Who we support

“Friends of MCSPA”, a US non for profit, with the primary aim to support the religious, humanitarian and development activities being carried out by their partner organization, the Missionary Community of Saint Paul (https://mcspa.org) in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

MCSPA's spirituality

Following the footsteps of Christ the Good Shepherd, who calls people to follow him, MCSPA specify three dimensions in which they live this spirituality: Calling others, in Christ’s name, to leave everything, and in turn, become shepherds themselves, giving their lives for others in the same way that Jesus called specific men and women to follow him, to learn from him and whom he sent as his apostles.

Constituting an apostolic family with people from different backgrounds and cultures, in the image of the large group of Jesus’ followers described in the Scriptures. Sharing in people’s sufferings and searching for specific ways of alleviating it, as Christ was moved with pity when faced with the multitudes “because they were like sheep without a shepherd” (Mark 6:34). This spirituality is based on daily prayer:

Personal, in peace and silence.
Communal, around the Eucharist.
Living life in the midst of the world, experiencing the dynamism of the Spirit.

MCSPA have chosen St Paul the Apostle as a role model, because of his example as a tireless missionary, itinerant founder of the communities, creator of bonds of unity between communities from different parts of the world, begetter of vacations and shepherd capable of always bearing in mind and heart all those he had called in the name of Christ. They entrust themselves to Mary, Mother of the Church, constituted as such at the foot of the cross, model of fidelity and unconditional love.

The aims of MCSPA

Missionary vocations

To promote missionary vocations, primarily to the priesthood and to a life-long Christian commitment, by providing integral formation.

Practical participation

To look for practical ways in which any committed Christian can participate in the mission of the Church.

Missionary awareness

To foster missionary awareness wherever we may be.

Preference to the most marginalized

To give preference to the most marginalized people, going to the remotest regions of the world.

Bonds of solidarity

To create bonds of solidarity among people of all races and social, economic, cultural and religious contexts, especially among those who are further away from the Church.

MCSPA's approach

Announcing the Gospel in places where the people have not yet heard of Christ, acting as witnesses of his love, and promoting a fully integrated evangelization:

Taking charge of development projects. Their priority is to better people’s quality of life, and this requires an integrated understanding of health, which includes a wide range of actions:

Nutritional programs. Every person has a right to adequate nutrition, not only to survive but as a means to develop their full potential.
Programs of preventive and curative medicine, to better the quality of life of individuals and communities.
Development of water and agricultural resources, as well as workshops, cooperatives and women’s groups with the aim of providing the necessary knowledge so that the different groups of people can assume full responsibility for their own development.
Promotion of an integral education for every person, with the hope that some will dedicate their lives to the service of others.
Making use of various media to spread the Gospel values.
Maintaining a permanent presence wherever the local bishops have called us to share our lives with the people, since the evangelization process requires full, long term dedication.

MCSPA missions

“Missions” are first and foremost the houses where MCSPA members live around the world, some for men and some for women.

In addition, the Missions are the logistical bases for development projects and faith hospitals where all kinds of people can find shelter, food and spiritual nourishment.