The Order of Friars Minor founded by St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) is a fraternity. In this fraternity the friars follow Jesus Christ more closely under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit; through profession they dedicate themselves totally to God whom they love above all, living the Gospel in the Church according to the form observed and proposed by St. Francis. Friars, as followers of St. Francis, are bound to lead a radically evangelical life, namely: to live in a spirit of prayer and devotion and in fraternal fellowship; they are to offer a witness of penance and minority; and, in charity towards all mankind, they are to announce the Gospel throughout the whole world and to preach reconciliation, peace and justice by their deeds; and to show respect for creation.
The Dutch Franciscans started the first house in Bangalore, India in1948. Our Province was restructured in 2008 and created two more entities in India, with a Region in North India and a Foundation in North East India.
We, as the Franciscan Province of St. Thomas the Apostle, are a part of a worldwide Brotherhood with International and Intercultural dimensions. We are called to give greater quality to our vocation through a joyful and vibrant witness to the Gospel among all peoples, in fraternity and minority.
Our Apostolate consists mainly of Parish ministry, School, Social Institutions like Boys Homes, ITI, Preaching ministries, Ashram ministry etc. Entities
The Province of St. Thomas, the Apostle in India, consists of the States of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala.
The dependent Custody (Region) of Mary, the Mother of God consists of the states of Goa, Maharashtra, M.P, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Orissa.
The dependent Foundation of St. Francis of Assisi in North East India consists of Assam and the other States of the North East. At the moment, we have our apostolate and mission work in Assam
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 |