Inter-Obediential Mission
Course in Asia (IMCA 2026) Strengthens Franciscan Missionary Zeal in Cebu,
Philippines
Cebu City, Philippines: The Inter-Obediential Mission Course in Asia (IMCA
2026), a unique collaborative initiative of the three branches of the
Franciscan Order—Order of Friars Minor (OFM), Order of Friars Minor Capuchin
(OFM Cap), and Order of Friars Minor Conventual (OFM Conv)—was successfully
held in Cebu City, Philippines, from 25 May to 25 July 2026.
The two-month missionary formation programme brought together 15 Franciscan
friars from India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Indonesia,
providing them with an enriching experience of learning, intercultural
fraternity, prayer, and missionary exposure. The course aimed at
strengthening the missionary spirit of the participants and preparing them
to respond effectively to the contemporary challenges of evangelization in
Asia.
Representing the Order of Friars Minor Capuchins, Fr. Stephen D'Souza, OFM
Cap, of the Holy Trinity Province, Karnataka, India, was chosen as one of
the four international animators for the course. He worked alongside Br.
Dennis Tayo, OFM, the General Animator of the programme, Br. Uriel Santos,
OFM Conv, and Br. Daniel Borromeo, OFM, who together coordinated and
animated the entire formation journey.
IMCA 2026 was organized jointly by the three Franciscan families under the
guidance of the General Secretaries for Mission and Evangelization: Fr.
Francisco Gómez, OFM, Br. Mariosvaldo Florentino, OFM Cap, and Br. Dariusz
Mazurek, OFM Conv. Their collaborative vision reflected the growing
commitment of the Franciscan Orders to foster inter-obediential missionary
formation and fraternity.
The academic sessions were carefully planned over eight weeks, with
distinguished resource persons sharing their expertise on various aspects of
mission and evangelization.
During the first week, Br. Dennis Tayo, OFM, introduced the participants to
the objectives, spirituality, and methodology of the course, helping them
understand the vision and purpose of IMCA.
In the second week, Br. Dariusz Mazurek, OFM Conv, General Secretary for
Mission and Evangelization, presented sessions on the Church and Missiology,
highlighting the missionary identity of the Church and the Franciscan
response to the mission of Christ.
The third week featured Fr. Alphonso, OFM Conv, from India, who explored the
realities of Asia, evangelization in the Asian context, and health-related
challenges, encouraging participants to understand the continent's diverse
socio-cultural and religious landscape.
In the fourth week, Fr. Stefano Luca, OFM Cap, who ministers in the Middle
East, delivered insightful reflections on Dialogue and Mission, emphasizing
the importance of interreligious dialogue and peaceful coexistence in
multicultural societies.
The fifth week was animated by Fr. Mark, OFM, from the Philippines, who
shared valuable insights on Mission and Inculturation, stressing the need to
proclaim the Gospel while respecting and embracing local cultures and
traditions.
The sixth week welcomed Br. Justino, OFM Cap, from Mexico, who focused on
Economy and Mission, challenging participants to reflect on responsible
stewardship, solidarity with the poor, and the economic dimensions of
missionary work.
In the seventh week, Fr. Johnson, OFM, from India, presented
thought-provoking sessions on The New Areopagus in Asia, inviting
participants to engage with emerging mission fields such as digital media,
migration, urbanization, youth ministry, and contemporary social realities.
Finally, during the eighth week, Br. Dennis Tayo, OFM, integrated all the
themes discussed throughout the programme, helping participants synthesize
their learning and prepare themselves for future missionary service.
Apart from classroom sessions, the course placed great emphasis on practical
missionary exposure. Every Saturday, the participants visited various places
that reflected the realities and challenges of Asian society. These exposure
programmes included visits to Buddhist temples, mosques, churches, beaches,
orphanages, urban slums, and communities of people living in makeshift tents
along roadsides and under bridges. They also interacted with marginalized
families, the poor, and vulnerable communities, enabling them to witness
firsthand the struggles, hopes, faith, and resilience of people living on
the peripheries.
These immersion experiences became powerful moments of reflection, allowing
the participants to connect classroom learning with real-life missionary
situations and to deepen their understanding of the Franciscan call to serve
the poor and proclaim the Gospel with compassion.
The Inter-Obediential Mission Course continues to be a remarkable expression
of unity among the three Franciscan Orders. By bringing together friars from
different countries, cultures, and obediences, IMCA 2026 fostered
fraternity, intercultural dialogue, and a renewed missionary commitment. The
programme concluded with the participants returning to their respective
countries inspired to become authentic "Pilgrims of Hope", ready to serve
the Church and society with renewed zeal, Franciscan simplicity, and
missionary enthusiasm.
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