CUEA Hosts Franciscan Family Symposium Marking 800 Years of St. Francis of Assisi

The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) hosted the Franciscan Family in Kenya Symposium from Wednesday, 26th to Friday, 28th August 2026 , as members of the Franciscan family gathered to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the life and legacy of their founder, St. Francis of Assisi.

The three-day symposium was officially opened by Most Rev. Maurice Muhatia Makumba , Archbishop of Kisumu Catholic Archdiocese and Chair of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB).

In his opening remarks, Archbishop Muhatia challenged members of the wider Franciscan family to remain faithful witnesses to the charism of St. Francis, particularly his commitment to solidarity with the poor and vulnerable.

The opening ceremony also featured the launch of the book Francis of History and His Influence on the World , by Fr. Arnold Shirima , Franciscan Capuchin Superior and Chair of the Franciscan Family Association.

The symposium concluded on Friday afternoon with Rt. Rev. Obed Karobia, OFM Conv. , Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi, accompanied by Msgr. Luciano Labanca , Chargé d’Affaires at the Apostolic Nunciature, gracing the closing ceremony.

In keeping with the Franciscan commitment to care for creation, the gathering also featured tree planting, inspired by the spirit of Laudato Si’ , the encyclical of the late Pope Francis calling for greater care and responsibility for our common home.

The symposium provided an important platform for reflection on the enduring relevance of the Franciscan charism and its call to faith, solidarity, service to the poor and care for creation.

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