St. Sebastian's Church, entrusted to the Order of Friars Minors, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, played host last weekend to a gathering of the Franciscan family from across India and beyond. The First Asian Franciscan Missionary Symposium brought together bishops, cardinals, religious, lay Franciscans, and diocesan priests involved in the Pontifical Missionary Organization (PMO) for a day of reflection, dialogue, and celebration under the theme "Announcing Christ in Asia Today with St. Francis of Assisi."
Organized by the Asian Franciscan Mission (AFM), an initiative of the Pontifical Missionary Union (PMU), the Franciscan Institute for Asian Theological Studies (FIATS), and TAU, the International Franciscan quarterly journal published by OFM-India, the symposium formed part of a wider Jubilee celebrations in 2026 marking four significant milestones: the 800th anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi, the 100th World Mission Sunday, 110 years of the Pontifical Missionary Union, and 50 years of TAU.
The symposium opened on Saturday, 1 August 2026, with the keynote address from Most Rev. Dr. Ambrose Pitchaimuthu, Bishop of Vellore Diocese and National Director of the Pontifical Missionary Organizations (PMO) in India, entitled "Announcing Christ in Asia Today with Saint Francis of Assisi: From Missio ad Gentes to Missio inter Gentes in the Service of a Magnificent Humanity."
The day's first panel discussion, "Asian Evangelization: Voices from Different Geographical and Social Contexts," brought a truly continental perspective to the stage. The panel featured His Eminence Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, IMC, who shared, through a pre-recorded audio message, insights from Mongolia; His Grace Archbishop Paulus Budi Kleden, SVD, from Indonesia, who joined online; Fr. Paul Chatsirey, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Laos and Cambodia, who also participated online; and Br. Marcus Fernandes, OFMCap, MS Director in Bahrain, who joined the gathering virtually. The session was moderated by Br. Alphonse Vazhappanady, OFMConv.
A recurring theme throughout the symposium was the rich diversity within the wider Franciscan family and the different ways in which the Franciscan charism is expressed in mission today. In Session II, "The Contribution of the Franciscan Family to Evangelization in Asia," was moderated by Br. Arokiam John, OFM. The session began with the perspective of Franciscan women religious. Sr. Sherly Mariyam Joseph Naithparambil, FMM, spoke about compassionate presence among the unreached in Mumbai, while Sr. Jacquline Mary, SSAM, reflected on her Congregation's charism in the light of Franciscan spirituality. Br. Alphonse Vazhappanady, OFMConv, spoke on “Franciscan Missionaries: Witnesses of Christ’s Endless Love,” while Br. Saji Mathew, OFM, Vicar Provincial of OFM Province in India, concluded the session with a reflection on mission as "an unscripted encounter and conversation."
The afternoon continued this theme in Session IV, "Specific Contributions to the Franciscan Mission in Asia." Sr. Princy Rose, FCC addressed the call to Franciscan women religious to be "minors" amid the multiple perspectives and challenges shaping women's mission in Asia. Br. Sunnylal Avarappattu, MMB reflected on the contemporary challenges and achievements of Franciscan brothers, while Br. Oliver Fernando, OFS presented the perspective and contribution of the Secular Franciscan Order.
Between these sessions, participants took part in an interactive workshop, "Renewing Missionary Spirituality in Light of Pope Francis' and Pope Leo XIV's Messages for World Mission Sundays from 2022 to 2026.” Moderated by Sr. Margaret Julie, SSAM, the workshop invited participants to engage in small-group discussions and shared reflection, drawing together the insights emerging from the morning sessions and relating them to the missionary challenges of the present time.
The symposium's closing keynote, delivered by Br. Nithiya Sagayam, OFMCap, turned attention towards the future with a reflection titled "Looking Ahead: The Future of the Franciscan Mission in Asia." His presentation drew inspiration from the messages of Pope Leo XIV for World Mission Sunday and from the celebration of the 800th anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis, which the Pope has proclaimed as the Year of St. Francis. The formal proceedings closed with an invitation to continued collaboration from the founding co-ordinators of the Asian Franciscan Mission, Br. Dinh Anh Nhue Nguyen, OFMConv, Secretary General of the Pontifical Missionary Union, and Br. Arokiam John, OFM, Editor of TAU Journal and Professor at the Pontifical University Antonianum, Rome. Br. Joseph Raj, OFM, offered the concluding acknowledgements and words of gratitude.
The day's spiritual heart continued into the evening at St. Sebastian's Church, Chennai, where a Solemn High Mass was celebrated by Most Rev. Dr. Ambrose Pitchaimuthu, with the liturgy animated by members of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) of St. Sebastian's Parish. A vibrant Cultural Evening followed, featuring performances representing various members of the Franciscan family and partner institutions. The success of the celebration was made possible through the generous contributions of members of the Franciscan Family and the gracious cooperation and collaboration of Br. Arun Junes, OFM, Parish Priest, together with the Parish Team and the parishioners of St. Sebastian's Church.
The celebrations concluded on Sunday, 2 August, with a Pilgrimage and Missionary Study Tour. Participants set out in the morning for Holy Mass at the Tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, followed by visits to significant Franciscan and missionary-related sites in Chennai. The day offered an opportunity for prayer, reflection, and a deeper appreciation of the rich Christian and missionary heritage of the city. The participants returned in the evening, bringing the celebrations to a meaningful close.
The First Asian Franciscan Missionary Symposium was an initiative of PMU, FIATS, and TAU, and was organized by the Asian Franciscan Mission (AFM). For more information about future collaborations and initiatives of AFM, please contact Br. Arokiam John, OFM, at afm.triduum2026@gmail.com.
