July 15, 2025, Padre Pio House of Formation, Davao City, Philippines – On the Feast of St. Bonaventure, a spirit-filled celebration took place at the Padre Pio House of Formation in Davao City, Philippines. Br. Derick Goh Siaw Chiang, known in religious life as Br. Lawrence, OFMCap., made his First Profession of the Evangelical Counsels into the Capuchin Franciscan Order together with one brother from the Philippine Province and three brothers from Papua New Guinea.
The Eucharistic celebration was solemnly presided over by Br. Edgar S. Martinez, OFMCap, Provincial Minister of the Capuchin Philippine Province, and concelebrated by Br. Gilbert James, OFMCap, Custos of the Malaysia-Singapore Custody, together with Br. Jasper S. Espanola, OFMCap. Br. Evare Laborte, OFMCap, faithfully served as Deacon for the liturgy.
During the Mass, the religious profession of Br. Lawrence, OFMCap, was received by the Custos of the Malaysia-Singapore Custody. Meanwhile, the professions of the brothers from the Philippine Province and Papua New Guinea were received by the Provincial Minister. The sacred rites were duly witnessed by Br. Evare Laborte, OFMCap, and Br. Jasper S. Espanola, OFMCap.
The celebration was graced by the presence of Capuchin friars from the Our Lady of Lourdes Fraternity in General Santos City and the Padre Pio House of Formation, along with members of the lay faithful who joined in prayer and thanksgiving.
Born on 28 February 2000 in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, Br. Lawrence is the second of eight siblings and the beloved son of the late Samuel Goh Chew Heng (✠) and Valentina Misina. Before entering religious life, he actively served in his home parish in the Archdiocese of Kuching, contributing to various ministries including the Choir, Church Warden, Lector and Commentator, and Altar Server. He later worked as a Malaysia Immigration Officer for three years—a time marked by commitment, discipline, and silent discernment of his vocation.
Br. Lawrence now makes history as the first person from the Archdiocese of Kuching to embrace the Capuchin way of life, planting the seed of Franciscan witness in his home diocese.
Rooted in the joyful spirit of St. Francis of Assisi and the deep theological wisdom of St. Bonaventure, Br. Lawrence’s profession is a sign of God’s faithful call and a reminder that the Franciscan charism is alive, growing, and relevant in Southeast Asia today.
May Br. Lawrence continue to walk humbly and joyfully in the footsteps of the Crucified Christ.
Let us hold him in prayer as he begins this sacred journey in fraternity, simplicity, and love.
Br. Lawrence, OFMCap
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