Friar urges Franciscans to wash one another's feet

Fr. Francis Kanyiri, OFM Conv., urged members of the Franciscan family to serve one another by washing each other's feet during a Transitus service at the National Marian Shrine in Subukia, Kenya. The gathering, held on October 3 in the Diocese of Nakuru, observed the passing of St. Francis of Assisi as the Church marks 800 years since his death.

During the service, friars, sisters, and lay members watched a play performed by young men in formation for the Order of Friars Minor Conventual. The performance depicted the life of St. Francis, from his life of wealth to his commitment to poverty and his eventual death.

Reflecting on the Gospel of John and the Testament of St. Francis, Fr. Kanyiri, who serves as the acting vice chancellor of Consolata International University, described how Jesus transitioned from a master to a servant by washing his disciples' feet. He noted that St. Francis followed this same path of humility.