July 2020 - Franciscan Friars - Custody of St Anthony (Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei)
The Genesis – Part 2

The Genesis – Part 2

History of the Custody of St Anthony (I)

Join Friar John Wong OFM as he recounts the hand of God in establishing the Franciscan presence in Singapore in the 1950’s right up to the official establishment of the Custody in 1991. Through thick and thin, the Lord continues to bless us with courage, zeal and joy amidst all kinds of challenges.

Don’t miss the third part of The Genesis series! Continue your journey with us : The Genesis | Part 3 – History of The Custody of St Anthony (II)

Here is the link to the first part of The Genesis series if you have missed it : The Genesis | Part 1 – History of The Franciscan Friars in Singapore

Friar Marvin Making His First Profession

Friar Marvin Making His First Profession

On July 11, 2020, Friar Marvin Voo made his first profession into the Order of Friars Minor of the Custody of St Anthony Malaysia- Singapore-Brunei.

Receives the Friar Minor’s habit and cord with the three knots symbolises the three vows he temporarily professed which are to live all the days of his life in obedience, without anything of his own and in chastity.

The First Profession is the official entry into the Order of Friars Minor and it comes after a year of Postulancy and one year of Novitiate. Postulancy can be likened to a year of probation. During this time, the gradual transition of culture and intensification of fraternal living help to make clear a candidate’s personal and individual inspiration for being called to the life, spirit and mission of the Friars Minor. Novitiate is a time to consolidate and further clarify his vocation intentions as he prepares for the First Profession. During Novitiate, the candidate receives the Friar Minor’s habit and the cord without
any knot because he has not taken the vows of poverty, obedience and chastity. This was the path Marvin Voo took over the last few years.

The Provincial Minister of San Pedro Bautista Friar Cielito R. Almazon OFM received Marvin’s profession.

Friar Marvin made his First Profession at the Minor Basilica Santuario de San Pedro Bautista Parish, Quezon City, Philippines. The profession, made into the hands of the Provincial Minister, Friar Cielito R. Almazan OFM, was for 16 months. The next milestone in Friar Marvin’s journey would be the renewal of profession to be held on April 16 2021 (the traditional date of St Francis’ profession into the hands of the Pope), with the other friars in formation. At his profession, the newly-professed Marvin received his knotted cord.

The next day, he flew back to Malaysia and joined the community in Ayer Hitam, Penang.

The Penang Community comprises Friars Marvin, Oliver, Arul , Timothy (Postulant) and John Soh.

The Genesis – Part 1

Early Beginnings of the Custody of St Anthony

Friar John Paul Tan, OFM examines how our Custody grew rapidly in the 1950’s, and how our simple brotherhood spread throughout Malaysia and Singapore.

The history of our Custody is very rich and spans over more than 50 years. It all began with Blessed Gabriele Allegra, OFM, who was best known for his important work of translating the Bible into Chinese.

Don’t miss the second part of The Genesis series! Continue your journey with us : The Genesis | Part 2 – History of The Custody of St Anthony (I)