Franciscans of Uganda - Greyfriars

Munyonyo Martyrs' Shrine - Uganda Martyrs Basilica

“The Way to the Father”. Reflection from Fr. Martin Ssali (Munyonyo Martyrs’ Shrine) for the 5th Sunday of Easter

​Generally, most of us like jokes. Especially young people like to make fun of each other. But when you make a joke, you need to be careful not to “cross the line”. In our times we see this common practice of “pranking people” (to play a trick) which sometimes goes too far. One story from my life: Years ago, I was travelling with the group of my friends from one place to our hometown. Suddenly, a funny but also a bit stupid idea (as I look at it right now), came to our minds – the idea of pranking people. We decided that from time to time will stop the car and ask people on the sidewalks if we are heading the right direction, without mentioning the town we are going to. All of us agreed that it will be funny. So, we were stopping the car and asking people in these words: “Excuse me, are we heading in the right direction?”. People, of course, couldn’t answer because they didn’t know where we were going to, and before they were able to say something, we were continuing our journey, leaving them with the confusion on their faces. We made that joke on few people, up to the moment when someone, a bit offended, replied: “How can I tell you the right direction, if I don’t know your destination?”. And then confusion came to our faces… Simple answer to our silly question. But that man was right. Completely. And spoke the deep truth: How someone can lead, if doesn’t know the destination?​

​Where are you heading to? What is your destination? If you want to know that you are on the right path, speak first about your goal. I believe that now many people in the whole world are facing this kind of questions: “what is the purpose of life? where I am heading to?” This current global situation slowed us down and generated reflections on the meaning of life. “Am I on the right path?”. The way people live, shows what they prefer and what is their goal. When you look at someone, you can tell if this is reckless ride through life or trying to do the will of God. And like the reckless driving can lead one to the car accident, the same thing can happen when someone too much focused-on material things suddenly loses everything. Both of these “crashes” can lead to serious change of our values.​

​There is a true story of the actress who had almost everything – beautiful house, money, fame, someone who loved her, etc. She was using life in a way which can be called “reckless driving”. But there was one thing in her life which only she knew – witchcraft. That was her “little” secret since childhood. She was convinced that witchcraft provides her whatever she needs. But only couple of days were enough and she lost everything. She couldn’t find answer why all of this is happening. And, like many people in similar situation, came to her mind that forgotten-by-her-God is the one who may know the answer. Her “prayer” to God was: “What’s going on, tell me! What’s going on ?!”. In her testimony she says that in the course of those days while driving a car her navigation system (GPS) lost the way and by coincidence (there is no such word in the God’s dictionary as “a coincidence”) she found herself at the gate of the monastery. She talked to the religious priest who – again by coincidence – was an exorcist. Process of healing began… Though her car lost the way, she found the true one. And now she says: “I have peace in my heart and I will not exchange it for anything!”.​

​Where are you heading to? What is your destination? The first words spoken by Jesus in the Gospel of John are: “What do you seek?” (John 1,38). You need to first answer to that question, before you start the journey, sometimes again and again, because we are able to lose the signal from our interior GPS (God’s Positioning System), heading the wrong direction by our sins. If your salvation and endless happiness in Heaven is your goal, then probably there are many people around you who know how to help you and will say: “This is the way, walk in it” (Isaiah 30,21). And they will be speaking about the way which has a name: “JESUS”. He himself in today’s gospel says: “I am the Way” (John 14,6). And He adds something, which usually we skip when quote this passage from the Bible, He says: “No one comes to the Father, except through me”. Jesus knows how to lead us to our final destination, which is the Father. Our goal and His goal are to find ourselves in the Father’s arms. Heaven is more a presence of someone who loves you. People who fell in love experience some moments of losing the sense of reality, when the whole world disappears and only two hearts exists, and love between them is now the reality for them. Heaven will be when we enter – with whole our being - into presence of the True and Real Love.​

​So, we ask today: “Teacher, where are you staying?”. And He replies: “Come and see…. I am the Way…
I want that you also may be where I am…. In my Father’s house” (John 1,38; 1,39; 14,3; 14,6; 14,2).

Omukama abeere nammwe!
May the Lord give you Peace!

Readings: First: Acts 6, 1-7 / Psalm: 33, 1-2, 4 -5, 18-19 / Second: 1 Peter 2, 4-9 / Gospel – John 14, 1-12

Today, 8th May 2020, Pope Francis appointed our brother, and former Minister General Fr. Marco TASCA as the new Archbishop of Genoa, Italy. Congratulations!

Franciszkanie - Bracia Mniejsi Konwentualni - Францішкане OFMConv

Pomysłodawcą i wykonawcą wideoklipu jest nasz współbrat o. dk. Alaksiej M. Juchniewicz, który pracuje obecnie na Białorusi. Jezusowe słowa „żniwo wprawdzie w...

Munyonyo Martyrs' Shrine - Uganda Martyrs Basilica

He is Risen! Alleluia!
Franciscan community of brothers in Munyonyo Shrine wish you happiness and joy in this Easter time. May Jesus Christ who died and resurrected fill you with His Love and Peace.

Policja na ulicach, reagge i wstawiennictwo...

Current Situation In Uganda (In polish)

https://info.wiara.pl/doc/6232767.Policja-na-ulicach-reagge-i-wstawiennictwo-meczennikow

info.wiara.pl Do 18 wzrosła liczba stwierdzonych przypadków...

WANDA Matugga Health Centre

Great News from Vatican!!!
The Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints agreed to the initiation of the beatification process of Dr Wanda Błeńska, also known as “the Ambassador of Missionary Laity” and “the Mother to Lepers”, who spent over 40 years in Buluba, Uganda tending to leprosy-stricken people. “Nihil obstat,” wrote the prefect of the congregation Angelo Becciu

Dr Wanda is a patron of our Health Centre.

Fundacja Innovaid

W tym ostatnim dniu roku chcemy podzielić się z Wami naszym podsumowaniem projektu w Ugandzie, realizowanego we współpracy z Departamentem Współpracy Rozwojowej MSZ RP.

Zapraszamy Was do obejrzenia tego pięknego materiału, który zrealizował dla Was towarzyszący nam w Ugandzie Mateusz Miszczyński 🎬🏥😀

#polskapomoc #polishaid #msz #innovaid #wandamatuggahealthcentre

Happy New Year from Franciscans gathered on the delegation assembly meeting at Matugga Friary.

Munyonyo Martyrs' Shrine - Uganda Martyrs Basilica

We have at hosted at our Shrine Jesus Youth International for music workshop. Together with our own Fr. Mpiima Peter they participated in the National Youth Conference in Kasana-Luweero 10-14.12.2019

Polski szpital pomaga pacjentom w Ugandzie

Polish Radio made short audio about our WANDA Matugga Health Centre

https://www.polskieradio.pl/9/8424/Artykul/2417935,Polski-szpital-pomaga-pacjentom-w-Ugandzie

polskieradio.pl W Matudze niedaleko Kampali działa szpital im. Wandy Błeńskiej. Powstał on z inicjatywy zakonu ojców franciszkanów, z pomocą Fundacji Innovaid i polskiego MSZ koordynującego program Polska Pomoc.

WANDA Matugga Health Centre

Grand opening and blessing of Wanda Matugga Health Centre by Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga.

Today, 1st December 2019 (World AIDS Day) our health centre was officially opened and blessed by His Grace Cyprian Kizito a Lwanga. Ceremony was graced by Hon. Consul of the Republic of Poland, Mrs. Ewa Zalewska. Wakiso LC5 Chairman Hon. Matia L. Bwanika, Mayor of Nansana Hon. Regina Bakitte, Area Member of Parliament Hon. Robert K. Ssebunnya among others.

Construction of the Centre was facilitated by many organizations and individuals from Germany, Italy, Poland, Slovakia and Czech Republic. 🙏🎉🥳👏

Equipment and furnishing of the Centre was possible through Fundacja Innovaid from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland. 🙏🎉🥳👏

New facility is owned by the Franciscans of Uganda - Greyfriars and run by Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate of Matugga Parish.

Glory to God!

Nasze Misje Franciszkańskie

Consecration of Parish Church in Matugga {in Polish}

"W niedzielę, 3 listopada 2019 r. odbyła się konsekracja nowo wybudowanego kościoła w naszej misji w Matugga. Było to dla nas ogromne przeżycie. Wraz z tysiącami wiernych i wieloma gośćmi z bliska i z daleka, mogliśmy być świadkami tej radosnej uroczystości." – pisze z Ugandy o. Józef Matula. 🙏🙏🙏☺️

Official canonical visit of our Minister Provincial Fr. Marian Kajubi Golab in our three communities of Kakooge, Matugga and Kampala-Munyonyo.

Psalm 133

Be a Franciscan!
​You may have realized that God could be calling you to the priesthood or religious life as a brother. That’s great! But now there are more decisions to make: your order and charism.
​
The Order of Friars Minor Conventual (Greyfriars) is a mendicant Order founded by St. Francis of Assisi under the name Friars Minor. As a religious community composed of priests and brothers, we commit ourselves to live the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the ideals and inspiration of St. Francis:
- by giving witness to fraternal life;
- fostering communion and renewal in the local Church and families, especially the poor and marginalized;
- advocating justice, peace, solidarity with care of creation;

If you have been considering the Franciscan way of life, we want to invite you to contact us: Conventual Franciscan Friars, P.O.BOX 11603 Kampala, +256 706 616 757, [email protected]

Basic requirements: Catholic, Ugandan, single, male, aged 18-24, after S6 (for Arts at least 10 points; for Science at least 7 points), without any experience of major seminary, of good health, and a sincere desire to love God, serve His people, and share a common life.
Is God calling you? So, heed the call and let nothing prevent you from answering to your call generously and lovingly!

Today St. Francis of Assisi Church in Matugga was consecrated to God by His Grace Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga. Great feast for Franciscan Community in Uganda. Glory to God!

Consecration of St Francis of Assisi Parish Church Matugga in Wakiso Vicariate.

According to local tradition in dioceses of central Uganda every new missionary, after arrival, receives a new local name by which he becomes closer to his parishioners.
Today at Matugga, Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga named “Zziwa” friar Jerry Payne . From today he is friar Jerry Zziwa Payne of Nyonyi Clan.

Nasze Misje Franciszkańskie

"Wydawałoby się, że tutaj, w Munyonyo cała nasza obecność i praca będą związane tylko z kultem Męczenników Ugandy. Jednak miejsce, w którym przyszło nam posługiwać odsłania również inne skarby. Jednym z nich jest Boże Miłosierdzie i miłość jaką ludzie mają do św. Faustyny i św. Jana Pawła II." - pisze do nas o. Marcin Załuski, misjonarz z Ugandy.

Yesterday brothers Postulants with Fr. Ssali played a football match. Game was tough, even though one of the team had a best player in the world (Messi) 😉. After 1 hour and 30 minutes, game ended 8:6. Messi is waiting for the rematch.

Fundacja Innovaid

Nasze wolontariuszki Malwina i Ania już od miesiąca pracują w Wanda Matugga Health Centre w Ugandzie. Przedstawiamy ich krótką relację prosto z Perły Afryki.

„W ostatnich tygodniach w szpitalu pojawia się coraz więcej pacjentów. Najczęściej są to infekcje dróg oddechowych (pewnie dlatego, że w Ugandzie mamy teraz "zimę"), wiele jest również przypadków malarii, które nierzadko wymagają hospitalizacji przez kilka dni. Wczoraj na przykład przyjęte zostało dwuletnie dziecko przyniesione przez swoją babcię. Było w bardzo ciężkim stanie, odwodnione, anemiczne - HGB na poziomie 4 g/dl! Rodzina od kilku dni leczyła dziecko antybiotykami nie wiedząc, że dziewczynka ma ciężką malarię. Na szczęście po wdrożeniu odpowiedniego leczenia dziewczynka już dziś ma się o wiele lepiej. Miło zaskoczyło nas to, że coraz więcej kobiet zgłasza się na badania podczas ciąży, mieliśmy też zaszczyt przyjąć aż 4 porody (wszystkie zakończyły się pomyślnie)!
Personel szpitala jest już w komplecie, mamy clinical officer'a, 4 pielęgniarki i 4 położne. Wszyscy profesjonalni i chętni do pracy ☺
Wszyscy powoli szykują się do obchodów St. Francis Health Day, który będzie miał miejsce na terenie naszego szpitala 29.10. Będzie to duża impreza poświęcona zdrowiu, gdzie mieszkańcy Matuggi będą mieli okazję skorzystać z wielu badań zupełnie za darmo. Już nie możemy się doczekać ☺”

Today’s curtesy visit of Apostolic Nuncio to Belgium on the feast of St. Francis. Archbishop Kasujja planted also a memorial tree to commemorate Francis of Assisi as patron of ecology and nature.

“After having celebrated, for the first time the Holy Mass in the Basilica of Munyonyo, I congratulate the Franciscan Fathers for their wonderful services which have transformed this place in a beautiful place of prayers for all pilgrims. May the Martyrs of Uganda and St. Francis intercede for us all !!

+ Augustine Kasujja
Apostolic Nuncio to Belgium and Luxembourg
Kampala-Munyonyo, 4th October 2019

Happy St. Francis Feast!

Liturgy of the death of St. Francis (transitus) by brothers postulants of Franciscans of Uganda - Greyfriars. Happy St. Francis Feast!

This year eight Ugandan friars started first year of franciscan formation in our Order. They are doing their first postulancy year in Ruiri-Meru, Kenya.

Our candidates have started officially their formation in the Franciscan Order. May God bless them.

Congratulations to Friar Obed Karobia - newly elected first Minister Provincial of Kenya Province!

Dokta i mała Wanda

Our our new health Centre in Matugga

gosc.pl Zbliżający się październik został ogłoszony...

13 Brothers-postulants from Tanzania, Kenya,
and Uganda started second year of formation in the Franciscan Order at Munyonyo Martyrs' Shrine - Uganda Martyrs Basilica

WANDA Matugga Health Centre

First delivery at Wanda Health Centre last night! Newborn child was named Wanda Clara to commemorate Dr Wanda Błeńska patron of our Health Cente. Mum and the child are feeling great! Special thanks to or volunteers Ann and Malwina of Fundacja Innovaid.
Congratulations!

Wanda Błeńska

Mój kolega z Buluby - Ogólnopolski Konkurs Misyjny, którego celem jest przybliżenie dzieciom postaci Pani Doktor Wandy Błeńskiej.
http://www.sp3poznan.pl/index.php/z-zycia-szkoly/1015-ogolnopolski-konkurs-misyjny-moj-kolega-z-buluby

Formation House Kakooge construction progress.

WANDA Matugga Health Centre

opening soon

Hospital

St. Francis Catholic Church Matugga

JOB OPPORTUNITY.
WANDA HEALTH CRNTRE MATUGGA
(opening soon September/October 2019)

Vacancies for posts:
Doctor - 1
Nurse - 8
Laboratory technician - 2
Pharmacist - 1
Receptionist - 1
Patient attender - 1

Applications addressed to the Administrator of Wanda Health Centre Matugga must reach the Parish Office not later than Wednesday 21st August, 2019. Interviews will take place on 21st August from 10am at St. Francis Parish Matugga.

Munyonyo Martyrs' Shrine - Uganda Martyrs Basilica

Elevation of Munyonyo Shrine to Minor Basilica, 29th July 2019

Doctors Africa - Fundacja Centrum Dobroczynności Lekarskiej

🌍✈️🧳Prawie 3 dni w podróży i dotarli na miejsce!
Rozpakowani, uśmiechnięci i gotowi do działania 💪👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️ Przed nimi wiele wyzwań, dlatego przesyłamy moc pozytywnej energii dla #DoctorsAfrica ❤️
Jesteście ciekawi, jak wygląda misja medyczna od kuchni? Śledźcie nasz profil - obiecujemy relację z podróży!

Franciscan church in Munyonyo in honor of Uganda Martyrs was today announce as Minor Basilica by Cardinal Robert Sarah from Vatican. Over 30 bishops and thousands of Christians in attendance. Glory to God.

Today, 27th July 2019, eight student friars renewed their vows on hands of our Provincial, friar Marian Golab.

Friar Deus Mugalu and Francis Asiimwe from Uganda and other novices made their first vows. Friars are to start soon philosophy in Accra, Ghana.