KENYA: God’s Love is Stronger Than Any Wicked Behavior, Franciscans Told

Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA

As members of the Franciscan family in Kenya marked their annual family day on Saturday, June 3, at Portincula Centre in Nairobi, the main celebrant for the Holy Eucharist and guest of the day reminded the various congregations who joined the celebration to uphold God’s love which is far much stronger than the wicked behavior of humanity.

Fr. Massimo Fusarelli, the Minister General (Superior General) of the Order of the Friars Minor (OFM) told the Franciscans during his homily, that even though it may not be an obvious thing to believe but “God’s love is stronger than any immorality, violence and arrogance.”

Fr. Fusarelli who has visited Africa a number of times, noted that the continent has a lot of challenges but the hope Africans have is greater, a virtue which he encourages the Franciscan Family Association (FFA) to hold firm.

“I know in Africa there are so many problems but the hope and future of the people is strong because God’s love is stronger than our sins,” Fr. Fusarelli who was elected the Minister General of OFM in 2021 shared with the congregants who included even the lay Franciscans, adding that amidst challenges, Africa needs God’s blessings as it struggles with poverty, wars, oppression and division.

The fact that Franciscan family day was marked on the day of Solemnity of Uganda Martyrs, Fr. Fusarelli reflected on the martyrdom of the Saints saying, “Brothers and sisters as we are gathered here on a feast day of the Holy African Martyrs, these are the people who came out of great tribulations and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the lamb as we read in the book of revelations,” (Rev. 7:14).

He highlighted that in the world today, “We receive God’s blessings through the witness of the martyrs who endured sufferings and gave their lives.”

“Even today, peace and unity have been brought about by the martyrs living legacy as they show us how to battle against arrogance, violence and conflict with the strength of love and humility,” he said.

According to the Minister General of OFM, there are so many unsung men and women martyrs’ who remain true to the voice of the Holy Spirit, and to the gentle power of love.

He disclosed that just before one of the Uganda martyrs was killed, Bruno Sserunkuuma the Saint pronounced prophetic words which should strengthen the faith of Christians saying, “A well that has many sources will never dry up, when we are gone, others will come after us.”

He called upon the intervention of St. Francis and Clare to all the Franciscans in Kenya and beyond.

On his part after the Eucharistic celebration, the Chairman of FFA, Fr. David Kamau a member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap) explained the unity of the Franciscan family in Kenya which was a seed planted many years ago.

“When the OFM came to Kenya, it was during the time of renewal of the Franciscan Spirit which was pioneered by the Franciscan course called CCFMC (Comprehensive Course on the Franciscan Mission Charism),” Fr. Kamau shared with religious and lay Franciscans from dozens of congregations who joined in the celebration.

He continued, “It is that course that started bringing the Franciscan family together, as it entailed studying the Franciscan Charism, Franciscan spirit, Franciscan identity and Francisca history.”