As Catholics around the world mark the Franciscan Jubilee,celebrating 800 years since the death of St. Francis of Assisi, the faithful from Munyonyo and surrounding areas have been encouraged to take part in the celebrations by visiting Uganda Martyrs Shrine,Munyonyo Basilica.
The Basilica is among the churches dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi,where pilgrims can obtain a plenary indulgence during the Jubilee Year.
This year, the Franciscan community commemorates 800 years since the passing of St. Francis of Assisi in 1226. According to the Rector of Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine, Fr. Male, the Jubilee marks the completion of a four-year spiritual journey reflecting on key moments in the life of St. Francis.
“These years remembered important events in the saint’s life: the Rule and the Greccio Nativity in 2023, the Stigmata in 2024, the Canticle of the Creatures in 2025, and finally the Transitus of St. Francis in 2026,” he explained.
Fr. Male said the Jubilee invites Christians to live the Gospel more fully. “The Jubilee calls us to embrace peace, fraternity, service to the poor, mercy, and care for creation, allowing the spirit of St. Francis to renew our world today,” he said.
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a special Year of Saint Francis from January 10, 2026, coinciding with the closing of the Ordinary Jubilee, until January 10, 2027.
The Apostolic Penitentiary has also granted a plenary indulgence to the faithful who, with hearts detached from sin, participate in the Year of Saint Francis by making a pilgrimage to any Franciscan conventual church. To receive the plenary indulgence, the faithful must fulfil the usual conditions, including sacramental confession, receiving Holy Communion, and praying for the intentions of the Holy Father.
Pilgrims are encouraged to:
During the Jubilee year, the Conventual Franciscan Friars (Greyfriars) will also celebrate their Silver Jubilee of missionary presence in Uganda. The friars first arrived in the country in 2001 and currently serve in Franciscan missions in Kakooge, Matugga, Kampala–Munyonyo, Gulu–Alokolum, and Entebbe–Buwaya.
The faithful are also encouraged to pray for more priestly and religious vocations.
Ugandan and South Sudanese Catholic men aged between 18 and 24, who have completed Senior Six, are in good health, and feel called to follow Jesus in the Franciscan community of priests and brothers, are invited to get in touch with the Vocation Director, Fr. Edward Kironde, at Matugga Friary via WhatsApp on +256 788 541972.
