College News & Announcements

Dear Brothers, Coworkers, and Friends of our Franciscan Brothers Mission,
As we gather to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Franciscan Brothers in East Africa, my heart is filled with profound gratitude, reverence, and joy. Fifty years have passed since the first Brothers set foot on East African soil in 1976, carrying nothing more than faith, courage, and an unshakable conviction that God’s love must be made visible through service. Today, we stand on the shoulders of that humble beginning, beholding a mission that has grown into a beacon of hope for thousands across Kenya and Uganda.
Over these five decades, our vocation has grown steadily - nurtured by prayer, strengthened by fraternity, and sustained by the unwavering commitment of men who chose to give their lives for the Gospel. From Nakuru and Kericho in Kenya to Soroti and Nebbi in Uganda, the Brothers have walked with communities in their joys and sorrows, responding to spiritual, economic, social, environmental, and technological needs with creativity and compassion. We have witnessed transformation in places once forgotten, and we have seen people rise to become authors and architects of their own development. As St. Francis reminds us: “Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
Our ministries have touched thousands - regardless of ethnicity, politics, religion, or economic background. This inclusivity is not accidental; it is the Franciscan way. It is the belief that every person carries the image of God and deserves dignity, opportunity, and accompaniment. The Brothers have lived this truth faithfully, empowering farmers, educating children, uplifting families, and nurturing leaders who continue to shape their communities with integrity and purpose.
Yet, as we celebrate these achievements, we must acknowledge a deeper truth: none of this has been accomplished by the Brothers alone. Our mission has flourished because of decades of collaboration and partnership - with dioceses, congregations, donors, governments, and countless individuals of goodwill. These partnerships have been sustained by three invisible but priceless assets: Trust, Accountability, and Honesty. Many people miss these virtues, but they remain the foundation of every lasting mission. My word to you, dear Brothers and coworkers: embrace these values for life. They are the compass that keeps our Franciscan spirit authentic and our service credible.
We also recognize that the world around us is changing rapidly. Socio-economic pressures, geopolitical tensions, environmental crises, and shifting cultural landscapes continue to shape the realities of the communities we serve. General'schallenges affect our mission directly and indirectly. But let us not be discouraged. As St. Francis taught, “A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows.” We are called to be that sunbeam - steadfast, hopeful, and courageous.
Much has been achieved, but much more remains to be done. The next fifty years will demand deeper commitment, renewed creativity, and stronger fraternity. Let us continue placing “the other” before ourselves, for this is the heart of our charism. Let us remain rooted in prayer, bold in mission, and humble in service. And let us walk forward knowing that God, who began this good work in us, will bring it to completion.
To all our celebrants, collaborators, and friends: thank you for being part of this sacred journey. May this Golden Jubilee renew our strength, deepen our unity, and inspire us to dream even bigger for the people of East Africa.
With fraternal affection and blessings, Br. Lagu Charles -Minister General.