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Louis Friary - Palamaner, India Celebrates the 8th Centenary of the Stigmata

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.

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