Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Ho Chi Minh City (Agenzia Fides) – The models that can inspire us are Fra Giovanni da Montecorvino, Fr. Antonio Caballero, and the other thousands of missionaries who have borne fruit with the announcement of the Gospel in East Asia. It was in this spirit that 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. In total, there were 33 participants at this gathering: 10 from Vietnam, 9 from the Philippines (Province and Custody), 5 from S. Korea, 2 from Japan, 2 from Taiwan-Hong Kong, 2 from China, 2 from Myanmar and 1 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.
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 Fr. Baltazar A. Obiko, President of the East Asian Conference (EAC) of Ministers Provincial. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 18/5/2010)
