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.
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)
Malaysia, the collaboration between JPIC and the Creation Justice Committee
From 19 to 22 February 2025, the Church of St. Ann in Kuching (Diocese of Kuching, East Malaysia) welcomed three friars from the General Curia of Rome: Br. Daniel Rodriguez Blanco and Br. Taucen Girsang (respectively Director and Vice-Director of the General JPIC Office), and Br. Dennis Tayo (General Animator for Missions). Their visit was a moment of deep reflection, reinforcing the Franciscan call to justice, peace, and care for creation.
Their insights strengthened the mission of Creation Justice in Kuching, particularly in reducing plastic waste, promoting renewable energy, and supporting sustainable practices. This visit also fostered collaboration among friars in Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, integrating ecological justice with social transformation.
A key focus was the Bunan Resilience Project, which seeks to restore indigenous children’s connection to their ancestral land, ensuring their right to heritage and dignity. The friars’ reflections opened hearts to the urgent call of caring for the poor and embracing integral ecology as a Gospel imperative.
Creation Justice and JPIC: A Shared Mission
This visit was an opportunity to deepen the collaboration between Creation Justice and JPIC, opening the eyes of Franciscan friars in Kuching to the interconnection between social justice and care for the earth. The Franciscan mission calls us to walk alongside the marginalized, advocating for both human dignity and environmental sustainability.
By working together, JPIC and Creation Justice can strengthen education and advocacy, empowering communities to protect their land and resources. The Bunan Resilience Project exemplifies how justice for the poor and justice for creation go hand in hand. Through shared initiatives, friars can become catalysts for ecological and social transformation, ensuring that care for creation remains a lived expression of the Gospel.
Taking care of the earth is an ongoing journey. Each action, no matter how small, is a step toward a just and sustainable world. Let us continue to walk this path together, responding to the cry of the earth and the poor with renewed commitment and hope.
The annual course on Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) in Rome resumed this year, after being suspended because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Titled “Greccio and La Verna: Sources of Justice, Peace, and Reconciliation”, the course was organised by the General Curia of the Order of Friars Minor in collaboration with the Pontifical University Antonianum (PUA) in Rome.
Friar Cosmas Francis OFM, the JPIC Coordinator for our Custody of St Anthony Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei was one of about 50 people, including guest professors, who participated. Held from 20 to 26 May 2024 at the PUA, the course drew people from at least 24 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America.
The course aimed to provide analytical perspectives on social and environmental justice and peace through three thematic axes:
Conflicts and Wars in the World: Examining cultural, economic, and religious causes.
Justice, Peace, and Reconciliation: Exploring these concepts from Biblical, Christian, and Franciscan viewpoints.
Franciscan Experiences: Discussing various Franciscan approaches to building justice, peace, and reconciliation.
In his inaugural greeting, Friar Agustín Hernández OFM, Rector of the PUA, used Laudato Si’ to illustrate how peace can be realised by returning to fundamental sources of reconciliation and peace as exemplified by St Francis, who is known as a man of peace.
The morning sessions covered the foundations of justice, peace, and reconciliation at the biblical level (Friar Darko Tepert, OFM General Secretary for Formation and Studies), the Magisterium of the Church (Professor Sergio Tanzarella) and Franciscan spirituality (Friar Giuseppe Buffon OFM).
The afternoon sessions focussed on peacebuilding projects — the Nagasaki Project in Japan (Friar Francis Furusato OFM), the Total Peace Initiative in Colombia (Professor Jairo Agudelo), the Franciscan Institute for the Culture of Peace in Split, Croatia (Friar Mijo Dzolan OFM), the reconciliation processes in Rwanda and Congo (Friar Jean-Claude Mulekya OFM), interreligious dialogue efforts in Istanbul, Turkey (Friar Antonio Duma), and philosopher Raúl Fornet-Betancourt’s proposal for intercultural philosophy aimed at dialogue and coexistence in conflictual settings.
On the fourth day, they went to La Verna, where Francis received the Stigmata 800 years ago. The physical wounds of the Stigmata of St Francis represent both the pain and joy he experienced. They also symbolise contemporary issues such as war, environmental crises, and personal wounds. By surrendering these wounds to a greater love, we can attain peace and new life.
On the final day, Friar Taucen Girsang and Friar Daniel Rodríguez Blanco from the OFM JPIC General Office spoke about spirituality, and the profile and mission of JPIC animators within the Franciscan Family.
“The course reinforced the importance of responding to God’s love by promoting peace and integrating with all of Creation,” said Friar Cosmas. “We left with a renewed commitment to preserving and working for peace, inspired by the Franciscan values of justice, peace, and reconciliation.”
For the first part of my Franciscan Year, I was sent to Indonesia to learn about the Franciscan Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) and Eco-Pastoral activities in the Province of St Michael the Archangel (Indonesia). The province has a well-established JPIC office in Jakarta with dedicated staff, and Eco-Pastoral is active in several locations around Indonesia, in Sindanglaya, Atambua, Khurbokho, Pagal and Tentang.
In January and February, I went to the JPIC office every day to learn its administrative structure. In March and April, I was in Eco-Pastoral Sindanglaya, where the friars administer a boarding school and the elementary school. Close by is a middle school, and the friars offer accommodation for students from low-income families and from the countryside.
On weekends and school breaks, a Lay Brother and Eco-Pastoral staff guide the students as they work in the garden or farm. They learn about compost packaging, gather grass to feed the goats, feed the fish, water plants, and harvest vegetables and other produce for their meals. They also learn to lead prayers, and read and sing at liturgical services.
I spent the final week of May to the end of June in Atambua, West Timor, near the border with Timor Leste. The journey to the friary in Atambua took six hours, and the Eco-Pastoral Motamaru mission is another 30 km by motorcycle.
The villagers are poor. When I visited a couple of nearby homes, I was sad to see that they only had soil floors and their walls were made entirely of bamboo. Imagine how wet everything would be when it rained.
The mission consists of two lay Franciscan brothers and four aspirants, and is neither affiliated with a church nor engaged in traditional ministry. Instead, it finds ways to interact with the villagers through eco-farming and, because it has a water pump, providing them with clean water. They are undoubtedly living the two Franciscan lungs of fraternity and minority.
My month there was a precious experience that strengthened my vocation. The morning I arrived, they had already begun their day. I am grateful that I was able to work with them in the paddy fields. It reminded me of what I used to see with my maternal great grandmother when I was a child.
However, the rice mill was what really moved me. It was not what I am used to seeing in my hometown in Sabah. This was smaller and ‘”do it yourself”.
I took a photo of Br Agus smiling while sitting on top of the rice mill, and looking at the photo later, I thought that he must have been smiling with the satisfaction of reaping what he had sown. A few bags of rice were kept for the friars’ consumption for the next six months, and the rest was sold to support the life of the friars and the aspirants.
Initially I was troubled by the lack of security. People were free to come and go, and to use our water pump at any time. I was always worrying as I had heard about goats and cows being taken in the past. However, God was teaching me to have faith, and to worry less in order to pay attention to what I was doing. So I said, “God, if it is meant to be, so be it.”
From West Timor, I moved to Flores Island on 2 July. There I worked, until the end of August, in an Eco-Pastoral with parish in Khurbokho, and later in Eco-Pastoral Pagal, where the Eco- Pastoral ministry began.
I learnt that the Eco-Pastoral mission provides practical experience through study and internships with nearby schools or universities. Students go to learn about how to care for the soil, and how to grow vegetables without using chemicals or pesticides.
The Eco-Pastoral team also teaches the younger generation that farming is a vocation. Eco-Pastoral Pagal is even introducing new varieties of vegetables to the villagers.
It is only now, after working with Eco-Pastoral Pagal, that I can grasp the meaning of Integral Ecology. It is the cycle of life, and we human beings are interconnected with the ecosystem. Eco-Pastoral is a way friars can build bridges in response to the cry of the poor and the earth.
As I look back on my time in Indonesia, I remember a line in a song by Ivan Nestorman in Manggarai dialect (the local language in West Flores) – “One hau de daku nai… ai hau de, mata leso ge”. This translates to “I give you all my loving heart, because you are my sunshine”.
This is like a prayer for me as I give God my time and myself, since he is the one who always shines the light for my journey, and is where my soul finds rest. Now, whenever I am feeling down, I find consolation in looking at the sun rising, shining in dazzling yellow, or setting in an orange-coloured sky. I feel the warmth of God’s love as he is always with me.
Friar Marvin Voo OFM
The Franciscan Year is an important time when the student friar is exposed to other fraternities, missions and possibilities to help him clarify the desire for solemn profession and his sense of belonging to an international Order.
