2025 FAMC Annual Assembly in Indonesia: Advancing Mission, Fraternity, and Collaboration in Asia

From 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 further honored 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 the formation houses across the hosting Province. The formal sessions began on November 4. Friar Guido Situmorang, OFM Cap., opened the reflections by speaking on carrying out mission in ways adapted to local settings and cultures, fostering intercultural fraternity, 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. Each Jurisdiction then presented updates on its ministries, formation programs, and other initiatives.

On November 5, Friar David Blowey proposed the opening of an inter-jurisdictional, collaborative presence in Australia. More reports from the Jurisdictions followed. A particular highlight was the lively discussion on the approved Motions of the 203rd Ordinary General Chapter. The friars deliberated on several matters, including adopting English as the common language of the Federation, the formation of Economs, participation in programs organized by the General Curia, and safeguarding minors and vulnerable adults. Updates on the concrete implementation of these matters are expected during the next Federation Assembly, scheduled for October 2026 in Japan.

On November 6, the participants enjoyed an outing to the picturesque Lake Toba and visited the towering Christ the Savior statue atop Sibeabea Hill on Samosir Island.

On November 7, the final day of the Assembly, the participants were warmly welcomed at the Sang Penebus Friary in Bandar Baru, 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, yet their brotherly spirit and shared purpose continue to animate the Federation’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and more collaborative Franciscan presence in Asia and beyond.