On January 24, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., the friars of the Province of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in India blessed their newly constructed St. Peter Franciscan Ashram. This new friary is located on Toopran Road in Gajwel, India. It has been inaugurated as a house of prayer and fraternity.
The friary was blessed by His Eminence Cardinal Anthony POOLA, Archbishop of Hyderabad, India. The Minister Provincial of the Province of India, Friar Michael EARALY, presided over the inauguration ceremony. The Assistant General for the Federation of Asian Minor Conventuals, Giuseppe Myoungjin PARK, was also present, along with members of the local Conventual Franciscan community, namely, the Guardian, Friar Saviour KARAMVELIL, and Friars Felix KANDATHINKARA and Victor PALLIPADAN.
The ashram is envisioned as a spiritual center dedicated to prayer, fraternity, and service, strengthening the Conventual Franciscan mission in the region. Friars, faithful, and well-wishers gathered in thanksgiving to God for the inauguration of this new friary.
Friar Patrick VARGHESE (KANNADAN)
Provincial Secretary
