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

Today, Furrows in the Desert celebrated its 24th graduation ceremony, with 22 trainees successfully completing the programme’s 5-month course and officially becoming farmers. As they return to their communities across Turkana North, each graduate will establish a 500 m2 farm with the support of a drip irrigation kit.

This young and enthusiastic cohort reflects the growing adoption of agriculture as a pathway to food security, self-reliance and increased household income in Turkana. Graduates will continue to receive mentorship and follow-up support from the Furrows in the Desert team as they begin this new chapter.

This milestone reflects the ongoing commitment of the Missionary Community of Saint Paul the Apostle (MCSPA) to empower communities through sustainable agriculture and livelihoods.

Maque Falgás

MCSPA

Director FID [Lobur Mission]

Coming home after a long journey and realizing that something inside you has changed forever. That is exactly what has happened to the two of us.

We arrived in Kenya with doubts, expectations and many questions about what we would find and what we would take away from this adventure. Today we know that there are not enough words to describe everything we have lived, felt and learned during these days.

We spent ten days at Lobur Mission of the Missionary Community of Saint Paul the Apostle (MCSPA), where we had the opportunity to closely experience the projects that sustain the community: nurseries and child nutrition programs, a primary school, healthcare through the clinic and mobile clinic, the construction of water wells and dams, and a school for training young farmers, supporting them so that they may apply at their homes all that they have learned and generate resources for both self-consumption and trade.

However, what has left the deepest mark on us was not only the projects but the people. Being able to live alongside the local community, connect with their culture, their way of life, and listen to their stories has been profoundly transformative. During these days, we shared moments that will stay with us forever: from helping to donate shoes to children, attending lively local masses and baptisms, to assisting at the mobile clinic while nurses cared for pregnant women and vaccinated children.

We want to sincerely thank everyone who accompanied us and made this experience so special, especially Deacon Micheal and Fr. Andrew both members of MCSPA. We realise that this is much more than a community – it is a family, a chosen family, and it was a true gift to be a part of it, even if only for a few days.

We return from Africa more humble, with full hearts and, above all, with a renewed way of seeing the world. Sometimes we go on with our lives without stopping to think that all of this is real, that there are people living realities we could never imagine and who need our help. This journey was a necessary pause, a soul-shaking experience that opened our eyes.

It has been a deeply human, transformative and magical experience.

by Toni & Silvia
Barcelona [Spain]

The MCSPA Mission at Muketuri was blessed with the pastoral visit of Abuna Tesfaye Tadesse on March 12. Prior to being ordained Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) last year, Abuna Tesfaye was the Superior General of the Comboni Missionaries. He was accompanied by Abba Tesema, the priest assigned to celebrate mass at Muketuri.

It was a joyful opportunity to share with the Abuna (Bishop) our work with our workers and collaborators since 2007 at Muketuri and around. During his visit, he toured the classrooms and met the children, and showed a great interest in the preschool education and nutrition program being carried out.

Abuna Tesfaye also met the heads of the different departments: the Directress of the Centre, the program head for malnourished children, as well as the personnel in charge of kitchen, special education classroom, cows, agriculture and water resources in the villages.

The bishop also asked the members of the MCSPA at Muketuri to introduce ourselves – all from different nationalities and with long experience working in Ethiopia. He was happy to see one Ethiopian apprentice of the MCSPA.

A key moment of the visit was the celebration of the Eucharist, presided by Abuna Tesfaye, with MCSPA members and some workers and visitors. In his homily, Abuna Tesfaye expressed gratitude for the dedication and commitment of the MCSPA in Muketuri. He prayed that the missionaries may continue strengthening the presence of the Catholic Church through its service and mission in the area. There is no presence of the Catholic Church for 80 km to the south and 220 km to the north, as the area is mostly Orthodox.

Before leaving the St. Joseph Mother and Child Centre, Abuna Tesfaye visited the classroom for Special Needs Children, where 13 children with different kinds of disabilities are attended to. The bishop greeted them, one by one with great empathy, and blessed them and their baby-sitters. He very much appreciated the care given to these children, as they are stigmatized.

Abuna Tesfaye also visited Maite Iglesias Home, a residence for secondary girl-students that is dedicated to promoting the education and development of young girls for a more hopeful future through learning.

The visit concluded with lunch at the MCSPA Mission House, where the members thanked Abuna Tesfaye for his presence, his closeness to our mission, and for the encouragement to continue serving the community in Muketuri and its environs.

Esther Kerubo, MCSPA

Muketuri Mission [Ethiopia]

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]

On October 7, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. At Sts. Joachim and Ann Parish (Kibish, Diocese of Lodwar, Kenya), at the outstation of St. John the Evangelist (Lobur Mission), a procession was held in the village of Lobur, where many people took part. We continue to ask our Mother Mary to bless us during this month of the Missions and of the Rosary.

by Fr. Andrew Yakulula, MCSPA

Lobur MIssion, KENYA.