From August 21 to 26, 2026, the 2nd OFS–YouFra Pan-African Congress took place in Kampala, Uganda, under the central theme “Be Peacemakers.” The motto guiding the gathering was: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called Sons of God” (Mt 5:9).
It should be noted that the 1st Pan-African OFS–YouFra Congress took place in 2018. For eight long years, the brothers and sisters awaited the joy of gathering once again. This long-awaited event finally brought together 91 members from 10 countries across the African continent. Of particular importance was the participation of the Spiritual Assistants, whose active involvement bore witness to the living unity and communion of the Franciscan Family.
The Congress organizers expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Uganda OFS National Fraternity for their warm hospitality, generosity, and care, which enabled participants to feel not merely like guests, but as true members of one Franciscan family.
The Congress offered a vivid experience of fraternity, joy, and cultural exchange. Participants engaged in profound reflection on the call to be peacemakers, presented by Adolph Atsu Assagba, OFS, and on the meaning of the Secular Franciscan vocation in today’s conflicted world, presented by Fr. Elvis Gwangwava, OFMCap. They were enriched by insights into the interconnectedness of life within the Family, the Fraternity, and the Church, presented by Eremenciana Chinyama, OFS. Among the topics presented, particular attention was given to the role of Spiritual Assistants in the African context, addressed by Fr. Pedro Zitha, OFM, as well as to the witness of Franciscan youth and children as instruments of peace in the world, highlighted by Nicholas Kugonza, OFS. Jenny Harrington, OFS, presented the conclusions of the 1st Pan-African Congress, offering both a report and an evaluation in collaboration with the first members of Project Africa: Honorius Chilufiya, OFS; Adolph Atsu Asagba, OFS; and Eremenciana Chinyama, OFS.
Subsequently, Panuga Pulenthiran, Africa Program Coordinator of Franciscan International, introduced the organization, presenting its mission and work to the Congress participants. Fr. John Martin Opio, OFMCap, prepared a presentation on the Jubilee Year of Saint Francis of Assisi. Of special importance were the contributions of Minister General Tibor Kauser, who joined the Congress online. He spoke about the role and interpretation of the OFS International Statutes and offered a reflection on the theme: “The Easter of St. Francis of Assisi 1226–2026.”
There was also an opportunity to engage in dialogue with members of the CIOFS Presidency.
Other significant aspects of the fraternal gathering were the celebration of the Eucharist, shared moments of communal prayer, and the joyful fellowship experienced during the fraternal evenings filled with songs and dances.
Of particular significance for the Congress participants was the pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Ugandan Martyrs, revered as the cradle of faith in the region. This sacred visit offered not only a moment of prayer and reflection, but also a profound encounter with the living testimony of those who bore witness to Christ through their martyrdom. The experience deepened the sense of communion among the participants and strengthened their awareness of the roots of the Christian faith in Africa.
The Congress participants reached the following conclusions, the fruit of their collective discernment and collaboration:
- Formation: Strengthen ongoing OFS formation based on the Rule, Constitutions, Ritual, and relevant Franciscan and Church documents.
- Peacebuilding: Make peacebuilding a concrete expression of the Franciscan charism through peace education, dialogue, reconciliation, care for creation, support for victims, youth initiatives, responsible resource advocacy, and interfaith collaboration.
- Continuing the Spirit of the Franciscan Centenaries: Continue the spirit of the Centenaries and Jubilee by living the example of St. Francis daily, promoting joy, gratitude, fraternity, simplicity, hope, and care for creation.
- YouFra and Franciscan Children: Establish, strengthen, and accompany YouFra and Franciscan Children groups, providing appropriate formation in the Franciscan charism.
- Spiritual Assistance: Increase and strengthen qualified Spiritual Assistants through proper appointment and preparation, and organize a Continental Formation Workshop on OFS identity, vocation, spirituality, and accompaniment.
- Family, Fraternity, and Church: Strengthen the relationship between family, fraternity, and Church through family prayer, formation, gatherings, vocation promotion, pastoral collaboration, service to vulnerable families, and intergenerational accompaniment.