On Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the historic Church of San Salvatore in Jerusalem, Br. Leo Max OFM and Br. Joseph Lakra OFM, two friars from the Province of St. Thomas teh Apostle India, were instituted into the ministry of Acolyte by Fr. Francesco Patton OFM, Custos of the Holy Land. The solemn celebration took place in the context of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, highlighting the deep communion and cooperation at the heart of all Christian ministry.
The ministry of Acolyte is a significant step in the friars' spiritual and pastoral journey, enabling them to serve more closely at the altar and assist in the distribution of the Eucharist. In his homily, Fr. Patton reminded the brothers that every ministry in the Church is rooted in the life of the Trinity, a call to serve in unity, humility, and love.
We rejoice with Br. Leo Max and Br. Joseph Lakra and give thanks for their generous response to God’s call. Their presence and witness reflect the growing contribution of Indian friars in the universal Franciscan fraternity. Let us accompany them with our fraternal prayers as they continue their formation in the Holy Land.
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 |
