On October 3, 2018, the Inter-Franciscan Ministers of the Philippines, chaired by Friar Francis Victor MATEO, OFM Conv., organized an Inter-Franciscan Transitus held at Our Lady of the Lourdes parish church in Tagaytay City, the Philippines.

Friar Jeremiah ARGUELLES, OFM Conv., presided over the three-part ritual which consisted of short meditations on the life of St. Francis followed by a solemn presentation by the Conventual postulants and novices which depicted St. Francis’ passing on to eternal life. The presentation concluded with more than 500 Franciscan religious (friar-priests, brothers and sisters) and the Secular Franciscans (OFS) renewing their Franciscan Commitment.
The Most Reverend Reynaldo Gonda Evangelista, DD, Bishop of Imus, the Philippines and also an OFS member, was the main presider during the Mass that followed. He spoke about the discernment he made which led to his embracing the spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi and how that spirituality encourages everyone to live in simplicity, to relate joyfully with others and to lovingly serve those who are poor and neglected.
Those concelebrating included Ministers Provincial and Custodes from three Franciscan families: Friar Cielo ALMAZAN, OFM, Friar Eugenio LOPEZ, OFM Cap., and Friar Francis Victor Mateo, OFM Conv. Many friar-priests, OFS members, Tertiary Capuchins and others attended.

OFM Conv., Philippines – Office of Communications