A New Leadership Team is elected
The Provincial Chapter 2026 of the Province of St. Thomas the Apostle, India, was held from 2–7 February 2026 at National Biblical Catechetical Liturgical Centre (NBCLC) in Bengaluru, bringing together friars from across the Province for prayer, reflection, discernment, and renewal. Br. Anthony Mathew Joseph served as the General Secretary for the Provincial Chapter
The presence of Br. Ignacio Ceja Jiménez, Vicar General of the Order served as a powerful sign of the Order's universal identity, and his opening homily challenged the friars to deepen their authentic identity as Friars Minor. The letters from Br. Massimo Fusarelli, Minister General, and Br. John Wong, Definitor General for Asia-Oceania—soaked in fraternal affection and containing invitations to renewal and recommitment to the Franciscan mission—served as a profound inspiration for the brothers gathered for the Chapter.
Presided over by the Minister Provincial, Br. Xavier Durairaj, and animated by the presence brothers of every fraternity in the Province along with the delegates from the Custody and Foundation, Temporary Professed Friars the Chapter became a significant moment in the ongoing journey of the Province.
Rooted in the celebration of the Eucharist and sustained by common prayer every day creatively animated by Brother Deacons, the Chapter unfolded as a grace-filled gathering marked by the jubilee Spirit of St. Francis - Man of Peace and Brother of All. From the very beginning, an atmosphere of gratitude prevailed as the brothers reflected together on their shared vocation and mission, inspired by the Gospel and the enduring charism of St. Francis of Assisi. A particularly joyful and grace-filled moment of the Chapter was the felicitation of the silver jubilarian friars, who are celebrating twenty-five years of priesthood and religious life.
The Chapter sessions offered an honest and comprehensive picture of the life of the Province today. Through various presentations and shared reflections, the friars revisited their commitment to mission and evangelization, formation, education, and the responsible stewardship of resources. Important matters concerning the future of formation structures—particularly the relocation of the Postulancy house—and the direction of educational ministries were discussed with care, ensuring that provincial structures remain responsive to present needs and future challenges.
A significant moment of the Chapter was the election of the new Provincial Definitory, tasked with assisting the Minister Provincial in the governance of the Province for the next triennium. Brs. Tommy T.J. Thekkel, Praveen D’Souza, Alex Martis, and John Sekar were elected as the new Definitors. Following the election, the newly elected brothers professed the Creed and took a Solemn Oath of office. The entire brotherhood welcomed them with the exchange of peace, signifying a shared commitment to lead the Province in a spirit of service and minority.
Looking decisively to the future, the Provincial Chapter issued a clear mandate for the coming triennium: the strengthening of fraternal life is to be a binding priority of the Province. This commitment will be expressed through the preparation of a Community Life Project in every fraternity, the faithful observance of daily common prayer, and the regular celebration of monthly House Chapters. These concrete measures aim to deepen communion, foster mutual responsibility, and ensure that the Franciscan charism remains vibrant and visible in every local fraternity, especially in the context of the ongoing Franciscan Centenary.
As the Province of St. Thomas, the Apostle moves forward, the Provincial Chapter 2026 stands as a renewed call to live the Gospel with simplicity, fraternity, and joy—faithful to the Franciscan vision and attentive to the needs of the Church and the world.
