OFM

Assisi Vanam, Madapurachal: A Journey of Franciscan Vision and Formation

Assisi Vanam, Madapurachal, represents a significant milestone in the growth of the Franciscan presence within the Syro-Malabar Church in Kerala. Its origin lies in the broader missionary vision of the Province of St. Thomas the Apostle, OFM, which sought to deepen Franciscan life and ministry within the Oriental ecclesial context at the turn of the twenty-first century. Emerging from communal discernment, pastoral foresight, and administrative initiative, Assisi Vanam was envisioned as a space that would nurture Franciscan formation and spirituality.

Vision and Early Steps (2003–2006)

The initiative began with the Provincial Chapter of 2003, which proposed establishing a new religious house in the Syro-Malabar rite, recognizing the importance of inculturation and collaboration with the Oriental tradition in Kerala. In 2005, Friar Johnny Anthony OFM was entrusted with exploring possibilities. He visited several dioceses, presenting the Franciscan charism and seeking collaboration. Although no parish could be entrusted to the friars, bishops encouraged the Province to establish an independent foundation.

A decisive development occurred in 2006 when Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, facilitated a temporary pastoral base at Infant Jesus Church, Kollakode, in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam–Angamaly. Friar Thomas Manakuzhiyil OFM was appointed Pro-Vicar, marking a stable Franciscan pastoral presence while the search for land continued.

Search for Land and Discovery of Madapurachal (2006–2008)

Land acquisition near Angamaly proved difficult due to soaring costs. The search therefore expanded to northern Kerala, particularly the Diocese of Thalassery. In October 2007, a team of friars visited a property at Madapurachal near Peravoor and recognized its potential as a serene centre for formation and prayer.

With the support of the Archdiocese of Thalassery and the local parish, legal procedures were completed, and the land was acquired in stages between January and April 2008. The process involved careful verification and community cooperation, reflecting strong local goodwill.

Establishment and Naming (2008–2009)

The property included an old house and well, reflecting a layered ownership history typical of the Malabar migration period. The Province envisioned the site as both a farm and a future formation house. Friar Thomas Manakuzhiyil oversaw renovations with support from parishioners and well-wishers. On 18 February 2009, Archbishop Mar George Valiyamattam blessed the renovated house.

The friary was named Assisi Vanam (“Forest of Assisi”), evoking the spirituality of Francis of Assisi and his vision of creation as brother and sister. The name expresses simplicity, ecological harmony, and contemplative fraternity.

Emergence as a Formation Centre (2009–2015)

A new Provincial Administration later discerned relocating the Basic Formation House from Bangalore to a more serene environment. Assisi Vanam was chosen for this purpose. The foundation stone for the seminary building was laid on 12 December 2012. Construction progressed with the assistance of engineers, benefactors, and Franciscan mission organizations worldwide.

On 1 August 2015, student friars arrived to begin formation. Academic life commenced under St. Bonaventure College, and the seminary library was inaugurated in November 2015.

Growth and Expansion (2016–2019)

The friary and seminary were solemnly inaugurated on 1 February 2016 in the presence of bishops, friars, and faithful. Assisi Vanam soon developed into a vibrant centre for formation, retreats, vocation programs, and provincial gatherings. It hosted significant assemblies and welcomed international Franciscan visitors.

Resilience During the Pandemic (2020–2021)

Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, Assisi Vanam ensured continuity of formation and community life through careful adaptation, remaining a stable home for prayer, study, and fraternity.

Consolidation and Recent Developments (2022–2025)

In recent years, Assisi Vanam has matured into a principal formation house marked by academic initiatives, retreats, and ecclesial celebrations. In 2024, St. Bonaventure College was transferred to the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Diocese of Kannur to facilitate affiliation with Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, Bangalore, while the friary community remains under the Syro-Malabar Church.

Today, Assisi Vanam stands as a vibrant centre of Franciscan formation, spirituality, intellectual pursuit, and hospitality. From its origins in the 2003 Provincial mandate to its present flourishing reality, it remains a testimony to Franciscan vision, perseverance, and providence — serving the Church through formation, fraternity, pastoral outreach, and witness to Gospel simplicity in harmony with creation.