What does the future hold for the Franciscan friars in this region? Where is God calling us to go and do? That becomes the focus of this final part of this eye-opening series on the history of the Custody. Indeed, the Lord continues to mould us into instruments of his greater purposes! Click here for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead, hopefully, in Sabah.
Here is the link to the first & second part of The Genesis Series if you have missed it :
In this third part of the history of the Custody, Friar John Wong touches on the humble beginnings of the friars’ parish ministry at St Mary of the Angels, Singapore and St Ann’s, Kuching. It is a wondrous tale of God’s providence and care of the sheep of his flock! Have a listen!
Here is the link to the first & second part of The Genesis Series if you have missed it :
Join Friar John Wong OFM as he recounts the hand of God in establishing the Franciscan presence in Singapore in the 1950’s right up to the official establishment of the Custody in 1991. Through thick and thin, the Lord continues to bless us with courage, zeal and joy amidst all kinds of challenges.
On July 11, 2020, Friar Marvin Voo made his first profession into the Order of Friars Minor of the Custody of St Anthony Malaysia- Singapore-Brunei.
Receives the Friar Minor’s habit and cord with the three knots symbolises the three vows he temporarily professed which are to live all the days of his life in obedience, without anything of his own and in chastity.
The First Profession is the official entry into the Order of Friars Minor and it comes after a year of Postulancy and one year of Novitiate. Postulancy can be likened to a year of probation. During this time, the gradual transition of culture and intensification of fraternal living help to make clear a candidate’s personal and individual inspiration for being called to the life, spirit and mission of the Friars Minor. Novitiate is a time to consolidate and further clarify his vocation intentions as he prepares for the First Profession. During Novitiate, the candidate receives the Friar Minor’s habit and the cord without any knot because he has not taken the vows of poverty, obedience and chastity. This was the path Marvin Voo took over the last few years.
The Provincial Minister of San Pedro Bautista Friar Cielito R. Almazon OFM received Marvin’s profession.
Friar Marvin made his First Profession at the Minor Basilica Santuario de San Pedro Bautista Parish, Quezon City, Philippines. The profession, made into the hands of the Provincial Minister, Friar Cielito R. Almazan OFM, was for 16 months. The next milestone in Friar Marvin’s journey would be the renewal of profession to be held on April 16 2021 (the traditional date of St Francis’ profession into the hands of the Pope), with the other friars in formation. At his profession, the newly-professed Marvin received his knotted cord.
The next day, he flew back to Malaysia and joined the community in Ayer Hitam, Penang.
The Penang Community comprises Friars Marvin, Oliver, Arul , Timothy (Postulant) and John Soh.
Friar John Paul Tan, OFM examines how our Custody grew rapidly in the 1950’s, and how our simple brotherhood spread throughout Malaysia and Singapore.
The history of our Custody is very rich and spans over more than 50 years. It all began with Blessed Gabriele Allegra, OFM, who was best known for his important work of translating the Bible into Chinese.
