November 29th this year coincided with the 40 year anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi as Patron of Ecology. He was declared by Pope John Paul II in 1979 on the same date.

Mother Earth Network in collaboration with The office of Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation Franciscans Africa celebrated the anniversary by striking for climate in the afternoon of Friday, November  29th November,  from 3.00 pm to 6.00 pm.

The event brought together 120 participants: Franciscans brothers and sisters, Secular Franciscans, Youfra, the climate movement group from The Catholic University of Eastern Africa and other stakeholders.

The event started with a learning session of conscientization about Laudato Si and St Francis of Assisi spirituality. The discussion was also focused on COP25 happening in Madrid, Spain. In the same regards, some interviews and testimonies were recorded to be shared worldwide.

After that, we e then started the walk for climate justice from the Franciscan Family centre towards The Catholic University of Eastern Africa. During the walk, people were carrying placards and banners with messages like. No need for fossil fuel in Kenya, Mr President to stop any oil business in Kenya, For people in COP25 to honour Paris Agreement etc. The event ended by planting 200 trees for the commemoration of St Francis of Assisi 40 years as patron of ecology.        

                                                     

By Steeven Kezamutima, JPIC Franciscans Africa