I was born and raised in Sarawak, Malaysia, and I belong to the Bidayuh indigenous community, historically known as the Land Dayaks. But my vocation has led me far from home. I recently professed my first vows as a Franciscan friar after completing my novitiate in Manila and am now in Singapore for my philosophy studies.
Looking back, my novitiate year was a profound milestone in my formation journey. It was filled with challenges, moments of joy, and deep self-reflection, experiences that shaped my identity as a Franciscan. The journey was not always easy, but it strengthened my commitment to live a life rooted in prayer, contemplation, and trust in God, even in moments of weakness and uncertainty.
The year was my first prolonged separation from my family and homeland. It was an emotionally taxing period dominated by persistent existential questions. Upon my late-night arrival in the Philippines on 4 January 2025, I was filled with anxiety and questions about whether I should continue into the novitiate or return home. Even now, some of those questions remain, but I have never doubted that God has accompanied me throughout this journey. Though I cannot always understand His plans, I trust that His providence works for my ultimate good and that the experiences will bear witness to His grace in the future.
On 29 May 2025, I was formally admitted into the Juan de Plasencia Novitiate House in Liliw, Laguna. Receiving the Franciscan habit was a deeply moving moment. It marked a new identity and a visible commitment to live the Gospel in the spirit of St Francis.
Novitiate life follows a simple rhythm of prayer, study, manual work, and community life. Our days begin with meditation, Morning Prayer, and Mass, followed by household duties, classes, and communal prayer throughout the day. We also garden, exercise, and share meals and conversations as brothers.
While the routine appears repetitive, each day offers new opportunities to grow in fraternity, humility, and faith. I felt immensely blessed to be with brothers from different countries and cultures, allowing me to learn from them and share our knowledge.
The most difficult part of my novitiate year was missing my family and friends, yearning for life in the outside world, adapting to community life, and, above all, confronting my own weaknesses. I have come to realise that religious life is demanding, and the path of a Franciscan friar perhaps even more so. I ask myself: What kind of Franciscan do I aspire to be? How can I remain vulnerable and available to my fraternity and to myself? How do I sustain a spirit of humility in my daily life as a friar?
St Francis was no stranger to intense internal struggle, and I see my own experience mirrored in his as I strive to follow his example. Each day demands deep continuous contemplation. I am profoundly grateful that my novitiate year was so richly anchored in self-reflection, and that the classes in Franciscanism and human formation fortified me as I prepared for my first profession of vows.
On 28 May 2026, after completing my novitiate, I professed my first vows. It was a day of immense joy and gratitude to God. Yet I know this is only the beginning. As St Francis reminded his brothers, “Let us begin, for up to now we have done little or nothing.” With hope and trust in God’s grace, I look forward to continuing this journey of following Christ as a Franciscan friar. May God bless us all. Amen.
Maximillian Alexson Anak Michael Keriben OFM
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