The General Secretariat for Missions and Evangelization, led by Br. Francisco Gomes Vargas and Br. Dennis Tayo, held the first Franciscan Conference in Asia and Oceania (FCAO) “New Forms” gathering, from January 26 to February 3, 2025, in Vietnam.
It started with a 3-day Assembly in Thu Duc, Ho Chi Minh City. Br. John of God Phuoc, the Minister Provincial of the host Entity welcomed them, followed by the inspiring words from Br. Derrick Yap, President of the South Asia, Australia and Oceania Conference (SAAOC). Gracing the assembly were Br. Taucen Girsang, Vice director of the General Office for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation, and Br. Gil Noriega, who respectively discussed the roles of JPIC and Franciscan Missions, in embodying “new forms.”
Br. Dennis guided the friars on the document “Ite, Nuntiate.” Participants shared “new form” initiatives ranging from simple acts of presence to more institutionalized or organized collaborations. Aimed at assisting the underprivileged, key focus areas included support for indigenous people and inculturation, displaced individuals and migrants, dialogue and peace projects, healthcare, agricultural initiatives, and environmental care, alongside traditional ministries promoting livelihood projects, psycho-spiritual assistance, educational support and welcome/boarding houses, and youth ministry. The friars emphasized the importance of a contemplative, supportive fraternity in energizing their mission amidst various challenges shared.
The past day’s activities and inputs, with the message of Br. Massimo Fusarelli, OFM Minister General, became the points of reflection and inspiration, in crafting a common commitment.
“We, the 21 participants at the FCAO New Forms Assembly, are committed to continue living out the inspiration and proposals of “Ite, Nuntiate” and to promote actively the spirit of renewal to our Ministers and friars of our entities so that greater authenticity and audacity to the founding charism of our Father Francis can be embodied for the service of the poor in our world today. We propose two main Resolutions:
1. That the Ministers of FCAO, through their respective Secretaries for Missions and Evangelization, actively promote and concretely support “New Forms” projects, to be owned by the whole entity, particularly and not limited through the programs for Formation (Initial and Ongoing) and the Fraternal Life Projects of our individual communities and ministries.
2. That the New Forms Working Group headed by the Conference Secretaries for Mission and Evangelization (EAC & SAAOC) explore possible collaborative projects of “New Forms” at the FCAO level, taking into consideration the proposals made at the “New Forms” Assembly in Vietnam, and taking advantage of existing projects at the entity level as a springboard to realizations of these common projects.”, the final document states.
The friars then set out to the highlands of Pleiku with excitement to explore the vibrant cultures of the ethnic communities and to meet the friars, working there. They first visited the Ethnic Boys’ Boarding House, Dien Phu Parish, and Vuon Mit Friary, immersing themselves in the local culture and ending the day with a meaningful mass and dinner at Sedang Parish. The following day, they participated in a lively gong festival at Chusan Parish, followed by mass and shared lunch with the welcoming ethnic residents. They visited Iato Parish to see the clinic and kindergarten school, concluding the day at an ethnic grilled chicken restaurant, where they enjoyed a captivating cultural show. On the final day, they celebrated mass in H’neng Parish and embraced the joy of another gong festival for lunch before visiting Groi Parish to connect with another ethnic group. They wrapped up their journey with a heartfelt compliment dinner offered at Hoâi Thúong Hotel, returning to Thu Duc, enriched and inspired by the experiences and connections made.
Deepest gratitude to all, especially to the host Province of St. Francis in Vietnam, which proudly celebrates 20 years of extraordinary ministry in the highlands this year. This milestone “New Forms” Assembly hopes to revive each one’s commitment to transform new insights and ideas learned and experienced into tangible realities of living “new forms” in one’s own context and to bring about meaningful change for Asia and Oceania.
