Our History
Serving with humility, prayer, and compassion, following St. Francis’ footsteps.
Origins of the Capuchin Franciscan Order
“Inspired by the gospel of Jesus and the example of Francis of Assisi…”
The Capuchin Franciscan Order began in 1528 as a renewal of the Order of Friars Minor. The friars of this reform movement wanted a life more focused on prayer and a stricter observance of poverty. These men were also fervent preachers of the Gospel and compassionate servants of the sick and suffering in their day. Attracting followers through their preaching, prayer, austerity, and service among the poor, the new reform movement grew rapidly and soon spread throughout all of Europe.
The Capuchin Reform movement was given official approval by the Church in Pope Clement VII’s Papal Bull, Religionis Zelus. The Capuchins were established as an independent Order within the Franciscan Family.
The Capuchins truly captured the hearts of the people during the Black Plague, which struck Western Europe and killed millions. While many of the clergy and religious fled the catastrophe, the Capuchins remained to care for the people. Over 2,000 friars died from the plague as Martyrs of Charity. Today, the Capuchins number about 12,500 friars worldwide.
The Capuchins’ Mission to Africa
The thought of sending Indian Capuchins to Africa came to the mind of the then Minister General of the Order, Rev. Br. Flavio Roberto Carraro, in early 1987. By the end of that year, four brave Capuchin Brothers from the Holy Trinity Province, Karnataka—namely, Walter Saldanha, Antony Alphaeus D’souza, Lawrence Dilraj, and Silvano D’souza—were selected as the first batch of missionaries to Uganda.
On 16th December 1987, the Minister General, Br. Flavio Roberto Carraro, commissioned and blessed the four brothers during the Holy Mass held at Deena Seva Ashram, Bangalore. On 17th January 1988, the group landed in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and spent almost a year in the country learning the culture and language of the people of Africa.
On 31st March 1988, unfortunately, Br. Walter Saldanha died in a road accident on his way to Rhotia Parish for the Holy Week Ministry. The group lost their eldest brother before they could reach Uganda. May his soul rest in peace!
Establishment of the Capuchin Mission in Uganda
On 1st October 1988, the feast of St. Theresa of Child Jesus, the Patroness of the Missionaries, the remaining three brothers landed in Uganda and made their way to Kiyinda–Mityana Diocese. They were warmly welcomed by Bishop Emmanuel Wamala of Kiyinda–Mityana Diocese.
The following day, Bishop Wamala moved to Kampala as the new Archbishop of the Diocese. On 8th October, Bishop Joseph Mukwaya was received as the new Bishop of Kiyinda–Mityana Diocese.
The three brothers spent one year in various places in the Diocese, learning the local language and culture. Finally, on 1st November 1989, on the feast of All Saints, they settled at Busunju on Kampala–Hoima Road. On this day, the new Parish of Busunju was inaugurated, and the Capuchins were welcomed and introduced to the people of God by late Bishop Joseph Mukwaya.
This marked the first fraternity of the Capuchins in Uganda. The beginnings were very humble, and the friars worked diligently to build the faith of the Christians and develop the parish. Over the years, they extended their work to various other regions in Uganda.
In Northern Uganda, the friars established their presence in the Aripea Mission in Arua Diocese. This mission has become a vital center for spiritual growth, service, and education, addressing the unique needs of the communities in that area. Aripea continues to play a key role in the work of the Capuchins in Uganda, especially in spreading the Gospel and helping the poor.
Growth and Formation of Fraternities
On 17th January 1990, two more brothers—Pancratius Pinto and Cletus—joined the group as missionaries. Br. Pinto rendered two years of meritorious service at Sacred Heart Seminary, Mubende, as a teacher.
On 4th March 1991, three brothers—Cletus, Silvano, and John—moved to Kakira Parish in Jinja Diocese. Bishop Joseph Willigers and the people of Kakira welcomed the brothers, forming the second fraternity of the Capuchins.
On 9th October 1993, Br. Joel Pinto joined the mission, followed by Brs. Alban D’Souza and Paul Pinto on 25th January 1994. The third fraternity of the Capuchins in Uganda was inaugurated at Kabbega, Busunju, on 2nd August 1994, with Brs. John Mendonca and Pancratius Pinto as its first members.
In 1996, the Capuchin Novitiate House at Kabbega was inaugurated. Over the years, the friars began to recruit vocations to the Order, receiving local brothers such as Emmanuel Masereka and Caesar Okello.
In 1997, the mission in Uganda was raised to the status of Custody. The first Superior Regular was Br. Lawrence Sequeira, with Brs. Pancratius and John Mendonca as his Councilors.
Achievements and Expansion of the Custody
Between 1998 and 2014, the Custody continued to expand. Highlights include:
- Formation of additional fraternities across Uganda, including in Kasese Diocese, Kakira Parish, and the sub-parish of Kitswamba.
- Recruitment of native Ugandan friars and leadership within the Custody.
- Establishment of vocational training centers, schools, and health clinics.
- Strengthening the mission in Aripea, which remains a focal point for Northern Uganda.
Notable celebrations included the Silver Jubilee of the Custody on 11th August 2013, marking 25 years of the Capuchin presence in Uganda. The event featured several religious professions, ordinations, and a grand celebration attended by friars, clergy, and the faithful.
Celebrating the Capuchins’ Legacy in Uganda
In January 2014, the Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese assigned a new parish to the Capuchins—St. Padre Pio Catholic Parish, Kabulamuliro.
The mission continues to grow, with the friars actively involved in spiritual, educational, and social services. Over 25 years, the Custody has formed seven fraternities working in five parishes, four schools, two boardings, one vocational training center, and one health clinic.
The Capuchins remain committed to their mission of faith and service, continuing to inspire communities and uphold the legacy of St. Francis of Assisi.