The Province of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in India was filled with immense joy as seven of its friars professed their solemn vows. The event took place at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025, during a grace-filled Mass at the Assisi Shanthi Kendra, in Karukutty, India.
The Mass was celebrated by the Most Reverend (Mar) Stephen CHIRAPPANATH, Apostolic Visitator for the Syro-Malabar faithful in Europe, while the Minister Provincial, Friar Michael EARALY, OFM Conv., presided over the solemn rite of profession. Friars Martin PALLIKKARA and Justin PUTHENVEETTIL served as official witnesses of the profession of solemn vows.
The seven friars who consecrated their lives to God were: Friars Mathew KAITHACHIRA, Jacob MANTRY, Antony KUZHUVELIL, Jobin NEDIYAKALAYIL, Binson MULAVARICKAL, Jubin THEKKEL and Robin CHAMPACKARA.
The celebration was marked by a profound sense of reverence, simplicity, and Franciscan joy. Family members, priests, religious, and faithful from various parishes came in large numbers to witness the momentous occasion, as these friars pledged themselves to God through the evangelical vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
After the liturgy, a fraternal reception was held, where the spirit of joy and thanksgiving was shared among all present. Solemn profession marks a defining milestone in the journey of a friar. It seals his perpetual dedication to Christ and His Church in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi.
Friar Patrick VARGHESE (KANNADAN), Provincial Secretary
