ASSISI ASHRAM AND PARISH, VADDAPUR,

Assisi Ashram was built on the property that was bought by Br. Stephen Jairaj in the early years of the capuchin presence in Malabar. This is a place which has forest all around. This parish is given to the capuchins who came here and started their pastoral work staying in small house. Then on they have been rendering services to the catholics who would have to walk about 7km to go to the Parish church. For many years because of some reasons the Bishop was not bifurcating the parish. Finally the capuchins requested and he granted.

Today it is full fledged parish with a new church and around 200 families. It is young and vibrant parish.

We have two friars who are fully engaged in the pastoral activities. The friars also render services to the numerous women religious congregations.

The friary was built first and then they built a small but beautiful church.

 THE old church and now the new church

 Inside the friary, simple and with few rooms...

 This is another friary....where the friars live contemplative life....this is one of the first houses in Northern part of Kerala.....the old small houses are now no more...but two or three still stand....some friars and religious would come for prayer and contemplation....

 Brothers Varghese who built the new friary....is the superior of the friary.....brother Chacko who has studied in Lugano, Moral Theology....he is now the Parish priest of the st. Francis

 The new friary and the chapel....