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Minister General and Definitor General visit India

Visit to the Custody of Mary Mother of God – North India

Br. Michael Perry, the Minister General and Br. Lino Greg Redoblado, Definitor General for Asia and Oceania arrived in Mumbai on 23rd April 2018. Br. Praveen Henry D’ Souza, Minister Provincial of Province of St. Thomas the Apostle and Br. Carols Dias, Custos of the Custody of Mary Mother of God received them at the Airport. When they reached Our Lady of Good Counsel Friary in Mumbai, Br. Michael and Br. Greg were given a traditional Indian Welcome. The friars, parishioners, OFS members, youth and children gathered at the entrance of the Friary to welcome the Minister General and the Definitor General.

Br. Michael and Br. Greg addressed the gathering of the Franciscan Family – Brothers and sisters from various Franciscan congregations inviting them to reflect deeply and seriously about the Franciscan way of life in order to be more relevant to the society today. They addressed also the Friars of the Custody in particular during a special meeting reminding them about the essential elements of Franciscan way of life – God, Fraternity and Mission. The Children of Our Lady of Good Counsel School presented a short cultural programme manifesting the diverse culture of India.

Br. Michael and Br. Greg arrived in a small village called Malom-Naotoli on 24th April 2018 in the state of Jharkhand, four hour drive from Ranchi, the Capital city of the state. They were given the customary tribal welcome. The friars, parishioners of Malom Naotoli and surrounding villages led Br. Michael and Br. Greg in a grand procession. Br. Michael and Br. Greg interacted with the parishioners and children. They also visited the nearby villages. During the Cultural programme, there was a display of the rich tribal traditions through dances.

Visit to the Province of St. Thomas the Apostle – South India

Br. Michael and Br. Greg arrived in St. Anthony’s Friary, Bengaluru in the state of Karnataka on 26th April 2018. Friars gathered at the entrance of the Friars and welcomed them with the fraternal love and affection. Br. Michael and Br. Greg met the novices and spoke to them encouraging them in their life journey as friars minor. The OFS members of St. Anthony’s friary met Br. Michael and Br. Greg. They also paid a visit to the FMM sisters in Bengaluru.

From Bengaluru, Br. Michael and Br. Greg proceeded to Assisivanam, Peravoor, Kerala where the Plenary Council of the Province was being held. They arrived in Assisivanam on 27th April 2018. The student friars welcomed them with garland and Indian Aarati. Br. Michael and Br. Greg animated the members of the Plenary Council for a day and half. Br. Michael delivered a well-prepared address to the Friars after which he engaged the friars in a lively interaction posing questions and eliciting responses.

Through conversational sessions, Br. Michael reminded the friars about the non-negotiables of Franciscan way of life and invited the brothers to be revitalized to live better as friars minor. He also helped brothers to share and address the various issues of the Province. Br. Greg gave a presentation on the Franciscan Presence in the world and various challenges that the friars across the world encounter.

Visit to the Foundation of St Francis of Assisi – North East India

Br. Michael and Br. Greg arrived in Guwahati in the state of Assam on 30th April 2018. Br. Singarayar, the President of the Foundation and Br. Stephen Lamin accompanied them. Br. Michael and Br Greg met the staff and the students of St. Anthony’s School, North Guwahati. They went to Clare’s Friary in Salbari where Br. Michael and Br. Greg spoke to the friars working in the Foundation. They encouraged the friars in their ministry and gave the friars their blessings. A newly built chapel in the village was inaugurated by Br. Michael and Br. Greg. Br. Michael and Br Greg left for Rome via New Delhi on 2nd May 2018.

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