The word itinerant comes from the Latin word ‘iter’ which means “way” or “journey”. Such is the life of a friar. The ‘iter’ of a friar involves continuous conversion as he experiences daily a personal encounter with the Lord in everyone and in everything, and this transforms his whole life gradually.
In 1205, while wandering along the cliff of Mount Subasio, Francis stopped at the dilapidated Chapel of San Damiano where he knelt and prayed. The Lord was with him for from the cross, Jesus spoke to Francis, “Francis, repair my church, which as you see is falling into ruins.”
The San Damiano Cross that spoke to Francis.
Francis’ life was changed by this encounter with the Lord. He thought that Jesus wanted him to repair the chapel and he hurried to collect bricks and stones. People thought Francis had gone crazy but their words did not dampen his joy and enthusiasm.
Then, in a church on the feast of Saint Matthias, he had a new revelation on hearing the reading from the Gospel of Matthew: “And going, preach, saying ‘The Kingdom of Heaven’ is at hand. Freely have you received, freely give. Take neither gold nor silver nor brass in your purses … nor two tunics nor shoes nor a staff … Behold I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves …”. The words cut into his soul like a knife and, taking the words literally, he began the life of an itinerant. This was the beginning of the spirituality of itinerancy.
It dawned on Francis that “repair my church” referred to the people of God whose faith had deteriorated, and Christ had asked him to reinvigorate their faith.
Embracing his mission wholeheartedly, he cast off his shoes, staff and leathern girdle, keeping only his rough woollen tunic, which he tied about him with a rope. This became the habit he gave his friars the following year. The next morning, he went to Assisi and, with moving warmth and sincerity, began to speak to everyone he met about the shortness of life, the need for repentance, and the love of God. His salutation to those he passed on the road was “Our Lord give you peace!”
Francis became an itinerant preacher. Determined to spread the Good News, he moved from place to place zealously proclaiming Jesus and his Gospel, and calling the people to repentance.
Following Christ in the way of Francis, the ‘iter’ of the Friars Minor means that the friars strive to preach the Gospel of the Lord with their lives and with words (if necessary), and they too carry peace in their hearts and offer it to everyone they meet.
On a fine Saturday morning in July, in the presence of more than 750 people comprising friars, family, friends and parishioners, Friar Nelson Evarinus made his Solemn Profession to observe the Rule of St Francis according to the Constitutions of the Order of Friars Minor. His family and other relatives had made the trek from different parts of Sabah for a front-row seat to witness this milestone in Nelson’s journey as a Franciscan friar.
Friar Nelson is Kadazan, an indigenous ethnic group in Sabah, and it was important for him and the friars that his cultural roots be honoured. Kadazan culture abounded throughout the liturgy. Dancers in traditional colourful clothing made their way up to the church as part of the dramatic entrance procession, and the rousing music, song and local dance inspired spontaneous participation amongst the congregants, especially the stirring renditions of the “Gloria” and “Alleluia”.
Provincial Minister Friar Phillip Miscamble received Nelson’s profession at the Mass at the Church of St Aloysius in Limbanak, Kota Kinabalu on 9 July. In his homily, Friar Phillip said, “Your brothers and sisters welcome the call that you have received, and we will be there to support you as you go forward. Keep radiating the joy of the Gospel with your beautiful smile. Continue to pass along the goodness of God’s people, and build the Kingdom every day of your life.”
Litany of Saints One with his OFM brothers Friar Phillip receiving Nelson’s profession. Prostrating in humble submission to GodSolemn Profession of Friar Nelson Evarinus, ofm at St Aloysius Limbanak, Penampang, Sabah
At the end of the Mass, Friar Phillip reminded everyone that Francis realised that “the hand of the Lord rested upon him” and as such, the first thing to do in life is to welcome life, and welcome the gifts that the Lord with goodness and graciousness freely bestows. Francis learned to embrace everything and everyone, and this, Friar Philip said, is possible for all of us.
When asked to describe the emotions that ran through his mind before and during the rite of his Solemn Profession, Nelson shared, “I felt a profound sense of peace. It felt right. I was happy to make the offering to God and to make the promise to Jesus Christ to follow the Gospel as well as I am able.”
And Jesus said to the apostles, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” (Mark 6:31). He had sent them out two by two to minister to the people, and they were exhausted on their return. He saw their need for rest, not just for physical rest, but their need to rest in the Lord.
So do we all need to rest in the Lord. And rest in the Lord is what the friars of the Custody of St Anthony (Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei) did when they gathered in a remote location in July. From their varied ministries in Singapore, Kuching, Johor and Penang, they travelled to Kampung Kokol in Sabah to rest in the Lord, in quiet, in prayer, in fraternity, and to seek his voice in what the Custody ought to do in the next three years.
They had gathered for the Custody Assembly which, together with the Custody Chapter in October, is held every three years. With them was Provincial Minister Friar Phillip Miscamble, since the Custody is part of the Province of the Holy Spirit in Australia.
The Custody Assembly and Chapter are among the most significant gatherings in the life of the Custody. It is when, as a Custody, the friars:
Look honestly at its life and ministry – How have they lived their lives as Friars Minor? What have they done as ministers of the Gospel?
Report, reflect and discuss issues which are important for the life of the Custody
Discuss the possibilities for faith-filled love and life, and propose suitable ways to foster growth and improvement.
The friars spent five days in July reflecting, planning, praying, and reconnecting at the Custody Assembly.
The theme of this Assembly and Chapter is “Restoring the Gospel in Us”. Recognising that the Gospel is the source and origin of the Order, it was felt that it was time to focus again on “restoring” the Gospel life.This Assembly, they were joined by Visitor General Friar Robert Frazzetta, who had been sent by Rome for the official visitation which takes place every three to six years. This official visitation is intended to ensure that the Custody remains faithful tothe Franciscan calling of fraternity and observance of Gospel living.
It serves to remind them of the foundational values of Franciscan life and encourage them from the heart to greater things – from the good to the better.
The friars spent the five days, 4 to 8 July, almost cloistered in a modest hotel about 40 to 50 minutes from the city.
They were full days, and much was achieved in terms of work and planning as the friars developed a broad sketch of how they envisioned continuing in their mission to bring the Good News to the places where it needs most to be heard.
They were days of community prayer with Lauds and the Eucharist in the morning, and Vespers in the evening. It was a joy to be able to pray together as a Custody and as a fraternity.
They were days of fraternity especially since it was the first gathering of the whole Custody since the Covid-19 lockdowns. There was great relief and happiness that they were able to meet each other again face to face, and to reconnect and renew bonds.
Friar Crispus Mosinoh, one of the newly-ordained priests, summed up his experience of the assembly thus, “The Custody Assembly was a joyful event, like how an extended family meet for a reunion dinner. Like any family, we have differences and challenges. As a young friar, it is very heartening to witness the spirit of renewal and fraternity that we share. If we can be brothers despite the challenges, then we can hope for the bigger community, the church. And if we have hope for the church, we can also have hope for society, for the world.”
The period of reflection and renewal that commenced with the Custody Assembly in July will culminate with the Custody Chapter at the end of October.
At the Chapter, the friars will evaluate further their Franciscan life, presence, ministry and formation, and discuss their priorities and areas of growth for the next three years. They will also spend the time discerning what more they can do from early next year, now that they have five newly-ordained priests.
The Custody Chapter is also a time of elections to office. The new leadership will also form the Board of the Custody’s registered charity, The Order of Friars Minor (Singapore) Limited.
Friar Robin’s ordination day at the Church of St Mary of the Angels, Singapore
In ceremonies punctuated by glorious music and triumphant applause, Friars Cosmas Francis, Crispus Mosinoh, Gerald Terence, Robin Toha and Sixtus Pitah were ordained as priests before a safely- distanced crowd of friars, family members, and friends.
The four Sabahan friars and one Singaporean friar entered the novitiate together in 2015, and after journeying for nine years, became friar-priests in June and July this year. Friar Robin was ordained by Archbishop William Goh at the Church of St Mary of the Angels, Singapore on 21 June. Friars Cosmas, Crispus, Gerald Terence and Sixtus travelled back to Sabah for their ordination by Archbishop John Wong at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Kota Kinabalu on 2 July.
In a tremendous display of Franciscan fraternity on both occasions, nearly 40 friars were part of the procession that entered the church to the resounding singing of the parish choral ensemble. Provincial Minister Phillip Miscamble concelebrated at both ordination Masses. That family members and friends were able to travel from Lahad Datu, Sandakan, Penang and Johor, and even Indonesia and Thailand for the celebrations made them that much more special.
Friars Cosmas, Crispus, Gerald and Sixtus’ ordination at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The vocation journey of any Religious entails the support and sacrifice of those around him, particularly his loved ones, and Friar Phillip thanked the families of the newly ordained priests for the gift of their sons to the Franciscan Order and to the Church. Friar Phillip also made special mention of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, who have been instrumental in promoting Franciscan spirituality and vocations among the youth in Sabah. It is largely thanks to them that our Custody is now blessed with enough young friars to consider establishing a presence in Sabah
Speaking on behalf of the five of them, Friar Gerald admitted they had had many struggles on their journey towards priesthood, but added that the Lord continues to grant them hope and His divine assistance. He thanked all those who supported them through prayers or mentorship – and urged young people to consider the challenging but rewarding life of a Religious.
“Ordination,” Friar Gerald said, “first and foremost, is being a brother to all and the entire creation. Ordination means continuing the focus on living and preaching the Gospel of love and forgiveness.”
He added, “But another important part of our calling to the priesthood is our desire to bring peace and serenity through the sacrament of reconciliation, to offer the same freedom and peace to others – freedom from worry, anxiety, and whatever may be weighing on them – that has so freely been given to us.”
Truly the two weeks were yet more proof of God’s unfailing providence in the growth of His kingdom in this region.
