The existing Province of Our Lady Queen of China in Taiwan traces its beginnings to Franciscan missionaries coming out of China in 1951. It was founded as a Vicariate in 1971 and was established as a Province in 1989.
Currently, there are 23 friars in Taiwan, comprising local friars and missionary friars from Italy, Korea and Vietnam, serving in a total of 20 parishes, including pastoral work with indigenous communities and migrant workers. In addition, the friars run 2 schools, provide spiritual assistance to the Secular Franciscan Order, and are also engaged in JPIC and preaching ministries.
The Province also includes the Foundation of Blessed Gabriele Allegra in Hong Kong, where there are an additional 14 friars. The brothers of the Province are very much a Fraternity-in-Mission that upholds the values of Minority and Prayer.
The Minister General Br Massimo Fusarelli and Definitor General for Asia-Oceania Br John Wong visited the brothers in Taiwan during Holy Week, from 26-28 March 2024.
During this visit, Br Massimo and Br John met with the Minister Provincial Br Michael Woo and the Provincial Definitory, the Secretary of Mission and Evangelisation and team of Formators, the brothers in Taiwan, and the Franciscan family. They also met with the novice and three of the four aspirants preparing for the formative journey, gathering from them wishes and dreams for the future of the Franciscan presence on this island and beyond. During this visit, the friars also celebrated the 70th Anniversary of Ordination of the oldest member of the Province, Br Bonaventure Tung.
In addition, the Minister General and Definitor General visited Daxi Franciscan Spirituality Centre and the Franciscan Cemetery, where they paid respects to the deceased members of our Order who have served in Taiwan.
On Holy Thursday, Br Massimo and Br John also joined in the Archdiocesan celebrations of the Chrism Mass in Taipei, and Br Massimo presided at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at the Franciscan parish church of St Francis in Taishan.
During this visit, the Minister General exhorted to friars of the Province to go beyond merely maintaining the Franciscan presence on the island of Taiwan to improving our Gospel life and mission as brothers. Br Massimo also reiterated two invitations that formed the theme of the General Chapter 2021, to renew our vision and to embrace our future as Franciscan with an active and creative passion for the Gospel.
The Minister General invited the brothers to continue imagining a new way of living and announcing the Good News.
To the Franciscan Family in Taiwan, the Minister General spoke of the Franciscan Centenary and the need to continually deepen our Franciscan Charism, to announce Francis and his charism in the local context.
