Organisation Structure

“Praised be You, my Lord, with all Your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun, who is the day and through whom You give us light. And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour; and bears a likeness of You. Most High One.”

The Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) in Asia-Oceania is made up of countries from New Zealand to India. Some, like Australia, are well established National Fraternities, others emerging. Singapore is an Emerging National Fraternity.

An “emerging national fraternity” means we are growing nationally, developing strong local communities (fraternities), focusing on formation, and building a supportive network for evangelization and spiritual growth within the country, signifying a stage of maturity and increasing organizational structure. 

We have grown past obtaining official recognition (canonical establishment) from the global Secular Franciscan Order. We have five canonically established fraternities in Singapore.

Key Aspects of an Emerging National Fraternity:

Growth & Development: It is a sign of a growing movement, with many members in formation and a developing structure, like the Singapore OFS mentioned as an emerging national fraternity with growing numbers.

Formation of Local Fraternities: An emerging national body helps establish and support local groups (fraternities) where members gather, share faith, and live out their vocation.

Structure & Governance: They work towards formal statutes, councils (like YouFra for youth), and leadership to manage the Order at a national level.

Spiritual Guidance: They receive guidance from spiritual assistants, often from the First or Second Orders (Friars, Sisters) of the Franciscan Family, maintaining strong ties to the larger Franciscan tradition.

Focus on the Franciscan Charism: The goal is to live the Gospel in the spirit of St. Francis, promoting peace, justice, and service within the world, especially in public life, media, and workplaces.

Path to Canonical Establishment: An emerging fraternity is often on the path to becoming a fully recognized (canonically established) national fraternity, a significant step in the OFS’s structure, as detailed in guides for canonical establishment. 

In essence, it is a dynamic phase where a national body of lay Franciscans solidifies its structure, deepens its spiritual life, and expands its reach, transitioning from smaller groups to a more cohesive national entity.

Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) in Singapore – Malaysia

It is important to note that we do not have the same structure as with the Friar Minors or OFMs. There is a National Council for the Secular Franciscans in Singapore. The council looks after all the five fraternities. Likewise, for Malaysia (East and West), they are also an Emerging National Fraternity.

Not all councils and fraternities work closely with the Franciscan Friars, nor are they required to. We do try to maintain close and particular relations with them to ensure we grow in the charism of St. Francis. Some Friars offer their support as our Spiritual Assistants. We are family to them as to the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM) and Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM).

The current National Council leadership composes of a Minister, Vice Minister, Secretary, Treasurer, and Formator. 

The spiritual assistance for the Secular Franciscans in Singapore comes from the following religious sister and brothers:

• Fra Derrick Yap, OFM
• Fra Vernon Chua, OFM
• Fra Peter Michael, OFM
• Sr Veronica de Roza, FMM

The Secular Franciscans are an autonomous Order in Singapore. We are entrusted to the care of the First Order but equal in canonical status to them. We share the same charism in different ways of life. The current leadership of the First Order Franciscans is such:

• Custos (Superior): Friar Derrick Yap, OFM
• Vicar: Friar John Paul Tan, OFM
• Council Members: Friar Claurence Motoyou, OFM; Friar Esmond Chua, OFM; Friar Peter Michael, OFM; and Friar Robin Toha, OFM.

Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) in the Wider Asia Region 

The National Fraternities across Asia gather in regional conferences. The key conferences are the East Asia Conference (EAC) and the South Asia, Australia and Oceania Conference (SAAOC). 

• SAAOC President: Friar Derrick Yap, OFM (also the Custos of Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei) currently chairs this conference.
• EAC President: Friar Lino Gregorio Redoblado.
• International Councilor for Asia-Oceania: Francis Park, OFS (from South Korea) is a member of the OFS Worldwide Presidency (CIOFS) and represents the region at the international level.

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The Story of Brother Sun

The sun is there whether we can see it or not. The sun will come out again whether we like it or not. The sun will shine on us the same no matter if I am a sinner or a saint. Even at times when we prefer to be covered by the dark cloud of our sin, the sun will be there, waiting patiently until we open up ourselves to encounter him.

Praised be You, my Lord, with all Your creatures, especialy Sir Brother Sun. His intense heat and brightness remind us of our powerlessness and lowliness. His radiant glory gives us glimpses of the splendour of Your glory.

In his beautiful rising, we remember that there is always a hope in our life. There is always tomorrow to look forward to. There will be another day. In his picturesque setting, we remember that there will be a gentle welcome and embrace at the end of our life.

Reflection

• Who are the people in your life whom you like to complain about, who brought some discomfort for you, but are important in your life? Praise God for them.

• Who wil be there for you regardless of whether you want / do not want them in your life?

• What gives you hope and energy to get up every day?

• What gives you comfort and assurance to come home at the end of your days?