On the Feast of the Holy Trinity on June 4, 2023, the Inter-obediential Mission Course of Asia (IMCA) began in Cebu City, Philippines with Br. Carlos Trovarelli, the General Minister of the Conventual Franciscans, presiding the holy mass. In his homily, he challenged each of the 17 participants from the four participating Orders (OFM, OFMconv, OFMCap and TOR), to renew one’s Franciscan identity in proclaiming the gospel in Asia, especially among the poor, in dialogue as minors, and as a fraternity going to the peripheries.
A short ceremony followed after the mass: Br Carlos gave each of the participants the “mission text” from the Rule; with a lighted candle, he then passed the light to the three General Secretaries for Missions who, with the lighted candles, joined and formed a single flare to light in turn the candles of the three-course animators, and the different participants.
This signified that amidst the diversity in our Franciscan charismatic expressions, we share the common mission to spread as a single “light” the gospel message to all in Asia, given one's context.
With the same inspiration, the three General Secretaries for Missions and Evangelization on the following day, symbolically opened the week’s activities by blessing a glass of water, which they poured simultaneously into a common basin and which each of the participants and the animators then, one by one, used to wash and bless their five senses, as an act of total surrender to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the protagonist of missions - as they proceed with the two months course.
It was followed by the mission course orientation, laying down of schedules, and the associated activities to achieve the course objectives. The participants were likewise organized to form their respective working committees and were tasked with their corresponding assignments. A workshop was made to lay down course goals, set expectations, and share one’s inspirations for doing missions.
On June 07, 2023, the IMCA participants went to Olango Island, Lapu-Lapu City on the island. They were greeted with an ecumenical prayer service at United Methodist Church (UMC) followed by a joint symbolic tree planting activity. Traditional snacks were served and shared in fellowship as prepared by this church community, to the delight of each one.
The participants proceeded to the beach for a treat and a real adventure, strolling through the strong currents in the unbalanced paths along the mangroves, under the scorching heat of the sun to have a glimpse of the bird sanctuary and finally for some cooling experience to have leisure swimming for some, and/or chatting, playing and dancing for others, each one simply having fun.
Everyone had a full, good lunch prepared by the locals in Vicente Marine Sanctuary. With tremendous enthusiasm, the participants played volleyball until it was time to go home, tired but happy. This unity and solidarity gave them a sense of belonging, encouragement, and togetherness as one Franciscan family, coming back home as “heroes and victorious people” of the day.
The remaining days of the week were spent to know more about each other, with each participant sharing his present ministries and realities in mission, challenged by the thrusts and realities of their respective Order as shared by the three General Secretaries and/or Mission animators. Celebrating the diversity of inter-cultural and the richness of the inter-obediential presence of each one, they embark to proceed with the this two-month course, in enthusiasm and joy - in this newfound family!
Prepared by Br Dennis Tayo, OFM (General Animator for Mission/ IMCA Course Animator)
