Don’t we all long for that kind of clarity? Nonetheless, our faith assures us that God is always communicating his will to us. God’s message is consistent, sure, and irrefutable. We are not alone on this journey; Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit to guide us on the way to read the “signs” that point us in the right direction.
Check out this reflection by one of our friars involved in promoting vocations. Friar David Au, OFM describes his journey as a Franciscan friar.
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.
On 8th February 2020, we were blessed to have Julian Chua (from Church of St Mary of the Angels, Singapore), Sylvester Singh (from Church of Christ The King, Singapore), and Timothy Fong (from Sacred Heart Cathedral KK, Sabah) begin their Franciscan life in our Custody.
The new postulants were welcomed by the brothers at St. Anthony Friary Chapel in a simple but meaningful liturgy with brother Philip Miscamble, the Minister Provincial.
Under the direction of Friar John Soh, the three postulants will begin their journey as Franciscans. Apart from activities such as gardening, household chores, studies, and recreation in a typical day, they are also undergoing initiation year in the historical College General in Penang, studying subjects including Salvation History, Growth & Spirituality, Vatican II, Introduction to Liturgy, and Music. They are also involved with the apostolate for the blind.
From Left : Sylvester Singh, Julian Chua, Timothy Fong, Friar John Soh (Postulant Master)
When asked about their wishes in this journey, all three expressed a desire to follow Christ in the footsteps of St Francis of Assisi. “In my postulancy, I hope to flourish in living the gospel of Jesus Christ,” shared Br Timothy, “to be assisted in pondering the innermost roots of my vocation and to experience the Franciscan life step by step.” Br Julian, likewise, hopes “to be immersed in Franciscan community life, prayer, and ministry”, and adds that he seeks “to be guided in the preparation for religious life.” Br Sylvester hopes to deepen his love of Christ through a fraternal life of joy, prayer, and service with his fellow brothers. “I pray for the grace of openness to the Holy Spirit, our Teacher and Guide.”
Let us pray for our three new postulants in this stage of their discernment.
