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.
Parishioners at Saint Anne’s Church were treated to cultural performances and delicacies from eight migrant communities in their parish canteen on Sunday, Sept 21, as part of a carnival to commemorate the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees.
Some 500 migrants and the local community participated in the festival co-organised by the Sengkang parish and the Archdiocesan Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants & Itinerant People (ACMI).
There, visitors savoured specialities such as the Filipino halo-halo dessert; tortilla de patatas – Spanish omelettes; and bánh mì, a Vietnamese baguette sandwich.
The actual World Day of Migrants and Refugees was celebrated in the wider Church on Oct 4-5 to coincide with the Jubilee of the Missionary World and of Migrants in Rome.
Celebrations at St Anne’s Church closed with a Mass concelebrated by Cardinal William Goh, Parish Priest Father Jovita Ho, and the chaplains of the migrant communities.
Missionaries of hope
Recalling Pope Leo XIV’s message for the World Day—that migrants are missionaries of hope—the Cardinal said the testimonies of migrants who persevered in faith despite difficult circumstances can inspire faith in local Singaporeans.
“Singaporeans tend to take life for granted and we do not appreciate what migrants have to go through,” said Cardinal Goh.
“It is not easy to settle in a new country with different customs and languages. It takes a lot of courage to leave your homeland to find a better life for your family and yourself,” he said to the 500 migrants at the Mass, many of whom were dressed in their traditional wear.
Cardinal Goh concluded his homily by encouraging locals and migrants to work together to evangelise.
“Many of your own countrymen are not Catholic,” he said to the migrants. “Bring them to church, take them out for dinner, establish friendships, and share your faith.”
Being family
In a speech at the end of the Mass, ACMI Chairperson Raymundo Yu said the organisation launched a Migrant Awareness Module earlier this year for teenagers undergoing catechism at four parishes—including St Anne’s Church—as part of their efforts to help local Catholics become “family” to migrants.
As part of the three-weekend programme, the youths learned about migrant communities in Singapore and how the Church teaches its faithful to treat migrants with dignity.
The youth also held charity car washes and music performances in their churches to raise funds to buy pillows, snacks, and gifts for migrant workers.
“Jesus showed us that life is meaningful when we care for our neighbours,” said Mr Yu. “Let us be witnesses to God’s compassion and to hope.”
Thank You for Supporting the Franciscan Calendar 2026
With grateful hearts, we are pleased to present this special edition marking the 800th anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi. This year’s calendar features the artwork of Ashley Jane Leow, a young parishioner of the Church of St. Mary of the Angels, whose talent adds beauty and freshness to every page.
Monthly reflections to inspire your journey will be available from December 25, 2025. We warmly invite you to return and journey with us again by scanning the QR code.
With prayers and gratitude, we wish you and your loved ones a blessed 2026, filled with peace, joy, and hope in the spirit of St. Francis.
Growing up, I had a beautifully illustrated pocket-sized book about St Francis and his ability to talk to animals. The stories of St Francis have continued being familiar to me – from witnessing the Franciscan Friars in action in my church, to watching my mother paint her portrait series of St Francis.
The story of St Francis asking for the Stigmata has always haunted me. How could anyone ever wish something so brutal upon themselves? This manifested itself when I was approached to design an image for the Franciscan Young Adults jamboree event with the theme of “Wounds to New Life”. I awoke one night with the final image that sought to incorporate joy from such sorrow.
When Friar Derrick Yap asked me to design the artwork for the Franciscan Calendar, I reacquainted myself with St Francis’ stories. I realised that my mother’s images were the ones that had inspired me to want to know more about St Francis. I began to look at other artists’ interpretations, not solely of Francis’ stories, but echoes of it: other saints in prayer, a girl with a wolf, figures in embrace. It is not alone that I was able to come up with these images. I was not developing something from scratch but entering into a kind of meditative dialogue with those who had painted before me, seeking to imbue my own work with that same spirit of life we all share, just as St Francis lived his.
Reflecting on these other images, the ideas flowed very naturally. Each version of my illustrations took less than five minutes but developing them into the artwork for the calendar was a slow refinement of my personal style, guided by the very stories that have stayed with me through my formative years.
