Sixteen young friars from the East Asia Conference (EAC), representing the Philippines, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, concluded the Young Friars Gathering 2025 with a resounding call to live as pilgrims of hope for the Church and the world.
The gathering, held from September 4–13, 2025 in the Province of the Holy Korean Martyrs, coincided with the Jubilee Year of Hope and the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures, drawing inspiration from St. Francis of Assisi’s vision of fraternity and mission.
From their arrival at the Blessed Korean Martyrs Retreat House in Seoul, the friars were immersed in the faith and culture of Korea.
The program opened with a Eucharistic celebration presided by Br. John Wong, OFM, General Definitor, followed by orientation and fellowship that quickly transformed strangers into brothers. Over the following days, the friars journeyed through Seoul, Daejeon, Jangseong, Sancheong, Incheon, and Haemi, visiting shrines, novitiates, nursing homes, and parish communities. At every stop, they witnessed the living expression of Franciscan life: the courage of martyrs, the vitality of novices, and the dedication of friars serving the elderly and marginalized.
Talks and reflections enriched the week-long encounter. Br. Judee Mar Maquinad, OFM, spoke on the challenges and hopes of young friars in Asia; Br. Lino Gregorio Redoblado, OFM, highlighted the realities and prospects of the Order; while Br. Moses Kim, OFM, offered insights on the Canticle of the Creatures as a call to ecological conversion.
A moving visit to the Sancheong Leprosarium, together with Br. Damian Park, OFM’s reflection on the Jubilee Year of Hope, reminded participants that vulnerability is not weakness, but a sacred space of encounter with God and others.
Beyond formal sessions, cultural nights, shared meals, and moments of recreation deepened fraternity, embodying the simplicity and joy central to Franciscan life.
At the close of their journey, the friars issued a final statement affirming that “fraternity is not bound by geography but animated by the Spirit, who makes us one.”
They resolved to:
The closing Eucharist, presided by Br. Joseph Kim, OFM, Minister Provincial of Korea, was marked with deep gratitude to the Korean friars, the EAC leadership, and the people of South Korea who opened their homes and hearts. With renewed zeal, the young friars pledged to return to their provinces as brothers to all, defenders of creation, companions of the poor, and witnesses of hope.
Quoting their Seraphic Father, they concluded: “Let us begin again, for up to now we have done little.”
In communion with the universal Church, the young Franciscans of Asia now continue their journey — from praise to mission — as pilgrims of hope toward a renewed creation.
Br. Angelito Cortez, OFM
