By Friar Pius Kallang, OFM Cap
THE friars of the Capuchin Custody of Malaysia-Singapore gathered in a spirit of fraternity and discernment for their annual assembly recently. Hosted by the Custodial Curia of Gethsemani Friary, the sessions were held at the St Lawrence of Brindisi Session Hall, where brothers from across the Custody came together to pray, reflect, and plan for the year ahead.
The assembly began with a deep awareness that we are part of a wider Church journeying together. To guide our reflections, the friars invited Fr Gregory Chan to facilitate a session on Tutela Minorum. His presentation drew upon guidelines from the Church in creating safe and accountable frameworks, especially in light of the ongoing conversations within the universal Church and our local Church. The session encouraged the friars to remain vigilant and proactive in fostering environments that safeguard the dignity of minors and vulnerable persons, while responding faithfully to contemporary challenges.
The first day concluded with a joyful Yee Sang celebration as our assembly often falls in the week prior to Chinese New Year. Laughter filled the hall as friars enthusiastically proclaimed auspicious wishes for one another — a beautiful expression of our fraternity, enriched by the local Malaysian culture.
The second day was dedicated to reports from the Guardians of the various friaries, Capuchin parish priests and other ministries that the friars are involved in. Each shared updates on pastoral initiatives, fraternity life, financial stewardship, and challenges faced in their respective communities. These sessions were not merely administrative; they were moments of listening and mutual encouragement. In between presentations, the corridors and dining hall echoed with lively conversations, shared memories, and good-natured jokes. Such moments reminded all present that beyond structures and plans, we are first, and foremost, brothers.
A significant focus of the assembly was the Custody’s involvement in the Universal Church’s celebration of the eighth Centenary of the Transitus (the “passing into eternal life”) of our Seraphic Father, St Francis of Assisi. This historic commemoration marks eight centuries since St Francis entered into eternal glory in 1226 — a profound milestone not only for Franciscans but for the entire Church.
Friar Gilbert James, the Custos, expressed his heartfelt hope that every friar would seize this grace-filled opportunity to share anew “this great gift of a saint to the Church” in all our friaries and circumscriptions. He reminded the brothers that each friary’s oratory carries with it the privilege of a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions, especially during this jubilee period. With this in mind, he encouraged the friars to warmly welcome pilgrims who may come seeking prayer, reconciliation, and renewal.
Particular attention was given to the celebration of the “Easter of St Francis,” which will be observed in a unique way at the Church of St Francis of Assisi in Cheras. The friars of Gethsemani Friary will collaborate closely in the programmes being prepared, while the Gethsemani Formation Centre is being readied to receive pilgrims throughout this special year but especially for Oct 3-4 the feast day of our Seraphic Father. It is our hope that through liturgies, catechesis, and moments of quiet prayer, many will rediscover the simplicity, humility, and evangelical joy that marked the life of the Poverello of Assisi.
As the assembly drew to a close, the spirit among the friars was one of renewed commitment. Grounded in prayer, strengthened by fraternity, and attentive to the needs of the Church, the Capuchins of Malaysia-Singapore look ahead with confidence. May this centenary year of St Francis’ Transitus inspire not only Franciscans, but all the faithful, to embrace the Gospel more radically and to become true sons of St Francis by preaching peace to all. – Herald Malaysia
