On July 17-21, 2023, the Federation of Asian Minor Conventuals (FAMC) held its Annual Assembly at the St. Joseph Friary in Tagaytay City, the Philippines.
Those attending in person were: the FAMC Assistant General, Friar Benedetto Seung-jae BAEK; Friar Marco Jin Chol JEONG from South Korea; Friar Martin PALLIKKARA from Sri Lanka; Friar Emmanuel GIVA from the Philippines; Friar Cornelius Tri Chandra FAJARIYANTO from Indonesia; Friar Joseph TRẦN (Văn Long) from Vietnam; Friar Lucas TANIZAKI from Japan; and Friar David BLOWEY from Australia. Friars from the Province of India and their Delegations, namely, Friars Bonaventure KALLUVETTUKUZHIYIL, Louis PANTHIRUVELIL, and Manuel MANICOMPEL, attended the Assembly online. The speaker was Friar Wayne HELLMANN from the Province of Our Lady of Consolation in the USA.
The first day of the Assembly was dedicated to hearing reports about each Jurisdiction. On the second day, Friar Wayne HELLMANN gave a lecture on the 800th anniversary of the Rule. Friars from different communities as well as friars from the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin and some Franciscan sisters also attended the lecture. On the third day, Friar Wayne gave a lecture to the FAMC members about the Theology of St. Bonaventure on the Holy Spirit and on Friary Chapters, as reflected in the newly promulgated Constitutions. The fourth day was an outing with the community of the St. Joseph Friary to Anilao, Province of Batangas. On the fifth day there was a visit to the nearby Divine Word School of Theology and the Divine Word Institute for Mission Studies. The Assembly closed with a message and a report from the Federation President, Friar Bonaventure KALLUVETTUKUZHIYIL, and an update on the FAMC common novitiate. In the evening there was a fraternity night to celebrate the 60th anniversary of solemn vows of Friar Wayne HELLMANN.
Friar Daniel M. SUGATAN, Custodial Secretary
Photos: Friar Daniel SUGATAN, OFM Conv., Friar Martin PALIKKARA, OFM Conv., and Friar Lorenzo Avelino, OFM Conv.
