “who went about doing good.” He concluded with six guiding counsels to the newly ordained: To remain faithful in prayer, live with humility, stay close to the people, love your brother priests, be obedient to your bishop and superiors, and to always keep the Eucharist at the centre of their priesthood.

On behalf of the all the newly ordained, Fr. Timothy expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who had nurtured their vocation and accompanied them through their years of formation. The President of the MCSPA, Scholastica Walwama, thanked all those who generously contributed to the success of the celebration. Bishop Eduardo also expressed his gratitude for the invitation and rejoiced in receiving one of the newly ordained priests to serve in his Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, highlighting the growing bond between the dioceses of Lodwar and Tombura-Yambio.

As these six new priests begin their priestly ministry in Todonyang Mission (Turkana, Kenya), Nyangatom Mission (Ethiopia), Benga Mission (Malawi), Ave Maria Mission (South Sudan), and Solor (Indonesia), we entrust them to the Good Shepherd. May they be faithful shepherds of the people, bringing His love and hope to all that they serve.

“The priesthood is not about being celebrated; it is about becoming a gift for others.”

St. Paul, pray for us!
Mary Mother of the Church, pray for us!
St Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, pray for us!

By Joel Jeremiah and Innocent Phiri
MCSPA Apprentices

Ave Maria Mission was blessed by the pastoral visit of Bishop Edward Hiiboro Kusala of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio (CDTY) on the 19th of June,2026.

Before arriving at Ave Maria Mission, the Bishop celebrated Holy Mass at Tombura Parish, where he blessed the newly renovated Cathedral Church of Mary Help of Christians and encouraged the faithful to work together for lasting peace, reconciliation and unity.

At St. Daniel Comboni Township Centre of St. Thomas Parish in Rii-Yubu, Bishop Hiiboro celebrated the Sunday Eucharist and administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 417 children. He was joined by Fr. Avelino, MCSPA, parish priest of the two parishes and apostolic vicar of Western Deanery, Fr. Albert, MCSPA, assistant priest of the two parishes, as well as Fr. Emmanuel, the Bishop’s Secretary, and Fr. Andrew of CDTY.

Following the Mass, the faithful participated in a joyful procession to the town centre, where Bishop Hiiboro consecrated the entire township of Rii-Yubu to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and prayed for God’s protection and lasting peace. Along the way, he blessed a newly constructed multipurpose hall for community events. He also blessed and officially opened the newly built convent for the Mexican Sisters at Don Bosco Primary School, where Sr. Judith, the Mother General, welcomed the guests.

The following day, Bishop Hiiboro celebrated Holy Mass for pupils and students at Ave Maria Church, encouraging them to remain focused on their education, persevere through challenges, and become ambassadors of peace. He also blessed the newly completed Fr Paco Primary School and the girls’ hostel.

The pastoral visit left a lasting message of faith, peace, and hope. Through the blessing of churches, schools, community facilities,and religious houses, as well as the consecration of Rii-Yubu to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Bishop Hiiboro reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to the spiritual and human development of the people in this area.

Bamu Claudius Zangazee & Ben Maketa
MCSPA Junior Apprentices
Ave-Maria Mission [South Sudan]

It was a happy occasion when all parishioners of Benga came together on the Monday after Pentecost to celebrate the feast of their parish: Mary, Mother of the Church. It was a time when Christians from different places shook hands and strengthened their unity and friendship.

The celebrations started with Holy Mass in the morning, presided over by the Auxiliary Bishop of Lilongwe, Rt. Rev. Vincent Makhwawa. Dressed at their best, the women and men showed their preparedness and joy for this special day.

This year’s feast at Benga Parish was not only a celebration, but also a sign of the growth of the Church. Rt. Rev. Makhwawa administered the Sacrament of Confirmation on 155 faithful who came from different outstations of the parish. In his homily, the bishop preached on faith and the importance of Mary as the Mother of the Church.

The day ended with the sharing of food and drinks, and photo taking sessions with the Bishop. This brought joy and smiles to many people. The Bishop will continue to stay with us at Benga Parish for some days to share more about life and the growth of the Church.

By Louis Mkweza

Junior Apprentice of the MCSPA

Benga Mission [Malawi]

Ángeles Leal’s story is a beautiful testament to hope and perseverance. Members of the MCSPA first met her in Jardines de San Juan Ajusco, an informal settlement on the outskirts of Mexico City, in 2001. When the MCSPA built the San José Mother and Child Centre, they invited women from the neighbourhood who could look after the children in the three pre-primary classrooms. At that time, Ángeles was the mother of one of the children attending the Centre; she was a housewife. She was asked to take charge of one of the classrooms, and along with four other women from the neighbourhood, she was given the opportunity to train as a nursery school teacher. Through her interactions, the camaraderie and the work she carried out alongside the members of the MCSPA, a desire to better herself and help others was awakened in her heart. Her husband and children were part of that dream, which brought them closer together as a family.

Over the years, through hard work, dedication and, as she puts it, ‘what the members of the MCSPA passed on to her’, Ángeles set up a community centre in the neighbourhood, where she cared for and educated pre-school children, whilst also providing learning opportunities for adults. A few years later, she set up a civil association and obtained a degree in Education.

Today, 25 years on, Ángeles continues to sow hope. Every fortnight she travels to Paraíso, a settlement 23 kilometres from Jardines de San Juan Ajusco; due to transport difficulties, it takes her three hours to get there. After a long time, Ángeles has once again answered the call from members of the MCSPA to share her testimony and encourage other women in another community facing severe social hardship.

With simplicity and warmth, she shares her stories and struggles, reminding them that they too can dream, study, grow and build a more dignified life for themselves and their families.

It is deeply moving to see how, over time, the seeds sown with faith, love and effort have grown into strong and fruitful roots that, even after 25 years, continue to bear fruit. Stories like Ángeles’ remind us that every small step and every mustard seed, as the Gospel tells us, can transform lives.

by Rosa Murillo, MCSPA

Andode Mission [Ethiopia]

It was a grace-filled and joyful celebration at the St. Joseph and St. Francis Xavier Theological House of Formation at Metro Manila as Innocent Letasi Phiri and Nathan Symon were solemnly installed as Lectors during Holy Mass on March 05. The Eucharistic celebration was presided by Fr Manuel Hernandez and Concelebrated by Fr Alejandro Campón.

The rite marked an important step in their formation and vocation, as the ministry of lector calls them to faithfully proclaim Sacred Scripture and to deepen their love for the Word they share with God’s people. Through prayer, formation and service, they are entrusted with helping the faithful encounter Christ through the Scriptures.

May Innocent and Nathan remain faithful to the Word they proclaim, allowing it to shape their hearts and lead them ever closer to Christ as they continue their path of formation and service to the Church. Let us keep them in our prayers as they grow in their vocation and commitment to the mission of the Gospel.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

Joel Jeremiah

Junior Apprentice

Metro Manila [Philippines]

Yesterday, we joyfully celebrated the anniversary of our beloved founder, Fr. Francisco (Paco) Andreo, with prayer, remembrance, deep gratitude and a shared community spirit.

The celebration began with the blessing of Paco’s grave, a solemn and touching moment that invited us to reflect on his life and vision, and the legacy he left behind. Following the blessing, an avocado tree was planted at the graveyard site to symbolize life, growth, nourishment, continuity and turning Turkana into a garden. This is a living reminder that the seeds Paco planted through his mission continue to grow and bear fruit in the lives of many.

The day continued with a beautiful mass presided by Fr. Victor Otieno. It was both uplifting and reflective, centred on thanksgiving for the gift of our founder’s life and the enduring impact of his work. The church was filled with children, youth, men and women who came together to celebrate the life of our founder.

In his homily, Deacon Stephen Iyerio, echoing the words from the Letter of James, exhorted us to “find joy in our trials” because endurance in the midst of our trials produces perseverance, and perseverance leads to steadfast faith. Trials are not obstacles to our growth, rather the engine for our growth. God uses the heat of life to burn away the superficial and make us rooted in truth and wisdom.

The MCSPA members present in many countries are living examples of endurance in the face of many trials and challenges who, through perseverance in their faith, are held together and are able to continue their work around the world. This is a habit that Paco instilled in us.

A particularly touching moment during the Mass came when Dr. Ana Mañas, Paco’s oncologist, shared a moving account of her first meeting with Paco as a new patient. He told her that he was a missionary and that being in Africa makes him feel better, and so wished to return back to Kenya to die and be buried behind a beautiful Church.

Through all these memories, we were reminded not only of Paco’s role as a true shepherd but also of his missionary work and compassion.

After the mass, we distributed bread and juice to the children, continuing our founder’s tradition of caring for the children and the most vulnerable. The smiles and joy shared during this time reflected the true spirit of the celebration.

The day concluded with a wonderful lunch shared among the members, apprentices and visitors. It was a time of fellowship, unity, laughter and strengthening the bonds within our community and to welcome those who joined us in commemorating this special day.

May we continue Paco’s legacy and inspire more young men and women to follow Christ.

By Agostinho Barros de Deus

Senior Apprentice,

Nariokotome Mission [Kenya]

And Maggy Gitau

Senior Apprentice,

Kokuselei Mission [Kenya]