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!
The second cycle of the Asian Franciscan Formators Training (AFFT) officially began on June 16, 2025, with a Mass led by Br. Derrick Yap, OFM, Custos of Singapore-Malaysia and AFFT Coordinator. In his homily, Br. Derrick reflected on the inner struggles of formation ministry, reminding participants that “God alone is enough” and encouraging them to let God’s grace overflow into their service. Participants were invited to write down a special grace they had received and their hopes for the training – offering these as intentions for the journey ahead.
AFFT, launched in March 2024 and supported by the Franciscan Conference of Asia-Oceania (FCAO), is a formation program that blends online modules with two in-person residencies – in Manila (June) and Singapore (November). It emphasizes scriptures, interculturality, emotional formation, safeguarding, adult and digital pedagogy, tailored for the Asian context.
This batch includes 14 friars from Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Myanmar, and the Philippines. The first week is facilitated by Dr. Ignatius Chan, followed by Dr. Ed Caligner, with Dr. Josephine Chin serving as co-coordinator, all from Singapore.
AFFT continues to form compassionate, culturally aware Franciscan formators – rooted in both soul and structure.
Editorial Note from the Custody of St. Anthony – Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei
We are pleased to share this joyful news from the OFM Province of San Pedro Bautista, Philippines. Among the seventeen brothers admitted to the novitiate is Br. Maximillian Alexson Anak Michael Keriben, OFM, a member of our Custody. He is currently in the Philippines for his novitiate year with the wider Franciscan community. Let us continue to keep him and all the novices in our prayers.
Friar Maximillian receiving his novitiate habit.
Liliw, Laguna – May 29, 2025 — In a solemn and grace-filled liturgical rite, seventeen young novitiateofficially received into the religious life as novices during the Rite of Initiation at the Juan de Plasencia Novitiate House. The sacred ceremony, conducted during Midday Prayer, was presided over by Br. Lino Gregorio V. Redoblado, OFM, Minister Provincial.
As a visible sign of their commitment, the brothers were vested in the habit of probation, marking their formal entry into the Franciscan Order. With the blessing of the habit, they embraced a life dedicated to prayer, fraternity, and service, following in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi.
Upon the conclusion of the rite, Br. Lino entrusted the newly received novices to the guidance and formation of their novice master, Br. Mark Angelo Vito, OFM, who will oversee their spiritual and communal growth throughout their novitiate year.
The Province rejoices in this momentous occasion and offers fervent prayers that these seventeen brothers may persevere in their vocation, advancing in faith and devotion as they embark on their journey within the consecrated life.
Province of San Pedro Bautista – Philippines
Br. Joery P. Abayon, OFMnov
Br. Ronaldo M. Arevalo, OFMnov
Br. Justine Don R. Cartaño, OFMnov
Br. Jewel Ysmile L De Leon, OFMnov
Br. Julius Cesar C. Macalit, OFMnov
Br. Ralph Harvey A. Malaga, OFMnov
Br. JC C. Quirong, OFMnov
Br. Renz Adrian G. Ronda, OFMnov
Br. Alfiyando Syahnafi, OFMnov
Foundation of St. Francis of Assisi – Myanmar
Br. Charles Ko Ko My Myint, OFMnov
Br. David Pau Sian Muan, OFMnov
Br. John Paul Salai Inngar Kyaw, OFMnov
Br. Pius Salai Zaw Paing, OFMnov
Br. John Thang Kap Tuang, OFMnov
Br. James Thang San Mung, OFMnov
Br. Columban Mung Hkai Yaw, OFMnov
Custody of St Anthony Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei
Br. Maximillian Alexson Anak Michael Keriben, OFMnov
Formed just last year, the Franciscan Network for Peace and Integral Ecology in Asia has already held its second gathering. The meeting from 7 to 11 April 2025 in Cebu, Philippines was to follow up on the resolutions and discussions of the first gathering in October 2024 in Kota Kinabalu.
The network’s main goals are to explain why building peace is important, identify key areas of concern, lay out action plans and objectives, and find potential partners with whom to work.
At the meeting were Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) leaders and animators from the Philippines, Myanmar, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei, and West Papua, as well as Franciscans International in Geneva and the JPIC Office in Rome.
The meeting began with a warm welcome from Friar Renee C Dean, Provincial of the Province of St Anthony of Padua in Cebu, who congratulated the participants for their dedication and efforts.
Next, Friar Derrick Yap, President of the South Asia, Australia and Oceania Conference (SAAOC), addressed the group: This year marks 800 years since the Canticle was written by St Francis of Assisi. During this special time, we continue to let God speak through our simple and humble lives even when our hearts feel broken. As brothers and sisters living out our mission, we share hope with others, especially those who are suffering or in need of God’s loving mercy. We do this by walking with them, helping them with our hands, and bringing peace through the smiles we share.
Friar Daniel Rodriguez Blanco, Director of JPIC at the General Curia, shared the Assisi Document. This is the result of a meeting of the OFM International Council for JPIC from 1 to 7 March 2025 in Assisi, during which they discussed the most urgent problems facing the world today, especially those related to human suffering and humanitarian issues.
He also told the animators of the Franciscan Network of the Mediterranean and its work on migration and refugees, dialogue and peace, and encouraged them to draw inspiration from this network as they build the Asian JPIC network.
Inspired by Laudato Si’, Fratelli Tutti and the Franciscan charism, and guided by the spirit of the Canticle and the Assisi Statement, the group agreed on the following resolutions:
Peace Resolution The network has chosen Myanmar as the focus of its peace project. This is in response to the powerful earthquake that hit the country in March, as well as the ongoing civil conflict. The network aims to offer emergency support and aid to victims.
Integral Ecology Resolution The network sees the importance of supporting and empowering JPIC animators in Franciscan communities across Asia. This will help strengthen their efforts in caring for people and the planet.
Social Media Advocacy Resolution The network acknowledges that social media is a powerful tool for raising awareness and promoting messages of peace and care for creation. Therefore, it has decided to create a website and use various social media platforms to broaden advocacy.
The group noted that the success of these resolutions depends greatly on the support of all the leaders of the Franciscan family in Asia.
The meeting ended with dinner at the Provincial House with members of the Franciscan family, including various congregations of Sisters who may be potential partners for the Franciscan Network for Peace and Integral Ecology in Asia. The next gathering will be held in October in Manila.
Friar Cosmas Francis OFM JPIC Animator for the Custody of St Anthony (Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei)
St Anthony Friary was established in 1991, alongside the founding of our Custody of St Anthony (Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei). It was to be the Mother House of our regional entity – a place of prayer, formation, governance, and mission. As Guardian of this house 30 years or so later, I am privileged to witness the constant, quiet unfolding of grace in our daily fraternal life. Our friary is not merely a place where brothers sleep and eat; it is a living organism, where prayer breathes life into ministry, where work finds rhythm in contemplation, and where individual vocations are nurtured in communion with others.
In 2025, our community comprises 14 friars – one from Sri Lanka, two from Malaysia, and 11 from Singapore. This cultural diversity enriches our community for each brother brings his story, his temperament, his faith journey into the fabric of the community, adding texture and depth to our common life.
Our friary is the Custody’s house for postulancy, and this year, we are blessed with four postulants: Mark Lee from Malaysia, and Samuel Tan, Daniel Xavier, and Jason Ng from Singapore. To accompany these young men in their year of discernment is a joy and a sacred responsibility. They remind us older brothers of the raw questions and youthful hopes that brought us to the friary gates. Their energy and curiosity infuse the house with fresh life, even as they learn the demands and disciplines of our vocation.
The life of the friary is structured yet deeply human. Our days begin with meditation at 6.45am, followed by Lauds and the Eucharist at 7am. These shared moments of stillness and praise set the tone for the rest of the day. Breakfast follows, before each brother departs for his respective ministry or study. At 12.30pm, we reconvene for lunch – another opportunity for fraternal sharing. In the evenings, after a full day of work or apostolate, we gather for meditation at 5.45pm, then Vespers at 6pm, before sharing our evening meal.
Our friary is a working house; nearly every friar is actively engaged in ministry. It is alive with movement, tasks, and pastoral outreach, but underlying this is our steady fraternal rhythm anchored in prayer, mutual support, and shared table.
Each brother contributes to the life of the Custody and the Church in different ways. Friar Justin Lim, with quiet dedication, manages our Columbarium, offering pastoral care to grieving families and tending to the memory of the departed. Friar John Paul Tan tirelessly promotes vocations, engaging the youth and animating them with the spirit of Francis. Friar Joseph Nasanathan is the Holy Land Commissary, fostering a deeper love for the land of Christ and building connections with the wider Church. He is also our Custody’s Secretary of Formation, helping to coordinate and support the journey of our younger brothers across various stages of initial formation.
Among us is Friar Rowland Yeo, whose hearing impairment has never been a limitation. His ministry to the deaf community, and his teaching of sign language to student friars and laity alike are a powerful witness to inclusion, resilience, and the creativity of love.
St Anthony Friary is also home to our Custos, Friar Derrick Yap. Despite the administrative load he carries, he remains actively involved in teaching and forming seminarians at the St Francis Xavier Major Seminary. His leadership is both fatherly and fraternal – always present, always encouraging.
Four friars minister in various capacities in our parish of St Mary of the Angels. Friar Michael D’Cruz serves as parish priest, supported by Friars Julian Mariaratnam, Robin Toha, and me. The parish brings us close to the people – into their joys, their struggles, their search for God. It is in these pastoral encounters that our fraternity is often tested and deepened, as we carry the burdens of others together, not alone.
I am reminded daily that to be a Guardian is about care. The Latin root of “guardian” (guardare) means to watch over, to tend. I see myself as a shepherd, a keeper of the communal flame, ensuring that no brother is left isolated, unheard, or unseen.
With so many of us engaged in external work, there is always the temptation to neglect community life. But we try to resist this. Our common prayers are non-negotiable. Our meals are not rushed. Our house gatherings are sacred times to listen, clarify, and support. Fraternity is not an automatic fruit of religious life – it is a discipline, a grace, and a daily decision.
Living together under one roof, with cultural differences, varied temperaments, and diverse workloads, we are bound to face tensions and misunderstandings. However, it is precisely in this crucible of shared life that the Gospel becomes real. We learn patience. We learn to forgive. We learn to laugh together – often at ourselves – and to carry one another in times of sorrow.
As I look at our community, I see a house alive with possibilities. St Anthony Friary is, in many ways, the beating heart of our Custody – not just because it is the administrative centre, but because it is a living witness to the kind of brotherhood St Francis dreamed of – simple, joyful, prayerful, and ever open to God’s surprises.
Friar Aiden Peter Jr OFM Guardian, St Anthony Friary
