Visit to the Province of “Our Lady Queen of China”

The trip of the representatives of the Animation Offices of the General Curia in Asia continues. After visiting the Franciscan Foundation of Blessed Gabriel Allegra in Hong Kong, Br. Daniel Rodriguez Blanco and Br. Taucen H. Girsang of the General Office of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC), together with Br. Francisco Gómez Vargas and Br. Dennis Tayo of the General Secretariat for Missions and Evangelization (SGME), visited the friars of the Province of Our Lady Queen of China in Taiwan, from 6 to 10 February 2025.

After arriving in the afternoon, the visit began with a brief meeting at the provincial house hosted by Br. Claudio Pegoraro (Guardian) and Br. Michael Woo (previous Minister Provincial). In this fraternal gathering, some important information was shared: from the decisions of the most recent provincial Chapter of this Entity, in particular how the friars will carry-out the spirit of evangelization and mission, as well as the values of Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation in their ministries in the country. That the friars have been working hard to serve the believers in more than 20 parishes, to educate the students in two schools, to participate in interreligious dialogue, to collaborate with the Franciscan family and other congregations, and to maintain strong relationship with the dioceses. Their focus will be on fraternal community life, the continuity of Franciscan presents in several parishes, collaborating with foundation Blessed Gabriele Allegra in Hong Kong and other Franciscan Entities in Asia.

The next day, the visit was continued with a trip to the Franciscan cemetery of the deceased friars in Daxi Region, who were some of the first missionaries in Taiwan coming from different countries such as Italy and Belgium. Afterwards, a fraternal meeting with the Guardian and other friars, including two postulants, was held in the Postulancy House community followed by a visit to the Franciscan Parish located on the mountain where local aborigines live. 

Furthermore, some important points that need to be deepened, especially with regard to Franciscan mission and missionaries presence in the area, were discussed in greater depth and seriousness, including how mission will be brought into the future, and what strategies are needed to strengthen it. 

On Sunday morning, the brothers from the Curia were introduced to the people during the Eucharist. Then, in the afternoon there was a meeting with the new Minister Provincial to further hear how the Entity will be able to open up for collaboration with other Entities in the area and what are the difficulties facing them. Also, how the Curia Offices can help them to address those challenges. 

The Franciscan Missionaries started mission ministry in Taiwan since 1951 and became a province in 1989. It is a reality today that we have fewer vocations in this Entity, and at the same time, the increasing number of elderly brothers is inevitable. However, one has the deep impression that this Province has been testifying our Franciscan charism and identity as brothers and minors while they are facing their own limitations.