OFH Kenya
Fr. Moses Khisa, OFM Cap. - a Capuchin Franciscan in California, USA is originally from Kenya and serves as the Spiritual Assistant to the Order of Franciscan Hermits (OFH). He has been instrumental in helping the OFH to establish our official presence within the Church in Kenya and our Association with the Capuchins there.
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L-R: Fr. Moses Khisa, OFM Cap.; Br. Paul, OFH; Fr. Robert Sewa, OFM Cap. in California, USA
On October 3, 2021, Fr. Moses introduced Br. Paul, OFH (the Founder and General Minister Guardian of our Community) via telephone to Archbishop Philip Anyolo, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Nairobi, who invited Br. Paul to visit Kenya, so he could, "meet the founder." This seemed to be an impossible task as the COVID pandemic was (is) problematic for travel, but as Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
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Archbishop Philip Anyolo
The impossible was made possible through the Grace of the Lord, and Br. Paul travelled from the United States to meet with his Eminence in Nairobi on June 6, 2022. Br. Paul was accompanied to the audience by Br. Joseph Kibunjah, OFH - the Regional Minister of Kenya and East Africa, where they presented the Statutes and Constitutions of the Order of Franciscan Hermits, as well as a document outlining our 10 Year Vision for the OFH in Kenya written by Br. Joseph. After learning more about our Community, Archbishop Anyolo welcomed us to continue to promote our Mission of promoting World Peace within his Metropolitan See and promised to pray for our Community.
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L-R: Bishop George Muthaka, OFM Cap.; Br. Joseph Kibunjah, OFH; Fr. Charles Odhiambo, OFM Cap.; Br. Paul, OFH
The same day, Br. Paul and Br. Joseph met with Bishop George Muthaka, OFM Cap., the Capuchin Franciscan Bishop of the Diocese of Garissa, with Fr. Charles Odhiambo, OFM Cap., the Capuchin Vocation Director. Our documents were presented and Br. Paul told the story of his Capuchin Novice Master, Fr. Enda Heffernan, OFM Cap., who was the initial inspiration to found our OFH Community. Fr. Enda always dreamed of Serving in Africa but never had the opportunity, so Br. Paul was there in his honor. A week later Br. Paul and Br. Joseph met with Fr. Arnold Shimira, OFM Cap., the Custos of the Capuchin General Custody of Kenya, who pledged that the Capuchins would provide the OFH Spiritual Support and walk with us along our Journey in Kenya as Brothers. ​The Capuchins will serve as Chaplains to the Order of Franciscan Hermits in Kenya.

The Kenyan Capuchins need assistance... CLICK HERE to see how you can help.
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L-R: Br. Joseph Kibunjah, OFH; Fr. Arnold Shimira, OFM Cap.; Br. Paul, OFH
Bishop George encouraged us to meet with Fr. Hermann Borg, OFM of the "Franciscan Family Association" (FFA). He was a wealth of knowledge having served as a missionary in Africa for 40+ years and working with/supporting over 40 Franciscan Communities such as the OFH through the FFA. He said that he grew up in Germany with the tradition of having hermits in his area, and the people always helped support them and trusted their spiritual needs with the hermits. He said there have never been hermits in Africa, and feels that the African people will be able to relate to this special ministry and want to support hermitages in their area. He gave us 27 different Franciscan Formation guidebooks for our use and has welcomed us to be part of the Franciscan Family Association.
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L-R: Br. Paul, OFH; Br. Joseph Kibunjah, OFH; Fr. Hermann Borg, OFM.
Within the week, Br. Paul and Br. Joseph also met with Bishop Colonel Alfred Rotich of the Diocese of Kericho and Bishop Dominic Kimengich of Diocese of Eldoret who also welcomed the OFH into their dioceses to promote our Mission and also promised to pray for our Community. 
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Bishop Colonel Alfred Rotich
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L-R: Br. Paul, OFH; Bishop Dominic Kimengich; Br. Joseph Kibunjah, OFH
We have also humbly requested permission from each of the bishops to locate suitable land within Kenya, to establish a Hermitage Fraternity (a monastery), following St. Francis' Rule for Hermitages,  as part of our 10 Year Vision for the OFH in Kenya. One of the bishops asked us to look at a 6 acre property within his diocese and had us meet with the donor who would like to establish a center for prayer and Marian Shrine in honor of "Our Lady of Victory." Nothing has been finalized yet, but, if it is the Lord's Will, we believe this will be realized in the near future.

The Hermitage Fraternity will serve as the motherhouse of the OFH in Kenya and be an Inter-Regional Franciscan Center for Spiritual Formation and Communication in East Africa.

Come and Join Us...

Br. Mary Joseph Kibunjah, OFH, as the Regional Minister of Kenya and East Africa, has been instrumental in promoting, guiding and instructing the Associates and Members in Kenya in our way of life. If you live in Kenya or East Africa and wish to become an Associate of the Order of Franciscan Hermits, please email Br. Joseph at: kibunjahgacokah@gmail.com​.

OFH Guiding Documents
​Please consider helping us financially to ensure this important Franciscan presence is established in the remote area we're being asked to Serve:

--- The Fr. Enda Heffernan, OFM Cap. Memorial Fund for African Missions
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