In the closing days of May 2026, the Order of Friars Minor in India witnessed a season of profound spiritual renewal — a time when young men chose to bind themselves in obedience, poverty, and chastity, and their brothers already on the journey renewed the sacred promises that define Franciscan life. Across the Province of St. Thomas the Apostle, the Custody of Mary the mother of God, and the Foundation of St. Francis of Assisi, the Gospel was not merely read — it was lived, embraced, and professed anew.
Having completed their year of postulancy, sixteen brothers crossed a threshold that is as ancient as the Order itself. On 30 May 2026, the doors of the Novitiate were opened by Br. Xavier Durairaj, Minister Provincial, who welcomed the brothers to the Order of Friars Minor by listening to the desirous knock of the postulants. Led in solemn procession to the Novitiate Chapel, the new novices received three gifts that together mark the beginning of the Franciscan journey. They received the San Damiano Cross, a sign of the discernment of Franciscan vocation and the call to walk the Gospel path. They were then given the Book of the Rule and Constitutions of the Order of Friars Minor, marking their clarity and audacity to daringly embrace the Gospel path. Finally, they donned the Franciscan habit — a much-awaited dream — with which their Franciscan journey in the Order of Friars Minor has truly begun.
The following day, on 1 June 2026, twenty novices who had completed their year of novitiate in the Fraternity of St. Louis Friary, Palamaner, guided by Br. Charles Bernard, the Novice Master, together with Br. Tommy TJ, Guardian and fraternity, made their Simple Profession in the hands of Br. Xavier Durairaj, Minister Provincial. With joy and solemnity, they professed to live the Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ in obedience, without anything of their own, and in chastity. During the homily, Br. Xavier encouraged the newly professed brothers to walk the Gospel faithfully as they learn the intricacies of the Franciscan way of life in the years of formation ahead, and to arrive at a firmness of heart that would set them apart as Gospel witnesses — the kind of witness the world so deeply and long needs.
Across the Province, Custody, and Foundation, twenty nine simple professed brothers renewed their vows for another year, recommitting themselves to the Gospel way of life and expressing their readiness and willingness to continue walking in the Order of Friars Minor. Each brother choosing once again, with full freedom and conviction, the path he had first embraced.
The season was further enriched by the ordination of several brothers to the priesthood and diaconate. In the months of April and May, Brs. Pradeep Anthony, Anthony Joseph Archer, Andrew Thomas, Nelson Toppo, Niraj Kumar Tirkey, and Ankit Kumar Baghel were ordained to the priesthood. Br. Kasu Eliyas had already been ordained in the month of February. In addition, Brs. Anmol Bara, Prasandeep Ekka, Bhushan Minj, and Ajay Mallikanti were ordained as Deacons, taking a significant step forward in their ministry within the Church.
Looking ahead, the season of commitment is not yet complete. On 13 June 2026, Brs. Kishore Joseph, Gins Francis, and Maria Nithin Kumar will make their Solemn Profession — binding themselves to the Order for life, in the fullness of the Franciscan charism. The entire fraternity accompanies them in prayer as they prepare for this definitive and joyful consecration.
What this season reveals, taken together, is a fraternity very much alive — one that continues to attract, to form, and to send. Young men still hear the call to walk the Gospel path that Francis walked before them. They still knock at the door, and the Order, faithful to its centuries of grace, continues to open.
