As the Order of Friars Minor Conventual (OFMConv.), commonly known as the Conventual Franciscans or Greyfriars, celebrates 25 years of evangelisation and service in Uganda, the Order has opened a new mission in the Archdiocese of Gulu.
St Maximilian Maria Kolbe Mission in Alokolum was officially inaugurated on Saturday, 22 August 2026, by the Archbishop of Gulu, Most Rev. Raphael p’Mony Wokorach, MCCJ.
Presiding over the inauguration Mass, Archbishop Wokorachsaid the occasion marked two significant celebrations: the official reception of the Conventual Franciscans into the Archdiocese of Gulu and the Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“Dear fathers and brothers of the Conventual Franciscans, you are welcome. We thank them for saying yes to come and serve in the Archdiocese of Gulu,” he said.
The archbishop also welcomed the Provincial Minister, Fr Mariusz Koziol, and the team of missionaries assigned to the new mission.
The Franciscans were invited to Gulu by Archbishop Emeritus Most Rev. John Baptist Odama, who attended the inauguration. About two years ago, Fr Joseph Matula was sent to Alokolum to establish the mission. He has since been joined by Fr Paul Mutaasa, Deacon Deus Mugalu, Br Felix and Br Brian.
During the ceremony, Archbishop Wokorach blessed the newly constructed friary, describing it as a sign of the Order’s commitment to remain and serve the people of Gulu.
“We feel blessed to receive missionaries and religious congregations who come to enrich us with their gifts and vision for the Church,” he said. “Their presence makes us say: Thank you, God.”
The Archbishop explained that mission requires collaboration, adding that the arrival of the Franciscans should inspire the faithful to appreciate all missionary congregations serving in the Archdiocese.
He noted that the Conventual Franciscans had arrived at a special time, as the Archdiocese celebrates 75 years since its foundation.
“We pray that this journey may move forward with renewed strength and combined energy so that evangelisation may take root deeply in the hearts of the people and in the communities entrusted to them,” he said.
Archbishop Wokorach also reflected on the Franciscan devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the example of St Maximilian Maria Kolbe, after whom the mission is named. St Maximilian Kolbe, a Conventual Franciscan priest, sacrificed his life to save another prisoner at Auschwitz during the Second World War.
He said the saint’s selflessness should inspire the faithful to embrace a life of faith, service and sacrifice and called upon Christians to pray with and for the Franciscans so that their ministry in Gulu may be successful and fruitful.
The Order plans to establish a formation house and, in the coming years, a parish in the Archdiocese of Gulu.
The inauguration came just days after the Conventual Franciscans celebrated 25 years of service in Uganda. The Silver Jubilee celebration was held on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, at St Jude Parish, Kakooge, in the Diocese of Kasana-Luweero.
The Conventual Franciscans currently serve in Kakooge, Matugga, Munyonyo, Gulu and Buwaya, across Lake Victoria.
