On November 1-7, 2025, the Province of Mary Immaculate in Indonesia hosted the 2025 Annual Assembly of the Federation of Asian Minor Conventuals (FAMC).
All the Ministers Provincial, Custodes, and Delegates of the Federation participated. The Assembly was also graced by the fraternal presence of the Minister General, Friar Carlos A. TROVARELLI and the Assistant General for the FAMC Federation, Friar Giuseppe Myoungjin PARK.
The Assembly opened with visits to formation houses throughout the hosting Province. The formal sessions of the Assembly started on November 4. Friar Guido SITUMORANG, OFM Cap., began the sessions with reflections on carrying out mission that is adapted to local settings and cultures, fostering fraternity between cultures, and engaging in synodal dialogue with Muslims. In the afternoon, the Minister General shared key insights from the latest session of the General Definitory, setting the tone for the week’s deliberations. Then each Jurisdiction presented updates on its respective ministries, formation programs, and other initiatives.
On November 5, Friar David BLOWEY proposed opening an inter-Jurisdictional, collaborative presence in Australia. This was followed by more reports from the Jurisdictions. One particular highlight that day was a lively discussion on the approved Motions of the 203rd Ordinary General Chapter. The friars deliberated on several matters, including the choice of English as the common language of the Federation, the formation of Economs, participation in the programs organized by the General Curia, and safeguarding minors and vulnerable adults. Updates on the concrete implementation of the abovementioned matters will be reported on during the next Federation Assembly, which is scheduled for October of 2026, in Japan.
On November 6, the participants made a pleasant outing to the picturesque Lake Toba and visited the towering Christ the Savior statue atop Sibeabea Hill on Samosir Island.
On November 7, the last day of the Assembly, the participants were warmly welcomed at the Sang Penebus Friary in Bandar Baru, which is home to a parish, a minor seminary, an orphanage, primary and secondary schools, and boys’ and girls’ dormitories.
The participants have since returned to their respective Jurisdictions, but their brotherly spirit and shared vision shall continue to animate the Federation’s vision for a vibrant, more collaborative Franciscan presence in Asia and beyond.
Friar Emmanuel (Concordio) GIVA
