The faithful of Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine officially bid farewell to Fr Peter Mpiima, OFM Conv., on Sunday, September 20, 2026, bringing to a close three years of service to the community.

Fr Mpiima served as Rector of St Joseph of Cupertino Seminary at Munyonyo, where he played an important role in the formation of brothers of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual. Beyond his seminary responsibilities, he became a familiar spiritual father to many Christians at the Shrine through the celebration of Mass, preaching, spiritual guidance and as a patron of the Bible Sharing team.

Several Christians joined Fr Mpiima for his final Mass at the Basilica at 12:30 p.m., during which he reflected on the generosity and mercy of God.

Drawing from the Gospel parable of the landowner who hired labourers at different times of the day but paid them the same wage, Fr Mpiima explained that while the landowner’s actions may appear unfair from a human perspective, he remained faithful to what he had promised each worker.

“The landowner was just, was generous, and then he said, ‘I choose to pay the last comer as much as I pay you. Have I not the right to do what I like with my own? Why should you be envious because I am generous?’”

Fr Mpiima reminded the faithful that God’s generosity is similarly present throughout the different experiences of human life, in moments of happiness and sorrow, pain and celebration.

He encouraged Christians to surrender their hearts to God and allow prayer to transform their thoughts and desires according to His will.

“Prayer helps me to change my mind according to the Lord’s will, to change my heart according to the Lord’s instructions. It’s not easy, but it is a beautiful process throughout our whole lifetime,” he said.

After Mass, the faithful gathered at the St Joseph of Cupertino Seminary‘s Gardens in Munyonyo shrine , where they presented Fr Mpiima with gifts and messages of appreciation for his ministry at Munyonyo.

Several speakers described him as a spiritual father, friend and great listener, thanking him for helping them deepen their relationship with Christ during his three-year mission.

The farewell was particularly emotional for members of the first Bible Sharing Group, for which Fr Mpiima served as patron. The group thanked him for accompanying them during their Tuesday evening gatherings and pledged to continue the mission he helped establish.

“We thank you for being with us every Tuesday evening. We are going to miss you so much. Thank you for the impact you have had on our spiritual journey. May God guide and protect you. We shall continue the mission you started,” the members said.

In his farewell remarks, Fr Mpiima thanked the people of Munyonyo for the kindness and friendship they had shown him and announced that his next mission would take him to Assisi, Italy, the city closely associated with St Francis of Assisi.

For Fr Mpiima, the move carries special spiritual significance, connecting his Franciscan journey at Munyonyo with the home of the founder of the Franciscan family.

“My next place and appointment will be Assisi in Italy. So, I feel that I’m going from the tomb of St Andrew to the tomb of St Francis of Assisi. And I promise to pray for you and to remember you in my prayers.”

He invited members of the Munyonyo community who may one day make a pilgrimage to Assisi to look for him there.

“When someone is going on pilgrimage to Assisi, please look for me. Look for me at the tomb of St Francis. I also promise to pray for and remember the whole community in Munyonyo, all the friends and all the Church in our community. Thank you very much.”

Following Fr Mpiima’s departure, the Franciscan community at Munyonyo continues its ministry with Fr Male, Fr Ronnie and Fr Alfred.

The Ensigo team joins the entire Munyonyo community in thanking Fr Mpiima for his dedicated ministry over the past three years. As he begins his new mission in Assisi, we pray that the Lord will continue to guide him, strengthen his vocation and make his ministry fruitful.

May God bless you, Fr Mpiima, and may St Francis of Assisi accompany you in your new mission. Munyonyo will remember you in prayer.