Kuching (AsiaNews) – Two African Sulcata tortoises unexpectedly became the stars of an animal blessing at a Catholic church in Malaysian Borneo, drawing curious parishioners who had come with dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, fish and other pets.
The tortoises, named Heng Heng and Chaisen, were brought to St. Anne’s Church in Kuching, in the Archdiocese of Kuching, on 4 October, the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Purchased at a local pet shop when they were hatchlings, Heng (the male) is now seven years old, while Chaisen (the female) is six.
The annual blessing of animals has become a popular parish tradition at St. Anne’s, where Franciscan friars serve the Catholic community.
This year’s gathering brought together people and animals in a simple celebration that reflected the Franciscan tradition of reverence for God’s creation. Parishioners brought their animals to the church grounds, where they were blessed by Franciscan friars.
Sisters Saint Hermione Patrick and Anne Patrick, owners of the tortoises, carried the tortoises into the gathering. The reptiles, native to the African continent and far removed from the wildlife of Borneo, became a novelty as parishioners gathered around them for a closer look.
Friar Ramerez blessed the unusual animals along with the other pets.
The Franciscan Legacy in Malaysia
This unusual presence has become an opportunity to reflect on Saint Francis of Assisi.
Born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone in the late 12th century, he abandoned a life of wealth and privilege to embrace a life of poverty, simplicity and service, founding the Order of Friars Minor, commonly known as the Franciscans, and became known for his profound love of creation.
Francis saw the natural world not merely as something to be used but as part of God’s creation, calling creatures such as the sun, moon, water and earth “brothers” and “sisters” in his famous Canticle of the Creatures.
His relationship with animals has become one of the most familiar aspects of his legacy. Stories associated with his life describe him preaching to birds and taming a wolf. For this reason, Christians have associated the feast of Saint Francis, celebrated on 4 October, with the blessing of animals.
Today, this gesture, especially in light of the encyclical Laudato Si’, written by Pope Francis on the “care for our common home” and inspired by the Saint of Assisi, can also prompt a wider reflection on what it means to care for creation, including forests, rivers, wildlife and the habitats on which both animals and human communities depend.
That message carries particular relevance in Sarawak, one of the world’s most biologically rich regions, where vast forests and river systems support a remarkable diversity of plants and animals.
The Franciscan story in Malaysia goes back more than five centuries. Franciscan and Dominican friars arrived in Malacca with the Portuguese fleet in 1511, bringing the religious traditions associated with Saint Francis to the Malay Peninsula.
The Franciscan presence later extended to Borneo. In 1885, the Franciscan Missionaries of St. Joseph arrived in Kuching, Sarawak, contributing to the development of Catholic education and pastoral work in the region.
During the 20th century, Capuchin and Order of Friars Minor friars expanded their presence in both Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia, becoming involved in parish ministry, education, and other pastoral work. Today, Franciscan friars and sisters continue to serve Catholic communities in different parts of Malaysia, including Sabah and Sarawak.
The Franciscan family in Pakistan
Eight centuries after the death of St Francis of Assisi, the Franciscan family in Pakistan is using the anniversary of his Transitus to renew its commitment to peace, service to the poor and dialogue with people of other faiths.
The 800th anniversary is being marked by Franciscan communities across Pakistan with Masses, prayer services, cultural programmes and gatherings.
In Lahore, Archbishop Khalid Rehmat, a Capuchin friar, presided over a celebration at St Joseph’s Church on 28 August, joining friars, nuns, and the faithful for an event themed “St Francis of Assisi: Man of Peace – Brother to All.”
His relationship with animals has become one of the most familiar aspects of his legacy. Stories associated with his life describe him preaching to birds and taming a wolf. Hence, Christians associate the feast of St Francis, celebrated on 4 October, with the blessing of animals.
On this occasion, the archbishop urged Catholics to move beyond commemorating Saint Francis and to put his spirituality into practice through fraternity, service and peaceful relationships. He also recalled the particular devotion to the saint among Pakistani Catholics.
The Franciscan presence in South Asia has a long history, dating back to the 13th century, just a few years after the saint's death.
In what is now Pakistan, the Franciscan family gradually established a presence through parishes, schools, religious communities and social institutions.
Their work developed alongside the growth of the local Catholic Church and increasingly included education, health care and assistance to poor and marginalised communities.
Today, the Franciscan family in Pakistan includes Friars Minor, Capuchins, Franciscan sisters, members of the Secular Franciscan Order and Franciscan youth.
Much of their work is directed towards communities living on the margins of society.
Franciscan institutions have provided education and health services to people regardless of their religious background, reflecting the order’s long-standing emphasis on service to the poor.
In Pakistan, the memory of the meeting between Francis and Sultan al-Malik al-Kamil in Egypt during the Fifth Crusade holds particular significance for Franciscan identity.
His willingness to meet the Sultan is an important reference point for Franciscans working for Christian-Muslim understanding today.
Franciscan religious have participated in initiatives promoting interreligious dialogue and peaceful coexistence, seeking opportunities for Christians and Muslims to work together on social and community concerns.
This approach does not remove the difficulties faced by religious minorities in Pakistan, but it provides a practical basis for maintaining relationships and encouraging mutual respect.
