Singapore: Franciscan Presence

I have been in Singapore for two weeks. One week was spent in Malaysia with thirty Franciscan Friars in Malacca, Malaysia. I preached their retreat on the Rule of 1223 of St. Francis that all Friars Minor still live by. The Rule begins and ends with the words that the Rule and Life of the Friars Minor (the Lesser Brothers) is this: To observe the Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ by living in obedience, without anything of one's own. and in chastity. For 800 years men throughout the world have lived this life in brotherhood showing that the Gospel life of peace and joy, love and forgiveness, of service and ministry to all is not only possible, but desirable.

Here in Singapore, there are thirty Friars of various ethic backgrounds: Malay, Chinese, Indian, Ski Lankan. Their age is from 28 to 53. I was the old man in their
midst at 68 years old. I am living in their formation house on the property of their one parish here in Singapore. It is a very creative, only five year old, award-winning space for worship and gathering, in and outside the church where a piazza provides for gatherings of all sorts. Under the piazza is a Columbarium for 6000 remains of their beloved deceased. It is decorated with art, flowing water, sits for reflection and prayer, and where soft religious music continuously plays.
Seven thousand people worship here at St. Mary's Franciscan Church each weekend.

I have sat in the midst of the woshipers for the last two Sundays. All pick up an OCP Breaking Bread hymnal from Portland Oregon publisher. Different choirs at each of the five masses. These Asian faces carry names like Joe, Susan, Gwen, Janet, Paul, David, Candy, Monica, etc. Children everywhere.

One of the Singaporean additions to words is the syllable "lah" that is added to words: Okaylah! Sit downlah! Thank youlah! There was a young man in church today who was wearing a tee-shirt with some ten words with "lah" added to the end. And I did have my camera-lah!

The food is incredible! My taste buds have been jumping with excitement since I arrived. Everything is available: Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Malay, Filipino, Indonesian, Thai, Indian, etc. Instead of a fork and knife, the custom here is to use a fork in the left hand and table spoon in the right hand.

I have met most of the 35 Secular Franciscans of the four Fraternities here in Singapore. Population: 4.8 million people. 177,000 Catholics. 30 parishes. On Archbishop. I am a Spiritual Assistant for a Fraternity of lay Franciscans in Crystal Lake, IL northwest of Chicago. So I was so happy to met several times with the SFO's here in Singapore. ---- time for supper. Be well. I return to Chicago on March 18 with great memories of people, sights, foods, Friars,.... Peace!