Young friars from across eight countries met in Ho Chi Minh City,Vietnam, last week to look at ways of promoting the Franciscan charism in East Asia. The young professed friars of the Order of Friars Minor in East Asia met May 3-14 in Vietnam, at the OFM Major Seminary in Ho Chi Minh City, Fides reports.
In total, there were 33 participants at this gathering: 10 from Vietnam, nine from the Philippines (Province and Custody), five from South Korea, two from Japan, two from Taiwan-Hong Kong, two from China, two from Myanmar and one from India.
The young brothers discussed the way forward and challenges to meet in order to make the Franciscan charism present in East Asia.
Among the topics covered during the meeting were: ongoing formation, cooperation among different provinces, listening and fraternal dialogue, sharing the gift of the Franciscan vocation, evangelization.
As their model, the friars looked to Fra Giovanni da Montecorvino, Fr. Antonio Caballero, and others missionaries whose work has fruit in the region.
Br Paskalis Bruno Syukur, the Definitor General for Asia, accepted the invitation to preside over the Opening Mass and gave a special talk to participants of the meeting on “Bearers of Christ’s Gospel.”
The encounter of the young friars concluded with a liturgical celebration and renewal of religious vows presided by FrBaltazar A. Obiko, President of the East Asian Conference (EAC) of Ministers Provincial.
SIC: CTHAS