Visit to the Foundation of Blessed Gabriele Allegra

From February 2 to 6, Br. Francisco Gómez Vargas and Br. Dennis Tayo of the General Secretariat for Missions and Evangelization (GSME), together with Br. Daniel Rodriguez Blanco and Br. Taucen H. Girsang of the General Office for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) visited the Franciscan Foundation of Blessed Gabriele Allegra in Hong Kong as part of inter-office collaboration. The main purpose of the visit was to meet with the friars and mission partners, update them on ongoing activities, and emphasize the need for closer collaboration. 

Upon their arrival, the visiting friars eagerly joined a pioneering project with the NGO “Fortune Multiplex,” which aims to create a vibrant community space and foster positive interactions among neighbors. They then proceeded to La Verna Community, where they were warmly welcomed by 14 friars and 2 temporarily professed friars during the Foundation’s Chinese New Year celebration. The festivities began with the community’s vespers, followed by a sumptuous meal and a lively tombola that culminated the day’s events with laughter.

The following days marked a profound journey through nearby school ministries. Starting with St. Bonaventure College and two St. Bonaventure primary schools, each visit became a powerful opportunity for the friars to connect deeply with these educational communities. They also explored St. Joseph Primary, St. Joseph Secondary, and St. Francisco Primary Schools. Throughout these interactions, the friars engaged meaningfully with fellow friars, school administrators, and dedicated staff – commending them for their works, especially on how Franciscan spirituality and values as inspired by the OFM document “Go and Teach,” particularly in the commitment to caring for creation, were intricately embedded in the schools educational system and premises, including the appropriate use of engineering and communication technologies, which confront especially the younger generations of today. This experience highlighted the transformative power of education rooted in schools’ motto: “Ubi humilitas, ibi sapientia (Where there is humility, there is wisdom).” It served as a compelling reminder of our shared duty to nurture and protect our world, inspiring future generations with Franciscan values. Each visit stood as a testament to the profound impact of faith-driven education and a call to embody these ideals, marking the school’s identity as a true Franciscan Catholic School.

In addition, they visited the St. Bonaventure Franciscan parish church, which operates to provide supper meals to thirty people daily. They also saw valuable collections, of Blessed Allegra particularly in the gallery and Studium Biblicum reading rooms. Later by night, they attended an assembly organized by Hong Kong friars, well participated by the OFS HK Community, significant lay partners from different schools, delegates from a Green Parish project, and some press members of the Diocese, including a zoom-telecast of the meeting. This assembly focused on ongoing Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation efforts and evangelizing missionary activities of the Order today, which were highly appreciated by the participants.
On the last day of the visit, Fr. Francisco, GSME General Secretary, and some Asian friars had a fraternal and fruitful meeting. This was followed by a dinner shared by all to bid them farewell, for an early the next morning flight.

In conclusion, although the visit was brief, it resulted in significant and impactful outcomes for both our Hong Kong Franciscan friars and friends, as well as the two offices involved.