On October 28-29, 2024, the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) of India hosted a historic, two-day seminar for OFS spiritual assistants. The seminar took place at the Assisi Shanthi Kendra Friary and Provincialate in Karukutty, a presence of the Province of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in India.
The event brought together sixty-three priests, including Ministers Provincial and Vicar Provincials from across India. It was the first time that all three families of the Franciscan First Order in India―the Friars Minor, Friars Minor Conventual and Friars Minor Capuchin – collaborated on such a large scale.
The seminar began with an inaugural ceremony led by Oliver FERNANDO, the OFS National Minister for India. He pointed out the critical role that collaboration and spiritual growth play within the Franciscan community. Notable figures in attendance included Friar Michael EARALY, OFM Conv., the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in India; Friar George Antony ASSARICHERIL, OFM Cap., the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Joseph in India (Kerala State); Friar Lawrence SOOSAINATHAN, OFM Cap., the Minister Provincial of the Province of Mary Queen of Peace in India (Tamil Nadu State South); and the OFS National Spiritual Assistants for India: Friars James CHOORAMANA DEVASSYKUTTY, OFM Conv., Manohar D’SOUZA, OFM Cap.; and Eugene AMBROSE, OFM. The members of the OFS National Council spoke about unity and the mission of mutual support among the Franciscan Orders.
During the two-day seminar, there were a series of insightful sessions:
Friar A.J. MATHEW, OFM Cap., Minister Provincial of the Amala Annai Province (Tamil Nadu State North), led a discussion on the role of OFS spiritual assistants, emphasizing their pastoral impact.
Father Patrick KANNADAN, OFM Conv., Provincial Secretary of the Province of St. Maximilian Kolbe in India, delivered an address commemorating the 800th anniversary of St. Francis receiving the stigmata.
Friar Mathai AKKARA, OFM Cap., a philosophy professor, spoke about the OFS Constitutions, shedding light on their guiding principles.
Jerry JOSEPH, the former OFS National Vice-Minister for India, discussed the role of Spiritual Assistants found in the documents of the Secular Franciscan Order.
The seminar was hailed as a resounding success by the attendees. It symbolized a new era of unity within the Franciscan community in India. The participants departed with a renewed commitment to their roles, invigorated by the collective wisdom and fraternity they shared over these two days. The event’s organizers described it as a pivotal moment that will help guide the OFS mission in India forward, strengthened by collaboration and the unified vision of all of the Franciscan Orders
Friar Patrick VARGHESE (KANNADAN), Provincial Secretary
