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Francis and the Journey - Call to Inner Personal Journey

1 May 2019: The inaugural session of the preparatory course for the final vows 2019 titled with the theme “Francis and the Journey - Call to Inner Personal Journey” was held in Assisivanam Ashram Peravoor from 1st to 31st of April. I was reminded of the song of Fr. Christopher Coelho (a multitude coming from the ends of the earth) when I saw brothers from different parts of India coming to our house. It was a time I realized the beauty of brotherhood. During the inaugural session, we were reminded that we are following Christ who was a failure in the eyes of the world. From the beginning of till the end, every activity was well arranged and coordinated.

The one-month course was a time of reliving Franciscan brotherhood enriched with various sessions by resource persons based on the Rule and Evangelical Counsels. We divided ourselves into groups for conducting Liturgy and other house hold duties. Minister Provincials of various provinces visited us and gave us valuable suggestions to live a meaningful Franciscan life.

We could make the celebration of the birthdays of brothers a memorable one. It was the season of Lent and the brothers conducted the Way of the Cross in vernacular language within the Friary Campus. On Maundy Thursday, as part of the liturgy, we had the washing of the feet. After the Mass, we gathered in the refectory and honored our friar priests and had the sharing of Paschal Bread as remembrance of Passover in the Old Testament.

This was a new experience for brothers from outside Kerala. On the day of our Lord’s passion and death, we spent time with Our Lord Jesus in the tabernacle. On Holy Saturday we had the desert experience. After the Easter Vigil Mass, we shared our Easter joy with our neighbors and parishioners who joined us. We had the community day celebrations. It was well animated by the event management team with various group games like Volleyball, Cricket, Football, Tug of war etc. And in the evening, we had the Cultural Saga and various groups put up variety entertainments.

As a participant, I could experience how each brother related with me as one among them. Each brother had an amazing story of his vocation to tell. Though the climate was not very favorable, brothers were very cooperative and sensible in the use of water. They made our friary as their own. There were various activities which brought us together like picnic, games, group sharing, house hold works, and going to the river, evening walk, recreation etc.

Each province was given time to present about their province and their various ministries. We had a lot of time for personal integration and knowing every brother. Brothers could choose any of the friars for their spiritual direction. We had a fruitful retreat towards the end of the course for five days. The retreat preacher spoke from his experiences and it was more appealing and radical. He shared with us that we are all carrying in mind a conceptual idolatry, a God in our own image and likeness. The God of the Gospel is poor, humble and crucified Christ (Phil 2:5-11). To love is to get wounded. Therefore, discipleship is a costly affair, a constant search, knocking, and asking.

I personally could journey with St. Francis and experience the inner joy of brotherhood. This course was very helpful in rediscovering my vocation and reaffirming my commitment. On the day of departure, we assured to one another that we will keep in touch reunite once again.

Br. Nidheesh M. John

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