Assembly of the FCAO in Indonesia

From 29 June to 3 July 2026, the Assembly of the Franciscan Conference of Asia and Oceania (FCAO) was held in Bogor, Indonesia. It brought together the Ministers Provincial, Custodes, Presidents of Foundations, Conference Secretaries and delegates of the East Asia Conference (EAC) and the South Asia, Australia and Oceania Conference (SAAOC). It was a privileged moment of prayer, dialogue and discernment, during which local Franciscan leaders reflected on the life of their Entities and identified common priorities for the mission of the Order on the two continents.

The Assembly began with the celebration of the Eucharist for the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, presided over by Br John Wong, Definitor General for the Conferences of Asia and Oceania. In his homily, reflecting on the witness of the two Apostles, he reminded the participants that authentic Franciscan leadership is rooted in a living relationship with Christ and is expressed through courageous missionary witness, giving priority to the poor and to the care of creation.

Br Agustinus Nggame, Minister of the Province of Saint Michael the Archangel in Indonesia, then welcomed the delegates on behalf of the host Province, while the Vicar General, Br Ignacio Ceja, conveyed the greetings of the Minister General, Br Massimo Fusarelli. Br Ignacio recalled the importance of fraternity and reminded the Assembly that “the first fruit of our meetings is to meet one another, to share life and to share experiences,” encouraging the participants to make these days an authentic time of listening, dialogue and renewed communion.

Br Derrick Yap, President of the SAAOC and Custos of the Custody of St. Anthony (Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei), presented the objectives of the meeting: not only to examine the life and mission of the various Entities, but also to identify common priorities and formulate resolutions to strengthen collaboration throughout the FCAO.

The reports from the Provinces, Custodies and Foundations highlighted both the vitality and the challenges of the Franciscan presence in Asia and Oceania. The participants shared developments in the areas of vocations, formation, education, parish ministry, missionary activity, communications and JPIC, while also identifying new opportunities for collaboration through shared formation programmes, missionary cooperation and the sharing of friars and resources.

Regarding the implementation of the FCAO 2024 resolutions, Br Angelito Andig Cortez, Secretary of the EAC, presented an update on the development of a unified website and Facebook page for the FCAO. The initiative aims to strengthen communication, facilitate the sharing of information and promote greater collaboration among all the Entities of the Conference.

Br Dennis Tayo, General Animator of the Missions, shared the missionary priorities of the Order, while Br Gerald Terence Saimel, presented “Tutela Asia” the regional Safeguarding network dedicated to promoting a culture of care, responsibility and safe environments in all Franciscan ministries.

Br Taucen Girsang, Vice-Director of the General Office of JPIC, presented the Jakarta Statement 2026 and the Franciscan Network for Peace and Integral Ecology in Asia, encouraging closer collaboration in promoting justice, peace, human dignity and the care of creation throughout the region. Br Judee Mar Maquinad, Secretary for Formation and Studies of the EAC, underlined the importance of strengthening Franciscan formation through on-going formation, intercultural fraternity, leadership development and the exchange of formators.

In the following days, the Assembly focused on preparations for the General Chapter 2027 and received an update on World Youth Day, which will take place in Seoul, South Korea, also in 2027. Br Lino Gregorio Redoblado, during the Eucharistic celebration over which he presided, recalled that “when Christ is in the boat, the storm never has the last word,” inviting all to face the challenges of our time with faith, hope and evangelical commitment.

The participants also had the opportunity to experience the Franciscan presence in Indonesia first-hand: they visited St. Peter’s Parish in Cianjur, the Poor Clare Monastery, Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Cipanas and St. Joseph’s Orphanage. There, on the occasion of the Eighth Centenary of the Transitus of St. Francis, Br John Wong, blessed a new statue of the Poor Man of Assisi and a memorial garden.

The Assembly concluded in a spirit of gratitude, fraternity and renewed commitment to the Franciscan mission. The final day began with the Eucharist presided over by Br Derrick Yap, OFM, who, inspired by St. Thomas the Apostle, invited the friars to move from doubt to courageous witness, remaining rooted as a “contemplative fraternity in mission.” The delegates also celebrated significant moments of Franciscan life, including the 60th birthday of Br John Wong, OFM, together with other birthdays and anniversaries of religious profession.

The FCAO expressed deep gratitude to Br John Wong, Br Lino Gregorio Redoblado, Br Derrick Yap, and to the SAAOC as the host Conference, to Br Agustinus Nggame, and the Province of Indonesia, to the community of Casa Monte Rosa Ciloto, and to the secretariat and communications teams for their valuable service. The friars now return to their fraternities strengthened in communion and called to continue proclaiming the Gospel with hope, peace and joy.