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]

The people of Abo Kaso Koit, a small village in Muketuri, Ethiopia, recently gathered to celebrate the completion of a well that is already transforming daily life in the community.

Most families in the village depend on agriculture, growing crops such as teff, chickpeas, beans and wheat. In recent years, however, the situation of insecurity has made life increasingly difficult. Access to clean water was one of the community’s greatest challenges, forcing women and children to walk long distances to fetch water for their families.

The project was delayed for more than two year due to insecurity in the area. Despite these difficulties, the community never lost hope. Thanks to the support received, a new well was successfully drilled and is now providing clean and safe water to approximately 80 families, totalling 505 people.

The benefits are already evident: children spend more time in school; women have more time for other activities; and families have access to a reliable source of clean water, improving health and well-being in the village. It is hoped that in the future they can produce vegetables using water from the well.

To express their gratitude, the community organized a thanksgiving celebration. All gathered to share their appreciation and celebrate this important achievement together.

During the event, Lourdes Larruy, a member of MCSPA, explained that we are here to share the love of God – the same God for Orthodox, Catholics and Protestants. God is asking all of us to build a world where we can all be brothers and sisters. She encouraged them to also help one another.

The celebration was a beautiful expression of gratitude, hope and community spirit. We thank all those whose generosity and support helped make this project possible and which has now brought clean water to the people of Abo Kaso Koit.

Tigist Mekonnen

MCSPA Apprentice

Muketuri Mission [Ethiopia]

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]

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]

A recent eye-care outreach has brought new hope and clearer vision to many people in Tombura County and Ezo County. The campaign reached communities where access to specialized eye care is near to negligible, offering screening, treatment and life-changing surgery.

The surgical phase of the outreach was conducted at St Peter Health Center, where a dedicated team of ophthalmologists from Spain and medical staff worked to restore sight to patients suffering from cataracts and other eye conditions.

During the campaign, 84 successful cataract surgeries were performed. For many patients who had been living with poor vision or blindness, the procedures meant a return to independence and the joy of seeing their families and surroundings clearly once again.

In addition to the surgeries, eyeglasses were distributed to patients in Tombura, Ezo, and Ave Maria. These simple but powerful tools will help many people improve their daily lives: reading, farming, working or caring for their families.

Following the success of the outreach, the medical team has now moved on to Nzara County and Yambio County, where the campaign continues to bring essential eye care services to more communities there.

This initiative stands as a strong reminder that restoring sight does more than treating a medical condition; it restores dignity, independence and hope.

Benjamin Maketa

Junior Apprentice

Ave Maria Mission [South Sudan]

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]

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]

I am a third-year commerce student at Strathmore University and a volunteer with the Community Service Centre. Recently, I joined a women’s promotion camp in Nariokotome Mission, collaborating with Strathmore Turkana Education Project and the Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle (MCSPA).

Along the western shore of Lake Turkana, lies a humble but powerful movement that strings one bead at a time. My journey to Nariokotome introduced me to a group of extraordinary women whose resilience, creativity and spirit continues to inspire me long after my departure from Turkana.

These women are part of a beadwork project that empowers them to earn a sustainable income in a community where the odds are often stacked against them. They have neither had the opportunity to go to school nor a stable source of livelihood. Here the land is vast and bare, while access to the necessities like water and food is difficult. Rather than give up, these women have chosen to stand up.

Most of these women walk long distances each day to participate in the program. Some make a 3-hour journey on foot, driven not by obligation but by dedication. Despite the physical challenges, their positivity, work ethic and humility stand out. They sing as they work: their melodies weaving through the air with the same grace and rhythm as the beads through thread.

I had the joy of interacting with them closely, wearing their colourful shangas, dancing, laughing and joining them in song as they worked. Though we were separated by language, we were united in purpose and joy. The “raiya” women, i.e. those women who have never been to school, still call out with excitement to Teacher Jenny whenever they face a challenge, knowing that guidance and support are always available. Their eagerness to learn is unmatched.

Most of these women are fast learners, now creating up to three pieces a day. Over time, they have not only refined their skill but also gained the confidence to recognize the value of their craft.

This project, led by Lydia and Lenny and supported by Strathmore and it’s partners, is more than just beadwork. It is a lifeline, a source of identity and pride. The project leaders constantly remind the women that this is their office, and that they should approach it with the same pride and professionalism as at any workplace. The women take this to heart, cherishing the fact that they, too, have a job, a purpose and a place of belonging.

With the breathtaking view of Lake Turkana as backdrop, there truly was no better way that I could have spent my semester break. I got the impression that this is not just a community initiative; it is a transformational project weaving resilience and sisterhood among the women.

My experience there has been a testimony to the lengths that Turkana women will go to for a better life. I have witnessed the power of patience, hard work and belief. There is a beauty that blossoms when women are given the tools, not handouts; but skills to shape their own futures and I am grateful to have been a little part of it.

By Stacy Nyamwange,

BCom 3rd Year, Strathmore University, Nairobi