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.
To live out the Good News of Jesus Christ in a spirit of obedience, without personal possessions and in chastity.
The Dutch Franciscans started the first house in Bangalore, India in 1948. The Franciscan Province of St. Thomas the Apostle, in India, was officially erected on 12 March 1985. This was not the first time an independent Franciscan Province was established in India. During the Portuguese period there were two full fledged Provinces in Goa: Province of St. Thomas, which was erected in 1612 and the Province of Mother of God, which was erected in 1622. The Franciscan Province of St. Thomas the Apostle, in India was restructured in 2008 and created two more entities in India, with a dependent Custody (region) in North India and a dependent Foundation in North East India.
The Franciscans are present in 117 countries with 13233 professed members around the world.
Our Apostolate consists mainly of Parish ministry, Schools, Social Institutions: Boys Homes, Home for the rag pickers, centre to give care for the HIV/AIDS patients, Industrial Training School, Preaching ministries, Ashram ministries, Centre for Integrity of Creation.
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 |