ASIA-OCEANIA CONGRESS 2007 The 2007 Asia-Oceania Congress participated in by Secular Franciscans, Franciscan Youth and Spiritual Assistants held on March 24-30 in Penang, Malaysia drew together a total of sixty participants from 12 countries in Asia and Oceania. At the moment, there are seven constituted national fraternities in the region, namely: India, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Vietnam, Oceania and Indonesia. (Unfortunately, Japan and Indonesia did not make it to the Congress). The Secular Franciscan Order is likewise present in varying degrees of development in the following countries: Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Papua New Guinea – all of which were happily represented in the Congress. Reports also indicated the presence of the SFO in Bangladesh and initial steps are being undertaken to begin the SFO in Myanmar and East Timor. Congress participants included 25 Secular Franciscans (plus 8 support staff), 2 members of the Franciscan Youth and 18 Spiritual Assistants. Seven members of the CIOFS Presidency showed their total support and solidarity by their active presence and participation in the Congress in five intense days of fraternal interaction, information- sharing, formation, dialogue and consultation. All National Fraternities present, constituted and emerging were heard as the SFO and Spiritual Assistants rendered their reports which also included reports on the Franciscan Youth. The delegates listened to similar situations and challenges expressed as well as unique characteristics and problems encountered by certain countries. The participants had a chance to know about the SFO Worldwide with the graphic power point presentation of the General Vice Minister, Rosalvo Mota. Fr. Michael Higgins, TOR, spoke about Our Shared Origins making a brief historical presentation of the development of the Franciscan Order – and the Franciscan Family -- simply interesting even in it is complexity. One topic that was also especially relevant and timely was given by the General Minister, Encarnacion del Pozo, who spoke about the Inspiring Life of our Patroness, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, whose eight birth centenary we are celebrating this year. The General Minister also spoke about the Priorities of the Order which reminded the SFOs to remain focused on the mandates of the previous General Chapter in so far as the life of the Order and its challenges are concerned. Lucy Almirañez, CIOFS Presidency Councilor of Asia and Oceania and English-speaking Africa spoke about Profession in the SFO highlighting what it meant and what its implications are. The topic of Xavi Ramos on the Franciscan Youth elicited a lot of interesting and challenging questions. His talk was preceded by a practical sharing on the Youfra in Vietnam by Maria Huynh Thuy, one of its leaders. One of the most awaited which was particularly important for the Spiritual Assistants present (but certainly, for all the rest who were present) was the full day dedicated to issues concerning spiritual assistance. The four General Assistants who gave a wonderful example of collegiality at work, each tackled the following topics: Fr. Michael Higgins, TOR: “The Importance of a Knowledge of the Documents of the Secular Franciscan Order”; Fr. Irudayasamy, OFM Cap: “Spiritual Assistance in the Local Fraternity”; Fr. Ivan Matic, OFM: “The Franciscan Youth and Spiritual Assistance”; and Fr. Martin Bitzer, OFM Conv: “Collegial Assistance to the Secular Franciscan Order”. It is impossible to capture in this brief report everything that happened such as the group works that enabled the participants to engage in deeper and meaningful interactions; the impromptu singing and dancing by the beach which was like an anticipated Easter, the moments of prayer and daily Eucharist that nurtured our soul, the honest dialogue and consultations that took place between the CIOFS Presidency and some established and emerging fraternities – and even individual and personal encounters between the delegates and the Presidency; and the colourful cultural dance presentation on the last night by professional Malaysian dancers which was an extra-ordinary treat. After the last day’s evaluation and synthesis, the Congress participants almost unanimously decided to hold the next joint Congress in 2010. While thanks are due to all the Congress participants and the CIOFS Presidency and those who have shared their efforts and financial resources, our most heartfelt gratitude is especially due the Regional Council of Malaysia for accepting to host the Congress 2007 with the support of the Capuchin friars. We thank the SFO and friars in Kuala Lumpur for taking time to welcome and assist the participants. In particular, we acknowledge the extra-ordinary efforts of the local fraternity of Penang and all the collaborations that took place, seen and unseen, stirred by the love and enthusiasm of Serena Woon and Fr. Paul Cheong, OFM Capuchin. Thank you for allowing God to move you to make the Congress memorable. Photos (.pdf)
|
