The Franciscan jubilee spirit was palpable at St. Louis Friary, Palamaner, as Br. Ignacio Ceja Jiménez, Vicar General of the Order, arrived on 27 February to visit the Novitiate and Aspirancy House of the Province. His visit marked a historic moment for the community as he officially inaugurated the Jubilee Year of St. Francis. The air was filled with devotion during a solemn prayer service where the entire fraternity gathered to relive the spirit and charism of their seraphic father.
Moving in a prayerful procession with lighted candles, the friars, novices, and aspirants followed Br. Ignacio as he reverently carried a Relic of St. Francis toward the Transitus Chapel. This chapel, a faithful replica of the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi containing the Saint’s tomb, served as a sacred space for the community to reflect on the final moments of St. Francis’ earthly life. After Br. Ignacio blessed the chapel, Br. Joseph Raj presided over a moving ceremony enriched by readings from the Franciscan Sources. For the aspirants just beginning their journey and the novices who recently donned the habit, the event served as a profound inspiration to cherish their vocation as Friars Minor.
In a profound message to the community, Br. Ignacio invited everyone to embrace the Franciscan vocation with a renewed spirit. Beyond the liturgical celebrations, he spent significant time interacting with the young aspirants and novices, listening to their vocation stories, their dreams, and their visions for the future of the Order. His presence was further felt as he visited and blessed the ongoing construction of the parish church. The visit also featured a joyful cultural program where the aspirants and novices showcased their talents, eventually leading Br. Ignacio to the stage where he graciously shared his own singing skills with the assembly.
The celebration was made even more joyful by the presence of Br. Baptist D’Souza, Delegate of the General Secretary to the Foundation OFM Fraternitas in Rome, Br. Bala Marneni ministering in USA, and Br. Vijay Amirtharaj ministering in Germany, Br. Gopu Rajasekhar, Project Secretary who were joined by Ms. Maria Woste, Mr. Joe Wehr, Mrs. Geannie Wehr, and Mr. Tom Caprara. Meticulously arranged by Br. Sleeva, Guardian, and Br. Charles Bernard, Novice Master, the visit solidified St. Louis Friary’s reputation as the "Cradle of Franciscans in India." Now designated as a pilgrimage site for the Province, the friary remains a true wellspring of the Franciscan spirit for all who visit.
