The name alone sets the tone for a relaxed, hassle and pressure-free evening. “Chill out with the Friars” is held at St Anthony Friary in Bukit Batok every two months. Young men aged 18 to 35 are invited to come, listen and learn from the friars of the Custody of St Anthony (Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei).
The format is simple, allowing the young men to meet and explore without pressure the faces that make up the Custody. The evening begins at 6pm with a simple one-dish meal I prepare with the help of other friars. Over dinner, the young men get to speak with the friars informally about their ministry or responsibilities.
They also get to meet other young men on the same journey of exploring their vocation. They may even recognise some of them from other vocation events of the Archdiocese or other religious Orders.
That is fine and it is great that these young men have the freedom to explore and discover their true calling and the particular charism that suits their own life experience and personality. My own take on discernment is to have the capacity to choose. This freedom to choose implies choices that the young men allow themselves to consider and not be closed off to any promptings. Freedom of choice must be paramount if we are to respect the young men and what God has put into their hearts; not what we would like to put into their hearts!
The casual setting over dinner gives way to a slightly more formal presentation by one of the friars sharing his ministry or vocation story. There is time for questions and other friars may also respond to the easy, free flow questioning.
The presentation topics vary and on other months, the focus could be, for example, on Franciscan Spirituality. For any young man who chooses to explore a Franciscan consecrated life vocation, it is essential that the person of St Francis and his vision of ecclesial life and spirituality inform his discernment. These evenings may be a primer to Franciscan Spirituality which they can read about on the Internet or in books.
The evening closes with Night Prayer at 9pm in the friary chapel. The Office of Compline from the Divine Office is celebrated and our friars in formation introduce our guests to the experience of Choral Prayer.
The programme ends here since these chill outs are typically held on Sunday evenings and some might have an early start the next day. However, those who wish to continue conversing are welcome to adjourn to our dining room for a cup of coffee or tea.
We invite any young men who would like to know more about the Order of Friars Minor to take note of these upcoming dates for the rest of this year: 31 May, 26 July, 27 September, 22 November. Look out for the notices in our Facebook page.
Happy Easter! The Lord is truly Risen! Alleluia Alleluia!
The new life in Christ that we experience and enjoy is truly timeless, because Christ holds all things in being (cf. Col 1:17). Even in physical death, life with God never ends but deepens. “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (John 12:24). This scripture passage was used as the inspiration for the exposition and veneration of the sacred relics of St Francis from 22 February to 22 March 2026 in the Basilica of St Francis, Assisi. His life was a testimony to a radical following of Christ which required him to completely consecrate his entire person to the Lord. This authenticity continues to bear fruit today, evidenced by the hundreds of thousands of people who venerated his sacred remains. I was one of those who shuffled past Francis’ relics in an attempt to spiritually capture the spirit of “Il Poverello”, this poor man of Assisi.
We recall that 800 years ago, in 1226, in his most beloved chapel of St Mary of the Angels of the Porziuncola, St Francis serenely welcomed Death and addressed her as “Sister”. He saw death as a doorway to life with his Beloved God, a transit (“transitus” in Latin) from earthly life to heavenly life.
In this profound experience, St Francis invites us to confront our own transitus, to return to the embrace of our God and Father, origin and destination of our life. How do we consider our own transitus as God-led and as the moment of ultimate grace? In fact, I have just written a song that bubbled in my heart about this moment of our return to God, as our final “breathing back” to God.
On 22 February 2026, we held a one-day public veneration of the relics of St Francis in Singapore at San Damiano Franciscan Centre located behind the Church of St Mary of the Angels. Beside the relics of St Francis, we displayed the relics of the co-patrons of our Custody – St Anthony of Padua and Blessed Gabriel Allegra.
It was amazing and so edifying to see more than 1,300 people from all over Singapore come for holy veneration of these sacred relics. Some came alone, many came with family and friends, and I hope all experienced a sacred encounter with our God who continues to encounter us in a myriad of ways.
Just as God communicates his unending sacrificial love for us, we friars are called to be communicators and channels of God’s peace and love. From 7 to 10 April, the communication directors from Franciscan entities across Asia gathered in Singapore for a meeting of fraternal sharing and mutual learning. You can read about this meeting in the News section.
As I write this, we friars and our friars in formation have been practising hard for our annual Mother’s Day Concert on 1 May 2026. May I take this opportunity to thank all mothers and those who care for us in a maternal spirit for their love and care.
May you and your family continue to enjoy the new life of grace that our Risen Christ bestows upon us! And may we also labour together for the building of God’s Kingdom like St Francis did, so that all creation may experience the goodness and faithfulness of our loving God!
Franciscan relics of the CustodyIn Singapore, over 1,000 people came to venerate the relics of St Francis at the San Damiano Franciscan Centre.
The Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) within our Custody of St Anthony (Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei) elected new leadership teams in their Elective Chapters held in late March. Francis Park OFS, International Councillor for Asia-Oceania, presided at both Elective Chapters, with General Spiritual Assistant Friar Stefan Acatrinei OFM Conv as witness, reflecting the unity of the Secular Franciscan Order with the wider Franciscan family and the Church.
Singapore
In Singapore, 30 Secular Franciscans gathered at the Catholic Centre from 21 to 22 March 2026 for their National Elective Chapter. It was a weekend of beautiful and meaningful encounters with one another from different fraternities.
Before the Elective Chapter, we spent a day together looking back at the past three years – good times, difficult times but always times of striving to live the Gospel as St Francis did. We had seemed “tentative” at the last Elective Chapter in 2023. We were emerging from the Covid pandemic, so the mood was a little tense with a sense of not getting very far in all that we had done. It was truly, truly a case of “up to now, we have done NOTHING”.
However, the past three years saw us not just rearing our heads above water but bursting with newness and enthusiasm! God’s grace could not have been with us more than over the three years. He gave us 17 new members. This bountiful harvest has changed the profile of the OFS in Singapore quite markedly. We have become “younger”. Many of the new members come with the vitality of the younger. We thank God for this, and we look forward to a new phase of a mix of young and old, of new energy and old experience.
We spent valuable time in learning. We listened to stories of Francis – his fears, disappointments, his vulnerability, and that his total surrender was not a magical occasion but one that spanned years and shaped his approach to divinity.
We decided on the priorities for the next three years: formation, vocation promotion, JPIC and Youfra (Franciscan Youth).
We made fools of ourselves – gladly. We danced, we sang, we acted and most of all we laughed at and with each other.
Then on Sunday we got down to the business of electing the National Council who would lead us into the new phase. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we elected Nicholas Aw (Secretary), Geraldine Lim (Formator), Jennifer Marie (Minister), Caroline David (Vice Minister), Viviane Kwong (Treasurer) and Cecilia Shin (Vocation Promotor). Friar Derrick Yap OFM remains our National Spiritual Assistant.
Janet Lim
Malaysia
The Emerging National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order in Malaysia held its National Elective Chapter from 27 to 28 March at the Pace Bene FSIC Centre, Papar, Sabah. The gathering brought together 110 Secular Franciscans from across the country, including 58 capitulars entrusted with the responsibility of discerning and voting.
The Chapter was conducted in an atmosphere of prayer, fraternity, and spiritual discernment. The session began with the summoning of Chapter Secretaries, Lindey Easter Apolonius and Claude Olivia E Jakim, followed by an opening address by Chapter President Francis Park encouraging the fraternity to move forward with courage and hope. During the formal dissolution of the outgoing National Council, special recognition was given to Sister Marina Anjuman for her six years of dedicated service as National Minister.
We elected the new National Council, entrusted with guiding the fraternity for the next three-year term – Harry Lawrence Bangguan from the Fraternity of St John, Tuaran (National Minister), Mario Richard Peter from the Fraternity of St Francis of Assisi, Cheras (Vice Minister), Dympna Richard from the Fraternity of Holy Rosary, Limbahau (National Formator), Agatha Karen Diwol from the Fraternity of St Joseph, Papar (National Secretary), Julian Kuliling from the Fraternity of St Francis of Assisi, Cheras (National Treasurer) and Jennifer Ann Michael Savrimuthu from the Fraternity of St Francis of Assisi, Cheras (Language Expert for Bahasa and Tamil). Friar Cruzender Alex OFM and Friar Tony Bingkuan OFM remain their National Spiritual Assistants.
The Chapter was a platform for dialogue and forward planning. Three key priorities were identified to guide the National Fraternity over the next three years – establishing Regional Fraternities in West Malaysia and East Malaysia, submitting amended National Statutes, and strengthening local formators along with the overall formation programme. These priorities reflect a shared commitment to strengthening organisational structure, governance, and spiritual formation within the OFS in Malaysia.
In his speech, newly elected National Minister Harry Bangguan stressed the importance of unity and fidelity within the Order, urging all Secular Franciscans to live in obedience to their ministers in accordance with the Rule and Constitutions of the OFS.
As the Emerging National Fraternity of Malaysia continues its journey toward full establishment, this Chapter stands as a testament to the faith, commitment, and unity of its members. Guided by the Holy Spirit and inspired by the charism of St Francis of Assisi, the OFS in Malaysia looks forward to a future marked by growth, service, and deeper communion within the Church and society.
Pictured with the Salib from left are the Altar Servers, St Ann PPC Chairman Mr Judas Ligon, Fr Nelson Evarinus, Fr Don Don Ramerez, Fr Davie Entalai, St Stephen Bau PPC Chairman Mr David Disam. (Photo: St Ann Media)
KOTA PADAWAN — The handover of the Perjalanan Salib from St Ann’s Parish to St Stephen’s Parish, Bau took place on 21 February 2026 at a Mass celebrated by the rector of St Ann Fr Don Don Ramerez OFM, concelebrated by Fr Nelson Evarinus OFM and Fr Davie Entalai.
The Holy Mass began with the beating of the gong by the people from Kampung Sira under the Teng Bukap Zone as a sign of respect and gratitude. The opening song, “Yesus Kami Datang Pada-Mu”, was sung in conjunction with the Liturgy of Lent, reflecting the spirit of repentance and appreciation of faith. The Salib was brought in with great respect by youth representatives of St Ann’s Church.
Before the handover ceremony, a video montage of the journey of the Salib (Cross) to all zones under the umbrella of St Ann was shown. The montage showed the active participation of the faithful in each zone and became a symbol of unity and service spirit throughout the journey of the Salib.
The handover ceremony was officiated by the Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) of St Ann, Mr Judas Ligon to the Chairman of the PPC of St Stephen Bau, Mr David Disam, accompanied by the PPC and youth from St Stephen Bau, witnessed by the Priests as a sign of unity and fellowship in the Church.
Also at the Mass were various Church ministries including youth, hospitality and the Women’s League of St Ann Church, as well as representatives of the faithful from St Stephen Bau. The celebration also became a space to appreciate cultural identity through expressions of gratitude for the presence and participation of the faithful from various backgrounds.
After the closing prayer, the Salib was brought out by the youth of St Stephen Bau and accompanied by the theme song of the journey of the Salib, “Bangkitlah”, as a symbol of the message and continuity of the mission of faith.
The handover of the Salib between the two parishes marks another historic moment in the brotherly relationship between the two parishes. It is hoped that the Salib will continue to be a sign of blessing, unity and strengthening of the faith of the people for the glory of God.
The Risen Christ Catholic Church hosted an exposition of the relic of St Francis of Assisi recently, drawing parishioners and visitors into a day of prayer, reflection and renewed commitment to Franciscan spirituality.
The congregation including the friars spending time in prayer and reflection at the relic of St Francis of Assisi.
The Risen Christ Catholic Church hosted an exposition of the relic of St Francis of Assisi recently, drawing parishioners and visitors into a day of prayer, reflection and renewed commitment to Franciscan spirituality.
The parish, under the pastoral care of parish priest Friar Crispus Mosinoh OFM, assistant parish priest Friar Cosmas Francis OFM and pastoral assistant Friar John Soh OFM from the Order of Friars Minor (Custody of St Anthony, Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei), organised the programme in conjunction with the Franciscan Jubilee Year.
Earlier this year, Pope Leo XIV proclaimed the Jubilee Year from January 10, 2026 to January 10, 2027 to mark the 800th anniversary of the Transitus — the passing of St Francis of Assisi. The Jubilee calls the faithful to spiritual renewal, reconciliation and peace in a divided world, encouraging imitation of the saint’s life of poverty, humility and devotion to Christ. The Apostolic Penitentiary has also granted a Plenary Indulgence to those who make a pilgrimage to a Franciscan church or shrine dedicated to the saint.
The remains of St Francis are currently being displayed for public veneration in Assisi, Italy — the first time in 800 years — from Feb 22 to March 22, 2026.
At Risen Christ, the exposition was held on Feb 22 after the Mandarin Mass and continued throughout the day. The faithful prayed the Divine Office — Sext, None, Vespers and Compline — and spent time in silent adoration and contemplation. Many reflected on The Canticle of the Creatures and the life of St Francis, while others watched the documentary film, A Sign of Contradiction. Parishioners from neighbouring churches also attended.
Written in 1225 near the end of his life, The Canticle of the Creatures expresses St Francis’ deep awareness of creation as one family praising God. Referring to “Brother Sun”, “Sister Moon”, “Brother Wind”, “Sister Water”, “Brother Fire”, “Sister Mother Earth” and even “Sister Death”, the saint revealed his vision of radical interconnectedness and harmony within creation.
Participants were invited to reflect on how they might live out Franciscan spirituality today, moving beyond physical sight to cultivate what was described as a “contemplative eye”, an inner vision that recognises the divine presence in all things.
Although not mentioned directly in the Canticle, three defining moments of the saint’s life were also highlighted: the Nativity at Greccio, the Wolf of Gubbio and the reception of the stigmata. In 1223, St Francis created the first live Nativity scene to help people encounter the humility of Christ’s birth. The story of the Wolf of Gubbio illustrated his conviction that all creation belongs to one family. In 1224, two years before his death, he received the stigmata on Mount La Verna — becoming the first recorded person to bear the wounds of Christ.
The film A Sign of Contradiction offered a deeper look at the “real” Francis — not merely the gentle lover of animals often portrayed in popular devotion, but a man who underwent profound struggle and conversion. Born to a wealthy merchant family, Francis once dreamed of knighthood and glory. Captured in battle and imprisoned for a year, he returned home disillusioned, entering a period of darkness that eventually led to his radical conversion.
A pivotal moment came when he embraced a leper — an act that transformed what was once bitter into sweetness. From then on, Francis understood penance not as punishment, but as a continual turning towards God. His life became marked by humility, joy, poverty and total surrender to Christ.
In his final years, despite illness and suffering, he composed the Canticle and welcomed death as “Sister”, trusting fully in God’s mercy.
Organisers expressed hope that the exposition would inspire deeper conversion among those present. Nearly 800 years after his passing, St Francis continues to challenge believers to live the Gospel with simplicity, courage and integrity. The day concluded in the spirit of the Franciscan greeting: Pace e bene — peace and all good.
In a one-day observance, some 1,350 faithful passed through the Chapel of San Damiano Franciscan Centre at the Bukit Batok parishon Feb 22 to venerate the relics of three Franciscans.
To mark 800 years since the death of St Francis of Assisi, Pope Leo XIV declared a Franciscan Jubilee Year which began on Jan 10 and will conclude on the same date next year.
The jubilee recalls St Francis’ Transitus on Oct 3, 1226 – a term used to describe his “passing over” from earthly to eternal life.
Catholics in Singapore joined the commemoration with the public veneration of relics at the Church of St Mary of the Angels on Feb 22, when the Friars of the Custody of St Anthony (Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei) opened their chapel to the public.
The centre is generally open to the public for retreats and days of recollection. For the Jubilee observance, it was made accessible to the wider faithful.
Displayed were first-class bone relics of three Franciscans: St Francis of Assisi, St Anthony of Padua, and Blessed Gabriel Allegra.
Friar Derrick Yap OFM, Custos of the Custody of St Anthony, said the three relics were selected in line with the identity of the Custody.
“It is the Jubilee of St Francis and he is our founder. St Anthony is our patron. Blessed Allegra is our co-patron,” he said.
Bl. Allegra (1907 – 1976), a Franciscan Scripture scholar, translated the Catholic Bible into Chinese from the original Hebrew and Greek texts.
According to Fra Yap, Bl. Allegra was instrumental in the development of the sociological centre in Singapore and played a foundational role in establishing the Franciscan presence here.
“Without him, there would not be the current group of friars,” he said.
Friar Michael Goh OFM, Director of San Damiano Franciscan Centre, gives a public blessing with the relic of St Francis. Photos: Catholic News.
Oriented to God
Fra Yap said the Jubilee is not merely about recalling events from eight centuries ago. “The relics remind us that they were ordinary human beings just like us,” he said. “They had struggles, desires, and ambitions, but everything in their lives was reoriented towards loving God.”
He added that the reorientation gives meaning to the Franciscan understanding of the Transitus, not as an ending of life, but as a transit from earthly to heavenly life.
“It is from life to life,” said Friar Yap. “It’s not just about doing; it’s about being – allowing Christ within you to be present for others.”
Plenary indulgence
As part of the Jubilee provisions, the Apostolic Penitentiary has granted a plenary indulgence to the faithful who make a pilgrimage to a Franciscan church or place of worship dedicated to St Francis. They must also receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist, and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father.
A series of events
The 2026 Franciscan Jubilee, which focuses on the saint’s Transitus, is the culmination of a series of octocentenary events marking key moments in the final years of St Francis’ life.
These included the 800th anniversary of the Nativity at Greccio and the approval of the Franciscan Rule – the guiding way of life of the Order – in 2023; the anniversary of the Stigmata – the wounds of Christ which appeared on St Francis – in 2024; and the anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures – his hymn of praise on the beauty of creation – in 2025.
The Feb 22 public veneration marks the start of the local Jubilee programme at St Mary’s which spans 2026 through to January 2027.
Upcoming events include Franciscan pilgrimages, a Mother’s Day reflection inspired by St Francis’ early life, an art showcase, a “Care for Creation” initiative, and the traditional blessing of animals on Oct 4.
The Jubilee will reach its local summit on Oct 3 with the Transitus celebration at 8pm at the Church of St Mary of the Angels. The event will involve the entire Franciscan family in Singapore, and will be hosted by the Secular Franciscans.
For Fra Yap, the Franciscan Jubilee is a personal invitation drawn from the saint’s final words: “The Lord has shown me what is mine to do. May He show you yours.”
