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Conventual Franciscans in India 
On June 11 of this year, the OFM Conv. General Chapter in Assisi, Italy voted to create the St. Maximilian Kolbe Province in India.
In 1932 St. Maximilian Kolbe announced his wish to open a Franciscan-Marian ministry in Kerala, India. The dream would turn to reality in 1979. In that year Secretary General for the Missions, Fr. Gabriel Reil traveled to India to see if circumstances were right for the Order of Friars Minor Conventual to begin missionary work in the country. The Bishop of Kanjirappally, Mar Joseph Powathil confirmed that they were and invited the friars to open a friary at Syro-Malabar Rite.
Friars Samuel Chetcuti and Albert Sammut (Malta Province) were the first Conventual Franciscan Friars to arrive in India on February 16, 1981. Their initial efforts took hold, producing today a province of 160 friars and 10 friaries. The friaries are located wherever the need is greatest. This includes politically unstable areas of the country and ones with acute poverty and HIV/AIDS.
Of particular noteworthiness in the new St. Maximilian Kolbe Province is the Franciscan Centre for Peace and Dialogue based in Karukutty. Established by the Conventual Franciscan Friars to spread tolerance and understanding, the Center takes the Franciscan spiritual belief of tolerance as shown by Francis himself when he met with Sultan Melek-el-Kamil and applies it to the everyday problems of multiethnic India. Courses and lectures about various topics of coexistence and tolerance create an atmosphere of conversation. The Centre’s Spirit of Assisi National Award rewards those who strive to reflect St. Francis’ gentleness and love.
If you would like to learn more about the new St. Maximilian Kolbe Province, please visit the Conventual Franciscan Friars in India.
A Selection of Indian OFM Conv. Sites
Bala Yesu Franciscan Ashram, Dondapudi:
A Franciscan parish and hostel for children.
Assisi Snehlaya, Coimbatore:
A Franciscan mission for those with HIV/Aids.
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