On August 7, 2025, a ceremony marking the conclusion of the 2025 Inter-Franciscan Course for Missionaries in Africa (IMCA) took place at the Shrine of St. Charles Lwanga and Companion Martyrs in in the Munyonyo neighborhood of Kampala, Uganda.
The ceremony was presided over by the Minister General, Friar Carlos TROVARELLI. He thanked the participants for their commitment to their missionary formation. Also present at the ceremony was Friar Mariusz KOZIOŁ, the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Anthony and Bl. James of Strepar in Poland (Cracow), to which the Delegation in Uganda belongs.
The course began on June 16, 2025. It brought together representatives of the three branches of the Franciscan First Order namely, the Observant, Conventual and Capuchin Franciscans. Seven Conventual Franciscans participated in the course. They came from Zambia, Ghana, Malawi, and Kenya. Among the course leaders was Friar Nathan Mumbi KAKUBO, OFM Conv.. He participated in this course three years ago and currently serves as a missionary in Malawi.
During several weeks of intense formation, the course participants explored various topics such as the history of evangelization in Africa, missiology, mission and economics, inculturation, the presence of Mary in Africa, dialogue and reconciliation, and the challenges of the new Areopagus. The presentations were given by friars from different branches of the Franciscan Family.
The participants and organizers expressed deep gratitude to the local Franciscan community in Munyonyo for their warm welcome, prayerful support, and hospitality. These were clear signs of fraternity and unity. In addition, we would like to express our gratitude to the international Catholic organization Kirche in Not (Aid to the Church in Need) whose financial support helped make this course possible.
The meeting with the Minister General was a time of strengthening fraternal bonds and sending forth the participants to their missions in the spirit of St. Francis. Along with this news article, we also include the testimony of one of the course participants, who reflects on the atmosphere and results during this time of formation.
Friar Dariusz Robert MAZUREK, General Delegate for Mission Animation
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Testimony of Friar Derby KAMANGA, OFM Conv.
My Reflections
If I had to summarize the past eight weeks of my life, I would call them a blessing. These weeks were spent attending the Inter-Obediential Missionary Course in Africa (IMCA), held at the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Munyonyo. The experience was so enriching and insightful.
The course was well-structured, touching on the key areas necessary to prepare us for the missionary mandate we have received from our Lord Jesus Christ. It also deepened our understanding of the missionary charism that lies at the heart of our respective Orders. Personally, it rekindled a sense of love for mission and gave me a clearer view of its many dimensions.
Among all the helpful content, what stood out most for me was the section on the basics of missiology. One key takeaway was the reminder of our identity as missionaries, which we need to uphold and live by always; it defines us. Once lost, we lose a vital part of who we are. We are happiest when we are being and doing what we are meant for. As with a lightbulb whose purpose is to give light, when it no longer does, it is discarded, we too must stay true to our call. To minister, to break bread with the people, to anoint, to walk and be among them: this is the core of the mission. It requires our feet, our minds, our hearts, our hands – our whole selves. At times, we fall into doing the bare minimum, doing things lightly; forgetting that we have answered a call which demands our whole dedication. We cannot afford to be ‘lite’ friars.
The learning environment was also worth noting. It was peaceful and conducive for reflection, providing opportunities for one to deepen his encounter with God and assimilate the contents of the course well. Meditation, prayer and exposure to real life missionary contexts helped anchor the lessons in everyday life.
It is a general feeling that not only have the objectives of the course been achieved, but we have created a family, one built on mutual respect, shared experiences, and a deep sense of fraternity that will continue beyond the course itself. As participants of IMCA 2025 we affirm that “our mission is to build unity, promote peace, nurture faith and walk as minor brothers – joyfully sacrificing, dialoguing, and serving in transparency and equity.”
I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity. The insights gained should, in my view, be considered essential nourishment for every Franciscan. While it has indeed been “good to be here”, we are now called to come down from the “mountain” and continue to build on what we have learnt and apply it in our day to day lives.
