Greetings from Rome.
For the last year or so, I have been in Italy, in school once again! Since October 2024, I have been studying Franciscan Spirituality at the Pontifical University of St Anthony (better known as the Antonianum). It has been an eye-opening journey and once again, I am astonished at God’s blessings for me in this new phase of my vocation.
In February 2024, after having served in the parish in Kuching for six years, I went to Florence for a six-month course in Italian. I stayed with the Italian friars (at the Provincial Curia of Tuscany), where I not only learnt their language, but also their culture and way of expressing Franciscan life. One of the most beautiful things I took away from that experience was their emphasis on fraternal togetherness, so much so that we sat down for recreation over coffee and snacks after every meal!
When the university term began in October, I became part of an international community of approximately 100 student friars from more than 30 countries. Including the professors and staff, there are about 120 of us living at Antonianum now. This diverse atmosphere provides me with the opportunity to discover another friar’s background and story. I am truly thankful to the Lord for the brothers who form part of my journey now. Whenever I need a break from pasta and cheese, I invite some friars to dine at a superb Chinese restaurant nearby.
Going back to school has made me much more appreciative of the richness of our Franciscan intellectual tradition.
One of the most enlightening courses I have taken so far is on the writings of St Francis of Assisi. In total, 30 works are attributed to him (some written in his own hand, others he dictated, and many more which were collaborations). He wrote praises, prayers, letters, rules, admonitions, peppering them with the Scripture passages he loved so dearly. In all of them, we hear the authentic voice of Francis: his utter love and reverence for God and all creatures, his deep humility and impulse for mission. He was a man aflame with God’s word and love, so much so that he inspired and continues to inspire generations of Franciscans – religious and lay – to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
Despite the many difficulties and challenges that threatened the Order from within and without, Francis continued to entrust his life to the Trinity, aided by the intercession of Mother Mary. His courageous example gives me reassurance that all is in the hands of God as I walk along the path of my religious calling.
I conclude my short sharing by humbly requesting you to pray for all of us here. May we grow wise and humble in the knowledge of God, as we proclaim his salvation to all.
Friar David Au OFM
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