On 10th January 2025, Most Rev Mathias Konig, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Paderborn (Germany) visited Benga Mission, Malawi. Bishop Mathias was welcomed by Fr. Fernando Aguirre, Fr. Manuel Hernandez and Fr. Stephen Ochieng. The MCSPA and the Archdiocese of Paderborn maintain a strong working relationship as the MCSPA has a presence within this German archdiocese as well. During the visit, the bishop and his team met and shared with our young men who are aspiring to become missionaries.

Fr. Steven Ochieng guided the guests around the mission. They had a chance to see the animal farm where chickens, goats, rabbits and pig are reared. They also visited the soap factory, the up-and-coming bakery, the school, the elderly Day Care Centre and the Parish Offices. Bishop Mathias was impressed by the progress made at Benga Mission over the past 12 years and expressed his gratitude to God and to the MCSPA members. Hence, in his homily at the community mass, Bishop Mathias encouraged the young men to stay committed to their vocations and asked everyone to pray for more vocations, especially in Germany, where vocations to the priesthood and religious life have been on the decline. He added that the increase of diverse religious communities in Germany, including refugees from conflict zones and rising Muslim population, poses a challenge for maintaining faith. Thus, he asked for our prayers.

The following day, the bishop presided over the mass at the main parish church with our school children and some of our parishioners. At mass, the group of Catholic Women’s Association (CWA), all beautifully dressed in their finest, brought gifts to the altar but most importantly, they gave Bishop Mathias a carved map of Malawi as a parting gift, a symbol of the warmth that the people of Malawi are known for.

The guests also had an opportunity to appreciate our Formation House that is under construction at Balaka which was also an opportunity to greet our young men studying philosophy at the Inter-congregation institute there.

By Stephano Ziba
MCSPA Apprentice, Benga Mission [MALAWI]

Today, on 15th February 2024, we gathered to honour the memory of Paco on the 11th anniversary of his passing. Paco left behind a legacy of kindness, inspiration and service that continues to resonate deeply with the members, apprentices as well as friends and collaborators of the MCSPA.

The commemoration began with a moving Eucharistic cerebration, where we came together to reflect on paco’s life and the impact he had on the members of our community. As part of the ceremony, there was a special blessing of seedlings that symbolize growth, and the continued presence of paco among us. 

Following the mass, we gathered to revisit the original sources of paco’s inspiration. Those that had a physical contact with him in our case Fernando and Manolo, shared their experience. It was a time of reflection and gratitude for the blessings paco brought into the lives of many members of the MCSPA.

As the morning progressed, a group of enthusiastic men and women joined us to collect trees. Together, we participated in another ceremony for blessing of seedlings. Then, with hands united, we embarked on the noble task of planting fruit trees at the mission to symbolize abundance, nourishment and the growth of our collective efforts in honour of Paco.

In the evening, we shared a beautiful meal that was followed by a film in which various members of the MCSPA shared their experiences of our Founder.

By Stephano Sambiri Ziba

Apprentice of the MCSPA

On 12th February 2022, in Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi, was the official opening and blessing of MCSPA chapel and house. The ceremony was led by the newly installed Archbishop of Lilongwe George Desmond. The function was also attended by Fr. Martin of St. Patrick’s Missionary Society; the parish priest of St. Kizito, Chigoneka, in whose territory the MCSPA house is located, Fr. Hodges Mzunga who is the bishop’s secretary. The celebration was also attended by family and friends of the members and Apprentices of MCSPA in Malawi.

This was the second time the new Archbishop pays a visit to the MCSPA. The fist was few months back when he presided over a ceremony to commission 24 catechists were graduating from a three-years training course at Benga Parish.

In his homily at the blessing of the chapel and house in Lilongwe, Archbishop Tambala emphasized on transforming our houses into homes where the virtues of love and reconciliation prevail. Furthermore, he exhorted all to be ready and willing to go out of their comfort zones and be present to the needs of others.

Speaking during the celebration, Fr. Manuel Hernandez, MCSPA, said, “It is significant that we should always have a decent house for God in wherever we are, both for prayers and personal meditation”. In addition, Fr. Fernando Aguirre, the president of MCSPA, thanked family and friends of MCSPA in Malawi for the constant support rendered to the community since its arrival to the country. He said that there is a lot of hope for Malawi and that the future is bright.

In his speech, Archbishop Tambala said, “my relationship with MCSPA did not start yesterday; I knew them back in my Nairobi days when I was a student.” He recommended the works of MCSPA and wished them good luck in Lilongwe Archdiocese as they continue to spread the gospel through their various activities.

This year, MCSPA will be cloaking 10 years since its establishment in Malawi.

By Innocent Letasi Phiri, MCSPA apprentice.