On May 1-4, 2025, the Province of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in India conducted its annual gathering for all of the solemnly professed friars of the Jurisdiction. The event was held at the Assisi Shanthi Kendra Friary and Provincialate in Karukutty, India.
The gathering was a time of profound spiritual renewal, fraternity, and vocational celebration. This yearly fraternal encounter brought together solemnly professed friars from all across the Province.
The event began on Thursday, May 1, with the friars arriving and getting checked in. A festive lunch followed. At 3:30 p.m., the Province celebrated as ten novices made their first profession of vows. Friar Francis PARAMBY presided, with Friars Sinto ANTU THIRUTHEL, Shibin MALAYIL and others concelebrating. Friar Michael EARALY, the Minister Provincial, received the novices’ vows. Friar Sebastian VADAKEKATTEZHATHU gave the homily. The day concluded with refreshments and dinner.
Friday, May 2, began with Morning Prayer followed by a ceremony to mark the beginning of the novitiate year. Friar Michael EARALY presided. At 2:30 p.m., a number of friars professed their solemn vows with Friar Dominic THEKKEMUNDACKAPADAVIL as the main celebrant and the Minister Provincial again receiving the vows. Friars Louis PANTHIRUVELIL and Sebastian VADAKKEKATTEZHATHU concelebrated and Friar Mariadas PALATTY gave the homily. The day concluded with Evening Prayer.
Saturday, May 3, began with a “mission-intention” Mass at the neighboring St. Francis of Assisi Church. Friar Shinto VENKUZHIYIL presided with Friars Robert Shaiji VELLACHALIL and Shibin PAYYAMBILLIL concelebrating. A group photo session followed. The morning also included an insightful lecture by Miss Muse MARY GEORGE on the challenges facing priests today. After the meetings of various commissions, lunch was served. Later, there was a general assembly with the Minister Provincial. The evening closed with a solemn dinner, followed by a reception and common recreation.
The final day, Sunday, May 4, was focused on the theme of deeper reflection and the topic of leadership. Father Martin KALLUNGAL spoke to the formators about self-realization. In the afternoon, Friar Adam MĄCZKA, OFM Conv., Guardian and Rector of the Seraphicum International College in Rome, led a compelling session on the role, authority, and dynamics of Guardians. Meetings with the Minister Provincial bookended the day, ensuring continued dialogue and shared vision for the future.
The gathering was not only a time of celebration and commitment but also one of vision, direction, and deepening fraternal bonds in the service of the Franciscan mission.
Friar Patrick VARGHESE (KANNADAN), Provincial Secretary
