By Steeven Kezamutima
On Saturday, September 14, 2024, the Glorious Cross Ministries, together with the Laudato Si’ Movement, the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC), and the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), gathered to celebrate the 3rd edition of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. The celebration, led by Father Peter Mbaro, Director of the Centre for Social Justice and Ethics at CUEA, began with a procession of the cross from Tangaza University to the Apostles of Jesus Shrine.
Media coverage was provided by Johari Media TV and Radio Maria, ensuring that the event reached a wide audience.
At the Shrine, Father Mbaro presided over the Holy Mass, underscoring the centrality of the cross in Christian life, particularly during the Season of Creation. He reflected on the Franciscan family’s call to contemplate the cross, highlighting its significance not only as a symbol of sacrifice but also of reconciliation and healing.
Father Mbaro also shared three key events the Franciscan Family Africa and CUEA are spearheading to mark the Season of Creation:
- The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross
- The Climate Justice March (scheduled for September 21, 2024)
- The Interfaith Youth Forum (on September 27, 2024 at CUEA), which will unite individuals and organizations to promote peacekeeping and environmental restoration.
He emphasized that the cross represents not only liturgical and sacramental life but also stands as a powerful symbol of unity, peace, and healing. Father Mbaro reflected on five spiritual lessons to take away from the feast:
- Love of Christ
- Healing through the cross
- Reconciliation
- Obedience
- Self-sacrifice
Father Mbaro reminded the congregation of God’s profound love, symbolized by sending His only Son for humanity’s salvation. He also addressed the harmful effects of discrimination, injustice, racism, and tribalism, urging believers to embrace the healing power of Christ for reconciliation and peace. He called on everyone to view the cross as a reminder of Christ’s obedience and a personal invitation to follow suit, allowing God’s will to work through us.
After the Mass, Brother Jean Baptiste addressed the gathering alongside Sister Mary Sebastian, representing the Franciscans’ JPIC office, and Mr. Steven Kezamutima from the Laudato Si’ Movement.
Brother Jean Baptiste inspired the assembly to stand against social injustices and support the marginalized, while also announcing that next year’s Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross will be celebrated in Uganda. He also expressed gratitude to the Bishop of Nairobi for supporting the Northern Peace Initiative, and thanked all those who contributed to the success of the celebration, including the Centre for Social Justice and Ethics, the Franciscan family, and the Shrine Chaplaincy.
Mr. Steven Kezamutima spoke about the Laudato Si’ Movement’s dedication to ecological conversion, urging attendees to adopt sustainable lifestyles and raise a prophetic voice on environmental issues. He concluded by encouraging everyone to endorse the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, advocating for a sustainable and just future.