15th East Asian Conference Common Integration Program Opens in Vietnam

The 15th East Asian Conference - Common Integration Program (EAC-CIP) formally opened on August 3, 2026, in Ho Chi Minh City, as the OFM Province of St. Francis of Assisi – Vietnam welcomed temporary professed friars from the Franciscan Entities of the East Asian Conference. This year’s gathering carries the theme “The Transitus (Easter) of Francis: Gospel Fidelity, Joyful Fraternity, and Mission in the Context of Asia.”

The opening of this year’s program marks a historic milestone as the Vietnam Province hosts the Common Integration Program for the first time. Since its inception, the annual program has traditionally been held in the Philippines. The new venue reflects the growing collaboration among the Franciscan Entities of the East Asian Conference and the continuing development of formation initiatives across the region.

The program began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at the Theology Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi Friary in Thu Duc, Ho Chi Minh City, presided over by Br. Joseph Khan, OFM, Secretary for Formation and Studies of the OFM Province of St. Francis of Assisi – Vietnam. In his homily, he invited the participants to reflect more deeply on their vocation as they journey toward solemn profession. Drawing inspiration from the witness of St. Francis of Assisi and this year’s theme, he challenged the brothers to courageously embrace the Franciscan way of life through Gospel fidelity, joyful fraternity, and wholehearted commitment to following Christ.

Following the Eucharistic Celebration, Br. Mark Joy Basallajes, OFM, Secretary for Formation and Studies of the OFM Province of San Antonio de Padua – Philippines, presented an overview of the Common Integration Program. He explained the history, vision, objectives, and expectations of the formation journey, emphasizing that the program seeks to strengthen Franciscan identity through prayer, fraternity, intercultural dialogue, and shared mission among the participating friars.

An orientation on the immersion program was then facilitated by Br. Cosmas Thu, OFM, assistant formator of the temporary professed friars of Vietnam. He introduced the brothers to the goals and practical guidelines of the immersion experience, which serves as the opening phase of the program. Through encounters with local fraternities, ministries, and communities, the participants will have the opportunity to appreciate the richness of the Church and the Franciscan mission in Vietnam while experiencing the realities of evangelization within the broader Asian context.

This year’s Common Integration Program brings together 22 temporary professed friars from across the East Asian Conference, reflecting the growing spirit of fraternity and collaboration among its Franciscan Entities. The participants include 14 friars from the Province of St. Francis of Assisi – Vietnam, 2 friars from the Foundation of St. Francis of Assisi – Myanmar, 3 friars from the Province of San Pedro Bautista – Philippines, and 3 friars from the Province of San Antonio de Padua – Philippines. Through their shared journey of prayer, formation, intercultural dialogue, and mission, the brothers are invited to deepen their Franciscan identity while strengthening the bonds of fraternity that transcend cultures and national boundaries.

As the brothers begin this common journey of formation, the theme of this year’s program invites them to contemplate the Transitus of St. Francis not only as the remembrance of his passing into eternal life but also as a continuing call to live the Gospel with fidelity, cultivate joyful fraternity, and respond generously to the missionary needs of Asia.