One of the reasons for our missionary community being in the Philippines is to act as a bridge between the growing, local churches in Asia, and the church in Africa. A fruit of our presence in the Philippines has been realised today in Turkana, northern Kenya, as we officially handed over to two Filipino priests from the Diocese of Antique, central Philippines, the Parish of St. James, Kaikor, in the northern part of the Diocese of Lodwar. This was done today at a very colourful liturgical celebration at Kaikor in the presence of Bishop Dominic of Lodwar and Bishop Romy, visiting from the Diocese of Antique, Philippines, and a huge crowd of faithful of the parish. 

We pray that the presence and work of these Filipino priests, Fr Frederick and Melchor, will bear much fruit – spiritually and materially – for the people of Turkana. 

Bishop Dominic also announced the new assignments of Fr Denis as Parish Priest of Nariokotome, Fr Wycliffe as Parish Priest of the new parish of Srs Joachim and Anne of Kibish. Bishop Dominic announced also that Fr Avelino is going to join in the primary evangelisation work at Ave Maria Mission at the Diocese of Tombura Yambio, South Sudan.

Fr. Francis Teo

The Agustinian Recolet Nuns in Nakwamekwi have blessed and officially opened a new guest house in their compound. This has been thanks to Mr. Tansey a very close friend of the MCSPA.
It is a joy to see that the sisters will have a place to welcome guests who are seeking peace and calm and at the same time a permanent way of sustaining themselves. We wish to thank all who have made this possible.

Lillian

Blessing of the Church of Nariokotome Anam and the Dispensary of Nariokotome

​Yesterday, July 28th, we received many blessings in the mission of Nariokotome, the mother house of the Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle and Mother Mary of the Church.

The first blessing came the day before as it rained abundantly throughout the whole area.

On Friday, the celebrations began in the morning at Nariokotome Anam, where Bishop Dominic Kimengich blessed the new Church of St. Peter the Fisherman. In his homily, the Bishop exhorted the parishioners, mostly fishermen in Lake Turkana, to always pass by through this beautiful church to pray before going fishing, so that God could bless their fishing. Bishop Dominic also told everyone to stay peaceful during the next general elections in Kenya on 8th of August.

Next, the Bishop blessed the new Via Crucis and Centre for the Youth, built with the beautiful and sustainable technique called Super Adobe.

In the afternoon we celebrated the blessing of the new Nariokotome dispensary, which continues to provide health care for hundreds of people throughout a vast area of ​​coverage. This new structure, built thanks to friends and benefactors from Germany, Italy and Spain, will greatly improve medical care throughout the area.

Both blessings of the Church and the dispensary are part and parcel of the work that the Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle carries out in Turkana and wherever we are present. This work is also the work of the Catholic Church, to work for the Kingdom of God, especially in the most remote areas and with the most vulnerable people.

Fr. Angel Valdivia López