OFM Franciscans - India

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The Plenary Council of the Province of St. Thomas the Apostle, India

The Plenary Council of the Province of St. Thomas the Apostle, India, took place from 11 November to 15 November  at Assisivanam in Madapurachal, Kerala. Mandated by the Provincial Chapter of 2022, the event gathered brothers from different fraternities to celebrate their brotherhood, reflect on their shared mission, and discuss key policies that will shape the life and mission of the friars in the Province.

Br. Naveen George, General Secretary of the Plenary Council, played a pivotal role in organizing the event. His meticulous planning ensured that all details were addressed, and the schedule was designed to meet the needs of the gathering. His dedication and leadership were evident in the efficient execution of the event.

In his inaugural address, Br. Xavier Durairaj, Minister Provincial, invited the friars to reflect on the theme "From the Wounds, New Life," inspired by the 800th anniversary of the stigmata of St. Francis. He called on the friars to embrace renewal with vigor and enthusiasm, encouraging them to begin anew with a deep sense of purpose and commitment to their mission. During the homily at the inaugural Eucharist, Br. Saji Mathew, Vicar Provincial, emphasized the importance of brotherhood, urging the friars to be attentive and sensitive to one another's needs and to extend support to uplift each other in their journey.

The Plenary Council was further graced by the presence of Br. Wilson Paul, President of the Dependent Foundation of St. Francis of Assisi, and Br. Santosh Ekka, Custos of the Dependent Custody, along with delegates from both the Foundation and the Custody. A total of 60 friars gathered for the event, uniting in prayer and Eucharistic celebrations. These sacred moments strengthened their faith and deepened their sense of brotherhood. The jubilarians were honored for their years of service and dedication, along with the newly ordained friars who have embarked on the path of ministry as friar priests.

Br. Joy Sebastian also delivered an important session on the friars' responsibility to protect minors and vulnerable adults. He highlighted the obligation to provide a safe environment within the friaries, institutions, and parishes, stressing the vital duty of the friars to safeguard those entrusted to their care. Among the key decisions, the friars approved several important policies, including the policy for sending friars for specialized studies, an updated safeguarding policy for minors and vulnerable adults, and a policy for financial management within the Province. These policies will serve as a basis for the continued growth and mission of the Province in India.

The host fraternity, Assisivanam, is home to student friars studying philosophy. Br. Johnson MV, the Guardian of Assisivanam, along with the fraternity and particularly the student friars, worked tirelessly for the fruitful celebration of the Plenary Council. The youthful and vibrant presence of the student friars created an atmosphere that joyfully celebrated the Franciscan vocation!

 

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

ST. FRANCIS

ST. FRANCIS

FRIARS' BIRTHDAY (October)

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

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