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.
A blessed and joyous Feast Day of St Anthony to you!
To celebrate the feast of our Custody’s patron, we invite you to join us for the online Feast Day Mass of St Anthony here.
In addition, we are delighted to launch our updated website which features many new and exciting content, including reflections, Custody news and a brand-new virtual shrine in honour of St Anthony. You are most welcome to submit your petitions to our beloved brother and saint!
By improving our online presence, we hope to minister to you in a relevant, effective and meaningful way. Do check us out here at www.franciscans.sg We have also prepared a special tribute to St Anthony (below) where Friar Derrick shares his love and connection to St Anthony in a new video.
May the Lord grant you blessings, peace and joy always! Alleluia!
With dioceses around the nation suspending masses, sacraments, and other in-person worship services—as well as all public gatherings—for the foreseeable future as a result of the extraordinary measures government and health officials are implementing to reduce the spread of COVID-19, our brothers have resorted to an expanded and comprehensive digital outreach effort to stay connected in prayer and worship with families and friends.
Utilizing social media platforms – along with some creativity – the friars are now bringing prayer and worship, meditations and reflections, and faith-sharing directly into the homes of thousands of Catholics.
