OFM Franciscans - India

News & Events

Friars Leo Max and Joseph Lakra Receive Ministry of Acolyte in the Holy Land

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.

 

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

ST. FRANCIS

ST. FRANCIS

FRIARS' BIRTHDAY (July)

Date

Name of the Friars

Events

Year

01

Anthony Alex Martis

Birth

1976

02

Pratap Reddy Salibindla

Henry Jose

Birth

Birth

1960

1992

03

+ Thomas the Apostle – Patron of the Province

Amaladass Manickam

Atma Jyothi, Mysore

Abhishek M.

Feast


Solemn Vows

Blessing

Birth



1982

1987

1995

04

Praveen Henry D’Souza

Ordination

2007

05

Martin Sangma

Birth

1992

06

Jugal Kishore Lakra

Birth

1976

07

+ Michael Haliday

Baikim Chandra Minj

Stephen Lamin Gashnga

Home

Birth

Birth

1976

1982

1983

08

Dominic C.J.

+ Bede Worham

Birth

Home

1959

1991

09

Mukti Prakash Ekka

Arun Junes

Solemn Vows

Ordination

2000

2006

12

Anto Leo

Birth

1988

13

Sidney J.M.

Arvind Kerketta

Birth

Birth

1941

1970

14

Michael Anand

Simon A.

Deepak Xalxo

Avinash Toppo

Birth

Birth

Birth

Birth

1977

1981

1992

1996

15

+ Bonaventure

Feast


20

+ Blaise Lobo

Home

1997

21

Lawrence of Brindisi

James N.

Feast

Birth


1966

22

+ Leonard Fernandes

Home

1980

27

+ Cornelius D’ Souza

Phyrnai Lyngdoh

Home

Birth

2009

1983

28

+ Alphonsa

Feast


30

Trevor D’ Souza

Entry

1985

31

Joseph Prasanna Kumar

Birth

1985