OFM Franciscans - India

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A Meaningful Encounter at St. Louis’ Bread Centre

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

 

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

ST. FRANCIS

ST. FRANCIS

FRIARS' BIRTHDAY (June)

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