Priestly Ordinations
The 2021-22 academic year blessed the Province of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in India with four new priests in the Order of Friars Minor Conventual.
On Sunday, December 26, 2021, Friar Naveen KANDATHIL THOMAS was ordained to the priesthood by the imposition of the hands of the Most Reverend Sebastian VANIYAPURACKAL, Curial Bishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly, India (Syro-Malabar). The ordination took place at the St. Maria Goretti Church in Kollamula, Kerala State, India.
On Tuesday, December 28, 2021, Friar Jijo ANTONY BHARANIKULANGARA was ordained to the priesthood by the imposition of the hands of the Most Reverend Pauly KANNOOKADAN, Bishop of Irinjalakuda, India. The ordination took place at the St. Sebastian Forane Church in Kuttikkadu, Kerala State.
Also on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, Friar Shibin PAYYAMBILLIL was ordained to the priesthood by the imposition of the hands of the Most Reverend José PORUNNEDOM Bishop of Mananthavady, India. The ordination took place at the St. Sebastian Church in Kottiyoor, Kerala State.
On Sunday, January 23, 2022 Friar Sonu KACHAPPILLY was ordained to the priesthood by the imposition of the hands of the Most Reverend Mathew VANIAKIZHAKKEL Bishop Emeritus of Satna, India. The ordination took place at the St. Anthony Church in Naduvattom, Kerala State.
Solemn Professions
On Wednesday, February 2, 2022, Friars Delvin MANGALAN and Don VALIYAPARAMBIL made their solemn profession at the St. Francis of Assisi Church of the Assisi Shanthi Kendra in Karukutty, Kerala State.
Mass for the event began at 2:30 p.m. Friar Stephen OLLETHAZHATHU, the Guardian of Assisi Shanthi Kendra-Provincialate, in Karukutty, greeted the assembly and congratulated these two confreres on their final choice to offer themselves completely to the Lord. The Minister Provincial, Friar Bonaventura KALLUVETTUKUZHIYIL, received their perpetual vows. Those witnessing the professions included Friar Antony NALLUKUNNEL, the Vicar Provincial; and Friar Manuel MANICOMPEL VARKEY, Director of the Mission in Kolkata (launched in collaboration with the Province of St. Paul the Apostle in Malta). In his homily, Friar Stephen OLLETHAZHATHU highlighted the uniqueness and the distinctive responsibility of being Conventual Franciscans in the world, together with the importance of the holiness that we must always maintain in our lives.
Those who accepted the cordial invitation to attend this blessed ceremony included various friars, priests, sisters, religious from other communities, and the family members of the newly professed. The participants pledged their continued encouragement and valuable support in prayer. Finally, Friar Don VALIYAPARAMBIL spoke on behalf of the newly professed and thanked all those who helped them and fostered their Franciscan vocation. The feast ended with a fraternal agape meal.
The Provincial Secretariat
