HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam; 14 August 2026.
Delegates of the OFM East Asian Conference Common Integration Program (EAC-CIP) from the Philippines, Vietnam, and Myanmar had a meaningful encounter with Br. John Wong, OFM, General Definitor for Franciscan Conferences of Asia and Oceania, through prayer, reflection, and fraternal sharing.
The day began with the celebration of Eucharist presided over by Br. John Wong. In his homily, he reflected on St. Francis’s discovery that, despite his sinfulness, he remained deeply loved by a God of tender mercy. This experience transformed the way Francis saw himself and others; sinners yet deeply loved by God.
Drawing from the witness of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Br. John challenged the friars: “We are called not just to listen to the Gospel as Good Newsasi. We are called to be Good News… not just to receive communion, but to live our lives as signs of communion for all.”
Br. John later delivered a conference entitled “The Easter of St. Francis: Gospel Fidelity, Joyful Fraternity and Mission in the Context of Asia.” He presented the Transitus as an ongoing Paschal journey; from fear to trust, bitterness to joy, isolation to fraternity, and self-centeredness to total gift.
Reflecting on the realities and challenges of Asia, he invited the young friars to become rooted in Christ, brothers to all, close to people and creation, and witnesses of hope.
As the Franciscan Family celebrates the 800th anniversary of the Transitus of Saint Francis (1226–2026), the encounter offered a clear invitation: the Easter of Francis continues in us; not simply by preaching the Good News, but by becoming Good News for the peoples of Asia.
