At St. Louis’ Novitiate in Palamaner, we, the novices, dedicated the first three months of our novitiate to laying a firm foundation for our religious life. We deepened our understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus in the footsteps of St. Francis. Then, we had the opportunity to put our spirituality into practice by serving those on the margins of society. We joined Friar Jaypal, the Parish Priest, and a few parishioners to distribute lunch to the needy at the St. Louis Bread Centre on the church premises.
Friar Charles Bernard, our Novice Master, reminded us that our words and actions should make our ministry at the Bread Centre not just a task but a meaningful lesson and a lifelong experience. We were sent there two by two. While serving food was easy, I soon realized that our ministry had to be more than just distributing meals—it had to be a relationship-building encounter, one that reflected the way Jesus and St. Francis met people.
I smiled at those who came, wanting them to feel that I was happy to serve them a warm meal. However, I faced a challenge—I did not speak Telugu, the local language. Seeing my struggle, Friar Jaypal taught me a simple yet powerful phrase: Bagunnara?—“How are you?” When I greeted people with this word and a genuine smile, it was like a magic key. The simple act of serving food turned into a joyful and heartfelt encounter.
As I continued serving, the people I met became my teachers. They eagerly taught me more Telugu words, laughing and encouraging me as I tried to use them. What started as a simple meal-sharing became a moment of genuine connection. The plate of steaming rice and curry, offered with warmth and kind words, transformed our time together—it was as if we were gathered at a joyful feast. Conversations blossomed, and what was once a routine service turned into a daily reunion of friends.
One day, a man arrived late for lunch. We had just finished serving and were about to clean up. Disappointed, we had to tell him, “Sorry, brother, there is no food left.” Just then, a woman who had not yet started eating stepped forward and generously offered him half of what she had on her plate. That simple act of kindness moved me deeply.
On another occasion, I overheard a man in line say to our cook, “At the government canteen, we have to pay ₹5 for lunch. But here, we receive not just good food, but love and respect—for free.”
Nowadays, it takes us longer to reach the Bread Centre. People stop us along the way, greeting us warmly, calling out Mana Thamudu—“Our little brother”—and asking us, Bagunnara? It is a beautiful reminder of the bonds we have formed.
I have come to realize that love is not just an abstract idea—it takes on flesh in kind words and good deeds. Now, I understand why Jesus, St. Francis, and saints like Mother Teresa never saw the poor as a burden. The poor give us far more than we could ever give them.
Br. Gagan
Date |
Name of the Friars |
Events |
Year |
01 |
Jose Palimattom Vincent Soosai Fabianus Toppo Bryan Carneiro Bhaskar Reddy Michael Anand |
Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Entry Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows |
1996 1996 1999 2002 2002 2002 |
02 |
Leos Ekka Vinoth Robin + Denis Boers Basil Tirkey Vinod Kujur Francis Arokiasamy M. Thumma Ranjith Kumar Reddy |
Birth Birth Home Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows |
1963 1985 1997 2013 2013 2013 2013 |
03 |
Fabianus Toppo + Theodore Caine Ankit Kumar Baghel |
Birth Home Birth |
1978 1986 1996 |
04 |
Dharmodaya Ashram - Bellary |
Foundation |
1995 |
06 |
Alphonse Moras |
Birth |
1950 |
07 |
Sleeva Reddy Tojy M. |
Solemn Vows Solemn Vows |
1998 1998 |
08 |
Joy Valooran Dominic C.J. Balthazar Pinto Bala Marneni Tony D’ Souza |
Birth Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows |
1970 1987 1987 1987 1987 |
09 |
Anthony Joseph Archer |
Birth |
1992 |
10 |
Arokia Raj R. |
Solemn Vows |
1989 |
11 |
Jesu Raja A. |
Birth |
1985 |
12 |
Pratap Reddy Salibindla Balthazar Pinto Bala Marneni Tony D’Souza Arokia Raj R. Arulsamy A. Thomas Joseph Bobby V.T. Johnny Anthony Charles Bernard Felix Gassam Athanasius Xaxa Paul Kallan Leos Ekka John Chrysostom Salim Joseph Francis Kaviyil Babu Jose Pamplany James N. Chinnappan M. Devaraj Amaldas Belevendran |
Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry |
1981 1981 1981 1981 1982 1982 1982 1982 1983 1984 1984 1985 1985 1985 1985 1985 1985 1985 1985 1985 1986 |
13 |
+ Anthony of Padua Samson A. Basen Friary Nanasera Friary New Church at Sion Bannur Friary |
Feast Birth Foundation Foundation Blessing Foundation |
1955 1982 1992 1995 1999 |
14 |
Francis Arokiasamy M. |
Birth |
1987 |
16 |
Adarsh Y. |
Birth |
1994 |
18 |
Michael Anand |
Ordination |
2005 |
19 |
Dayanand Dharma L. Bernard |
Birth Birth |
1950 1953 |
20 |
Tony Marshall + Alphaeus Swinkels |
Birth Home |
1978 1980 |
21 |
Jamesmon P.C. |
Birth |
1970 |
22 |
Arulsamy A. Arun Junes |
Birth Birth |
1961 1978 |
25 |
Thomas M.M. |
Birth |
1949 |
26 |
Niraj Kumar Tirkey |
Birth |
1993 |
27 |
Naveen George |
Birth |
1982 |
28 |
Samson Tommy T.J. Dominic C.J. Carlos Dias Manoj Xalxo |
Entry Entry Entry Entry Birth |
1980 1980 1980 1980 1982 |
30 |
Amaldas Belevendran + Leo Remedios |
Birth Home |
1967 1970 |