A renewed sense of fraternity
by ofmcomms | 3 February 2026 | Custody, Vocation | 0 Comments
Friar Sixtus Peter OFM was one of 14 friars from seven countries in the 2025 run of the Asian Franciscan Formators Training (AFFT) programme. He shares a reflection on his experience. "Six, see if you're interested in joining next year's AFFT. If you're open, Crispus...
Receiving and sending forth
by ofmcomms | 3 February 2026 | Custody, Vocation | 0 Comments
Greccio Friary was filled with expectation on 10 January 2026 as the friars gathered for a double moment of grace: the reception of two new postulants, Timothy Colond and Matthew S Lim, and the sending forth of three young brothers, Samuel Tan, Daniel Xavier, and...
Greccio Friary – A Formation Community
by ofmcomms | 28 November 2025 | Custody, Vocation | 0 Comments
From left to rightBack row: Friar Francisco Basnayake, Friar Gerard Victor, Friar Kenny AnthonysamyFront row: Friar Jorgerson Japar, Friar Marvin Voo, Friar Vernon Chua Named after Greccio in Italy's Rieti Valley, Greccio Friary is a formation community that lives the...
Postulant Exposure in Indonesia
by ofmcomms | 3 October 2025 | Custody, Vocation | 0 Comments
During the seminary semester break from 4 June to 18 July, my fellow postulants – Samuel Bernadi Hartanoeh and Jason Ng – and I went to Indonesia for our Exposure trip. In our six weeks with the Franciscan Friars in Flores, we gained an insight into the lives of...
… there am I with them
by ofmcomms | 30 July 2025 | Custody, Vocation | 0 Comments
Since my Solemn Profession on 17 September 2024, I have been going to Johor Bahru on weekends. While I continue my studies at St Francis Xavier Seminary and remain a member of the Greccio Friary community, as part of my ministry, I serve the Bahasa Malaysia community...
Seventeen Brothers Admitted to the Novitiate in Solemn Rite of Initiation
by ofmcomms | 29 May 2025 | Custody, Vocation | 0 Comments
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...
Reassured by the courageous example of St Francis
by ofmcomms | 15 May 2025 | Vocation | 0 Comments
Vietnamese + Brazilian + Mexican + Colombian + Malaysian = Franciscan! Greetings from Rome.For the last year or so, I have been in Italy, in school once again! Since October 2024, I have been studying Franciscan Spirituality at the Pontifical University of St Anthony...
Four young men embark on their Franciscan journey
by ofmcomms | 28 March 2025 | Vocation | 0 Comments
ABOVE (left to right): Jason Ng, Mark Lee, Friar Aiden Peter, Daniel Frances, Samuel Tan.Photo taken during community recollection at MacRitchie Reservoir. A new chapter has begun for four young men. In a simple rite held during Morning Prayer and Mass on 11 January...
Integration Program for Postulants in the Philippines
by ofmcomms | 17 March 2025 | Custody, Vocation | 0 Comments
From February 17th to 22nd, 2025, at the San Damiano Integration House in Baguio City (Philippines), the postulants of the Philippine Provinces of San Pedro Bautista and St. Anthony of Padua, and those of the Custody of St. Anthony (Singapore-Malaysia-Brunei) and the...
Following the poor and crucified Christ
by ofmcomms | 28 November 2024 | Vocation | 0 Comments
Early in 2024, I made the decision to apply for my Solemn Profession, and a date was set. However, our ways are not God’s ways, and the original date was changed to 17 September, the Feast of the Stigmata of St Francis of Assisi. This year is the 800th anniversary of...