In every culture and tradition, caring for the elderly is seen as a noble and meaningful act. Showing love and respect, and according attention and dignity is a simple yet profound way of taking care of the elderly.

We have a group of 30 elderly persons whom we support with monthly rations. Also, every year we organize a special meal for all the elderly of Dakuna village and the surrounding villages. This year on the feast day of St, Gregory the Great, we at St Scholastica Mission organized a meal for 45 elderly men and women. We also took food to the home-bound, making a total of 102 beneficiaries.

Apart from offering them a warm plate of food, we shared conversation and compassion. The fellowship was warm and provided a deep sense of belonging. After all the activities, we distributed soap and salt.

The gratitude so apparent in their eyes, the stories heartwarmingly shared, and a presence that was warm and reassuring … all a gentle reminder of the value of life and the power of human connection! A two-way exchange becomes apparent: while they received care, we received wisdom and blessings!

A meal given lovingly can be a prayer in action – a silent, powerful gesture that uplifts hearts. In a fast-paced world, taking time to feed and care for our elderly is a way to pause, reflect and give back!

We would like to express our gratitude to all who collaborated in this endeavour, especially the GREGO (a group from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in Spain) and their families and friends who support this annual event for the elderly. Our thanks also go to friends from Mexico.

“When you feed an elder, you don’t just give them food, you give them joy, remembrance and hope.” – an African proverb.

By Lydiah Obok, MCSPA

St. Scholastica Mission, Dakuna (Ethiopia)

Lobur, Turkana North – June 19, 2025

Today, Lobur Mission celebrated with excitement as 22 men and women graduated from the Furrows In the Desert (FID) program, ready to turn Turkana’s dry lands into green fields. In Turkana, where scorching heat and scarce rains make life difficult, most people rely on herding goats and cattle, a nomadic way of life woven into their rich culture of storytelling, dance and community. But with climate change drying up pastures, the need to grow food is becoming a lifeline, and FID is leading the way.

For 5 months, these graduates learned to farm in this harsh semi-arid land, from preparing soil to selling crops and even cooking what they grow. “This isn’t just farming—it’s about changing lives,” said Mr. Munene, FID’s Operations Manager. “These farmers ate their own vegetables, proof they can feed their families and neighbors.” A 2025 graduate beamed, saying, “The work is hard, but it fills my heart. We need help to keep going!” Rose, who graduated in 2023, added, “FID gave me a job. Now, I tell others: transform your villages with what you’ve learned.”

Maque, FID’s Director, shared how the program began in 2009 after a trip to Israel, growing with help from partners in Israel and the MCSPA. She urged everyone to work together, saying, “Our farmers shouldn’t feel alone. Markets like Kakuma are waiting for their crops.” She, however, registered her worries that some might quit farming for quick cash, especially in the fishing villages of Todonyang near Lake Turkana, and asked for support to keep them on track.

In Kaaleng, Sr. Joy said, “Our land is different now—green and alive—thanks to FID farmers.” Sr. Matilda from Kaikor agreed, “Our farms pay school fees and feed families. Kaikor is an oasis!” Fr. Andrew from Lobur Mission called FID a path to peace, saying, “Food is needed every day. Let’s help these farmers sell their crops so they don’t lose hope.” Mr. Benson Thuku, Area Program Manager from Dan Church Aid (DCA), praised FID for teaching skills that fit Turkana’s challenges. “With climate change, we must grow our own food. These young farmers, most around 30, are our future.”

Lobur Mission gave the trainees a home, and DCA plans to team up with FID in Kalobeyei. Maque thanked the staff for their hard work, saying, “Together, we’re showing Turkana what farming can do.” In a land where survival is a daily fight, these 22 graduates are planting hope, proving that even in the desert, life can bloom.

Cosmus Onyango

Senior Apprentice, from Lobur Mission

We are neither adrift in memories
Nor trapped by illusions
For YOUR STORY
Marks this unique anniversary
A rebuilding of your efforts
Within our community of kindred spirits
Gathering us here
To honour your life’s meaningful deeds.
Your spirit lingers in every whispering leaf,
A gentle reminder that your work lives on.

The trees give LIFE
Manifestations of your will
Planted abundantly in Turkana’s soil
As apprentices in all our missions
We now tread in your footsteps
Striving towards the essence of your vision
YOUR VISION guides us
Like the sun nurturing new growth
Lighting the path for those who follow

A calling that nurtures life …
There you rest
In eternal peace, yet ever present
In every sapling, we find the echo of your dreams
A testament that your spirit endures
Rooted deeply within us all.

By Louis P. Mkweza
Junior Apprentice (MALAWI)

Three years ago, some members of a school in Madrid, Escuela Ideo, visited Turkana. We had the opportunity to show them our missions and schools, and from there, we began to explore forms of collaboration on how to share methodologies based on Kenya’s new curriculum. This year, we started an online pilot program focused on teacher collaboration to implement these new methods and adapt them to the reality of Turkana. This July it culminated with the visit of eight of their teachers to the four educational centers of the MCSPA in Turkana (Kenya) and one at Nyangatom (Ethiopia).

It has been truly enriching for both parties, as there has been a lot of interaction – despite the short few days – which has helped us to focus and see the reality of each center. The eight members of Escuela Ideo departed happy and motivated to continue seeking synergies to support us in our educational project.

By Maque Falgas
MCSPA Secular Branch Member
Lobur Mission (Kenya)

Today was a very special day at Lobur Mission as we had our deanery recollection which began in the morning with a walk to the Risen Christ statue and ended in the afternoon, graced with Mass celebrated by Fr. Andrew Yakulula and a beautiful homily from Deacon Stephen Iyerio. We cherished it as a profoundly important day because it afforded us the chance to examine our consciences, seek forgiveness, renew our spiritual lives, and deepen our faith and above all to continue offering our lives in the service of all those in need.

The recollection was attended by the visiting priest from Lokitaung Parish, the Marianitas Sisters, the Mensa Domini Sisters (fondly known as the “Yellow Sisters”), and priests from Kaikor parish. We gathered as one, ascending the mountain slowly, engaging in heartfelt interactions. Standing at the top of the mountain, we were all captivated by the breathtaking view of Lobur Mission. It was a moment of serene introspection and shared smiles. Then, we descended the mountain, where we joined in the Rosary prayer, adoration and the Eucharistic celebration.

We fortified our bonds as we shared our food, drinks and stories over lunch. This time has helped us individually by reflecting and healing and stepping back from our daily routines and focusing on the spiritual life since we learned a lot from each other. We are grateful for this day and we hope and pray that we have all been re-energised to continue carrying out our apostolates in our missions and beyond.

By Louis Mkweza, MCSPA Apprentice
Lobur Mission, Turkana, Kenya

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

On April 30, Children’s Day was celebrated in Mexico, an official date established by President Álvaro Obregon in 1924, after the signing of the Geneva Declaration. Since then, all over Mexico, this day is celebrated by giving away toys and carrying out activities in schools and other institutions. At the El Paraíso mission we were not left behind. The intentions were two-fold: firstly, like everywhere else in the world, it is to recognise the rights of all minors and to acknowledge that one day we too were children with our own dreams.

A second and equally important intention was to help rebuild the social fabric that has been damaged by violence and neglect. El Paraiso is a place that is an amalgam of people who come from different parts of the Mexican Republic and who come with their backpacks laden with their history, culture and tradition, fleeing poverty or violence in their places of origin.

During these 7 years we have discovered that through the creation of traditions while reinforcing those that exist, values, models, ideas and other variables that help to build the social fabric of community building and thus making us one: recognising themselves and at the same time recognising the other. The aim is to move away from being a mere island in the asphalt jungle that is Mexico City, and to be a living cell that brings life to others. So, through traditions such as Children’s Day, Mother’s Day, the feast days of Saints, Epiphany and Christmas Day among other festivities, we reinforce what we all want: unity between all the people of the neighbourhood, so that those who have more can see those who have less, so that everyone feels responsible for each other.

Our gratitude goes to all those who make this task possible: the students and teachers of the UMV and volunteers who offered us this occasion, the gifts and the piñatas, the activities and for simply being there … and leaving behind a little bit of yourselves.

By Luz María, MCSPA
Mexico City

A 5-day eye campaign, organized by Ave Maria Mission in collaboration with volunteer ophthalmologists and healthcare workers from Spain, has just concluded, leaving a lasting impact on hundreds of lives in the community.

The campaign, which took place from April 08 till 12, provided free eye examinations, medications, as well as surgeries for individuals who lacked access to proper healthcare. Many residents in Tombura and Ezo County areas struggle with untreated cataracts, glaucoma and other eye problems that adversely affect their daily lives.

One of the beneficiaries expressed her gratitude, saying, “For years I’ve been struggling to see clearly, making it so difficult for me to work in the fields. Thanks to Ave Maria Mission and the Spanish eye-doctors, I can now see the rows of seedlings I plant and the crops I harvest. It’s a life-changing difference.”

Over the 5 days, the Ave Maria Mission Eye Campaign served 421 patients with 92 successful surgeries, treated 91 cataract cases and 1 case of pterygium or “surfer’s eye” … thus, sight for many were restored and the overall well-being of the community improved. The success of the initiative highlights the critical role such outreach programs play in bridging healthcare gaps and empowering individuals.

Ave Maria Mission is committed to continuing its efforts to provide essential medical services to the needy. The Spanish ophthalmologists are already planning future eye care campaigns even as they prepare to go to Nzara (another nearby county) to carry out the same program as at Ave Maria Mission for another 2 days. Thus we work towards a future where everyone has access to quality vision-care.

Peter Sokakulo,
Ave Maria Mission,
[South Sudan]

Today, 15th of February 2024, we celebrated the 11th Death Anniversary of Fr. Francisco Andreo in the Mission of Mizan Teferi.

The celebration began with a prayer and Sarai gave a brief history of the life of Paco, founder of the MCSPA. She explained how Paco was an example for all of us in charity and generosity, highlighting the love he had for Africa.

Paco was also very insistent in planting fruit trees as a way of turning the desert into a garden. For this reason, in the morning, an activity with the children was carried out in which each child planted a papaya seed in a water bottle, committing themselves to taking care of it until it bore fruit.

In the afternoon, during the ceremony, some avocado and lemon seedlings were blessed with water from the River Jordan and one seedling was planted in the school compound. Each person added a handful of soil to this avocado plant.

Later, everyone had some tea, bread and bananas under the mango tree at the mission. The ceremony concluded with the distribution of more seedlings which the people joyfully took back to their homes.

By Amanda Falgas Apprentice
Mizan Teferi, Ethiopia.