Inter-Franciscan Easter Hermitage 2022

The friars, novices and postulants of the Custody attended the Inter-Franciscan Easter Hermitage held at the San Damiano Spirituality Center in Tagaytay City under the care of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM). This year's theme is “Franciscan in the Past and in the Next 500 Years”.

This is the first time the Franciscans had a face-to-face gathering after the pandemic. The participants were composed of virtual and physical attendees from different Franciscan congregations including the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS), Youth Franciscan and some lay collaborators affiliated to the Franciscan family.

The main speaker was Rev. Fr. Antonio Ma. Rosales, OFM who belonged to the Custody of St. Anthony of Padua, Southern Philippines. He shared about the first Alcantarine Franciscans who came to the Philippines 400 years ago – their life, mission, work, and contribution to the Philippine Archipelago. Their presence made an impact to the progress of the country. Some are pioneers to the development of a certain place and discover the natural resources through the aid of the friars.

After the talk, the participants were divided into groups to reflect on the topic “How is your community responding to the Laudato Si, Fratello Tutti and Synodality?”

Fr. Rosales also introduced his newly-launched book entitled “The Franciscans (OFM) in the Philippines: 1578-2022 A Synthesis.

The event was concluded with the Eucharistic Celebration presided by Rev. Fr. Edgar Martinez, OFMCap., IFMCP Chairperson, together with the Capuchin priests.