“Francis made room for everyone”: Kenyan Catholic Bishop Urges Faithful to Follow Saint’s Example

Bishop David Kamau Ng’ang’a urged the faithful to follow the example of St. Francis of Assisi by making room for people of all vocations to address modern challenges in families, communities, and the Church.

During a homily on October 4 at St. Francis Ruiru Parish in the Archdiocese of Nairobi, the auxiliary bishop noted how the saint established religious orders for priests, sisters, and lay people through the Franciscan Third Order. Speaking in Kiswahili, Bishop Ng’ang’a said that everyone found a place within the Franciscan family.

The bishop called on Christians to pray for the spirit of St. Francis to be awakened in their lives to help navigate current difficulties. He also reflected on the saint's transition from seeking worldly honor to choosing a life of poverty to follow Christ.