On October 14–18, 2024, the friars of the Province of St. Francis of Assisi in Kenya conducted their annual continuing formation week at the Mary, Mother of God Retreat Center in Subukia, Kenya.
Friar Robert LEŻOHUPSKI led the event under the theme: “A Juridical Update on Questions Regarding the Order’s Policies on the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Adults; Internal Forum Issues – Confession and Spiritual Direction in the Mission and the Ministry of the Friars; General Procura Policies with Regard to Economy and Other Religious Obligations.” The first day, October14, was devoted to the arrival of the friars. The second and third days were dedicated to the various issues outlined in the theme. On the fourth day, October 27, the morning session was dedicated to health insurance, the pension scheme and the benevolent fund. The session was facilitated by a team of experts in those areas. The afternoon session was dedicated to updates on various aspects of the life of the Province. Afterwards, the friars celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Order’s presence in Kenya. The occasion was graced with letters of encouragement, support and exhortation written by the Minister General, Friar Carlos TROVARELLI, and the Minister Provincial of the Province of Gdańsk, Poland, Friar Wojciech KULIG. During the celebration, the Minister Provincial of the Province of Kenya, Friar Hillary RADUK, handed out tokens of appreciation to all the friars who worked, or are continuing to work, as missionaries in Kenya. The final day was dedicated to commemorating our departed Friar Dariusz DEMBKOWSKI who spent almost all his religious life working in Kenya. The friars also commemorated Friar Vincent MARCOLI, who dedicated his life working as a missionary in Ghana. He returned to the Lord during the course of the formation week.
Also remembered were some friars who dedicated their lives to doing religious ministry in Kenya and are no longer in the Order. As a parting shot, the Minister Provincial challenged the friars to prepare themselves to answer the call of the Minister General regarding establishing a new mission.
Friar William Mwirigi KILEMI
