For more than 35 years, the Mission of Nariokotome has served the people of Turkana through essential projects such as drilling boreholes, digging dams, building schools and health centers, and supporting women’s empowerment programs. These efforts have been vital in responding to the daily challenges of life in a remote and difficult region.

Beyond these fundamental efforts, something quieter and perhaps less visible is taking place next to the mechanic workshop at Nariokotome: a carpentry workshop where furniture for churches, homes, and mission projects is made. What makes this workshop unique is its focus on wood carving. Here, craftsmanship goes beyond function and becomes an expression of care and creativity.

Two local men from Turkana were trained by an experienced wood-carver from Tanzania. Under his guidance, they developed their skills and now create beautifully-carved doors for churches and chapels, finely crafted benches, and pieces commissioned by the diocese.

This work reflects the vision of Fr. Paco, the founder of the community, who often said that building a dam with love is different from building one without love. The same is true for a door or a table. Carving is not just about producing an object, but about infusing it with intention, patience and care.

Missionary life in remote areas is often focussed on survival and utility. When art finds its place, it is a sign that the mission is thriving and making room for aesthetics. At the Nariokotome carpentry workshop, love is carved into every piece of work. And through this beauty, hearts are lifted and drawn closer to God.

Amanda Falgas

MCSPA Apprentice

Mizan Teferi [Ethiopia]

“Hello, what is your name?”

“Maria”

A grin from ear to ear: “Just like the one we are celebrating today!”

This was my welcoming greeting in Kangatem, a refugee camp for the Murle tribe of South Sudan – December 25, 2025.

It is Christmas! Joy is in the air: drums are beating, children are vibrating with excitement, women are dancing, and men are singing. The sun is scorching, and the vivid colors of the fabrics—and of the bodies scarred by war—tell stories through their gazes…

Years have passed since the last time they were able to celebrate Christmas. Threatened by bloody riots first in South Sudan and then in Gambela (Ethiopia), they “lived” trapped, hidden, and paralyzed by fear in the camp established by the government in Gambela.

In the midst of such darkness, the flame of their faith shone brightly; it grew every day as they prayed to God to liberate their people.

Until, as they tell it, He answered!

He led them to a safe area in the Omo Valley, 70 km from our Prince of Peace mission in Nyangatom.

Ángel celebrated the Christmas Mass and shared with us that the light of the Baby Jesus—who became flesh to share in our pain—would always be with us in our hearts. He reminded us that whenever we feel alone, lost, or afraid, we should look for that light.

The love and respect with which they took Communion is beyond words.

We sang, we gave thanks, we prayed, we smiled, and we shared bread and goat meat. Peace, faith, and ecumenism were the themes of the day during our conversations with the elders. It was a dialogue of hope that brings this year of pilgrimage to a triumphant close.

As long as there is a heart thirsty for peace, there will be hope—and that day in Kangatem, more than 2,000 hearts were beating in flames.

Maria Vidal-Aragon

MCSPA Junior Apprentice

Mizan Teferi [Ethiopia]

Today, at Ave Maria Catholic Mission in South Sudan, love truly filled the air as the Church celebrated the Feast of the Holy Family in a deeply moving and life-giving way. The Family Life Group, in Ave Maria and St Thomas parishes concluded a two-day workshop under the theme: “Marriage: God’s Design for Love, Friendship and Life.”

It was not simply a workshop, it was a pilgrimage of hearts. Over the two days, couples were gently led back to the heart of Christian marriage, as taught by the Catholic Church. Marriage is a sacrament, a covenant and a vocation rooted in God’s own faithful love. Through rich teachings, couples reflected on marriage as a journey of companionship, sacrifice, forgiveness and shared mission. Special emphasis was placed on rekindling love, nurturing friendship between spouses and rediscovering joy even after years of shared struggles.

One of the most touching moments was listening to couples share their love stories: simple, honest, and deeply African in spirit. Stories of long walks, patient waiting, family negotiations, prayers under the stars, and love tested by hardship reminded everyone that true love grows not in haste, but in commitment.

Recognising that love also carries wounds, the workshop courageously addressed trauma healing and mental health, affirming the Church’s teaching that caring for the soul includes caring for the mind and emotions. Couples were encouraged to heal together, to speak, to listen and to walk the journey of restoration, hand in hand.

The climax of the celebration was nothing short of sacred and joyful. One couple received the Sacrament of Matrimony, sealing their love before God and the community. Ten couples celebrated their Silver Jubilee, giving thanks for 25 years of faithfulness, perseverance, and grace. Thirty four couples renewed their marriage promises, standing once again before God to say “Yes”, not because life was perfect, but because love had endured.

Today at Ave Maria Catholic Mission, the Church did not only speak about marriage, it celebrated it, healed it and renewed it. Love was in the air, faith was in action, and God’s design for family life shone brightly among His people.

By Ben Maketa

MCSPA Apprentice

Ave Maria Mission [South Sudan]

Much was prepared for Christmas Day, both spiritually and materially, with decorations, choir, food and dance activities. It was a great gathering of parishioners from different outstations for a warm and communal celebration of Christmas.

When the clock struck 7:00 pm, the celebration of Mass began. The Mass was presided over by Fr. Steven Ochieng, assisted by Fr. Fernando Aguirre as con-celebrant and Deacon Dominic as the serving deacon. The joy of the night swelled with the welcoming of catechumens who received their First Holy Communion and Baptism. This signified the growth of the Church and the living witness of the Gospel.

Christmas is not only about having the best dishes or dancing to sweet melodies; it is about remembering the birthday of Jesus Christ, who was born for us. As the Deacon emphasised in his homily, the meaning of Christmas lies in the very heart of our faith in the mystery of the Incarnation, God-made-flesh dwelt among us. It is a time to renew our love for one another, to forgive, and to share with the poor and needy, just as Christ shared His love with the world.

Mass concluded with the Christmas dance, a beautiful chaos of devotion and order as parishioners expressed their joy before the altar.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

By Louis Mkweza

MCSPA Apprentice,

Benga Mission [Malawi]

Furrows in the Desert (FID) held its 23rd graduation ceremony on 11 December 2025 at the FID Training Centre Hall, marking another important milestone in strengthening agricultural skills and food security in North Turkana.

The event was well attended by the Lobur community, demonstrating strong local support and ownership of the programme. Distinguished guests included Sister Joy, the Guest of Honour, and Father Joseph, Parish Priest and MCSPA representative, alongside community members.

During the ceremony, FID management congratulated the graduates for their dedication and encouraged them to apply the skills acquired to improve food production, household income, and nutrition within their communities. Appreciation was also extended to all donors and benefactors, with special recognition given to MCSPA for its continued support.

All trainees were awarded certificates of completion, and the community presented gifts to the graduates in celebration of their achievements.

FID reaffirmed its commitment to empowering local farmers, strengthening food security, and transforming livelihoods across North Turkana through sustainable agricultural development.

By Maque Falgas

MCSPA Secular Branch

Lobur Mission [Kenya]

A day of spirit and surrender, where faith met fire and history found its echo in four humble hearts. Something sacred stirred in Our Lady of Pentecost Parish of Loyola Heights, Quezon City (Philippines) on the morning of October 25.

The community gathered in the Church rejoiced as 4 members of the Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle (MCSPA) – Timothy Kaburu, Zackayo Sakwa, Cosmus Onyango and Micheal Mwangi – were conferred the order of diaconate by the Archbishop Emeritus of Jaro, Most Rev. Jose Romeo O. Lazo DD.

It has been about 2 decades since the MCSPA had seen 4 men being ordained together, and the occasion felt more like a revival of spirit. From the first chords of the entrance hymn, the parish came alive. Members of the MCSPA and family and friends leaned forward with pride, the young looked on in quiet admiration. When the 4 stepped forth, dressed in white, something about the moment said promise. Their faces were steady, but their hearts … you could feel it, were burning! At that moment, it was clear: vocation is not about prestige, but surrender.

Archbishop Lazo, in his gentle yet firm voice, opened his homily by saying that this ordination of MCSPA members reminds us that the Church is missionary. The diaconate is born of love in order to serve. These words came across not as lofty rhetoric, rather as a lived truth. Service – the Archbishop reminded the deacons-to-be and everyone in the beautiful Church – begins not at the altar but in the heart: in listening, lifting up and loving the people whom God places in our path.

Most Rev. Marvyn Abrea Maceda, Bishop of San Jose de Antique Diocese also concelebrated at the ordination mass together with the Parish Priest, Fr. Herbie Santos, and a number of priests from MCSPA and guest priests as well.

The whole liturgy and mass was solemn and beautifully celebrated.

After the final blessing, the celebration continued in the parish hall. Laughter replaced the solemn chants, and old friends clasped hands as if to say, we were part of something holy today. Photographs were taken, stories shared, food passed around … nothing extravagant, just the warmth of communion, the taste of shared joy.

This ordination was more than an event: it was a reminder that God still writes His story in human hearts. In our 4 brothers, the church glimpsed her own renewal: a spark of hope in a world that so often forgets the beauty of service. Testimonies during the reception also lightened the day. It became apparent how despite the humble beginnings, immense efforts were made by the priests and seminarians of the MCSPA in its different apostolates and outreach in the poorer neighborhoods of the parish and in building bridges between the Philippine and African churches. It was heartwarming to learn of God’s grace acting throughout the 13 years of the MCSPA’s presence in the Philippines.

As the event came to a close, the words of St. Teresa of Kolkata came to mind: “At the end of life, we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, or how many great things we have done, but by how much love we put into the doing”.

To Timothy, Zackayo, Cosmus and Micheal: congratulations! May you savour the joy of service!

by Benjamin Musyoka,
Junior Apprentice of the MCSPA

Meskel is one of Ethiopia’s most important religious and cultural festivals; it is celebrated every year on September 27 or on September 28 in a leap year. It commemorates the Finding of True Cross on which Jesus died by Saint Helena.

A large bonfire (called Demera) is lit using dry wood and this is done in public places. At the village of Dakuna where the MCSPA has its mission, it was done at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church. All the faithful gathered in the evening of the day, and the bonfire was lit. Abba Filipos officiated at the ceremony with the help of church deacons who led the chanting and prayers, and the incensing. Three elders performed the traditional blessing, before lighting the Demera. Abba Filipos explained to the faithful gathered at the Church the meaning of the Cross.

Members of the MCSPA communities at every mission in Ethiopia also gathered with families that invited them to share in the traditional Ethiopian meal and drinks.

Meskel also marks the end of the rainy season in Ethiopia. There is a tradition that interprets the position of where the bonfire leans or collapses to predict future events for the community. We hope and pray that this year 2018 of the Ethiopian Calendar will be full of blessings to all the MCSPA missions in Ethiopia.

by Lydiah Obok, MCSPA

Dakuna Mission, ETHIOPIA

The Women’s Empowerment Project at Dakuna Mission in the Eparchy of Emdeber (Ethiopia) was born as a result of a discernment based on walking with and listening to the needs of women in the area. One of the greatest needs identified is that of empowering women who are the heart of families at Dakuna.

Today, 80 women are registered; they are organized into 4 work groups who meet weekly to learn practical skills. Their training includes making of handcraft (such as baskets, sugar pots and table mats), beadwork (producing beautiful bracelets, bangles, key holders and pen holders) and food preparation (such as njera, coffee etc).

Despite having to walk long distances, the women faithfully attend meetings, finding joy in working together, often singing and dancing as they learn. Their products are then sold in local markets, bringing sustainable income that helps improve their families’ lives.

But the MCSPA’s St. Scholastica Mission at Dakuna goes beyond training: we provide pastoral accompaniment, supporting the women spiritually and building community around faith. We foster solidarity, where women learn not only skills but also encourage, support and uplift one another. We work hand in hand with local leaders to ensure that development efforts are rooted in the local culture, dignity and sustainability.

A special moment came this past August 27 when we celebrated the Feast of St. Monica, patron of one of the work groups. The day was marked with gratitude, joy and renewed hope showing that this project is not only about economic growth but also about nurturing faith and unity.

We thank our partners, World Doctors of Italy, represented by Dr. Gabi Janssen and Monika, whose generosity and commitment have made this initiative possible.

The presence of MCSPA in Dakuna is a sign of hope: by empowering women, we are planting seeds of transformation for families, the community and the Church. Together, we walk the path of faith and development, hand in hand with the people of Dakuna.

Josephine Amuma, MCSPA

Dakuna, Eparchy of Emdeber (Ethiopia)

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)