If the Custody Assembly in July was the breath before the plunge, then our Custody Chapter, held from 1 to 5 September 2025 in Singapore, was the deep dive – a moment when prayer turned into purpose, reflection into resolution, and fraternity into forward movement. Over those five days, 33 friars of the Custody of St Anthony (Malaysia–Singapore–Brunei) gathered once again, this time to discern not merely what God has been doing among us, but what He calls us to become.
We began each day as Franciscans must with the rhythm of prayer. Lauds, Eucharist, and Vespers held the days together like the golden thread that binds a tapestry. Around these sacred hours, our discussions, discernments, and decisions unfolded.
A significant portion of our time was devoted to group dynamics and reflection on the quality of our fraternal life. We revisited questions raised in July: What nourishes our brotherhood? What strains it? How might we live more faithfully the simplicity, humility, and mutual care that St Francis envisioned?
We spoke from lived experience, sharing the everyday realities of running parishes in Malaysia and Singapore – the joys of serving people, the exhaustion of administrative duties, and the delicate balancing act between ministry and fraternal life. In the process, we recognised that our collective vitality depends not only on doing more, but also on discerning what must be pruned with care, and what perhaps must be cut away altogether, so that new life might emerge.
Presiding over the Chapter was Brother Ferdinand van der Reijken, our Visitator General from the Netherlands, whose calm wisdom and quiet attentiveness created space for truth to surface. In his opening address, he reminded us that discernment is not a race to conclusions, but a pilgrimage of listening – to God, to one another, and to the signs of the times.
Under his guidance, the Custody Chapter proceeded to elect new leadership. The announcement of candidates for Custos marked a solemn moment of communal trust. Ballots followed for the Vicar and Custody Council members, all carried out in prayerful transparency. When the new leadership team was confirmed, a deep silence of peace settled over the room. It was the sound of brothers entrusting one another anew to the grace of God’s guidance.
Guided once again by our facilitator, Aaron Maniam, we undertook a patient and honest exploration of the Custody’s strengths and challenges, identifying the opportunities and obstacles that might shape the next three years. Out of these conversations came resolutions and recommendations that are living signposts for a fraternity on the move.
Two of the most significant were:
A call to strengthen our fraternal presence in Malaysia and Singapore, including courageous discernment of whether to suspend or close certain houses, or to invite friars from other entities for renewed vitality.
A shared commitment for the Custody to deepen its ownership of the Franciscan charism – through devotions to St Anthony, the Blessing of Animals, and the Liturgy of the Word, seen not as mere traditions but as evangelising encounters that embody our identity.
These discussions were both administrative and theological as for Franciscans, governance is an act of fraternity, leadership a form of service, and structure a vessel for grace.
As our facilitator Aaron reminded us in the closing session, “The Custody Chapter’s true fruit lies not in documents, but in decisions made anew every morning.” He then invited each friar to reflect on two deceptively simple questions:
What is one thing I have learned during this Chapter that I will put into practice in the coming months?
What is one personal commitment I make to build on this moment in our Chapter’s history, and to help our fraternity manage its polarities in the best possible way?
It was a fitting close – for no Chapter is truly complete until its insights are embodied in life. Around the room, heads bowed and pens hovered. Some friars wrote quickly; others lingered in quiet thought. What united us was the shared awareness that we stood at another threshold – invited to translate vision into vitality, policy into presence, and fraternity into flesh.
As the friars returned to their friaries and ministries, there was a sense that something had shifted. The Chapter had reawakened a shared memory of who we are called to be – brothers to one another, and instruments of hope to a world in pain.
In the words of St Francis, “Let us begin again, for up to now we have done little.” That ancient invitation feels as fresh today as it did eight centuries ago. The world has changed beyond measure, yet the call remains the same: to live the Gospel, simply and joyfully, together.
For the Custody of St Anthony, the next three years will undoubtedly bring new challenges – changing demographics, shifting ministries, the ever-present tension between prayer and action. May God, who began this good work among us, bring it to fulfilment – in the laughter shared at table, in the silence of prayer, in the hands that bless, and in the hearts that continue to hope.
JOHOR BAHRU: If anyone thinks priests only gather for formal meetings and quiet retreats, the Young Priests’ Gathering (YPG) 2025 would have changed that idea. From October 6–10, fifty-one young clergy (all ordained under five years) from nine dioceses in Malaysia and one in Singapore, came together in the Malacca Johore Diocese. What unfolded over those five days was a beautiful mix of learning, laughter, heartfelt sharing, deep prayer, cultural experiences, and the warmth of parish families. It was less a conference, more a homecoming — a reminder that priesthood is, first and foremost, a brotherhood.
From the moment the priests arrived at MAJODI Centre, the air was filled with cheerful reunions and new introductions. No formal stiffness — just open smiles and easy conversations. That evening, they travelled to the Church of St Joseph, Plentong, where Bishop Richard Ng of Miri presided at the opening Mass. His homily reminded the priests that the priesthood, though sacred and demanding, should never be lived in isolation. His words set the tone beautifully: this gathering would be a space of honesty, rest, and fraternity. The night continued with a welcome dinner, where laughter and conversation came naturally — some meeting for the first time, yet already feeling like old friends.
Mental health with Dr Fabian Dass – Honest, helpful, and full of heart On October 7, the priests welcomed Dr Fabian Dass from Regency Specialist Hospital for a session on mental health. This wasn’t a dry medical talk. Dr Fabian spoke directly to the heart — on personal well-being, the rise of mental health issues in society, and how priests can walk with people in pain. He used real statistics, relatable case studies, and practical insights from his experience working with clergy.
The Q&A session became one of the highlights of the entire gathering. The priests asked real, personal questions. Dr Fabian answered with refreshing honesty, humility, and even humour, making space for open conversation. His ability to blend compassion with light-heartedness created a safe and healing atmosphere. Many priests said, “We needed this.”
After the session, the clergy enjoyed lunch at Kerala Restaurant in Johor Bahru — famous for its authentic Malayali cuisine and owned by Cardinal Sebastian Francis’ niece. The food was rich and flavourful, and the fellowship even richer. Laughter filled the room as cultural stories and “parish tales” were shared freely.
That evening, the priests gathered at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, presided over by Bishop Bernard Paul. His homily on Mary — silent, strong, and faithful — struck a chord with many. The Mass was beautiful, calm, and deeply personal. Dinner and relaxed fellowship followed, ending the evening on a warm note.
Youth ministry with fresh eyes – Listening, not just leading On Oct 8, the group travelled to the Church of St Louis, Kluang, where Francisco Overee and Karen Chan, from the Malacca Johore Diocese Young People Network (MJDYPN), led the second formation session. Instead of a formal lecture, it was interactive, engaging, and honest. The speakers shared insights on how young people think, what they struggle with, and how priests can accompany them in meaningful ways. Dialogue, group activities, and shared reflection helped the priests see youth ministry with fresh eyes—less about programmes, more about relationships.
After the session, Mass was celebrated in the church. It coincided with the reception of the ‘Perjalanan Salib’ , and in a deeply moving moment, the young priests themselves carried the Cross into the church together. It was a powerful symbol of shared mission — reminding them that they carry Christ’s Cross not alone, but side by side.
Hospitality in Ayer Salak – The Church at its warmest From Kluang, the priests travelled to the Church of St Mary, Ayer Salak, Melaka, where one of the most memorable experiences awaited them. Fifteen parish families opened their homes and hearts to host the priests for two nights. It was not just accommodation — it was family life.
The priests were welcomed like sons. They sat at family dining tables, laughed with children, listened to stories from elders, and felt the warmth of genuine love. On the first evening, each host family held a prayer session in their home. Some prayed the Rosary, some requested house blessings, and a few even brought out their pets for blessings. It was simple, touching, and deeply human — faith lived in everyday life.
A Pilgrimage through Melaka – History, faith, and deep encounter On Oct 9, the priests journeyed through Melaka as pilgrims. Their first stop was the Church of St Francis Xavier, currently under renovation. Even without walls or pews, the spirit of St Francis Xavier seemed to linger in the air. The priests paused to pray on the very ground where the great missionary once walked.
From there, they climbed St Paul’s Hill, enjoying the view over the historic city and reflecting on the roots of faith in this land. The breeze and silence at the top offered a natural moment of contemplation.
Next, they headed to the Church of St Peter, the oldest functioning Catholic church in Malaysia. There, they had a prayer session together and entered into a profound time of Eucharistic Adoration, led by Fr Lionel Thomas. The silence during adoration was deep and healing. Many priests said it was one of the most peaceful and grace-filled moments of the entire week.
In the afternoon, they visited the Portuguese Settlement, encountering a community where faith is still lived with pride and simplicity. Later, they returned to St Mary’s for the official pilgrimage Mass, followed by a joyful dinner with parishioners. Once again, the hospitality of the people touched every heart. Back at their host homes, conversations and laughter carried late into the night.
A farewell filled with joy and tears The final morning arrived with both joy and sadness. The closing Mass was held at the Chapel of St Mary and was beautifully presided over by the youngest priest (in ordination years) — a meaningful sign of trust in the future. All the host families joined, filling the chapel with warmth and affection.
After Mass, no one rushed to leave. There were hugs, group photos, blessings, and words of thanks. Some families shed tears as they said goodbye to “their priests.” One mother said softly, “Father, our house felt different with you here. It felt blessed.” It was a farewell that felt more like family parting ways than guests leaving hosts.
The clergy also shared among themselves that the next Young Priests’ Gathering in 2026 will be hosted by the Archdiocese of Kuching, continuing this journey of fraternity and renewal in a new corner of the country.
The OFS brothers and sisters of Asia and Oceania, after the postponed Congress in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic, finally have the joy of coming together with the emerging fraternity of Malaysia to celebrate the joy of belonging to the Franciscan family. The Congress was held at Gaya Centre Hotel in the city of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah – Malaysia – from 23-29 October 2025. 72 brothers and sisters from Australia, China, Korea, India, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, Timor Leste, Taiwan, Singapore, the Philippines, and Vietnam participated.
The Congress was officially opened by the celebration of the Holy Mass presided over by the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu, Most Rev. John Wong, who, in his homily, reminded the participants about the theme of the Congress, “Go and Repair my Church,” by telling them that it is important to invert this, beginning with ‘Church’– as a community of believers that need constant conversion – ‘repairing’ – oneself through repentance, then ‘Go’ and share what you have received from the Lord.
At the end of the Holy Mass, the participants had a group photo, followed by the presentation of the General Minister, Tibor Kauser, OFS, who emphasized the idea of how to repair the Church: “Repair a fraternal life within self and others – but avoid repairing what is not even broken.” He then spoke about “The role of the OFS fraternal animator for YouFra” and “The sense of belonging and responsibility in OFS and YouFra.”
Then many topics were presented during the week. Br. Stefan Acatrinei, OFMConv, spoke on the “Canticle of Creatures,” and Br. Pedro Zitha, OFM, presented on “Servant Leadership; Spiritual Assistance and JPIC; and JPIC Spirituality.” The following day, there was a presentation by Mark Aimazan, YouFra Coordinator for Asia-Oceania and Africa, on the “Role of OFS and Sense of Belonging and Co-responsibility in OFS and YouFra; YouFra Activities in the Philipines, Vietnam, Taiwan,” as well as “Vocation Development and Communications; Vocation Promotion in Different National Fraternities.”
On the last day 29 October, there was the wrap up and the participants nominated Vietnam and South Korea to be the next hosting countries in 2028, followed by the closing Holy Mass celebrated by Msgr. Nicholas Stephen. This was then followed by the farewell message and thanks from the Minister General Tibor Kauser, OFS and the departure of all participants.
Following the Custody Chapter of 2025 and the election of the new leadership team for the new term (2025-2028), the following composition of Communities and Ministries are herewith published. These appointments to communities and ministries will take effect from 1 January 2026.
