Monday, February 2, 2015

Meeting the Friars of five Fraternities of the Nirmala Custody....

At sharp 5pm we began the meeting with 14 brothers present from 5 Fraternities. We invoked the Holy Spirit after which the Custos Bastian welcomed both of us. Then i exchanged the greeting and conveyed general Minister's greetings and blessing to the Friars. I then quickly spoke about the motive and purpose of the visit. Brother Hugo was then asked to speak to the friars. Hugo spoke about his own experience of mission in his conference and the mission visitation that he has so far conducted in the Order.He encouraged the friars to keep working for the people because the people need the Capuchins. The people know that the capuchins are there to work and bring them closer to the Lord
 This is a school named after St. Francis....the children are all poor and the number is around 750 only. The teachers are paid very little from the fees that is collected from the students. Two friars are full time teachers and thus save the salaries. It is not easy to run a school where you have to pay teachers and when the funds are really not there. The custos spoke about the financial difficulties in running the Missions.....the Bishop has stopped giving support to the missions and catchiest. The friars also spoke about their wonderful and positive experiences. Most of the friars are young but there are in the mission for number of years... 
 I spoke about the Gerenal ministers circular letter, the study of the constitutions, the Fatima Meeting and the VIII CPO.....i also shared with the friars that we are responsible for each other. That we must love our brothers at any cost.....Prayer and fraternal living should be given top priority. The custody has good number of vocations but they are not able to receive all as the finances are too little....
 One Friar suggested that if the vocations are good and if received and trained well....these students could well be future capuchins who can work as missionaries.....only we need finances to support them...good Idea indeed....in one part of the world there are no vocations ....but here there are good vocations and solid ones too....why not form them well and send them as missionaries...

Two brothers celebrated birthdays.....we had a prayer service after our meeting.....our meeting lasted for two n half hours....very interactive....a lot of questions....

Fellowship meal together....

We are in prayer......dont disturb.....no one should come to visit during the prayer hours....let people know that we are men of prayer...
 This is a friary and a hostel for the boys....who come from very far off villages.....
 sharing and listening to one another

 Moments of listening to one another....Custos shared his own experience of the custody....he is here since 1993 onwards,,,,they have made a good development....there are ten houses.....about 120 mission centers or villages....visits to the family and plus education....is undertaken...

we are happy to be here....and no thoughts of returning back home....God bless your intentions...

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