IMCA 2026: the Inter-Franciscan Missionary Course in Asia opens in Cebu
Franciscan missionaries gathered as Pilgrims of Hope
15 June 2026Cebu City, Philippines – June 2026. The Inter-Franciscan Missionary Course in Asia (IMCA) 2026 officially opened in Cebu City, Philippines, bringing together Franciscan missionaries from the three branches of the First Order for a shared journey of formation, fraternity, and missionary renewal.
Inspired by the Jubilee spirit and the upcoming 800th anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis, the course is centered on the theme:“Sent as Pilgrims of Hope in Asia: Living the Franciscan Jubilee in Mission and Fraternity.” The initiative seeks to deepen Franciscan missionary identity and strengthen the commitment of the Friars Minor to Gospel witness in service to the peoples of Asia.
The program is being held from May 30 to July 26, 2026, at the Redemptorists’ Holy Family Retreat House in Lahug, Cebu City. Eighteen friars are participating: five from the Order of Friars Minor (OFM), five from the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFMCap), and five from the Order of Friars Minor Conventual (OFMConv), accompanied by one coordinator from each Order. Throughout the program, the group is accompanied by Br. Dennis Tayo, OFM, General Animator for Missions of the OFM.
The opening celebration was attended by the three General Secretaries for Missions and Evangelization, including Br. Francisco Gómez Vargas, OFM, who presided over the Eucharistic celebration on the Feast of the Holy Trinity, followed by the opening liturgy of the course.
The first module, entitled Dynamics of IMCA Integration, offered participants the opportunity to share their personal and vocational journeys, reflect on the objectives and expectations of the program, and deepen their awareness of the missionary realities and Franciscan presence throughout Asia through the contributions of the General Secretaries and Animators of the three Orders.
Throughout its eight-week journey, IMCA 2026 is guided by three principal objectives: to understand the anthropological, social, cultural, and ecclesial realities of Asia; to provide an integral missionary formation fostering spiritual, pastoral, intellectual, and intercultural growth; and to strengthen inter-obediential collaboration and fraternity among the three Franciscan Orders.
Through study, prayer, reflection, and intercultural encounter, participants are invited to deepen their understanding of Asian realities, grow in their Franciscan missionary vocation, and strengthen fraternal collaboration in service of the mission.
As IMCA 2026 continues in the coming weeks, the participants journey together as pilgrims of hope, preparing themselves to serve the peoples and cultures of Asia with renewed enthusiasm, fraternal spirit, and Gospel witness.
