The OFS Singapore National Assembly was held on 8 August 2026 at St Anthony Friary, bringing together the National Council, our National Spiritual Assistant, Friar Derrick Yap OFM, and professed members from the four local fraternities.

The Assembly was framed around the theme of renewal, a reminder that genuine Franciscan renewal begins not simply with new structures, programmes or initiatives, but first with the conversion of our own hearts.

Friar Derrick led us into a deeper reflection on “Franciscan Renewal through Interior Gaze, Transparency and Trust as Expressions of the Franciscan Charism.” Drawing from the OFS Rule and the life of St Francis, members reflected on the moments in Francis’ journey that speak most strongly to them today, from Perfect Joy and San Damiano to Francis’ encounter with the Sultan, La Verna and the Transitus. The sharing reminded us that our own transitus is formed through the many smaller transitions, surrenders and conversions that we experience throughout life.

The Assembly also provided an opportunity for open and sometimes robust discussion on matters affecting our common fraternity life. These included PDPA and the responsible stewardship of members’ personal data, the National Fund and possible contributions towards worthy causes and the wider Franciscan family, and the ongoing review of our National Statutes. Questions concerning the composition of the National Council and compatibility of offices will be taken into account as part of the Statutes revision process.

Members were also updated on several initiatives in the months ahead, including formation and mission opportunities, the Transitus celebration on 3 October, developments in OFS Singapore’s media presence, and the proposal to revive St Bonaventure Fraternity in eastern Singapore. The Assembly was generally supportive of exploring the revival in principle, while recognising that important questions concerning its timing, composition and implementation require further discernment.

A significant part of the afternoon was devoted to reviewing the resolutions arising from the last National Elective Chapter. Formation remains a major priority. It was agreed that common formation sessions will be held three times a year, with Formation of Formators sessions four times a year online. A centralised formation repository will also be established. The JPIC and YouFra portions of the resolutions review were deferred to a future National Assembly so that they can receive fuller attention.

Perhaps more important than any individual proposal was the opportunity simply to listen to one another. There were differing perspectives during the day, and not every matter reached a conclusion. Yet this too is part of fraternity: learning to speak honestly, listen respectfully and discern together without requiring uniformity of opinion.

In closing, gratitude was expressed for the robust and honest participation of members and especially to Friar Derrick for his guidance and companionship throughout the day. The Assembly concluded fittingly with the celebration of the Holy Mass.

As we move forward, our challenge is not merely to ask what OFS Singapore should do next, but what the Lord is asking us to become. Renewal begins with each of us, and as Francis reminds us through his own life, the Lord will show us what we are to do.