OFM Franciscans - India

News & Events

First Year Theologians’ Ministry Experience

St. Francis encouraged us to see the humble goodness of God in the Eucharist and to “pour out our hearts” in gratitude. His words deeply inspired me in my ministry, especially as I distributed Holy Communion, where many people shared that they experienced Christ in receiving from me. I also taught Catechism to 5th-standard students, focusing on the significance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and I gained valuable insights from their questions. Later, I helped prepare children for their First Holy Communion alongside other teachers. Additionally, I participated in Small Christian Community meetings, where I shared my faith and deepened my understanding of God’s Word. These experiences not only connected Scripture to contemporary life but also strengthened my religious life through reflection and communal sharing. - Dhilip

My ministry took place at St. Anthony’s Friary Church, Bengaluru, where I was entrusted with teaching Catechism to the Kannada Confirmation class children. Initially, there was some confusion between me and the class teacher regarding responsibilities, as I was first assigned to teach general topics but later asked to handle academics as well. Despite this, everything went smoothly, and we successfully completed the Catechism classes. This experience was both enriching and a learning opportunity, as it was my first time teaching Catechism and improving my Kannada. Alongside teaching, I was involved in distributing Holy Communion and was honoured to be invited by the parish priest to sing at Mass on various occasions. Overall, I am grateful for this ministry and for all who made it possible. – Karthik

I began my ministry at St. Anthony’s Church in June, serving as the class teacher for the First Holy Communion children. It was an honour to teach and guide a class of 26 students, 24 of whom successfully received their First Holy Communion this year. In addition to teaching, I was actively involved in the parish’s spiritual life, serving as a Eucharistic Minister during the eight Sunday Masses, which allowed me to experience the Holy Eucharist in a more personal and meaningful way. I also participated in Small Christian Community (SCC) gatherings, including those in ST Bed, where I had the opportunity to share the Word of God and listen to the faith experiences of fellow parishioners. These gatherings deepened my own faith and enriched my ministry. Overall, my time at St. Anthony’s Friary has been a rewarding and transformative experience, for which I am truly grateful. – Brian

Sunday is the most sacred and enriching day of my week, a time for faith, service, and communion with God’s people—a day of both giving and receiving immeasurable grace. It begins with the privilege of distributing the Holy Eucharist at all Masses, where witnessing the faith and devotion of each communicant deepens my own understanding of this sacred mystery. One of my greatest joys is teaching Catechism to Class 7, where the children's curiosity and zeal inspire me through their thoughtful questions. Teaching them is not just about imparting knowledge but about nurturing a lifelong love for God. I also cherish guiding children in preparing to proclaim the Word of God at Mass, witnessing their growing confidence and the encouragement they receive from their parents. Attending SCC ward meetings with Br. Dhilip further nourishes my spiritual life, as reflecting on the Gospel with parishioners and seeing their eagerness to grow in faith fills me with renewed purpose. Through these experiences, my Sunday ministry has become more than a responsibility—it is a gift that allows me to serve, teach, learn, and form meaningful relationships. Each Sunday, I feel enriched and drawn deeper into my Franciscan vocation, which I cherish with gratitude and joy. – Allwin

God is at work in the world, calling each person to both a ministry within the body of Christ and a mission in the world. My ministry is my service to believers, and my mission is my service to unbelievers. Along with my fellow companions, I participated in Sunday ministry at St. Anthony’s Church, Bangalore, engaging in three key activities: distributing Holy Communion, teaching Catechism, and attending Basic Christian Community (BCC) meetings. As a Eucharistic Minister, I assisted in distributing Holy Communion during Sunday Mass, maintaining reverence and devotion while ensuring a smooth and orderly distribution alongside my brothers and the priest. Teaching Catechism to Class 3 students, alongside Br. Prakash, was a joyful and interactive experience, with 53 students learning about the Catholic faith, biblical teachings, sacraments, prayer, and church traditions. Our lessons incorporated storytelling, group activities, drawing, and project work, while also emphasizing moral values and good manners. Additionally, I participated in BCC meetings in Maruti Nagar with Br. Ralbin, where monthly gatherings included prayer, the rosary, scripture reading, and reflection, providing a meaningful faith-sharing experience. My Sunday ministry at St. Anthony’s Church continues to be spiritually enriching, deepening my faith while allowing me to serve the Church and community. I look forward to continuing this mission, nurturing young minds, and contributing to the faith of others. – Kamal Ekka

As part of my parish ministry this year, I had the enriching opportunity to teach altar servers, an experience that was both inspiring and instrumental in my personal and spiritual growth. Guiding young minds in their journey of service to the Church deepened my own faith while teaching me the value of patience, understanding, and effective communication. The enthusiasm of the altar servers to learn and serve was truly uplifting, and witnessing their growth in confidence and skill reassured me that I was helping to form the next generation of liturgical leaders. This experience also strengthened my leadership and teaching abilities, deepened my appreciation for the structure and meaning of the Mass, and reinforced my reverence and devotion. One of the most cherished moments of my ministry was assisting in the distribution of Holy Communion—an experience of profound grace and humility as I had the privilege of giving Jesus to others. Additionally, I actively participated in ward meetings in St. Alphonsa Ward, Maruti Nagar, where I engaged with parishioners, listened to their insights, and grew through their wisdom. I am grateful for this journey and for the opportunity to contribute to the spiritual growth of others while deepening my own faith.

– Ralbin Joeal. J

 

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

ST. FRANCIS

ST. FRANCIS

FRIARS' BIRTHDAY (May)

Date

Name of the Friars

Events

Year

02

Arulsamy A.

Mesia Elias Moses M.

Arvind Kerketta

Benedict Gomes

Ordination

Ordination

Ordination

Ordination

1991

1999

2005

2008

03

Charles Arulanandam

Alwyn D’ Souza

Birth

Ordination

1978

2006

04

Davis Kallookaran

Tommy T.J.

Arockiasamy P.

Thomas Manakuzhiyil

Saji P. Mathew

Arun Devasia Nattalil

Roshan Lobo

Francis Michael Velcy Barreto

Birth

Birth

Ordination

Ordination

Ordination

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Birth

1950

1959

2002

2004

2004

2017

2017

1992

05

Mathew Koottumkal

Jesu Maharajah G.

Peter Saleth Nathan J.

Andrew Thomas

Ordination

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Birth

1999

2010

2010

1997

06

Jayaseelan P.R.

Fulgence Ekka

Thaddeus Baxla

+ Leopold Vaz

Xavier Durairaj

Manoj Xalxo

Baikim Chadra Minj

Birth

Ordination

Ordination

Home

Ordination

Ordination

Ordination

1970

1997

1997

2000

2009

2012

2012

07

Vincent Soosai

Salim Baxla

Augustine Tirkey

A.J.Mathew Joseph

Bipin Kishore Kandulna

Ushar Kachhua

Ordination

Ordination

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

1999

2011

2017

2017

2017

2017

08

Julius Arul Rayan

Robin Lakra

Ajith Kerketta

Shanborlang Wartde

Ordination

Ordination

Ordination

Solemn Vows

2004

2007

2011

2017

09

Joy K.D.

Fabianus Toppo

Deen Dayal

Birth

Ordination

Birth

1970

2008

1983

10

+ Clement Griffith

Alwyn D’ Souza

Lourdu Augustine

Hemant Xess

Home

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Ordination

1950

2001

2001

2006

11

Gabriel Mathias

Joseph Raj M.

Baptist D’ Souza

Praveen Henry D’ Souza

Salim Baxla

Ajit Kerketta

Anil Xalxo

Anil Xalxo

Ordination

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Ordination

1974

2003

2003

2003

2008

2008

2008

2011

12

Ignatius Baa

Fulgence Ekka

Jose Palimattom

+ Baptist van de Sande

Vilas Baptist Correia

Salvador D’Souza

Birth

Solemn Vows

Ordination

Home

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

1970

1994

1999

2001

2007

2007

13

Shaju Paliyathil

Jesu Maharajah G.

Birth

Ordination

1967

2012

14

Kulandaisamy M.

Felix Vijay M.

Nijil Chiramel

Leos Ekka

Malom-Noatoli – Church

Simon A.

Birth

Birth

Birth

Ordination

Blessing

Ordination

1958

1983

1986

1994

2006

2011

15

Alwyn D’ Souza

Mukti Prakash Ekka

Fabianus Toppo

Baptist D’Souza

Santosh Ekka

Birth

Ordination

Solemn Vows

Ordination

Ordination

1975

2004

2005

2007

2010

16

Simon Pinto

+ Paul Ryan

+ Egbert Barnes

Jerome Kispotta

Prasad Papabathuni

Joy K.D.

Naveen George

+ Bala Sundar Raj

Peter Shashikanth Reddy G.

Birth

Home

Home

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Ordination

Home

Birth

1952

1958

1985

1994

1995

1995

2011

2011

1996

17

Balthazar Pinto

Anthony Pushparaj

Arokiam John

Charles Arulanandam

Ordination

Ordination

Ordination

Ordination

1990

2007

2007

2007

18

Bryan Carneiro

Arvind Kerketta

Birth

Solemn Vows

1969

2003

19

Shaji Nicholas Vadachery

Jugal Kishore Lakra

Ordination

Solemn Vows

1999

2002

20

+ Thomas Province - INDIA

Bernardine of Siena

Pradeep Kalliath

Matthew Koottumkal

Jayaseelan P.R.

Jamesmon P.C.

Thomas A.

Joy Valooran

Sushil Beck

Joy (George) Sebastian

Xavier Durairaj

Santosh Ekka

John Sekar

Alangara Boniface

Foundation

Feast

Birth

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Ordination

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Birth

1948


1977

1998

1998

1998

1998

1999

2001

2007

2007

2007

2007

1989

21



Thaddeus Baxla

Ajit Kumar Dung Dung

Lalith Kujur

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Ordination

1995

2006

2012

22

Guwahati Mission

Sandesh Manuel

Balaswamy Gundiga

Benedict Gomes

Vijay kAmirtharaj A.

Foundation

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

1996

2004

2005

2005

2005

23

Anthony Alex Martis

Solemn Vows

2004

24

Dedication of the Basilica of St. Francis

Pradeep Kalliath

Feast


Solemn Vows



2004

25

Jose Palimattom

Sleeva Reddy

Vincent Soosai

Matthew Koottumkal

Johnson M.V.

Shaji Nicholas Vadachery

Joy Valooran

Tojy Mandapathil

Mesia Elias Moses M.

Anthony Roobandass A.

Arokiam John

Charles Arulanandam

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

1990

1990

1990

1990

1991

1991

1991

1991

1991

2004

2004

2004

27

Basil Lobo

Varghese Lakra

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

2001

2007

28

Jerome Kispotta

Fulgence Ekka

Cajetan Lourenco

Francis Agnelo Rozario

Sagaya Soosairaj

Singarayar A.

Prasad Papabathuni

Thaddeus Baxla

Joy K.D.

Assisi Bhavan, Chippilithode

Phyrnai Lyngdoh

Madhu Sudhan Reddy

Deen Dayal

Nathaniel vTirkey

Jesu Raja A.

Johnvinzen Lyngdoh

Teiborlang Wartde

Rajasekhar Reddy Gopu

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Blessing

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

1988

1988

1988

1988

1988

1988

1988

1989

1989

2006

2014

2014

2014

2016

2016

2016

2016

2016

29

Varghese Sebastian

Scaria Varanath

Thomas M.M.

Dayanand

Bala Marneni

Paul Kallan

John Chrysostom

Regi Matthew

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Ordination

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

1970

1970

1970

1970

1990

1993

1993

2003

30

Gregory Fernandes

Fidelis D’ Lima

Augustine Pinto

Sidney J.M.

Nicholas D’ Souza

James Kallarackan

Charles Mathew Kolanchery

Joy Prakash

Gabriel Mathias

Amaladass Manickam

Jayaseelan P.R.

Jamesmon P.C.

Thomas A.

Tom John

Arockiasamy P.

Cajetan Lourenco

Francis Agnelo Rozario

Sagaya Soosairaj

Singarayar A.

Irudayaraj Fernando

Austin Francis

Mukti Prakash Ekka

Francis Xavier

Wilson Paul Nattalil

Basil S. Lobo

Thomas M.J.

Julius Arul Rayan

Alwyn D’Souza

Sushil Beck

Saji P. Mathew

Lourdu Augustine

Shaju Paliyathil

Bryan Carneiro

Ignatius Baa

Regi Matthew

Bhaskar Reddy

Tomy Palackal

Benjamin Jojo

Joseph Raj M.

Baptist D’ Souza

Anthony Alex Martis

Jugal Kishore Lakra

Anthony Pushparaj

Praveen Henry D’ Souza

Michael Anand

Kulandaisamy M.

Arvind Kerketta

Hemant Xess

Pradeep Kalliath

Anthony Roobandass

Arun Junes A.

Balaswamy Gundiga

Robin Lakra

Arokiam John

Charles Arulanandam

Sandesh Manuel

Benedict Gomes

Vijay Amirtharaj A.

Salim Baxla

Ajit Kumar Dung Dung

Francis Xavier

Thomas M.J.

Saji P. Mathew

Joy (George) Sebastian

Xavier Durairaj

Varghese Lakra

Santosh Ekka

Salvador D’Souza

John Sekar

Ajit Kerketta

Anil Xalxo

Simon A.

Naveen George

Lalith Kujur

Tony Marshall

Vijay Minj

Manoj Xalxo

Baikim Chandra Minj

Prashanth Wilson Fernandes

Jesu Maharaja G.

Peter Saleth Nathan J.

Prem Kumar D’ Souza

Stephen Lamin Gashnga

Jayapal Dwarakonda

Joseph Stephen

Vinoth Robin

Sahaya Dhas J.

Praveen Roshan Toppo

Felix Vijay

Eugene A.

Jeddu Praveen Chinna Reddy

Nijil Chiramel

Joseph Prasanna Kumar

Pasala Showri Raju

Christopher

Phyrnai Lyngdoh

Basil Tirkey

Vinod Kujur

Madhu Sudan Reddy

Francis Arokiasamy M.

Thumma Ranjith Kumar Reddy

Deen Dayal

Prashanth Wilson Fernandes

Nathaniel Tirkey

+ Valerian Quadros

Jesu Raja A.

Johnvinzen Lyngdoh

Teiborlang Wartde

Shanborlang Wartde

Rajasekhar Reddy Gopu

Augustine Tirkey

A.J.Mathew Joseph

Bipin Kishore Kandulna

Arun Devasia Nattalil

Roshan Lobo

Ushar Kachhua

Salvador Drego

Anand Suresh Minj

Emmanuel Christopher N.

Anto Leo

Martin Sangma

Clinton J.

Nideesh M. John

Albinus Ekka

Prasad Rao

Kasu Eliyas Reddy

Stephen Arun

Thomas Kiren

Vineet Kerketta

Silash Panna

Nicolas Marak

Adarsh Y.

Deepak Kumar

Rajesh Praveen Kumar

Avinash Kujur

Alphone Velankanni

Abhishek M.

Anmol Bara

Akshay Showry Raj

Ejekial Lakra

Francis Michael Velcy Barretto

Henry Jose

Ibrahim G Momin

Joseph Raj

Kalyan Kurmar

Manish Ekka

Marius Dahanga

Nichol John

Ravi Bara

Salun Kispotta

Sujit Ganji

Alangara Boniface

Anthony Joseph archer

Pradeep Anthony L.

Jacob Tani

Gali Bal Reddy

T.S Leo Max

Joseph Kishan

Niranjan Toppo

Peter Shashikanth Reddy G.

Ankit Kumar Baghel

Niraj Kumar Tirkey

Nelson Toppo

Avinash Toppo

Andrew Thomas

Justin Savio A.

Felix A.

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Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

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Solemn Vows

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1956

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31

Gregory Fernandes

Fidelis D’Lima

Agnel D’Mello

Augustine Pinto

Sidney J.M

Salim Joseph

Nicholas D’Souza

James Kallarackan

Charles Mathew Kolanchery

Joy Prakash

Gabriel Mathias

Varghese Sebastian

Scaria Varanath

Thomas M.M.

Dayanand

Alphonse Moras

Gerald Lobo

Simon Pinto

Paul K.L.

Davis Kallookaran

Lawrence Simon

Arok Sundar Sebastian

Dharma L. Bernard

Johnson M.V.

Shaji Nicholas Vadachery

Joy Valooran

Mesia Elias Moses M.

Irudayaraj Fernando

Austin Francis

Anthony Pushparaj

Simon A.

Naveen George

Tony Marshall

Lalith Kujur

Manoj Xalxo

Baikim Chandra Minj

Vijay Minj

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Birth

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

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Solemn Vows

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Solemn Vows

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Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

1960

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