During the closing days of 2025, and the opening days of 2026, the Province of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in India joyfully celebrated a series of priestly ordinations and First Holy Masses. These ordinations marked a significant moment in the life of the Order and the Church.
The celebrations began on December 29, 2025, when Friar Nibil KOLLITHADATHIL was ordained to the priesthood during Mass at 9:15 a.m. at St. Sebastian’s Church in Irulam, India. On December 31, 2025, the friars gathered at the Assisi Shanthi Kendra Friary in Karukutty, India, for the priestly ordinations of Friars Jibin EDAPULAVAN, Arun MANGALY, and Alan PARAYIL, also celebrated at 9:15 a.m.
On January 1, 2026, Friar Jintesh MALIAKKAL was ordained to the priesthood at St. Sebastian Forane Church in Kuttikkad, India. On January 5, 2026, Friar Jomon PULICKAMANDAPATHIL was ordained to the priesthood at St. Thomas Forane Church in Velichiyani, India.
After their ordinations, the new priests celebrated their First Holy Masses in their home parishes. On January 3, 2026, Father Arun MANGALY, OFM Conv., presided over his First Holy Mass at Bharatha Rani Church in Vathakkad, India. On January 4, 2026, Father Alan PARAYIL, OFM Conv., celebrated his First Holy Mass at St. Joseph’s Church in Snehapuram, India.
The Order of Friars Minor Conventual thanks God for the gift of these new priests and invites the faithful to continue to pray for them as they begin their ministry of service to the Church and God’s people.
Friar Patrick VARGHESE (KANNADAN), Provincial Secretary
