The Faith Formation was hosted by the National Councillors of Malaysia and conducted by Friar Cosmas Francis, OFM, Director of JPIC, Custody of Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. It was attended by a total of 134 OFS members, including the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, who served as their spiritual director. The participants represented 13 OFS fraternities from across the state of Sabah. The theme of this Faith Formation was “Living the Franciscan Spirituality and Charism in the New Millennium.”
The objective of this Faith Formation was to deepen our understanding of Franciscan values and to strengthen the Franciscan spirit within us, so that we, as members of the OFS, may continue to embody and share that spirit, living out the charism of St. Francis and St. Clare through our good works. We also extended the invitation to both the local fraternity and the emerging fraternity to come together in fellowship.
The Faith Formation began with an opening Mass by Friar Cosmas Francis,OFM followed by daily prayers and concluded with a closing Mass on the final day. Among the topics covered were Canticle of the Sun, Franciscans in the Digital World, The Cry of the Earth and the Poor, Spiritual Discernment, and The Call to Follow in the Footsteps of Saint Francis.
We were also given insight into the 800 years of the Canticle of the Creatures. Through this topic, we were able to see God in all creation and reflect deeply on Brother Sun, Brother Moon and Stars, Brother Wind and Fire. Its opening the eyes of our hearts to the life we are living. As the OFS in Malaysia especially in Sabah we really need such as this formation to build and strengthen the Franciscans spirituality among us. We learned the Franciscan Life, care for the creation and also to serve others as one universal brotherhood.
Over the weekend of July 12 and 13, parishioners of the Church of the Risen Christ were led through a spiritual and ecological reflection on the Canticle of the Creatures by Friar Marvin Voo, OFM. The talks, delivered in both Bahasa Malaysia and English, were warmly received and served as an invitation to rediscover a cornerstone of Franciscan spirituality that remains deeply relevant in today’s world.
Friar Marvin was invited by parish priest, Friar Esmond Chua, OFM, following his recent participation in an international gathering held in May at the Pontifical University Antonianum in Rome. The event, hosted by the General Office for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation of the Order of Friars Minor in collaboration with the university, brought renewed global attention to the timeless message of the Canticle of the Creatures.
The parishioners of the Church of the Risen Christ with the Franciscan friars
Composed between 1224 and 1226, the Canticle of the Creatures is one of the earliest known works of Italian literature and a profound expression of St Francis of Assisi’s spiritual legacy. Written in the final years of his life — marked by illness, near-blindness, and physical suffering — the Canticle reveals Francis’ deep sense of unity with creation. In it, he praises God through the elements of nature, addressing the sun, moon, wind, water, fire, and earth as “Brother” and “Sister.” Rooted in Psalm 148, which calls all creation to praise God, the Canticle goes a step further by affirming the divine presence not just in the heavens, but in dust, flame, suffering, and even death.
Born in 1181, St Francis’ life offers vital context for understanding the Canticle’s origins. During a retreat at La Verna in 1224, he received the Stigmata — a mystical sign of his deep union with Christ. Over the next year, his health declined, particularly his eyesight. Nearly blind and in constant pain, he composed the Canticle of the Creatures at San Damiano. This poetic prayer stands as a testament to Francis’ enduring joy and spiritual clarity amid physical darkness. As his condition worsened, he dictated his final will and passed away at the Portiuncula on October 3, 1226.
Though composed eight centuries ago, the Canticle continues to speak to our times. It reflects a range of scriptural themes: celestial bodies (sun, moon, stars), the natural elements (wind, water, fire, earth), creation as a whole, peacemakers and the suffering, and finally, “Sister Death” — welcomed without fear by those who live in God’s will. The Canticle is not just a song of praise but a radical call to live with gratitude, simplicity, and reverence for all life.
During his sessions, Friar Marvin highlighted the Canticle’s enduring relevance in light of today’s ecological and social crises. Its themes are echoed powerfully in Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on integral ecology, which draws deeply from Franciscan spirituality.
He invited participants to reflect on three key messages from the Canticle:
Universal Fraternity: By addressing elements of nature as family, St Francis reminds us of our interconnectedness with all creation. This reflects the call in Laudato Si’ to hear both “the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor.”
Seeing God Amid Suffering: Composed during a time of illness and decline, the Canticle shows that gratitude can flourish even in pain. It invites us to find beauty and hope in times of hardship and to stand in solidarity with those who suffer.
Contemplation Leading to Action:Later additions to the Canticle, especially the verses on peace, affirm that spiritual insight must lead to action — through justice, reconciliation, and care for creation.
As we reflect on the Canticle of the Creatures, especially when singing the beloved hymn Canticle of the Sun, we are reminded that it is more than a song — it is a way of life. A way that calls us to see the divine in every part of creation and to respond with compassion, humility, and joy.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Friar Marvin Voo, OFM, for guiding the parish community through this reflection. His insights brought new light to St Francis’ vision — one that continues to call us to holiness through harmony with creation and trust in God’s loving design.
The International Meeting of Lay Brothers took place from 28 April to 2 May 2025, after two years of preparation at the conference level. Fifty elected representatives gathered in Assisi to discuss Fraternity and Minority, Mission and Evangelisation, and Formation and Studies. Friar Vernon Chua represented the lay brothers of the Custody of St Anthony (Singapore-Brunei-Malaysia).
It was an honour for me to represent the SAAOC (South Asia, Australia and Oceania Conference) at the International Meeting of Lay Brothers. Over five deeply enriching days, we explored much ground, and I found the renewed and prophetic vision of the Franciscan lay brother’s vocation insightful and energising.
A central insight was the call to move away from a functional definition of what a lay brother does towards a deeper understanding of who a lay brother is – a shift from function to vocation.
Through historical and theological reflections, we explored the varied expressions of fraternity lived across different cultures and contexts. Six themes for renewal emerged: (1) the transformative narrative from function to vocation, (2) the inculturation of the vocation across cultures, (3) the theological witness of lay fraternity, (4) the creative tension between the desire for recognition and the call to minority, (5) the need for integrated yet differentiated formation, and (6) the prophetic contribution of lay brothers to today’s Church.
This vision was framed around three powerful metaphors. Fraternity is described as (1) a spiritual ecosystem where different vocations coexist in mutual respect and complementarity; (2) evangelical polyphony where distinct voices harmonise in the Gospel; and (3) a frontier space where diverse expressions of discipleship meet, dialogue and generate new paths.
The metaphors reframe the identity of the lay brother as a full and essential participant in the life and renewal of the Order. This vision challenges the entire Franciscan family to rediscover its original evangelical vitality where fraternity is shaped by shared discipleship and a radical following of Christ in joy, poverty and mutual love.
Having served for many years in the formation of friars, I was especially drawn to the practical proposals that arose around formation. There is now a clear call for new models of formation that honour both shared and personal journeys, fraternal life marked by co-responsibility and non-hierarchical structures, and mission that visibly reflects unity in diversity.
I was heartened to have my approach to formation affirmed. Formation is a science, but it is more profoundly an art. Formation is not just taught; it must be caught through lived witness. Living my vocation as a lay brother has allowed me to experience the deep freedom that comes from being aligned with God’s plan.
There is much to act upon from the meeting. Yet what I treasure most is the camaraderie of the brothers assembled – the sharing of stories, struggles and challenges which give me renewed hope in our vocation.
Since my Solemn Profession on 17 September 2024, I have been going to Johor Bahru on weekends. While I continue my studies at St Francis Xavier Seminary and remain a member of the Greccio Friary community, as part of my ministry, I serve the Bahasa Malaysia community of St Joseph Church in Johor Bahru.
It has been a life-giving experience to serve this community, most of whom are from Sabah and Sarawak, and I am grateful to Fr Matthew Bun, parish priest of St Joseph Church, Plentong, for welcoming me into his parish. I have been involved with the choir, participated in the Basic Ecclesial Community, held retreats for communion ministers, accompanied the young adult community, and joined in the Parish and Melaka-Johor Diocese Harvest Festival celebration, which is a celebration of culture, nature, humanity and faith as part of integral ecology.
If there is one thing God has invited me to respond to in my ministry this year, it is the ministry of presence. In giving formation, sharing sessions and retreats, I find myself focusing on the importance of being present and deepening our relationship with God. In this digital and demanding age, we need to hear the true voice of God so that we can stay grounded in Him.
This call is not only for the people to whom I minister. It is also an invitation for me. I find myself often sitting with God in the adoration room, saying “Dear Lord, what do You want me to share?”.
What gives me hope in my ministry is seeing that conversations about faith, vocation, family and ministry are still relevant. These deeper conversations are when the promise of Jesus in Matthew 18:20 – “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” – comes alive.
In response to the Malaysian Brothers Gathering in January 2025, I try to be with the St James of the Marches community in Johor Bahru on weekends. I am blessed to spend time with Friar Sixtus Peter, who serves at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Johor, and Friar Claurence Motoyou, who serves at the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
Whether it is joining them for prayers and meals, or accompanying Friar Sixtus for Mass or ministries, these are for me ways of supporting the community and living out the ministry of presence. In all of this, I can hear God’s voice clearly saying, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20).
As I go about my studies and ministry, I am thankful to my mentor, Friar Gerard Victor, for helping me to stay grounded, and reminding me to maintain balance as a friar, between studies, ministry and prayer life.
Over five days in July, the Franciscan Friars of the Custody of St Anthony (Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei) gathered for their 2025 Assembly. It was a time of prayer, reflection, and collective discernment under the theme “A World in Suffering, A Hope that Restores, A Fraternity that Strengthens”.
The days began with Lauds and Mass and ended with Vespers. Bookended by prayer, the friars engaged in structured sessions ranging from the Custos’ report to discussions on finance, parish ministry, columbarium management, youth outreach, communications, mission and evangelisation, as well as supporting ministry in the Holy Land. Time and again we returned to the question of how the Custody’s Franciscan charism could both enrich and be enriched by such ministries. Evenings were reserved for deepening fraternity over recreation and informal dialogue.
As a Muslim lay facilitator who works with religious communities from different faith traditions, I was humbled to witness the community’s spiritual vitality, courage and joy. I was particularly inspired by how the discussions balanced thought and action.
The friars reflected on how fraternal life could nourish and renew their projects, while also being nourished and renewed by them. Time and again, we returned to the idea, “We can only give what we have received, how do we prioritise? What is the balance between limitless grace and limited time, energy, resources?”. Visitator-General Friar Ferdinand Van Der Reijken shared fresh perspectives on the Custody, and valuable ideas on the questions and conversations that have helped religious communities thrive. Overall, a palpable sense of linking inner life to outward service shaped every discussion.
A grace was the space for vulnerability and trust. In all sessions and in quiet moments in between, the friars shared their deepest hopes, challenges, strengths and struggles. They offered not just ideas but themselves to one another. These conversations were not always easy – but they were always honest. They returned often to fundamental Franciscan values – St Francis’ lessons to embrace humility and simplicity; St Clare’s demonstration of the power of silence and contemplative strength; St Anthony’s healing preaching and presence; Blessed Gabriele Allegra’s vision for a Franciscan sociological centre in Singapore, which continues to inspire the friars.
As the days unfolded, we began to glimpse more clearly what mediaeval Franciscan theologian Blessed John Duns Scotus would have called the Custody’s “haecceity” – the unique, formative and formational identity shaped by its members, missions and context. Through prayer, conversations and communal discernment, we began to see how the many strands of the Custody’s life form a dynamic whole far greater than the sum of its dynamically interacting parts. We explored how these strands needed to coexist and mutually resonate in order to enrich the friars’ witness to a world in need of justice and joy, truth and tenderness.
For me, as a facilitator and practitioner of interfaith dialogue and organisational development, the Assembly affirmed my belief that good conversational process – grounded in listening, openness, and mutual respect – is sacred in its own right.
The friars mapped developments at different levels – their individual selves, the Custody, the Franciscan Order, the Church, the world – which helped them to see how their own lives and the Custody’s life are nested in multiple larger systems. They examined simple but fundamental questions: Which practices did the Custody want to keep and improve? What needed to start and stop? What was surprising about the past three years and the Assembly discussions?
Even more powerful was the strong contemplative undercurrent. We talked a lot, but also made time for silence to listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. We did not just “trust the process” as facilitators say in secular settings. Rather, we trusted a deeper wisdom: He who is simultaneously Source, Process, Principle and Outcome.
The five days of Assembly were both an end and a beginning. The fruits of the discussions will be given more concrete form at the Custody Chapter in September, during which the friars will elect their leadership for the next three years, and develop plans to implement their collective vision.
For now, they have returned to their homes and ministries, hopefully renewed and recommitted. As they pray for us, let us continue supporting them in whatever way we can. May our prayers, time, energy and donations accompany these Franciscan brothers as they strive to be a fraternity that strengthens and brings hope to a riven world, even as they trust in the God who restores all things.
“I can’t believe I can understand what has been shared in Spanish!” This was my revelation when I was at a table of OFM friars, Franciscan Sisters and Secular Franciscans during the Chapter of Mats.
In the first two weeks of June 2025, more than 100 friars, sisters and seculars gathered in Assisi at Domus Pacis Hotel, next to the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels, for our Chapter of Mats – the mid-term review of the six-year term of our global leadership.
The Chapter of Mats dates back to the time of St Francis. On 30 May 1221, more than 5,000 friars from all over the world gathered around the little chapel of Our Lady of the Angels of the Porziuncola. In the surrounding fields were mats brought by the friars and hence it was called the “Chapter of Mats”.
In 2025, again brothers and sisters of the Franciscan family gathered from all over the world. Our Franciscan leadership had wanted the synodal path promoted by the late Pope Francis, hence conversations were first done at the local community level on three fundamental nuclei: Charism, Communion and Mission. It was not only friars evaluating our own life and mission; we also actively engaged sisters and seculars in our review.
I represented SAAOC (South Asia, Australia and Oceania Conference) and presented the summary of the discussions from our 12 entities. The SAAOC is one of 13 conferences around the world, and each was represented by four friars, two sisters and three seculars.
We spent three intense days conversing on the nuclei. The method used was the World Café where we sat at tables of up to eight people, with the facilitator and the scribe assigned to the table. We switched tables for three rounds, regardless of language. In each round, we enriched the conversation by recounting what we had heard at our previous tables. I was impressed by how authentically and boldly everyone spoke.
After the Chapter of Mats, I represented SAAOC at the Plenary Council of the Order where resolutions were made for proposals for the General Chapter 2027. It was a privilege to hear the situations and wonderful work done by friars in the global arena.
From Assisi I went to Manila for the two-week in-person training for the second run of the Asian Franciscan Formators Training (AFFT). We have 14 participants from seven countries.
The programme has been refined with feedback from our first batch to make it more robust and relevant for our formators. My gratitude to those who have supported this initiative, and I appeal for your continued generosity. Most of our participants are from developing countries and the course fees are kept low to encourage wider participation. Donations can be made to our UEN listed in the donation slip, with the Ref: AFFT.
On coming back to Singapore, I was soon immersed in our Custody Assembly held in Johor Bahru. It was a time for the friars in our Custody of St Anthony (Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei) to evaluate and discern our life and mission, in preparation for our Elective Chapter in September. For me, there was a sense of brotherly support and willingness to listen to one another as we journey together towards a more authentic Franciscan life and more effective mission. Our facilitator Aaron Maniam shares his experience in the Feature Article.
As I am writing this, I am helping another Franciscan entity in Asia with its Elective Chapter as Visitator General.
Yes, I am in back-to-back meetings, but this accompaniment of individuals and entities is life-giving for me. Often I encounter the inner world of a person which for me is a sacred and privileged moment, and I recognise that it is there that God dwells and works. This work gives me hope and strength for my own Franciscan journey. May the Lord give you the strength, wisdom and grace to keep walking yours. Amen!
