A Visit of Capuchin General Minister to Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur—On the evening of 14th of December, the Custody of Malaysia-Singapore welcomed our Capuchin General Minister: Fr. Roberto Genuin and his General Councillor: Fr. Victorious Dwiardy for their 4 days 3 nights courtesy visit to Gethsemani Friary, Cheras.

A visit in conjunction with the blessings of our new Conference Hall St. Lawrence of Brindisi’s Conference Hall here in the Gethsemani Friary, Cheras. After the blessing, the new hall was immediately used for meeting the General Minister. The Custos of Malaysia-Singapore–Fr. Valentine Gompok, OFM Cap addressed the welcome speech and updated the General Minister regarding the situations and matters of the Custody.

In his turn, the General Minister started his speech on the ups and downs of the Capuchin Order throughout the world. He mentioned the Capuchins in Europe, Americas, Middle East/ Africa, and Asia Pacific. General Minister quoted a message from the Holy Father to encourage the friars to live in the true spirit of St. Francis, and he highlighted that the Capuchins need to bring the mercy of God to the people they meet and not to become its judge. The General minister also encouraged the friars to learn other language apart from English especially Italian, Greek and etc.

That evening, the General Minister with his General Councillor joined the friars with some benefactors and guests for dinner. After the dinner, a cultural dance and some songs were performed by the PN students to entertain our guests and benefactors that night.

Following morning on the 16^th of December, the General Minister and General Councillor accompanied by our Custos Fr. Valentine flew to Penang to inspect on the newly renovated friary of St. Felix of Cantalice, and paid the current Bishop of Peneng a visit.

On the 17th of December morning, they flew back to the Gethsemani friary, Kuala Lumpur. In the afternoon, they visited the new Custody Archive which is located in the second floor of the GFC. That evening, a dinner was arranged to meet the Archbishop Julian Leow, the Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur. Right after the dinner, the General Minister and his councillor Fr. Victorious departed for Rome to conclude his trip of visit to Capuchins in Southeast Asia.