Members of MCSPA together with the local community of Dakuna Village joyfully celebrated the blessing of their newly completed chapel in a colourful and prayerful ceremony on Feb 11; the chapel’s patroness is Our Lady of Mercy or Kidanemeheret in Amharic.

The blessing was presided by Bishop Lukas Teshome Fikre with concelebrants Frs. Angel Valdivia( MCSPA), Augustine (OIC) and Fikre Yesus, the local Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator, as well as other priests from the Eparchy of Emdibir. MCSPA members working in other parts of Ethiopia, religious sisters, parishioners and local dignitaries gathered to witness the sacred event.

The chapel has been under construction for the past two years and now serves as a symbol of faith and unity for local residents.

In his sermon the Bishop emphasised the importance of the chapel as a place of peace and reflection for MCSPA members, saying that “this chapel is not just a building, but a home for all who seek comfort and guidance”.

The ceremony concluded with expressions of gratitude from Lourdes Larruy, Josephine Amuma and from Bishop Lukas.

By Lydiah Obok, MCSPA

Dakuna Mission [Ethiopia]

The Women’s Empowerment Project at Dakuna Mission in the Eparchy of Emdeber (Ethiopia) was born as a result of a discernment based on walking with and listening to the needs of women in the area. One of the greatest needs identified is that of empowering women who are the heart of families at Dakuna.

Today, 80 women are registered; they are organized into 4 work groups who meet weekly to learn practical skills. Their training includes making of handcraft (such as baskets, sugar pots and table mats), beadwork (producing beautiful bracelets, bangles, key holders and pen holders) and food preparation (such as njera, coffee etc).

Despite having to walk long distances, the women faithfully attend meetings, finding joy in working together, often singing and dancing as they learn. Their products are then sold in local markets, bringing sustainable income that helps improve their families’ lives.

But the MCSPA’s St. Scholastica Mission at Dakuna goes beyond training: we provide pastoral accompaniment, supporting the women spiritually and building community around faith. We foster solidarity, where women learn not only skills but also encourage, support and uplift one another. We work hand in hand with local leaders to ensure that development efforts are rooted in the local culture, dignity and sustainability.

A special moment came this past August 27 when we celebrated the Feast of St. Monica, patron of one of the work groups. The day was marked with gratitude, joy and renewed hope showing that this project is not only about economic growth but also about nurturing faith and unity.

We thank our partners, World Doctors of Italy, represented by Dr. Gabi Janssen and Monika, whose generosity and commitment have made this initiative possible.

The presence of MCSPA in Dakuna is a sign of hope: by empowering women, we are planting seeds of transformation for families, the community and the Church. Together, we walk the path of faith and development, hand in hand with the people of Dakuna.

Josephine Amuma, MCSPA

Dakuna, Eparchy of Emdeber (Ethiopia)