On December 27, we traveled along the road to Mount Naita, which took 3 years to construct, crossing the mountains to reach a village called Lotimor in South Sudan. We went there to celebrate Christmas with the people and to baptize many catechumens who had been patiently waiting for years for a priest to visit them. Priests of the St. Patrick’s Missionary Society, founded the mission at Lotimor but had to leave shortly after.

When we arrived, we settled and camped at the former mission compound. The day after our arrival, we baptized 45 children and youth who joyfully welcomed us into their “church” which was the shade of some huge trees.

We attempted to reach remote communities such as Lorengalup towards the plateau, but when it proved too difficult, we decided to stay an extra night so that they could come to a nearer village to meet us.

Children, women and even elderly people walked barefeet for hours over scorching stones to reach the chapel. They arrived singing and dancing, and when asked if they were happy, they answered, “Very happy!!!” At the celebration that day, we baptized more than 200 catechumens!

We were surprised and deeply moved to witness such strong faith – a faith that crosses mountains, and spans over many years without the Eucharist. We thank God for the gift of bringing His grace to them once more this Christmas.

Amanda Falgas, MCSPA Apprentice
Ethiopia

The children of Ave Maria Kindergarten and Centenary Cross Kindergarten – two of the 3 kindergartens that the MCSPA runs in South Sudan – had a wonderful end of the year celebration.

The top class of both schools ended the year in style and with a remarkable celebration organised by their parents and the school administration. There was a procession from the primary school down to the kindergarten and it stretched for about 2 km! The children, dressed in their graduation attire, were escorted by the Ave Maria brass band. This attracted the attention of most of the children in villages along the way but especially the little ones. From a distance you could hear a child saying to the mother, in the local language: “Mama I would like to go to school like these children”.

The “graduating” children were so happy and they truly earned all this celebration. Later, in front of their parents, the children showed their talent in song and poetry. Their parents were proud to see their children receive awards and certificates that enabled them to pursue their primary education. It was an event to celebrate a simple occasion but one that meant the world to the children and families of a little forgotten village of South Sudan. It reminded me of another exceedingly important event that occurred 2,000 years ago in a little and insignificant village of Judaea except that that event of the birth of the Child passed largely unnoticed.

It is our wish and joy to make our children love school and to encourage more parents to send their children to school. We hope that by 2030 all children between the ages of 4 to 8 years will be sent to school without us (the school administration) following or requesting the parents to do so.

With these beautiful photos we give thanks to all who supported this year’s Ave Maria Educational Program – Education for Peace!

Lillian Omari, MCSPA
Ave Maria Mission (SOUTH SUDAN)

This month, the MCSPA had the privilege of engaging in two meaningful events centered on vocation promotion in the Philippines, reinforcing the Church’s commitment to inspire young people to dedicate their lives to God’s service.

It began with a visit to the Archdiocese of Jaro in Iloilo (Central Philippines), where Deacon Stephen Iyerio and Innocent Phiri met with Archbishop Jose Romeo and joined him in the Eucharistic celebration marking the conclusion of Vocation Month in the archdiocese. The celebration was a beautiful occasion of prayer and reflection, offering a moment of grace for those discerning their vocation. It was a privilege to be part of this meaningful event, as the Church in the Philippines continues to emphasize the importance of nurturing vocations, particularly among the youth. Deacon Stephen went further to encourage the seminarians, preparing for diaconate ordination, to be willing to serve even in difficult places like Turkana in Kenya.

After Iloilo, the MCSPA in Manila participated in a vocations event event of the Diocese of Cubao (Metro Manila). The gathering was a lively and inspiring occasion, filled with young people eager to learn more about the possibilities of dedicating their lives to God’s mission. The event highlighted the diverse ways in which young Catholics can serve the Church, whether through priesthood, religious life, or lay ministry. It was a beautiful encounter, with the energy and enthusiasm of the youth reminding us of the hope that the next generation brings to the Church. We also had the privilege to meet and chat with the then-bishop-elect of Cubao, Fr. Elias Lumayog Ayuban Jr., CMF, whose episcopal ordination and canonical possession will be held on Dec 03 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

This encounter with the youth has been truly inspiring, and we are hopeful that more will answer the call to serve as missionaries, especially in places where the need is greatest. In particular, we are praying for more young men and women to consider responding to the call to work in difficult and underserved regions, such as in Africa. The Church’s mission in such places requires dedicated and courageous individuals who are willing to bring the light of Christ to the most challenging environment.

As we continue to reflect on these experiences, we are filled with hope for the future of vocations in the Philippines and beyond. We pray that more young people will be moved by the Spirit to take the bold step of dedicating their lives to serving God’s mission, wherever they are called.

By Dionisius Kandar and Innocent Phiri
MCSPA Apprentices, Manila (Philippines)

From 22 to 24 November, Nyangatom Mission was honoured to welcome the Catholic Women’s Association as well as some members of the Catholic Men’s Association from Queen of Peace Mission at Todonyang.

The main purpose of their visit was to share with the people at Nyangatom different experiences both in faith and culture.

It was an interaction that sparked a lot of emotional reactions as this was the first time that such an event of this sort has been hosted by the mission. Indeed, recalling all the terrible conflict that has been going on between the Turkana and the Nyangatom, no one expected such an encounter to take place. The Turkana and Nyangatom peoples are two tribes that are similar in terms of language and cultural practices. However, they are separated by the international boundary between Kenya and Ethiopia. The Turkana belong to Kenya while the Nyangatom are in the latter. Conflict between the two communities have persisted over generations due to a lack of resources. Cattle raiding was the daily bread of life and the loss of life was considered the expected norm.

However, due to great efforts from many parties, the Catholic Church included, throughout the past 3 years, there has been peace between the two tribes and this has facilitated some interaction and sharing between the two tribes.

The visit of the people from Todonyang is a sign of the peace being currently enjoyed by the two tribes. We hope this will be the first of many visits and interactions that will seal a more permanent peace. We pray also that the peace that has been restored will yield much fruit and that we may not see anymore bloodshed between the two peoples.

It was a moving occasion to see the interaction between peoples who were previously enemies and who have now known peace.

May Christ, the Prince of Peace, and Mary, the Queen of Peace, forever guide and teach us the way to work for peace.

Daniel Jepter,
Senior Apprentice, MCSPA
Nyangatom Mission (Ethiopia)

Thank you for helping us turn the world into a garden.

Last July, a group of 15 Spanish youth had the incredible opportunity to visit the Prince of Peace Mission at Nyangatom, Ethiopia. We set up a summer camp to enhance the educational efforts of the Ekisil Group project, and we returned with our hearts full from all that we experienced.

There’s so much to share about our month at camp that we could go on forever. Each story, every face, every sunset, every moment spent together, each Sunday mass, every morning at camp, every smile, every fun evening, and every shared experience and hug reflected God’s presence on Earth, and that’s what we feel called to share.

With our hearts opened, we are inspired to live in accordance with all that has touched us, to be that face of God that we have seen in others, and to nurture a grateful perspective for the gift of life.

by Pilar Jofre
Volunteer at Nyangatom Mission

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

On 27 July, the feast day of Sts. Joaquim and Anne, we at Benga Mission in Malawi celebrated a special anniversary: the founding of our Centre for the Elderly.

The occasion was marked by a joyful gathering of the elderly residents of Benga and the surrounding outstations, together with the MCSPA apprentices. The celebration began with Holy Mass presided by Fr. Manuel Hernandez; Deacon Louis Kampala from the Archdiocese of Lilongwe delivered a thought-provoking homily. Deacon Louis also highlighted an aspect of the MCSPA vocation: assisting the elderly.

After Mass, the seniors took center-stage by showing their talent through a delightful drama performance and songs of appreciation for all that they have received. The day culminated in a festive lunch together when stories were shared, memories made and community bonds strengthened.

The day’s celebration was a testament to the importance of honoring and supporting our elderly in our midst.

By Agostinho Barros de Deus
Senior Apprentice,
Benga (Malawi)

Every year, members and apprentice together with members of the Secular Branch of the Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle (MCSPA), gather at Nariokotome Mission in Turkana, Kenya, for a series of meetings and “encounters”. At these gatherings, we reflect on our life as missionaries and imbibe on the charism and original inspiration of Fr. Paco, our founder. This would involve a series of talks on various topics and issues. We also take advantage of the presence of the different groups to do training and on-going formation.

This year, our Formation Meetings commenced on 24th June with members and apprentices eagerly participating in sessions on Mary, Mother of the Church; St. Joseph, patron of the Universal Church; and also the role of women in the formation of priests. One session focussed on the latter theme, from the point of view of anthropology, theology and ecclesiology, and how mature women members have a balancing role in the discernment journey of members and apprentices, including those being formed to the priesthood. Ester Ciancas, a Secular Branch member, expressed her joy at realising that in the Church, women do have a significant role to play in the formation of priests.

Following the Formation Meetings, members and senior apprentices embarked on a retreat led by Fr. Marcel Uwineza, SJ, who is the Principle of Hekima University College. Throughout the series of enlightening talks, Fr. Marcel underscored the twin virtues of forgiveness and reconciliation as essential elements for maintaining harmony within our community. The retreat provided a fertile ground for introspection and dialogue among the MCSPA members and senior apprentices.

While retreat was being conducted, the junior apprentices underwent sessions on Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults, acknowledging the crucial importance of this in all of our ministries and community life.

On the last day of the retreat, we were honoured to have Bishop John Mbinda, the local ordinary of the Diocese of Lodwar, visiting the community gathered at Nariokotome Mission. He led us in the Eucharistic celebration on the feast of St. Thomas the Apostle. In his homily, the Bishop reminded the members of the MCSPA that just like the apostles were sent, they were also being sent by the Lord. He added that all of us are unique in one way or another and that our uniqueness is not be a burden to others rather a blessing.

By Stephano Ziba,
Senior Apprentice, MCSPA

We drilled two more wells 60m depth and installed solar pumps that brings water to taps in public spaces to facilitate access to clean water in the towns of Adere Gordoma and Bosoke Yate, benefiting around 1,106 persons.

On June 9, we celebrated the occasion with the beneficiaries of Bosoke Yate. We began with the blessing of the group of elders followed by a meal in which Lourdes Larruy thanked God for this gift and encouraged everyone to live in harmony, to support each other and to make good use of this precious resource.

Once the supply of clean water was assured, we organised workshops on hygiene with nurses and even skits or plays on the importance of cleanliness for good health.

By Tigist Mekonnen, MCSPA Apprentice
Muketuri Mission, ETHIOPIA