On July 26th, Nariokotome Mission joyfully joined the universal Church in celebrating the memorial of Sts. Joachim and Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandparents of Jesus. This special day holds particular meaning for us, as we came together with our Sts. Joachim and Anne Elderly Programme members to honor not only the holy grandparents of our Lord, but also the invaluable role of grandparents and elders in our own community.

The day began with a solemn Mass presided over by Fr. Zaccheaus Okoth, during which a special intention was offered for all elderly members of our parish. Fr. Zaccheaus reminded us of the deep faith and perseverance of Sts. Joachim and Anne, encouraging everyone especially our elders to continue being pillars of wisdom, prayer and love in their families and society.

After Mass, the 275 elders in the programme were offered a warm reception at St. Martin de Porres Bakery at Nariokotome Mission. Songs and traditional dances, marked the celebration, creating a lively and joy filled atmosphere.

A highlight of the celebration was the presentation of small gifts to each elderly member present. These included food items and simple necessities, offered in gratitude for their contributions to the Church and community.

We concluded the day with a shared meal, filled with laughter, friendship and gratitude. It was a beautiful reminder of the importance of honoring our elders not just on special feast days but every day!

The celebration strengthened our bonds as a Christian family and renewed our commitment to walk in the footsteps of Sts. Joachim and Anne with faith, humility and love.

By Lenny Jillo, MCSPA

Nariokotome Mission

“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)

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

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]

“BE A GIRL, BE A LIGHT”, was the theme of the gathering we had in Loropio last weekend with girls between 14 and 17 years old from the communities of Riokomor and Kokuselei. Our inspiration: ‘’Let your light shine before others‘’.

The big change that schooling brings for Turkana girls is a big responsibility, so the meeting organised by the missionaries and teachers of Kokuselei aimed to guide them on their life project. It was an opportunity for them to explore their self-knowledge, self-esteem and health, and what it means to be part of the first generation of schooled women in their communities.

The joy in their hearts was evident on their faces. For some of them, it was the first time they had ever boarded a bus, tasted new food, gone outside their communities and swam in Lake Turkana. Their happiness was overflowing as they sang non-stop to express their excitement.

During the meeting, their courage and the incredible strength they carry within them was emphasised. We reminded them that they are not only the pride of their community, but also a light that enlightens others and will benefit the whole society.

By nature, the girls like to get to the bottom of things when they talk about life, and this aspect shone through when we answered questions about their dreams and the difficult challenges they face.

We believe their determination and desire will shine through in their communities!

By Maggie Gitau & Frida Ejore

Apprentices of MCSPA

Kokuselei Mission (Kenya)

(more…)

On Sunday 22 September 2024, we finally crossed the border from Ave Maria Mission in South Sudan into the Central African Republic, following the only road linking both countries. Our Fr. Joseph Githinji, MCSPA, was the last priest they had seen in Bambuti town before he was forced to leave South Sudan in 2018. Frs. Avelino and Albert had been seven years waiting to visit these Christians, since the Spanish Comboni Bishop  from Bangassou, Msgr. Juan José Aguirre, had requested them to do so because his diocese was not able to reach out pastorally to these communities. They had been under Islamic fundamentalist militias which had flooded in from Niger and Chad. These armed groups committed many massacres and terrorised the population on both sides of the border, until our local militias, called the “Arrow Boys” flushed them out last May, after weeks of heavy fighting.

The Zande ethnic group is spread through three neighbouring countries, namely South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic. Whenever they experience conflict in one country, they migrate to the neighbouring country … and vice versa.

When many of our Christians from St. Thomas and Ave Maria parishes saw the priest and some apprentices heading for the border post yesterday, they followed us on motorbikes, bicycles and on foot. Dozens of them had never been in Bambuti before. After an incredibly difficult 7 km stretch of road and several falls, we passed the new barracks of the UN Rwandan Peace contingent and reached the small chapel compound, surrounded by hundreds of faithful. The new woman Sub-Prefect of Bambuti, Madame Kumba, ushered us in, in perfect French. The Member of Parliament, Monsieur Bernard, who had just landed there in a helicopter from the capital Bangui, welcomed us and assured the people that free movement between the two countries will be guaranteed by the security forces from now on.

The atmosphere of joy and reconciliation was palpable through the singing in Sangu (local dialect), the xylophones and drums. Many years of fears and suffering seemed to have been put behind. Many people came for the sacrament of Reconciliation, and the celebration of the Eucharist was very well-participated and faith-filled! In November the local authorities promised that the road will be levelled, and a new opportunity for peace and development will once again flourish in this region.

Thanks be to God, to the Catechists and the Christians of Bambuti for the perseverance in their faith despite incredible difficulties and challenges!

by MCSPA missionaries at
Ave Maria Mission

Some say that adolescence is an invention of the Western world since the term was first introduced in 1904 by the American psychologist and educator G. Stanley Hall, who attributes specific biological and psychological characteristics to people between the ages of 14 to 24. Later, Sigmund Freud reinforced this new age segment. According to UNICEF, “adolescence is a stage with value and richness in itself, a challenging stage of many changes and questions for adolescents themselves, but also for their parents and other adults that are close to them”.

In many countries of the world, especially in Africa, it seems that this stage does not exist: one passes directly from childhood to adulthood through many rites and rituals. In our case, after seven years working in the neighborhood of El Paraíso in the Diocese of Xochimilco, we have come across this reality: that the children who used to come to our programs, stop coming because they are no longer children, but they are not adults either, many changes in a short period of time. So, we decided to accompany them in this interesting and decisive process in human development, not only physical and sexual but also psychological, “vocational, moral and of the self”.

This year, with the help of Ana Nájera, a specialist in Emotional Education and Mindfulness, workshops are being carried out for young people between 11 and 15 years of age in El Paraíso to help them make decisions, live a fullfilling life and give them tools to prevent risks such as dropping out of school, unwanted pregnancy, drug addiction, etc.

It has been months of learning and sharing and we firmly believe that it has been the beginning of the creation of a safe space for the development of positive bonds among themselves and with their parents. In this way, we can continue to work together to improve their lives and that of the community of El Paraíso.

By Luz María Mejía, MCSPA
El Paraiso, Mexico

At Ave Maria Mission in South Sudan, we have started the Rosary for Peace. These times of insecurity in the Tombura area and this being the month of Mary, we are holding the recitation of the rosary and a daily procession while praying for peace to prevail in the area.

We invite you all, dear friends, to join us in countering violence by praying the Rosary. May Mother Mary hear our prayers!

by Lillian Omari, MCSPA
Ave Maria Mission,
South Sudan