The Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) is experiencing rapid growth in Malaysia. Its membership has nearly doubled since its previous Chapter in 2023, and has now reached 838 members. The national fraternity of Malaysia has thirteen established local fraternities. It has six emerging fraternities in East Malaysia, and eight established local fraternities in West Malaysia.
In the lead up to the National Elective Chapter, Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI, OFM Conv., conducted a Formation Day on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. He gave two lectures. The first explored the human journey of Francis of Assisi, highlighting the saint’s struggles and challenges. The second focused on important recollections of St. Francis, as recorded in his Testament. The Formation Day was organized by the local St. Elizabeth of Hungary fraternity in Telipok, and took place at St. Catherine’s Parish Church in Kota Kinabalu. Those participating included members from the Telipok fraternity as well as members from two emerging fraternities, namely, the St. Catherine fraternity in Kota Kinabalu and the Good Shepherd fraternity in Menggatal.
On Friday, March 27, 2026 the elective Chapter began at the Peace and All Good Retreat Center in Papar. The center is run by the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. The National Minister, Marina ANJUMAN gave the opening address. Those attending included sixty capitulars, thirty-nine observers, and four sisters from the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, working as local spiritual assistants. Also present was Friar Tony BINGKUAN, OFM Cap., in his capacity as the Capuchin National Spiritual Assistant, and Friar Cruzender ALEK, OFM, as the National Spiritual Assistant of the Friars Minor.
The first session was dedicated to hearing various reports. At 2:00 p.m., Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI conducted a formation session. At 3:40 p.m., Francis PARK, the Area Counselor of the International Council of the Secular Franciscan Order (CIOFS), spoke about the importance of the Chapter and addressed some technical matters. At 6:00 p.m., Friar Ștefan presided over Mass. The first day concluded with a recreational moment called “Franciscan Joy.” during which the local fraternities presented a cultural program.
The second day of the Chapter began with Morning Prayer at 6:30 a.m. At 9:00 a.m., the elective session began, presided over by Francis PARK, the Delegate of the OFS Minister General, Tibor KAUSER. Harry BANGGUAN was elected National Minister. The new National Council was installed during Mass at 11:30 a.m., presided over by the National Spiritual Assistant, Friar Cruzender ALEK. At 2:30 p.m. the Chapter concluded. Francis PARK and Friar Ștefan then held a formation meeting with the new National Council.
The Capitulars experienced two days of intensive work and prayer in a wonderful atmosphere of serenity and joy.
Friar Ștefan ACĂTRINEI
