The newly canonically established National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) in Uganda had the distinct honour and privilege of hosting the Second Pan-African Congress of the Secular Franciscan Order, which was held from 21 to 27 August 2026, and was immediately followed by the National Elective Chapter, held from 28 to 31 August 2026.
We give heartfelt thanks to God for the grace of this fraternal gathering and extend our sincere gratitude to the organizers for their courage, dedication, and steadfastness in ensuring the realization of the Congress, despite the continuous threat posed by Ebola. Their perseverance is a beautiful witness to the Franciscan spirit of fraternity, hope, and trust in Divine Providence.
The Congress brought together total number of 91 OFS brothers and sisters from the National Fraternities from across Africa, with a beautiful representation from the Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone regions. Among those represented were Cameron, Eritrea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Togo, Tanzania, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. This diversity of languages, cultures, and experiences enriched our fraternal communion and reminded us that, though we come from different nations and traditions, we are one Franciscan family, called to live the Gospel after the example of Saint Francis of Assisi. The theme of the Congress was Be peacemakers hence throughout the Congress, we reflected on a number of important themes for the life and mission of the Secular Franciscan Order in Africa.
The program included the presentation and evaluation of the conclusions of the First Pan-African Congress, presented by Jenny Harrigto, OFS, and Eremenciana Chinyama, OFS. This provided an opportunity to look back with gratitude, evaluate our journey, and renew our commitment to putting into practice the fruits of our previous gathering.
Paunga Pulenthiran introduced us to Franciscan International, helping us to deepen our understanding of the Franciscan presence and mission in the wider world.
The General Minister, Tibor Kauser, OFS, offered an important reflection on the Role and Interpretation of the International Statutes, enabling us to appreciate more deeply the norms that guide our Order and the responsibility of each Franciscan to live them faithfully in a spirit of service and communion. He challenged the participants to recognize the importance of the Statutes not simply as juridical norms, but also to appreciate their spiritual dimension.
We were also challenged by Adolph Atsu Assagba, OFS, through the theme “Be Peacemakers.” This reflection spoke directly to the vocation of Franciscans in a world wounded by conflict, division, violence, and injustice. As followers of the Poor Man of Assisi, we are called to become instruments of peace, reconciliation, and hope wherever we are.
Fr. John Martin Opio, OFMCap, guided us in reflecting on the Jubilee Year of Saint Francis of Assisi, inviting us to rediscover the grace of our Franciscan vocation and to celebrate with renewed gratitude the life and witness of our Seraphic Father.
The Congress also offered an opportunity for dialogue with the members of the Presidency, strengthening communion, mutual understanding, and collaboration within the worldwide fraternity.
Particular attention was given to the younger generations through the theme “Franciscan Youth, Adolescents and Children as Instruments of Peace in the World,” presented by Nicholas Kugonza, OFS. The reflection reminded us of our responsibility to accompany young people and children and to empower them to become joyful witnesses of the Gospel and courageous builders of peace in their families, communities, nations, and the wider world.
Tibor Kauser, OFS, also led a reflection on “The Easter of Saint Francis, 1226–2026,” inviting us to contemplate the final journey of Saint Francis and the enduring fruitfulness of his life, death, and witness for the Church and the Franciscan family today.
The theme “Living the Franciscan Life in a Conflicted World”, presented by Fr. Elvis, OFMCap, challenged us to examine how we can faithfully live the Gospel and our Franciscan vocation amid the many conflicts and wounds affecting our societies. It reminded us that Franciscan life is not merely a way of speaking about peace, but a concrete call to live as brothers and sisters, promoting reconciliation, justice, mercy, and care for creation.
Another important reflection was offered by Fr. Pedro Zitha, OFM, on “Exploring the Role of Spiritual Assistants in the African Context.” This helped us to appreciate more deeply the precious contribution of Spiritual Assistants in accompanying the Secular Franciscan Order and in nurturing its spiritual and ecclesial life within the African context.
Then, our Presidency Councilor, Eremenciana Chiyama, OFS, led us through a deeper reflection on the interconnectedness of life in the family, the fraternity, and the Church. Her reflection reminded us that the Franciscan vocation cannot be lived in isolation. We are called to recognize that our relationships with one another are an essential part of our Gospel vocation. Such interconnectedness challenges us to move beyond individualism and to embrace a spirituality of communion, mutual care, and shared responsibility.
The Congress concluded with a dedicated session on priorities and conclusions, during which the participants collectively reflected together on the way forward. These conclusions invite the Secular Franciscan Order in Africa to a renewed commitment to its vocation and mission calling for greater collaboration and communion among the National Fraternities, deeper and more systemic formation, strengthened accompaniment of young people, and a more visible and meaningful Franciscan contribution to the promotion of peace, reconciliation and fraternity throughout Africa.
The Second Pan-African Congress was therefore much more than a gathering of representatives from different countries. It was a profound experience of grace, fraternity, communion, and spiritual renewal. It provided an opportunity for brothers and sisters across the continent to encounter one another, to celebrate the richness of their Franciscan vocation, to share their joys and challenges, and to listen attentively to the promptings of the Spirit.
In this spirit of synodality and Franciscan communion, the Congress enabled the participants to discern together how the Secular Franciscan Order can respond more faithfully and effectively to the realities and needs of the African continent and of the Church. Rooted in the Gospel and inspired by the example of Saint Francis of Assisi, the participants were encouraged to deepen their commitment to being instruments of peace, reconciliation, fraternity, and hope, especially among young people and in communities affected by conflict, poverty, division, and social vulnerability.
The Congress was brought to a solemn and prayerful conclusion with the celebration of Holy Mass, presided over by His Excellency, the Most Reverend Archbishop of Nairobi, Paul Ssemogerere. In his homily and concluding remarks, the Archbishop offered words of encouragement and fraternal exhortation, inviting the participants to carry the spirit and fruits of the Congress into their respective countries, communities, and fraternities.
Eremenciana Chiyama, OFS - Mons. Paul Ssemogerere, Arcivescovo di Nairobi - Adolph Atsu Assagba, OFS
