History

It is the first capuchin house in the diocese of Chanda, is situated in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. This region was suggested to us by Mar Ephrem Narikulam, the bishop of Chanda since there is no Catholic presence in this area. We have bought five and a half acres of land in Mouza Chandewani village, just 700 meters from the Nagpur-Amravati Highway and two KM close to Karanja town centre. The laying of the foundation stone by Rev. Br Provincial George Antony on 14th February 2023. It was blessed by Mar Ephrem Narikulam on 09 March 2024.

Sanjoe Capuchin Ashram, Parasala, fulfilled a long-cherished dream of the Capuchins to establish an Ashram in the Diocese of Parasala within the Syro-Malankara diocese. This initiative followed the relinquishment of the friary, parish, and school in Balaramapuram. Responding to the invitation from His Excellency Thomas Mar Eusebius, the Bishop of Parasala, we chose to build an Ashram in Aruvikkuzhy.

READ MORE AT: Ashrams – CAPKOTTAYAM

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Internos-Dec-2023-compressed-compressed.pdf (capkottayam.com)

Sanjoe Capuchin Ashram, Parasala 

Sanjoe Capuchin Ashram, Parasala, fulfilled a long-cherished dream of the Capuchins to establish an Ashram in the Diocese of Parasala within the Syro-Malankara diocese. This initiative followed the relinquishment of the friary, parish, and school in Balaramapuram. Responding to the invitation from His Excellency Thomas Mar Eusebius, the Bishop of Parasala, we chose to build an Ashram in Aruvikkuzhy.

On September 28, 2022, Brother George Antony Assaricheril, the Provincial Minister, laid the foundation stone for the new Capuchin Ashram, named Sanjoe Capuchin Ashram. The ceremony took place in the presence of Msgr. Jose Konnathuvilla, Vicar General of Parasala, the District Vicar, religious figures, priests, and laity.

The construction project was supervised by Brother Joseph Keeprath, with Brother George Kochuparambil joining him towards its completion. On September 4, 2023, the newly constructed ashram was blessed by His Excellency Thomas Mar Eusebius. The unveiling of the stone plaque was gracefully conducted by Joshua Mar Ignatious, the Bishop of Mavelikara Diocese.

Brother John Aikkara was appointed as the first Guardian, with Brother Thomas Padipura and Brother Jorlin Kumbilimoottil serving as members of the Ashram.

On the 14^th of February 2023AD, Br. George Antony OFM Cap, the Minister Provincial of St. Joseph Province of the Capuchin Franciscans, lays the Foundation Stone for the First Capuchin House, with the name “Shanti Nilayam”, in the diocese of Chanda,  in Karanja in the presence of the friars Br. Sharon Plakootam, Br. Joseph Mathew Veliparambil, Br. Sebastian Chundakattil, Br. Justin Ambazhathunkal, Br. Anup Puthenpurayil, Br. Edison Panoor, Br. Mathew Paikada (SyM Mission Co-ordinator), the Building contractor Mr. Joshi Mattam and a group of friends and neighbours. We seek the blessings of Holy Father Pope Francis, in the tenth year of his reign, the blessings and support of Mar Ephrem Narikulam, the Bishop of Chanda, the solidarity of all the Syro Malabar Capuchin Missionaries of St Joseph’s Province, and the support of the Capuchin Friars of Pittsburg Province, Pennsylvania, who are our partners in Mission.The relics of St Padre Pio of Pietrelcina and St Alphonsa, the medals of the Holy Cross, Mother Mary, and St Benedict are kept in the foundation stone.

Laverna Ashram, Vagamon (2022- Palai Diocese):

It was only by chance that the idea of a house at Vagamon got evolved towards the end of the last triennium, when a plot of five acres of land was offered to us for a token amount by Dr. Mrs. Mercy Murickan, sister of one of our friars, Br Sebastian Thottumkal.
On 04-01-2017, this plot was registered in the name of St Joseph Province and Fr Sebastian Thottumkal was appointed to take possession of the property. He started the construction work in 2019, staying in the outhouse of the Prayer House of Clarist sisters at Vazhikkadavu, Vagamon. The foundation stone was laid by Fr Joseph Puthenpurackal, the then provincial superior on 20 November 2019

As soon as the house was habitable the community began to reside there on the 16th of April 2021, though the formal blessing had to be postponed since the construction of the road to our premises was delayed due to prolonged adverse weather. The Laverna Capuchin Ashram, Vagamon was eventually blessed by Mar. Joseph Kallerangat, Bishop of Palai, on the 17th of May 2022, in the presence of Br George Antony, Provincial Superior.
This house envisages providing accommodation and facilities for individuals or small groups who wish to spent some days in prayer and meditation.

Click here to access the Internos in Flipbook format.

Team:

1. Custos – Br. Renny Velayapillil

2. Vicar & First Councillor – Br. Biju Adackapara

3. Second Councillor – Br. Anil Joseph

4. Third Councillor – Br. Thomas Pulickeel

5. Fourth Councillor – Br. Genstar Nongkhlaw

Congratulations to New Team of Nirmala Matha Custody, Assam – Meghalaya.

Team:
1. Custos – Br. Renny Velayapillil

2. Vicar & First Councillor – Br. Biju Adackapara

3. Second Councillor – Br. Anil Joseph

4. Third Councillor – Br. Thomas Pulickeel

5. Fourth Councillor – Br. Genstar Nongkhlaw

Congratulations to our newly ordained priests

Congratulations and All the best Dear Brothers….

Congratulations to Dear Br. Roy Karackatt who won the Filim Critics Association Special Award for the Debut Filim Director,2020.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXXm696UbKY

We had the common monthly recollection in five zones. It went on very well. One zone had the Online Program and another will have it on the next week.

It was very fraternal and enriching experience for every friar. We had the reflection hour on the Encyclical Fratelli Tutti, also the discussion and the sharing on it. Common prayer hours, recreation and meals together, all the more made it memorable.

Congratulations Dear Brothers:

On 17 October 2020, 25 of brothers received the Ministry of Heupadiaknusa &

20 of them received the Ministry of Karoyusa at Vidyabhavan,

from His Excellency Mar Joseph Pandarasseril.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR DEACONS……
ON 12 OCTOBER 2020, 19 OF OUR CAPUCHIN BROTHERS RECEIVED
THE HOLY ORDER OF DIACONATE FROM HIS GRACE MAR JOSEPH PERUMTHOTTAM

AT VIDYABHAVAN THELLAKOM.

Congratulations to :

1. Br. Sebin Thomas Kolath OFM

2. Br. John (Jobis) Mani Aikkaramattom OFM Cap
3. Br. Paul (Melvin) Sebastian Thalachirayil OFM Cap
4. Br. Thomas Tom Poriyath OFM Cap

In accordance with N. 133:1 of the Constitutions of the Friars Minor Capuchin Br. Roberto Genunin OFM Cap, the Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin appointed the Minister Provincial and Councillors of St. Joseph Capuchin Province, Kottayam, Kerala, India on 02 July 2020.

Minister Provincial : Br. George Antony Assaricheril OFM Cap
Vicar Provincial : Br. Simon Neelanirappel OFM Cap
2nd Councillor: Br. Xavier Kochurumpil OFM Cap
3rd Councillor: Br. George Nedumparambil OFM Cap
4th Councillor: Br. Mathew Mulangacherryil OFm Cap

On 04th July 2020, the new team has taken the office in the presence of Br. John Baptist, General Councillor of India, at St. Joseph Capuchin Provincial House, Kottayam

St. Rose of Lima, Hulia Catholic Church, Tari

Hela Province, P.O Box 69, Papua New Guniea

Br. Joseph (Lijin) Pulickiyil– Parish Priest & Councilor of Custody of St. Michael the Archangel

Mother of Divine Shepherd Cathedral Mendi

Mendi, P.O. Box 69

Kumin, SHP, 

PNG

Br. Sunny Manjakunnel – Rector

St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church

Det, P.O Box 69,

Mendi, SHP, PNG 

Br. Maneesh Mathew- Parish Priest

After protracted negotiations the three Syro- Malabar provinces received permission from General Curia in 2013 to start missionary activity in the Syro-Malabar dioceses with “exclusive territory.” There are nine such dioceses. So responding to the repeated requests of Bp. Joseph Kunnath of Adilabad diocese, St. Joseph Province sent Fr. Augustine Nattunilathu and Fr. Anish

Varickanikkal in February and May 2014 respectively. Fr. Mathew Paikada joined the team in September 2014 and Fr. Antony Alphonse in June 2015. Fr. Amal Keeprath has joined the Capuchin community in June 2017. Chennur Mandal (Taluq) in entrusted to us for missionary and pastoral work. As we reached Chennur there was a small Catholic community of half dozen families, a CMC convent, a small church and an attached priest-room. We bought 4.25 acres of land and constructed a school and an Ashram on the Nizamabad-Jagadalpur highway (NH 63). The Assisi School started functioning in June 2016 and Assisi Bhavan was blessed on 20 March 2017. The Samaritan Sisters from Mannuthy, Thrissur are helping us in the school and they have built a convent cum hostel adjacent to the school premises and it was blessed on 3 May 2017.

Assisi Bhavan

House No. 8-8/2, Srinagar Colony

Chennur P.O.

Mancheriyal Dt.

Thelangana – 504 201

E-mail: [email protected]

Along with the development of the mission station at Chennur, we have been looking for a second foundation in the diocese of Adilabad. With the financial assistance of Pittsburg province we could purchase 1.25 acres of land at Tekumatla, in the Taluq (Mandal) of Jaipur in the district of Mancherial in Telangana State. Tekumatla village is ca, 40 KM from Chennur and convenient to reach through railways – 15 KM from Ramagundam and 15 KM from Mancherial. However, there are no catholic families in this or surrounding villages.  Tekumatla has a population of ca. 3200 and the literacy rate is about 60%, however the female literacy rate is only 25%. Most of the people are engaged in agriculture, either as farmers or as farm workers. Some are lucky to find an employment in the nearby Thermal Power Project Jaipur. Our pastoral plan is to engage in all-round development of the people, helping them to get hold of the benefits of Govt. projects and facilities, with special emphasis on health and education. About 47% of the population belongs to the various scheduled castes. The neighbouring village Indaram has a small group of Muslims and Christian Pentecostal group. Our house is named “SevaSadan” and expected to be blessed and inaugurated on 16^th March, 2019. Br. D. PrashanthMadackal and Br. AmalKeeprath are appointed to serve the people at Tekumatla.

Sevasadan Ashram, Thekumatla

H.No 3-26/1

Rajivnagar Village, Thekumatla, Mdl. Jaipur, 504216

Mancherial  Dt.

Telangana

The team under the leadership of the Custos, Br. Mathew Kallidical, saw the need to open a centre in Tezpur Diocese. After getting the permission from his Grace Bishop Michael Akasius, Bishop of Tezpur a plot of land was located at Lambari village under Mazbat Parish and bought for the construction of a Parish Church. The Parish was opened by Bishop Michael Akasius Toppo of Tezpur Diocese in the presence of Arch. Bishop John Moolachira, the Archbishop of Guwahati and Br. Mathew Kallidical, the Custos. Br. Biju Adackapara was appointed as the first Parish Priest. Lamabari is a Village in Mazbat Tehsil in Udalguri District of Assam State. This Place is in the border of Udalguri District and Darrang District. Assamese, Bodo, Adivasi and Santhali are the Local Languages.

St. Francis of Assisi Parish

Lamabari, Mazbat, Udalguri Dt

Assam 784507

His Grace Most Rev. Thomas Menamparambil, the Apostolic Administrator of Jowai Diocese, entrusted this village church to the care of Capuchins since Holy Week in March, 2016. Br. Vinesh Vallonathil was appointed here by Fr. Mathew Kallidical, the custos, as per the request by the Bishop. On July 17, 2016 His Excellency Thomas Menamparambil erected Sahsniang into a Parish with 11 villages under its care. He appointed Br. Vinesh Vallonathil as the first Parish Priest and Br. Jinu Arrancherry as the Assistant. This is the first Capuchin Parish in the Jaintia Hills District (Pnar Tribe) of Meghalaya and in the Jowai Diocese. The seven villages under our parish has strong catholic presence with other villages purely Presbyterian. Parish has almost 820 families and 4500 parishners as per the census of 2017. A plot of land was bought for the development of the Capuchin Mission and parish with the financial assistance of Pittsburgh Province, USA.

St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Sahsniang

Sahsniang, West Jaintia Hills Dt

Meghalaya – 793150

Our missionary presence and service in North-East India began with the request of His Grace Thomas Menamparambil, Archbishop of Guwahati, who wrote to Br. Provincial in 1992 asking for the services of the Capuchins in his Archdiocese. This request was discussed in the meeting of the CCMSI and it was decided that this mission be part of Krist Jyoti Region, that was under St. Joseph Province. On 30 June 1994 Brs. Gerson Karackal and Bastin Karackkatt were sent to Guwahati as the first missionaries. When Br. Gerson was forced to return to Kerala due to ill health, Br. Joseph Zacharias was sent to Guwahati to replace Br. Gerson. However Br. Anil Sequiera, the definitor general, made an intervention in the CCMSI meeting of 1994 that only a province can take up a mission outside its own territory. Hence the Provincial Definitory, in consultation with Krist Jyoti Mission, decided to take up the North Eastern mission directly under the jurisdiction of the Province. On February 5, 1995 the parish Mariampur was officially entrusted to us and along with it the first Friary of North-Eastern Mission was established here. In the year 1996 we began sending young friars for their theological formation in Sacred Heart Seminary, Shillong, so that they could get accustomed to the local culture and pastoral and missionary situation of the area, as well as learn the local language.

On 4 April, 1997 Br. Peter Celestine was appointed the Provincial Delegate of Assam – Meghalaya Mission. Under his able leadership we could procure a plot of land with a small building on the Juripar Path Road, in the city of Guwahati, which eventually became the head quarters of the mission. Having made some minor alterations to the existing house, the friary was blessed by his Grace Thomas Menamparambil, Archbishop of Guwahati, on 22 Dec 1997. As Br. Peter Celestine was appointed bishop of Jammu-Srinagar on May 8,

1998, Br. Jose Vettickat was assigned to be the Provincial Delegate and he assumed charge in August 1998. He started the construction of the new house that would serve as the head quarters of the mission and as a centre for ongoing formation. The new building was blessed by His Grace Thomas Menamparambil, Archbishop of Guwahati, in the presence of Br. Mathew Paikada, the Provincial Minister, on 11 Feb. 2002. Already in 1997 we started admitting aspirants for Capuchin formation. As there was no Seminary, the candidates were staying in a rented house. After the basic formation the students were taken to Kerala for pre-novitiate and novitiate etc. Gradually after six months when Br. Jose Vettickatt was forced to go back to Kerala due to his ill health and Br. Kuriakose was appointed in his place as provincial delegate. On November 11,2003 Assam Meghalaya Mission was raised to the status of a Custody under the patronage of Blessed Virgin Mary (Nirmala Matha) by the decree Prot. No. 000704/03 and Br. Kuriakose Kattuppara was appointed the first Superior Regular of the Nirmala Custody. The geographical area of the Nirmala Custody comprises of all the dioceses of the States of Assam and Meghalaya. In the chapter held from 12-16 November 2006 Br. Bastin Karackatt was elected the Superior Regular and he was re-elected on 05.11. 2009 for a second term of office. Responding to the request of the provincial definitory dated June 4,2011, the Minister General (Prot. No. 00687/11, dated June 24,2011) decided to raise the Nirmala Custody to the status of a Vice Province of St. Joseph Province.

There are almost 200 tribes and sub tribes and there are also similar number of dialects and languages spoken in the area. Among these tribes we extend our service only to a few, namely, Garos, khasis, Bodos, Rabhas, Rajabunshis, Adivasis and Sandals. We have 107 villages to be looked after and Seven tribal groups in the various parishes. Ten religious groups of sisters collaborate with us in caring for school children, looking after the sick in dispensaries, looking after the girl children in the boarding, teaching catechism and doing direct evangelization work in the villages. The structure of each parish is with a parish church, a priest house, a convent, separate boarding houses for boys and girls, a school, and a dispensary. At present our friars extend service in 12 centers.

We opened houses on request from the respective bishops in various dioceses: in Mariampur (Guwahati Archdiocese) in 1995 in Byrnihat (Shillong Archdiocese) in 1999, in Mronggre (Tura diocese) and in Kothakuthi (Guwahati Archdiocese) in 2002, inTunkubari (Bongaigaon diocese) in 2006, in Mawlangdep (Nongstoin Diocese) in 2007 and in Mejerburi (Guwahati Archdiocese) in 2008, Sahsniang (Jowai Diocese) in 2016. The new Minor Seminary was opened in Umktieh (Shillong Archdiocese) in 2004, a theological study house was opened in Shillong in 2016 and Lamabari (Tezpur Diocese) in 2018.

Capuchin House, Juripar Path

Khanapara P.O.

Six Mile, Guwahati

Assam – 781 022

Tel. 0361 – 2331569, Fax. 0361 – 2334012

E-mail: [email protected]

The General Chapter elected the General Minister of the Order in the person of Br. Roberto Genuin. According to the schedule, today was the day to elect his Council, made up of representatives of the various geographical areas. As our Constitutions state, “the responsibility of the councilors is to assist the general minister in the governance of the whole order.” (125, 7)

Ten General Councilors were elected, one more than at the General Chapter of 2012, in order to provide a second Councilor for Africa.
Here is the list of the elected General Councilors, in order of election:

Norbert Auberlin Solondrazana
Province of Madagascar
Languages: French, English, Italian

Francesco Neri
Province of Puglia (Italy)
Languages: Italian, English, German

Carlos Silva
Province of São Paulo (Brazil)
Languages: Portuguese, Spanish

Kilian Ngitir
Custody of Cameroon
Languages: English, French, Italian

Piotr Stasiński
Province of Warsaw (Poland)
Languages: Polish, Italian

Pio Murat
Province of France – reelected
Languages: French, Turkish, Greek, Italian, English

John Baptist Palliparambil
Province of St. Francis, Kerala (India)
Languages: Malayalam, English, Italian

Victorius Dwiardy
Province of Pontianak (Indonesia) – reelected
Languages: Indonesian, English, Dutch, Italian

José Ángel Torres Rivera
Custody of Puerto Rico (USA)
Languages: Spanish, English, Italian

Celestino Arias
Province of New York and New England (USA)
Languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese

St. Antony’s Mercy Home, Purapuzha : (2018 – Kothamangalam Diocese)

13 May 2017 is to be remembered as a day of great blessing in the History of St. Joseph Province. It is then that the long cherished dream of the province came into its fulfilment, in the form of St. Antony’s Mercy Home: A Psycho-Spiritual Rehabilitation centre of the Province at Purapuzha near Karikunna, Thodupuzha. The land was donated by Mr Ulahannan Nakasseril for the remembrance of his late wife Ithamma Teacher. The foundation stone was blessed by Br. Joseph Puthenpurackal, Minister Provincial, on 03 June 2016 on the feast day of the Sacred Heart. On 13 May 2017 the centre was blessed under the Patronage of St. Antony of Padua by Bishop Mar George Madthikandathil and on 26 April 2018 the centre was inaugurated by Archbishop Mar Mathew Moolakkatt. On the same day Br. Joseph Puthenpurackal, Minister Provincial, received the first inmate.

The General Curia approved and provided the financial support for the project for a common study house for the Capuchin Brothers of the North’ East India, who study theology in Shillong. The land (less than one acre) was purchased by Br. Bastin Karackatt, the then Custos and his Counselors on 23 July 2012. The foundation stone was blessed and laid by Br. Mathew Paikada, the Minister Provincial. It took almost three years to complete the construction work of the building due to severe geographical difficulties such as hard rock, heavy rain, earthquake etc. Brs. Mathew Kallidical and Biju Adackapara supervised the construction of the Study House and made great sacrifices to complete the work. The house was inaugurated by Br. Xavier Kochurumpil, the then Vicar Provincial of St. Joseph Province and blessed by John Moolachira, the archbishop of Guwahati on 30 July 2016.

Capuchin Theological Study House
Umthum-thum, Block C

Mawlai Kynton Massar

Nehu P.O.East Khasi Hills (Dist)

Shilling, Meghalaya – 793 022

St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Mission

P.O. Box 597 Outjo

Namibia

Tel. +264 67 312190

Br. Toji John Naluchira – Manager of the school & Parish Priest of St. Michael Mission.

Khorixas

Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Parish

P.O Box 31, Khorixas, Kunene Region

Namibia

Br. Nithin Karamvelil – Guardian and Parish Priest of Holy Spirit Parish, Khorixas

Amala Ashram, Thopramkudy

Mr. John Puthiyakunnel, popularly known as “Thadiyachan” who is a close relative of our Br. Francis Dominic had constructed a spacious building in view of opening a senior citizens resort at Thopramkudy. Due to various reasons he had to give up the project and the building remained vacant for a few years. Mean while the lord inspired Br. Francis Dominic to approach Thadiyachan to get the land and building to be used as a Retreat Center. We bought the property measuring 1.45 acres at a substantially subsidized price. On 28 June 2001 His Excellency Mar George Punnakkotil blessed the Retreat Center and thereafter Br.Francis Dominic used to conduct retreats here. It proved to be a source of spiritual solace to countless people in the High ranges of Kerala. In view of opening an Ashram an adjacent plot of land measuring 3.41 acres was purchased in the year 2001. On 17th Nov. 2002, Br. John Vazhappanadiyil was appointed the director of this center with Brs. Antony Snehadas and Varghese Kottukappally as members of the Ashram. The blessing and the formal inauguration of the new ashram was held on 2nd October 2003. His Excellency Mar Mathew Anikuzhikattil the eparchial bishop of Idukki officiated at the function. However the retreat programmes could not be continued for long. 50 cents of land was sold back to Mr. John Puthiyakunnel in the year 2009. After the provincial chapter of 2011 attempts are being made to repair and extend the building and re-start the retreat programmes once again.

St. Luke Catholic Mission

P.O. Box 469, KatiamMulilo

Zambezi Region

Namibia

Fr. Varghese Pulikkiyil – Parish Priest

Br. Thomas Sebastian Panachikavayalil

01.  Bahrain

Sacred Heart Church

P.O.Box. 117, Manama, Bahrain

Br. Saji Olickathottiyil

Archdiocese of Guwhati entrusted Capuchins in 2001 St. Thomas parish at Goalpara. Majerburi is a sub-station of Goalpara parish. In 2003 Br. Augustine Nattunilam started to stay in a plot of land belonging to the Guwahati Archdiocese. In 2006 Capuchins bought three bighas (almost one acre) of land and later the Archbishop also offered a few bighas of land for an Ashram. After ten years of pastoral service we handed over the Goalpara parish back to the Archdiocese. The same parish was later bifurcated and a Majerburi was given to us by the Archdiocese. On 8 December 2011 the parish was officially handed over to the Capuchins. The parish consists of one Rabha village and three Garo villages. On 31 January 2015 the new Ashram and hostel was blessed by His Grace John Moolachira.

St. Francis of Assisi Church,
Matia – Majerburi,Bordamai P.O.

Goalpara Dt., Assam – 783 120

This is the first capuchin Presence in the newly erected diocese of Nongstoin. Paying heed to the invitation of His excellency Victor Lyngdoh the Bishop of Nongstoin and seeing to the significance of the place for evangelization and vocations, the council of the Nirmala Coustdy in consultation with the Provincial definitory decided to set foot in the diocese. On April 29, 2007 the parish of Mawlangdep was officially handed over to the Capuchins and installed Br. Mathew Kalkduckil as the first Parish Priest. The new friary was blessed on 15 August 2011 and the parish church on 14 December 2013, by Bishop Victor Lyngdoh.

St. Francis of Assisi Church

Mawlangdep, Nongstoin P.O.

W. K. Hills, Meghalaya – 793 119

On January 14, 2006 with the permission of the Bishop of Bongaigaon, Br. Kuriakose Kattoopara and Br. Jose Pandianparampil purchased a plot of land in Thunkubari to have a center of our own. After repairing the existing bamboo house the brothers started to live there on March 22,2006. Besides, seeing to the immediate need of the people around. The council of the custody in consultation with the Provincial defnitory has decided to start a school. The school was opened on February 01, 2007, with the blessings of two class rooms by His excellency Thomas Pullopillil. On July 27, 2014 the new Ashram Chapel was blessed by His excellency Thomas Pullopillil. St. Francis of Assisi Ashram was raised to a parish on June 26, 2016 by by His excellency Thomas Pullopillil.

Francis Assisi School,

Thunkubari, Kashikotra P. O.

Chirag Dt. Assam – 783 373

Ever since the Capuchins of St. Joseph Province.Kerala set foot in Assam-Meghalaya mission, there was a profound desire to promote local vocations in order to implant the order in this region of North East India. We began the formation at Dispur parish; later we shifted the students to the Capuchin house, Juripur-Path. Finally God has blessed us to have a plot of land at Umktieh, Ri-Bhoi Dt, Meghalaya. The seminary began its function at Umktieh on June 30, 2004, with the blessings of His Grace Dominic Jala the Archbishop of Shillong. A more convenient building was constructed and blessed on May 11, 2007.

Padre Pio Seminary

Umroi BPO, Umktieh, 

Ri-Bhot Dt, Meghlaya – 793 103

His Lordship George Mamalassery encouraged us to continue our service in Tura Diocese after handing over ChimaTmpel Mission back to the Diocese where we rendered five years of service from 1999 – 2004. As a result Br. Kuriakose Kattoopara and a team of brothers visited Mronggre, an underdeveloped and remote village and the Tikrikilla parish, for a few times to see the possibility of opening a new parish. Later Fr. Renny Vehyappallil stayed with Fr. John Bosco in Thikkrikilla Parish and from 17 September 2002 at Mronggre to make the immediate preparation to start the parish. As a result on 22nd January 2003 St. Francis of Assisi Parish at Mronggre was erected and Br. Renny Velayappallil was appointed the first Parish priest and Br. Saji Olickathottiyil the assistant Parish Priest. The School and Friary was blessed in the year 2007 and the new parish church in the year 2011.

St. Francis of Assisi Chrurch

Assisi Mount, Moronggre,

Chibinang P.O., W. Garo Hills,

Meghalaya – 794 104

Byrnihat, a cosmopolitan area, where various tribal and non-tribal people live together, is the industiral area of Meghalaya State. His Grace Tarcisius Resto Phanrang invited the Capuchins to serve in the Arch Diocese of Shillong in 1998. On 2 May 1999, the Parish was erected. Br. Sebastian Manyanickal was appointed as the first Parish Priest and Br. Renny Velayapillil as the assistant. The Friary was blessed on 7^th October 2007, and the new parish church on 2^nd Decemeber 2012, by His Grace Dominic Jala, Arch Bishop of Shillong.

St. Francis of Assisi Church,

Byrnihat P.O.,

Ri-Bhoi Dt.,

Meghalaya – 793 101

Ever since Mariampur mission was opened, we had a serious problem of communication with other centres due to lack of communication faculties. We shared our difficulty with his Grace Thomas Menamparampil and expressed our need of having a center at the national Highway and the possibility of getting a plot of Patta land at Kothakuthi. His Grace Thomas Menamparampil was kind whough to understand our need and granted permission to acquire the proposed land. Thus, a plot of land was bought in the year 2001, July 07*^ at Kothakuthi with the help of Swiss Province and Br. Jacob Mattathil was asked to make necessary arrangements to open an English Medium School to serve the illiterate children of the locality. In fact there was tremendous pressure from the public to open an English Medium School at Kothakuthi and as a response to their request we opened the School on  5^th January 2002. Slowly the centre started to grow and in the year 2006, October 16^th the Friary called Gyan Nivas was blessed by His Grace Thomas Menamparampil. Now it has become a High School and renders a commendable service in the field of education.

St. Francis School,

Dhupdhara, Kothakuthi P.O.,

Goalpara Dt.

Assam – 783 123

St. Francis of Assisi Parish Mariampur is one of the most vibrant Garo Catholic communities under the Archdiocese of Guwahati. On 2^nd December 1994, Br. Joseph Zacharias and Br. Bastin Joseph Karackkat started to stay in an existing hostel in the village of MAriampur, a sub-centre under Damra Parish. On 5^th February 1995, the parish of Mariampur was officially handed over to us. Br. Joseph Zacharias was the parish priest and Br. Bastin Karakkat was the assistant parish priest. On 9 April 1995 the Parish house was blessed. His Grace Thomas Menamparmbil, Archbishop of Guwahati, blessed the newly constructed Parish Church on 30^th January 1997, and the Parish had a steady and holistic growth. Consequently, on 25^th January 2007, Christ the King Parish was erected at Mallangkona, bifurcating the Mariampur parish. The newly constructed friary was blessed in 2018.

Catholic Church,
Athiabari P.O., Goalpara Dt.

Assam – 783 130

It was an indispensable need of the Capuchin friars to have a Regional House in Guwahati to gather on special occasions as well as for proper communication with the Provincial and General Curia.  The Provincial team requested Br. Peter Celestine, the Superior Delegate and the then Parish Priest of Dispur, to search for a suitable plot of land. As a result of his prayer and persevering search a plot of land was bought, at Juripar Path, in the vicinity of Guwahati town. With minor alterations, the existing house was blessed by his Grace Thomas Menamparambil, Archbishop of Guwahati, on 22 Dec 1997. With the appointment of Br. Peter Celestine as the Bishop of Jammu-Srinagar, Br. Jose Vettickat was sent as the Provincial Delegate inAugust 1998, and the construction of our Regional House was begun. When Br. Jose Vettickat was relieved of his office, the construction work was supervised by Brs. Kuriakose Kattuppara, the Provincial Delegate, and Francis Vakakunnel.

The newly built House serves as our Regional House of Assam Meghalaya Missions. We had started promoting local candidates since 1998. As there was no Seminary, the candidates were staying in a rented house. The new building was blessed by His Grace Thomas Menamparambil, Archbishop of Guwahati, in the presence of Br. Mathew Paikada, the Provincial Minister, on 11 Feb. 2002.

Capuchin House,

Juripar Path, Khanapara P.O.

Six Mile, Guwahati, Assam – 781 022

CAPUCHIN ASHRAM, PALLICKAMURY (2014 – Kothamangalam diocese)

Respecting the generous invitation of His Excellency Mar George Madathikandathil the Bishop of Kothamangalam to open a house of the Province in his diocese and in keeping with the suggestion of the friars’ gathering the provincial definitory decided to start a house of the province in the diocese of Kothamangalam. As per the suggestion of the Bishop, we started looking for a plot of land for the Ashram between Muthlakodam and Udumpannoor. Fortunately the FCC sisters of Kothamangalam Province came forward to offer a plot of one acre of land free of cost. On December 07, 2013, a contract was drawn between the FCC Province of Kothamangalam and St.Joseph Province and the terms and conditions of our ministry to FCC sisters of Pallickamury. Rev. Fr. Augustine Vattakatt, the Parish Priest of Pallickamury took the initiative to find a temporary house for us to stay and start our ministry in the diocese. A house was found for our stay in Pannur near Pallickamury. On 02^nd March 2014, the then Provincial Minister, Fr. Mathew Paikada blessed the temporary house in the presence of a few friars and the local people. Bro. Alex Vachaparambil and Bro. Somi Abraham Panamkatt were assigned as members to the new house. The foundation stone for the construction of the new Ashram was laid on 26 August 2015 by Provincial Fr. Joseph Puthenpurackal. It was blessed on 07 October 2016 by his Excellency Mar George Madathikandathil, the Bishop of Kothamangalam.

01. VIANNEY COLLEGE

02. St. Francis College, Janampet

1. St. Augustine Province, Pennsylvania

Br. Abhilash Elamthuruthil

01. COLLEGIO SAN LORENZO

C. P. 18382, G.R.A. Km 65.050,

00163, Roma, ITALY

Br.Amal Keeprath

02. GENOVA

a) Padri Cappuccini

Cappellani Ospedale San Martino

Largo Rosanna Benzi – 10 –

16132 Genova – Italy

Br. Antony John Thekkummuriyil 

Br. Sebin Cherlakkattu

b) Parrocchia Santa Maria Immacolata

GAzz15

17025 Loano SV, Italy

Br. George Nedumparambil 

01. ROSENHEIM

Kapuzinerkloster St. Sebastian

Klosterweg 22,

83022 Rosenheim, Germany

Fr. Alexander Madathil

02. ALTÖTTING

Kloster St. Magdalena

Kapellplatz – 9

84503 Altötting

Germany

Fr. Sunil Mathew Kachappally

03. Liebfrauen Kapuzinerkloster

Schärfengäßchen 3,
60311 Frankfurt am Main,
Deutschland

Fr. Jinu Arraanchery

St. Francis Capuchin Mission

P.O. Box. 6004, Bukalo

Zambezi Region

Namibia

Tel. +264 66 252 402

Fr. Jinesh Paickal – Provincial Delegate, Guardian & Parish Priest

Br. Jose Chettaniyil

Br. Jins Perikilamtharappel

Syro Malabar Mission, Adilabad

After protracted negotiations the three Syro- Malabar provinces received permission from General Curia in 2013 to start missionary activity in the Syro-Malabar dioceses with “exclusive territory.” There are nine such dioceses. So responding to the repeated requests of Bp. Joseph Kunnath of Adilabad diocese, St. Joseph Province sent Fr. Augustine Nattunilathu and Fr. Anish Varickanikkal in February and May 2014 respectively. Fr. Mathew Paikada joined the team in September 2014 and Fr. Antony Alphonse in June 2015. Fr. Amal Keeprath has joined the Capuchin community in June 2017. Chennur Mandal (Taluq) in entrusted to us for missionary and pastoral work. As we reached Chennur there was a small Catholic community of half dozen families, a CMC convent, a small church and an attached priest-room. We bought 4.25 acres of land and constructed a school and an Ashram on the Nizamabad-Jagadalpur highway (NH 63). The Assisi School started functioning in June 2016 and Assisi Bhavan was blessed on 20 March 2017. The Samaritan Sisters from Mannuthy, Thrissur are helping us in the school and they have built a convent cum hostel adjacent to the school premises and it was blessed on 3 May 2017. Now four sisters are serving the mission in Chennur.

Along with the development of the mission station at Chennur, we have been looking for a second foundation in the diocese of Adilabad. With the financial assistance of Pittsburg province we could purchase 1.25 acres of land at Tekumatla, in the Taluq (Mandal) of Jaipur in the district of Mancherial in Telangana State. Tekumatla village is ca, 40 KM from Chennur and convenient to reach through railways – 15 KM from Ramagundam and 15 KM from Mancherial. The foundation stone was laid on 19^th March 2018 and the house was blessed on 16^th March 2019 by Bishop Joseph Kunnath. Our house is named “SevaSadan”.

Responding to the repeated request of His Excellency Mar Ephrem Narikulam, the bishop of Chanda, the province decided to open a Capuchin Mission in the diocese of Chanda. Two friars from Pavanatma Province had served here for some time, but did not continue the service. Br. Augustine and Br. Mathew Paikada have been rendering spiritual service in Belharshah Cathedral and in the minor seminary from Chennur.  After the legal formalities were satisfactorily met, Br. Augustine Nattunilathu reached Belharsha on 24^th November 2017 and served in the parish of Darmapuri for about seven months. When Brs. Sharon Plakootam and DinnyKuruppassery reached on 11th June 2018, we were ready to take up a parish and the bishop entrusted to us temporarily the parish of Sumthana –Warora, with its two communities of faithful and two convents of St. Anne’s Sisters of Bangalore. The presbytery was renovated and blessed by Bp. Ephrem Narikulam on 18^th June.

.

REGIONAL HOUSE

Capuchin House, Juripar Path

Khanapara P.O.

Six Mile, Guwahati

Assam – 781 022

Tel. 0361 – 2331569, Fax. 0361 – 2334012

E-mail: [email protected]

RANIGIRI ASHRAM, MANNANTHALA (1991 – Changanacherry Archdiocese)

The Renewal Chapter of 1989 had decided to open a house in Thiruvananthapuram. Br. Lawrence Paruthapara was deputed to find a suitable site for theAshram.A plot of land, 65.3 in area, touching M. C. Road was purchased. The permission to open a house in the Archdiocese of Changanacherry was given on condition that we look after the parish attached to the Ashram. Br. Cuthbert of happy memory, volunteered to look after the new foundation at Mannanthala. Due to his untiring and dedicated work a small Ashram with a chapel was built. The Ashram was officially blessed by Br. Provincial on 08 Dec. 1991. The formal inauguration of the filial church at Mannanthala took place on 17 Feb. 1991, by Mar Joseph Powathil, Archbishop of Changanacherry. A contract between Archdiocese and province was drawn up, stipulating the conditions and policies to be followed in the administration of the filial church. It was signed on 31 Jan. 1992. Archbishop Mar Joseph Powathil raised Ranigiri to the status of a parish on July 3, 2001 and Br. Jose Vettikatt was appointed as the first vicar. The new property of 20 cent was bought in 1999 during the guardianship of Br. Jose Suresh Maroor. Another property of 10 cents was bought in 2011 during the guardianship of Br. Chacko Mannicherry.

ALPHONSA CAPUCHIN ASHRAM, S. RAJAKUMARY (2008 – Idukki Diocese)

During the triennium of 2002 – 2005 our Province had purchased a plot of land for anAshram in Idukki district at Edamattam, nearRajakumari.The initial stage was managed by Brs. Royson Menolickal, Dominic Cheradil and the Portiuncula fraternity. In April 2008 Br. Kuriakose Kannamkara was deputed to go there to start the work for the Ashram at Edamattam. On July 28, 2008 on the feast day of St. Alphonsa, the foundation stone was laid for the Ashram by the Provincial Minister Br. Thomas Jacob Thekkumkattil and it was officially named as Alphonsa Capuchin Ashram. Ashram was blessed by His Excellency Mar Mathew Anikuzhikattil on 8 Dec.2009. Seminary was blessed and inaugurated by Br. Thomas Jacob Thekkumkattil on 15, June 2010.

SHANTI NIKETHAN (NADUKANI), KARIPPALANGAD (1976 – Palai Diocese)

Shanti Nikethan was started as a house of prayer on 10th August 1976 by Br. Gratian, Br. Kristudas and Br. Vincent for the spiritual renewal of the province with a contemplative accent. It is a beautiful place conducive for contempla- tion and prayer and is situated within the parish of Kulamavu of the diocese of Palai. The house was rebuilt in 2011 by Br. Thomas Jacob Thekkumkattil.

LORETO ASHRAM, MUVATTUPUZHA (1961 – Kothamangalam Diocese)

It was Br. Ignatius who took the initiative to buy the site for Loreto Ashram. The foundation stone of the Ashram was laid on 25 March 1961 and that of the chapel on 5 August of the same year. By the efficient and hard work of Br. Bernardine, who was assisted by Br. Emmanuel, the main part of the Ashram was completed and was blessed on 14 May 1962. On that very day the house started its existence as the Novitiate, with the vestition of 28 novices. Ayearlater, the construction of the friary was completed, and it was blessed on 16 May 1963.

The foundation stone of the chapel was blessed on 10 December, 1965. It was built up by Br. Oswald as Guardian with Br. Emmanuel helping him in the construction work. The chapel was blessed and consecrated on 18 May 1969 by Mar Mathew Pothanamuzhi, Bishop of Kothamangalam.

The land for the chapel and theAshram at Kavalam were donated to us by late Mr. Joseph Murikummood. The chapel was blessed on 14 October 1956 and the friary was blessed on 21 December 1957. Br. Leo, who was a great friend of Mr. Joseph, was instrumental in the starting of this Ashram. The permission to accept this house and to have a foundation in Changnacherry Archdiocese was given to us by His Grace Mar Mathew Kavukatt.

Kavalam is located in the backwaters of Alappuzha, Kerala. Since it is re- claimed land it is susceptible to gradual sinking. Due to the nature of the soil, and surrounded by water, heavy buildings sink down at the rate of 19 mm per annum. Our Church and Ashram have gradually sunk ca. 650 mm from its original level, so that the floor of the Ashram and Church were on the ground level. The renovation of the church and Ashram by raising the floor level was done by Br. Kuriakose Kannankara. Mar Joseph Powathil, Archbishop of Changanacherry, blessed Church and Ashram on Oct. 2, 1999.

PORTIUNCULA  ASHRAM,KATTAPPANA (1974 – Idukki Diocese)

This Ashram is in the diocese of Idukki in the High Ranges. It was begun and built up by Br. Gerard. Brs.Aegidius, and Thomas Kalappura were his able co- workers. The house was blessed by Br. Hippolytus on 16 June 1974. On an adjacent but separate plot, a small building had been constructed and used as a house of recollection as recommended by our Renewal Chapter of 1973.

The Initiation Course in Sulthan Bathery was shifted to Portiuncula in the year 1986 and ever since Portiuncula is functioning as the centre of the Initiation Course. The newly built block of Portiuncula Ashram was blessed on 24th March 2011 by His Excellency Mar Mathew Anikuzhikkattil. It was inaugu- rated by Br. Thomas JacobThekkumkattil.

Snehashrams: The High Ranges of Kerala bears in her bosom large number of wandering migrants who live on the streets and sleep on the pavements or shop verandas at night. The miserable plight of these poor people evoked compassion of the friars and the local prayer group. In November 1995, under the leadership and guidance of Br. Francis Dominic Arayil, they contacted other prayer groups of Idukki district and pledged themselves to take care of these people who live on the fringes of the society. This marked the beginning of a new ministry of the Capuchins to serve the destitute and the disabled. Those who decided to give up begging on the streets were accommodated in our building for social centre and club attached to the PortiunculaAshram.

A good number of volunteers – lay people and Religious Sisters – came for- ward to take care of these destitute and this was the beginning of the first Snehashram. The provincial chapter of 1996, after long discussion on this new form of ministry, empowered the provincial definitory to take appropriate steps to support and encourage this ministry. Gradually new centres were opened in Nariampara, Moolamattam, Kumily, Thopramkudy, Nedumkandam and Theni (TN). Snehashram Trust was registered as an NGO with a Director Board consisting of friars, sisters and lay people.

As the project grew with many branches the service of a stable group of sisters was felt necessary and many women volunteers requested that they be allowed to lead a consecrated life for the service of the destitute. Re- sponding to this request brought to the definitory by Br. Francis Dominic, the provincial definitory granted him the permission to found a Pious Association in view of growing into a Religious Institute. Mar Mathew Anikuzhikattil, the bishop of Idukki, granted the necessary ecclesiastical permission and bless- ings for this new venture. At present about 25 sisters of this Congregation “Franciscan Sisters of the Destitute” and many volunteers serve the inmates of the Snehashrams under the leadership of Br. Francis Dominic and Sr. Anita FSD, the Superior of the new Congregation.

ST.JOSEPH PROVINCIAL HOUSE, KOTTAYAM (2000 – Changnacherry Archdiocese)

With the bifurcation of St. Joseph Province, Kerala, into two Provinces (St. Joseph Province and St. Thomas the Apostle Province), by the Decree (Prot. No.00899/99) the General Definitory constituted and declared established the Province of North-South Kerala, under the Patronage of St. Joseph, with all the rights and obligations of a Province of the Order. In the Decree of the erection of the Province, we were directed to build a new Provincial House in the territory of the Province within three years. Since the existing houses did not suit the purpose of a Provincial House, we had to purchase a plot of land. The Brothers’ Meeting (Nov 11-13, 1999) held at Capuchin Vidyabhavan, Thellakam, requested the Provincial Definitory to purchase a plot of land near Kottayam town, which is centrally located and provides travelling convenience by road and rail. Although, we were looking for a plot of land which is a little more than one acre, in view of the urgency to complete the work in three years, we had to buy a plot of 2 acres 50 cents, that was up for sale. Br. Jovinus Kazhuthuveettil supervised the construction of the Provincial House, and made great sacrifices to complete the construction in time. Brs. Cyriac Vazhayil and Joseph Keeprath were ever available to collaborate with the various aspects of the construction, together with Br. Jovinus Kazhuthuveettil. The newly constructed St. Joseph Capuchin Provincial House was blessed by Mar Joseph Powathil, Archbishop of Changanacherry, and inaugurated by Br. John Corriveau, Minister General of Capuchins, in the presence of Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry, Bishop of Kottayam, Mar Symphorian Keeprath, Bishop of Jalandhar, Br. Mathew Paikada, Provincial Minister, our brothers from various houses, priests and sisters and a good number of local people, on 29 April 2002.

ST. FRANCIS ASHRAM, UZHAVOOR (1997 – Kottayam Archdiocese)

The Provincial Chapter of 1993 had endorsed the idea of starting a house in the diocese of Kottayam. In pursuance of this commitment we accepted a plot of one acre 67 cents in Uzhavoor, donated by his Excellency Mar Kuriakose Kunnachery, bishop of Kottayam. Br. Stephen Poyyanil was deputed to build an Ashram. The foundation stone was laid by His Excellency Mar Kuriakose Kunnachery,onOctober04,1997. Thehousewasblessedandinaugurated by Mar Kuriakose Kunnachery on Dec. 27, 1998. The Ashram Church was blessed on January 26, 2004 by His Grace Mar Kuriakose Kunnassery. An adjacent property measuring 75 cents was bought in the year 2001.

Vice Provincial House

Capuchin Friars

P.O. Box 69

Mendi

Southern Highlands Province 251

Papua New Guinea

St. Fidelis Seminary

Madayin

Papua New Guinea

Br. Francy Nambiaparambil  (Spiritual Father & Staff)

St. Padre Pio Capuchin Seminary

Madayin

Papua New Guinea

Br. Xavier Karivelikonam ( Postulate Director)

Holy Family Mission

Katima Mulilo

P.O. Box 2420, Katima Mulilo

Zambezi Region

Namibia

Tel: +264 66 253141

Fr. Anoop Kuzhiyampala-  Guardian & Parish Priest

A. Abu Dhabi

St. Joseph’s Parish, P.O. Box 54, Abu Dhabi, U A E, Tel. +971- 2- 4461929; Fax. 446 1868

Br. Joby Karikkampallychirayil

B. Musaffah

St. Paul’s Church, M 32/1,Off 16th Street, Behind KM Hypermarket، -16th St – Abu Dhabi –

Br. Tom Mundanthanam

C. Ruwi, Oman

St. Peter& Paul Catholic Chruch, P.O. Box 613, Ruwi 112

Muscat, Oman

Br. Thomas Vettikalayil

D. Sohar, Oman

St. Antony’s Church, 8MXR+J8J, 67 street,, Sohar, Oman

Br. Babychen Erathel

St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, Al Ruwais, Abu Dhabi , UAE

Br. Joby Vengapally

GENERAL MINISTER

Br. Roberto Genuin OFM Cap

PROVINCIAL MINISTER :Br. George Antony Assaricheril
Mob: +919846289478
Email: [email protected]

Name of Provincial Councilors	Mobile	Email
Br. Cherian Valiyaveedu (Vice Provincial & First Councilor)	+91 8247261492	cherianscaria2gamil.com
Br. Sarish Thondamkuzhiyil (Second Councilor)	+91 9074517885	[email protected]
Br. Thomas Kanjirakonam (Third Councilor)	+91 9446287458	[email protected]
Br. George Puthepurackal (Fourth Councilor)	+91 9447208806	[email protected]

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In 1922 February 26 the Indian branch of the Capuchin Order was born with the opening of the Novitiate at Sardhana (U. P.) and the appointment of Br. John Baptist Tirannanzi of Florence, of the Tuscany Province, Italy, the then superior Regular of the Agra Mission, as the first Commissary General by Br. Joseph Antony of Persiceto, Minister General of the Order. The first unit of the Order as entrusted to the common responsibility of all the four Superior Regulars of North Indian Missions, namely, Simla, Lahore, Allahabad and Ajmer.