On September 8, 2020, the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the newly renovated Theotokos building and chapel were blessed by the Provincial Delegate, Friar Louis PANTHIRUVELIL, with friars from nearby friaries in attendance.
The Bala Yesu Franciscan Ashram is the first friary erected in Andhra Pradesh since 2001. It was established soon after the Province of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in India began its missionary apostolate in Andhra-Telangana. The friary is situated in the village of Dondapudi and is involved in a number of the mission apostolates including the Bala Yesu Shrine Parish and the Greyfriars Junior and Degree College.
It was the decision of last Provincial Chapter to erect this friary as a minor seminary where aspirants in the Delegation could carry out their “intermediate studies” [last two years of high school]. Work to renovate the building for this purpose began last May and was completed at the end of July.
The first-year intermediate students [penultimate year of high school] have already begun formation under the guidance of Friars Shyju ELAMTHURUTHIYIL (formator), Jobin EENTHUMKAL (guardian) and Alex CHOKKY KUNJEO (pastor).
Friar Jobin EENTHUMKAL