CUEA Celebrates Mass marking 800th Anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi with Call for Peace, Humility and Care for Creation

The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) joined the Franciscan family, CSJE and Glorious Cross Ministries on Thursday, October 15, 2026, to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi (1226–2026) during the University’s Thursday Community Mass. The Mass was celebrated by Rt. Rev. Obed Muriungi Karobia, OFM Conv., Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Nairobi, and concelebrated by the Vice Chancellor, Very Rev. Prof. Elias O. Opongo, SJ, alongside other priests. In his homily, Bishop Obed highlighted three enduring aspects of St. Francis’ legacy: his commitment to peace, care for the environment and devotion to the cross. He thanked Pope Leo XIV for proclaiming the Extraordinary Jubilee of St. Francis, noting that the saint’s influence had grown significantly since his death, inspiring Franciscan religious orders and lay faithful across the world. Reflecting on St. Francis’ encounter with God at the Chapel of San Damiano, Bishop Obed recalled the call to “rebuild my Church,” explaining that the mission concerned the spiritual renewal of the Church. He also highlighted the saint’s reception of the wounds of Christ, known as the stigmata, two years before his death, describing the experience as a source of inspiration for Christians today. The Bishop urged members of the University community and the Franciscan family to embrace humility, wisdom, mutual care and love for others. “To be people of wisdom we need to be humble,” he said, encouraging the faithful to become one another’s keepers and to live out their shared humanity. He also called on the University community to support the Vice Chancellor in advancing CUEA’s growth and development, drawing from his own experience as a former student of the institution at a time when the University was going through a rough patch. During the celebration, the Bishop blessed the new pastoral council, spiritual leaders, chaplains and coordinators. Members of the newly formed Laudato Si’ Animators group were also commissioned. The VC warmly welcomed the Bishop and other members of the Franciscan family to the celebration including Br. Matthias Kule, OFM, the minister Provincial of the Franciscans in East Africa and Madagascar. In a practical expression of the Franciscan commitment to care for creation, Bishop Obed and the Vice Chancellor planted trees after Mass, inspired by Laudato Si’, the encyclical calling for greater responsibility in protecting our common home. The Extraordinary Jubilee of St. Francis, proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV, runs from January 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027. CUEA had earlier hosted a symposium for the Franciscan Family in Kenya from August 26 to 28, 2026, as part of activities marking the 800th anniversary of its founder. Through the celebration, CUEA reaffirmed the enduring relevance of St. Francis’ message of peace, humility, spiritual renewal and care for creation.