About PPIFA

Strengthening African Families Rooted in God.

The Patrick Peyton Institute for Families in Africa (PPIFA) is a ministry of Holy Cross Family Ministries and the Congregation of Holy Cross, Province of East Africa—answering the call of the African Synod to renew and strengthen Christian marriage and family life across the continent.

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Jinja, Uganda

Serving AMECEA & SECAM

Catholic Tradition

Since 1947

A global mission of hope

Our Story

Rooted in the Holy Cross Tradition.

In the spirit of availability to the Church's most urgent needs, the Congregation of Holy Cross, Province of East Africa, responded to the call of the African Synod to strengthen Christian marriage and family life across the continent.

Pope Benedict XVI spoke of Africa as a "spiritual lung" for humanity, rich in faith and hope. Yet families across Africa face profound pressures—early marriage, domestic violence, substance abuse, unemployment, and the effects of globalization.

PPIFA responds to these challenges by forming the pastoral agents who walk with families. Rooted at the Holy Cross Jubilee Centre in Njeru, Jinja, Uganda, we serve the Church across East Africa (AMECEA) and the wider continent (SECAM).

Our Vision

Strong and Healthy Families

"Strong and healthy families and marriages rooted in God on the African continent."

75+ Years of Global Ministry

18 Countries Served

29 Global Centers

What We Do

Our Three Pillars

Following the model of the Peyton Institute for Families globally, we fulfill our vision through three integrated areas of service.

Professional Training

Equipping family life ministers, counsellors, and pastoral agents with theological foundation and practical skills to serve African families effectively.

Evidence-Based Research

Conducting rigorous research on family life in Africa that informs both Church policy and pastoral practice, providing a repository for future studies.

Family-Friendly Media

Developing culturally relevant, theologically grounded media content—following the legacy of Venerable Patrick Peyton—to reach families across the continent.

The Challenge We Address

Pressures Facing African Families Today.

Families across Sub-Saharan Africa face diverse socioeconomic pressures that erode the faith, moral, and social ties of families. PPIFA exists to provide the response.

Marriage Breakdown

Early marriages, polygamous unions, and domestic violence weaken the foundation of the family.

Substance Abuse

Alcohol and drug addiction devastate individuals, marriages, and entire communities.

Unemployment

Economic pressures strain marriages and force parents to make impossible choices for their children.

Digital Pressures

The digital world brings new threats—from online exploitation to the erosion of family time.

What Guides Us

Our Core Values

PPIFA is established on the foundational core values of Holy Cross Family Ministries, interpreted for the African context.

Faith

Rooted in Catholic teaching and the spiritual tradition of Holy Cross.

Compassion

Serving families with empathy, dignity, and respect for each person.

Family

Recognizing the family as the domestic church and foundation of society.

Availability

Responding to the Church's most urgent needs in the tradition of Father Peyton.

Our Reach

Serving Families Across Africa.

PPIFA is based at the Holy Cross Jubilee Centre in Njeru, Jinja, Uganda, and serves the Church across the African continent—connected to a worldwide network of Peyton Institutes.

East Africa (AMECEA) — Our primary service region
All of Africa (SECAM) — Extending our reach continent-wide
Global Network — Connected to Peyton Institutes worldwide

Global Network

A Connected Family of Ministries

PPIFA — Jinja, Uganda

Serving East Africa (AMECEA) & All of Africa (SECAM)

North America

Holy Cross Family Ministries HQ

Latin America

Mexico, Brazil, & beyond

Asia & Pacific

PIF India, Philippines, & more

Europe

Ireland, UK, Italy, & Germany

Be Part of the Mission

Help Us Build Stronger Families in Africa.

Whether you're called to serve, study, or support—there's a place for you in building stronger families across Africa. Join us in this mission.

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Together we build stronger families

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