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IMCA 2026: A JOURNEY OF MISSIONARY FORMATION
Franciscan Friars from Across Asia Gather in Cebu for Missionary Formation and Renewal
17 August 2026 | Cebu City, Philippines – Over the past two months, fifteen Franciscan friars from different countries across Asia gathered in Cebu City for the Inter-Obediential Missionary Course in Asia (IMCA) 2026, an intensive programme of missionary formation, fraternity, faith and renewal.
The nearly eight-week course brought together friars from the three major Franciscan branches — OFM, OFM Cap, and OFM Conv. From the St. Maximilian Kolbe Province, India, Fr. Abi Cheeram, Fr. Tijo Vellachalil and Fr. Jomins Kuzhikanniyil participated in the programme.
The friars stayed at the Redemptorist Holy Family Retreat House in Cebu, where they combined classroom formation with field-exposure experiences that enabled them to encounter diverse pastoral and missionary realities in Asia.
Living together with friars from different cultures enriched the experience and strengthened the bonds of Franciscan fraternity. The course also invited the participants to reflect more deeply on the challenges and needs of the Asian mission and to renew their commitment to Christ and His missionary mandate.
IMCA 2026 was not merely a programme of academic learning, but a journey of formation, encounter and missionary renewal, equipping the participants to become more faithful instruments through whom Christ may continue His mission in Asia.