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 |
04 |
St.Francis of Assisi Robin Lakra Pratap Reddy Salibindla Arulsamy A. Thomas Joseph Bobby V.T. Johnny Anthony Athanasius Xaxa Leos Ekka |
Solemnity Birth Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows |
1974 1988 1988 1988 1988 1989 1991 1991 |
06 |
Salim Joseph Babu Jose Pamplany James N. Trevor D’ Souza Malom - Noatoli + George Muthaiah |
Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Arrival Home |
1991 1991 1991 1991 1995 2002 |
08 |
North Guwahati Salvador D’ Souza |
Arrival Ordination |
1999 2011 |
10 |
+ Gerald D’ Souza |
Home |
2013 |
14 |
+ Bosco Jayaraj Tony D’ Souza |
Home Ordination |
1970 1990 |
15 |
Joy Sebastian Prasad Rao K. |
Birth Birth |
1972 1990 |
19 |
Provincialate Marius Dahanga |
Blessing Birth |
1998 1992 |
21 |
+ Basil Devasagayam Arockiasamy P. Eliyas Reddy |
Home Birth Birth |
1965 1970 1995 |
26 |
Gerald Lobo |
Birth |
1951 |
27 |
+ Paschal Lobo Jose Palimattom Benjamin Jojo Anil Xalxo Thumma Ranjith Kumar Reddy |
Home Birth Birth Birth Birth |
1956 1967 1975 1979 1988 |
28 |
Teiborlang Wartde |
Birth |
1987 |
30 |
Austin Francis |
Birth |
1972 |
30 |
Punitha Anthoniar Illam - Madurai |
Blessing |
1994 |
31 |
Manish Ekka |
Birth |
1993 |