Yesterday, we joyfully celebrated the anniversary of our beloved founder, Fr. Francisco (Paco) Andreo, with prayer, remembrance, deep gratitude and a shared community spirit.

The celebration began with the blessing of Paco’s grave, a solemn and touching moment that invited us to reflect on his life and vision, and the legacy he left behind. Following the blessing, an avocado tree was planted at the graveyard site to symbolize life, growth, nourishment, continuity and turning Turkana into a garden. This is a living reminder that the seeds Paco planted through his mission continue to grow and bear fruit in the lives of many.

The day continued with a beautiful mass presided by Fr. Victor Otieno. It was both uplifting and reflective, centred on thanksgiving for the gift of our founder’s life and the enduring impact of his work. The church was filled with children, youth, men and women who came together to celebrate the life of our founder.

In his homily, Deacon Stephen Iyerio, echoing the words from the Letter of James, exhorted us to “find joy in our trials” because endurance in the midst of our trials produces perseverance, and perseverance leads to steadfast faith. Trials are not obstacles to our growth, rather the engine for our growth. God uses the heat of life to burn away the superficial and make us rooted in truth and wisdom.

The MCSPA members present in many countries are living examples of endurance in the face of many trials and challenges who, through perseverance in their faith, are held together and are able to continue their work around the world. This is a habit that Paco instilled in us.

A particularly touching moment during the Mass came when Dr. Ana Mañas, Paco’s oncologist, shared a moving account of her first meeting with Paco as a new patient. He told her that he was a missionary and that being in Africa makes him feel better, and so wished to return back to Kenya to die and be buried behind a beautiful Church.

Through all these memories, we were reminded not only of Paco’s role as a true shepherd but also of his missionary work and compassion.

After the mass, we distributed bread and juice to the children, continuing our founder’s tradition of caring for the children and the most vulnerable. The smiles and joy shared during this time reflected the true spirit of the celebration.

The day concluded with a wonderful lunch shared among the members, apprentices and visitors. It was a time of fellowship, unity, laughter and strengthening the bonds within our community and to welcome those who joined us in commemorating this special day.

May we continue Paco’s legacy and inspire more young men and women to follow Christ.

By Agostinho Barros de Deus

Senior Apprentice,

Nariokotome Mission [Kenya]

And Maggy Gitau

Senior Apprentice,

Kokuselei Mission [Kenya]

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]