OFS delegates gather for inaugural elective national chapter

PURAK, Papar – Seventy-one delegates of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS), and their Spiritual Assistants (four FSICs) gathered at Bundu Tuhan Retreat Centre for their first Elective National Chapter on 9-11 June 2017.

The delegates came from Sabah and West Malaysia for this historic event, which was graced by the General Minister, Tibor Kauser, ofs and the General Spiritual Assistant, Friar Alfred, ofm Conventual from Rome.

Father Paul Lo, Spiritual Adviser for Lay Apostolate Movements for KK Archdiocese, presided the opening Eucharistic Celebration Jun 10.

Besides the inputs by the General Minister and the General Spiritual Assistant, the highlight of the event was the Election of the National Council presided by the General Minister.

The result of the election was: 1) National Minister – Marina Anjuman, ofs, 2) Vice National Minister – Devasagayam Arokiasamy, ofs, 3) Formator – Petronella Munting, ofs, 4) Secretary – Harry Lawrence Bangguan, ofs, and 5) Treasurer – Bibiana Cecil Pakang, ofs.

This council will be effective for a term of three years.

This was the first National Elective Chapter as it is now formed as an Emerging National Fraternity, dividing the former Emerging National Fraternity of Malaysia- Singapore into two.

The newly formed emerging National Fraternity creates the possibility of an appropriate communication with the CIOFS (Conference of International Order of Franciscan Seculars) and the Presidency of the International Council of the Secular Franciscan Order.

In Sabah there are nine canonically established Fraternities and in West Malaysia, six. The members are looking forward to the canonical establishment of three upcoming Emerging Fraternities.

For now, the top priority of the National Council is to edit the proper National Statutes responding to the needs of the OFS reality. – Marina Anjuman, ofs