On November 3-9, 2024, the Province of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in India hosted a “Junior Priests Meeting,” a week of renewal and mission for nineteen of its “junior priests” [friars ordained to the priesthood for five years or less]. This transformative meeting blended spiritual reflection and mission experience. It was held at the Green Park Convent of the Missionaries of Charity Brothers in Kolkata, India.
The meeting included a mission experience in nearby villages, a discussion with the Minister Provincial, Friar Michael EARALY, OFM Conv., a session on missionary work with “Brother Yesudas” (a member of the Missionaries of Charity Brothers), a visit to the tomb of St. Mother Teresa of Kolkata, and finally, a tourist visit to the State of Sikkim. The program fostered holistic growth, stressing the harmony of pastoral commitment and personal renewal. It emphasized the call to serve the marginalized with compassion and solidarity.
Other highlights of the meeting included the mission experiences in the villages, which immersed the participants in the realities of rural life, and the discussion with the Minister Provincial, which deepened their understanding of fraternity and adaptability in their ministry. The session with Brother Yesudas on missionary resilience, and the pilgrimage to the tomb of St. Mother Teresa, enriched their spiritual focus. The tour of Sikkim, which served as the culmination of the meeting, reinforced their bonds of fraternity and underscored the balance needed between service and self-renewal. This week-long gathering exemplified the commitment of the junior priests to their vocation, preparing them to face future challenges with faith and fraternity.
Friar Patrick VARGHESE (KANNADAN), Provincial Secretary
