Built in 1957 as a Sociological Centre, St Anthony’s is the main friary of the Custody in Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei. Currently, the friary houses the Custody administration, as well as a formation community. At all these levels, the friars remain inspired by St Francis of Assisi, and strive to live out the call to fraternity and Gospel witness, in work, study, prayer and hospitality.

‘St Anthony’
St Anthony of Padua joined the Franciscan Order in the 13th Century, and personally knew St Francis. He was a renowned missionary, theologian and preacher. His heart was ablaze with God’s Word. Through his life, his preaching and his works, many came to know mercy, love and wonders of the Lord. He is the patron saint of the Custody and of this friary.

What We Do
The community of St Anthony houses the Custody’s novitiate and pre-novitiate, with young men from Malaysia and Singapore on a full-time live-in Franciscan journey in a process of preparation and discernment towards profession of First Vows. Accompanying them on this initial journey are several Solemn-professed friars, who serve full-time in the administration, formation and pastoral works of the Order.

The community fosters individual and communal lives of prayer and devotion, developing the experience of prayer, contemplation and community. Through this fraternity, the Order invests in the formation, education and support of our Friars towards proclaiming the Gospel.