By Benedict Mukoni and Immaculate Tusingwire………………..
The theme for this year’s Laudato Sì Week which took place in May is: “From Hope to Action”. Reflecting on this theme, Simon Peter Mukasa, a Lay Franciscan and Laudato Sì Animator, recalled his journey of the past 4 years. A story marked by faith, courage, hope, loss and an unwavering commitment to serving the most vulnerable.
Simon’s Journey of Faith
Born and raised in a Muslim family, Simon’s life took an unexpected turn when he encountered a Catholic whose witness of faith deeply touched him. Inspired not by words but by deeds, he embraced the Catholic faith. Yet this decision came at a great personal cost.
At a time when he most needed the support of his family, as he prepared for marriage and the next chapter of his life, Simon faced rejection from his family for converting to Catholic faith. His mother challenged him to choose between her and the Blessed Virgin Mary. The choice was painful, but he still chose his new path. Though reconciliation would come later with some family members, the separation left deep wounds!
Simon’s Encounter with St. Francis of Assisi: A beacon of Inspiration and deeper faith
In the midst of his pain, a friend offered him a small book for consolation, ‘the life of St. Francis of Assisi’. As Simon read about the saint who had also been rejected by his wealthy family for choosing a life of faith and service, he found a reflection of his own struggles. That very night, inspired by the saint’s witness, he began writing a film script entitled: “Lady Poverty, capturing the radical love and simplicity that characterized the life of St. Francis”.
Embracing a Franciscan Calling; a redirected Dream
Soon after knowing St. Francis, Simon encountered the Franciscan Sisters, who were seeking collaborators in their community ministry. What seemed like a simple opportunity became the beginning of a profound calling. Through their accompaniment, he embraced his vocation as a Lay Franciscan and later became a Laudato Sì Animator, committed to responding to both the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth.
Today, Simon is a husband and father of two children. Yet his greatest legacy may be found far beyond the walls of his own home.
Like many parents, Simon once dreamed of owning land in his ancestral village. Year after year, he saved diligently, setting aside money little by little toward that goal. But God had prepared a different purpose for those savings.
Living and working among vulnerable families in the informal settlement of Nsambya, Simon witnessed the daily struggles of single mothers trying to support their children. Inspired by the vision of Laudato Sì, he began organizing a savings group where women could pool resources and build financial resilience. Every Tuesday, they gathered to save what little they could from their modest earnings.
At the same time, Simon introduced an environmental initiative that transformed organic waste into fuel briquettes. What began as a simple ecological project soon became a source of livelihood for struggling households while helping to keep the community cleaner and healthier.
As the mothers’ lives slowly improved, another challenge became impossible to ignore since many of their children remained excluded from education.
School fees were beyond the reach of many families. Some of them refugee children who had fled from conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan faced even greater obstacles. Children living with disabilities and special learning needs were often overlooked altogether, finding few schools willing or prepared to welcome them.
Simon searched tirelessly for solutions. He approached government schools, seeking bursaries and opportunities for the children. Yet despite his efforts, doors remained closed.
Rather than accepting defeat, he asked himself a different question:
“What if we created the opportunity ourselves?” The answer would require extraordinary sacrifice.
“I approached a friend who had an unused space, and I asked if I could use it. She agreed to lease it to me at a subsidized cost. I called a community meeting with local leaders, shared my vision and they embraced and owned it. With no other funding, I withdrew the money I had saved to buy my own homeland and used it to start the school.”
What began as an act of faith has become a beacon of hope.
Today, the school serves 135 children, including refugees and learners with special needs. New admissions have temporarily been suspended due to limited space. Qualified teachers have been recruited and receive regular salaries, ensuring that every child receives the support and education they deserve.
Now in its second academic term, for the children who attend, the school is more than a place of learning. It is a place of belonging. A place where difference is welcomed, where poverty is not a barrier to opportunity, and where every child is reminded of their God-given dignity and potential.
Simon’s story reminds us that the spirit of St. Francis and the message of Laudato Sì are not merely ideals to be admired; they are invitations to act. When we open our hearts to the cry of the poor and respond with courage and compassion, hope takes root and grows far beyond anything we could have imagined.
As the school continues to grow, the mission remains open to all people of goodwill who wish to support this life-changing work, Simon’s journey beautifully demonstrates faith in action, total trust in God and that when we answer the cry of the poor, we create hope that lasts for generations.
