St. Louis Friary, the cradle of Franciscans in India, hosted a deeply moving celebration marking the 8th centenary of the Stigmata of our Holy Father Francis. Friars from across the province gathered to participate in this significant event. The friary’s campus, with its beautiful recreation of La Verna, offered a serene and spiritual atmosphere for the celebration.
Friars, novices, and aspirants gathered at the foot of the San Damiano Cross, symbolizing the beginning of St. Francis' journey. In the tranquil setting reminiscent of La Verna, where St. Francis received the Stigmata, the community began a candlelight procession. Led by Br. Joseph Raj, the Master of the Aspirants, they moved in prayer and song, with hymns honoring St. Francis filling the air. The procession ended at a special site within the friary campus, where a depiction of St. Francis’ Stigmata had been set up.
The Aspirants conducted the prayer service, featuring poignant readings from the writings of St. Bonaventure and Thomas of Celano. The entire brotherhood recited psalms, sang hymns, and prayed in unison, deeply experiencing the spirit of St. Francis at La Verna. Br. Sleeva, Guardian of the Friary, and Br. Charles Bernard, the Novice Master, ensured that this celebration was filled with grace and reverence.
The presence of friars from various parts of the province, who were attending their annual renewal retreat, added even greater significance to the event. The centenary celebration of the Stigmata of St. Francis inspired a deeper call to renewal, reminding all present of the transformative power of St. Francis' encounter with Christ through the Stigmata.
Date |
Name of the Friars |
Events |
Year |
02 |
St. Louis Friary – Palmaner Fidelis D’ Lima |
Foundation Ordination |
1949 1964 |
05 |
Abraham Vadana Shaji Nicholas Vadachery + Valentine Crasta |
Birth Birth Home |
1946 1969 2011 |
06 |
Baptist D’ Souza |
Birth |
1975 |
07 |
+ Anthony’s Church - Bannur |
Erection |
1999 |
09 |
Anil Kerketta |
Birth |
1980 |
11 |
Richard D’Silva + Agnel D’ Mello |
Ordination Home |
1960 2013 |
13 |
Vincent Soosai Varghese Sebastian Scaria Varanath Thomas M.M. Dayanand Anand Suresh Minj Nideesh M. John |
Birth Ordination Ordination Ordination Ordination Birth Birth |
1970 1975 1975 1975 1975 1987 1993 |
14 |
+ Titus Myppan |
Home |
2012 |
15 |
Gregory Fernandes |
Ordination |
1963 |
16 |
Paul K.L. Assisi Sadan - Nagpur |
Birth Foundation |
1952 1993 |
17 |
Sidney Mascarenhas Varghese Lakra |
Ordination Birth |
1967 1977 |
18 |
Ajit Kerketta |
Birth |
1976 |
19 |
James Kallarackan Friary Chapel – Palmaner |
Birth Blessing |
1942 1967 |
21 |
Parish Church - Palmaner |
Blessing |
1964 |
22 |
Francis Agnelo Rozario |
Birth |
1966 |
24 |
Emmanuel Christopher |
Birth |
1992 |
25 |
Mukti P. Ekka + Celestine Reardon + Ambrose Staskunas |
Birth Home Home |
1973 1976 1986 |
26 |
Tony D’ Souza + Paschal Fernando |
Birth Home |
1962 1994 |
27 |
Irudayaraj Fernando Sahaya Dhas J. |
Ordination Ordination |
2002 2013 |
28 |
Madhu Sudhan Reddy |
Ordination |
2015 |
29 |
Thumma Ranjith Kumar Reddy |
Ordination |
2015 |
30 |
+ Gratian McEvoy Wilson Paul Nattalil Stephen Lamin Gashnga + Kuriyan Joseph |
Home Ordination Ordination Home |
1992 2003 2012 2015 |
31 |
Sleeva Reddy |
Birth |
1968 |