Thursday, April 30, 2015

Fourth Day of the Chapter

 After the election the mood among the friar was upbeat....wishing and hugging the newly elected was very fraternal and could see that the friars were satisfied and happy with the new team. There are three of them who already have been councilors.....two are new.....all of them are educated and experts in various fields.....they will take the province on the path spiritual and capuchin progress

 Last night a grand recreation....young and old played, danced and sang songs....

 it was a time to relax and enjoy the moment...

 Games and danced really entertained the friars...

 simple games for simple capuchins...

 The subjects had to make a paper crown for the Guardians.....they came out with lovely crown.....i was the judge....all were good but i could select only there...
 Guardians felt happy and loved as the subjects all gathered around them....good idea can be repeated every month so that differences could be sorted out

 If you come to Tamil Nadu and don't enjoy the DOSA then you have not completed your visit....hot dosas with curry taste very good..

 Missionaries celebrated Mass
 Peter Fernando getting ready for Zimbabwe mission
 Chapter photo....


Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Election of the New team in South Province of the Capuchins in India

 Yesterday was the day of reports....many reports from all over their missions like Zimbabwe, France, Canada, Gulf andSrilanka....very interesting and heartening too...Br. Lawrence the custos
 Friar who is working in France presented a short report
 The New team....from Let S. Lawrence, Sathiyan,  From Right Br. John A (provincial), Peter Durai and Christopher
 Anugraha Chapel


Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Economic and social reports.....Thanking the outgoing Provincial Team

 Br. john A. provincial economus is presenting a triennial report...detailed and well prepared one....all aspects of economic life were covered by him...
 Friars looking at the figures....big province and resources are little...need to plan out well...
 Br. Damien with his experience at the General curia doing well here as the chapter secretary.....hard work .....the joint secretary and minute secretaries have a lot to take down...
 Most expensive bananas here...locally they are known as Bishops Banana as only they can afford to buy....i was told by one friar...may not be correct but .....

 It is good to recognize and acknowledge all that they have done for last three years...Br, Paul sammy thanking the outgoing team
 Friars in silence approve and accept the hard work done by the council

 This is the big refectory for animation centre Anugraha
 I had to felicitate the Provincial Arok
 Vicar Provincial Raja is given a shawl
 Br. John A. is given a shawl by Lawrence from Zimbabwe

 The second senior most friar Br. Joaquim...he is 80 plus but loved by all....He has been professor of Theology.....he well known and accepted...most of the young friars are his students...He is very jovial and fraternal...makes every to laugh and get around.....he has vast experience of the Mission too...
He can smile and get along with anyone....Br. Joaquim we love you....keep up your spirit brother...we need you in the Province and in the Order...

Monday, April 27, 2015

2nd Day of the Chapter in South Tamil Nadu

Yesterday evening we finished listening to the Provincial report after which we spent good amount of time in clarifying certain points, some additions and deletions were made.....the day ended at 5pm....the friars were free till 6.45pm....after which we began our evening prayer
 Anugraha centre is beautified by the friars....it looks great now
 The chapel attracts everyone who comes here....its beautiful and surrounded by trees and plants...good place for meditation
 The provincial team celebrated Mass on the theme "gratitude"

 Last night after dinner the friars prayed Rosary together...walking all around the house. It was spiritual experience....reminded many of their formative years.....one said that we should continue this in our own fraternities...

Mary Queen of peace Province Tamil Nadu South Province, India,

The second Ordinary chapter of the Mary Queen of Peace began this morning at 9.30am with solemn eucharistic celebration concelebrated. The provincial and one friar who celebrated birthday joined me for the Mass.....I preached a homily to set a tone for the chapter....the friars began to arrive yesterday evening and by this morning all friars were present...one could hear laughter all over...it is so good to see friars enjoying each others presence....sharing their experiences....even funny and positive ....
 The cooks are getting ready for the morning breakfast....it is call VADA...very tasty and yummy....i have put on some weight...
 fresh sea fish....very tempting....they prepared curry and fried....vow what a taste....Tamily cuisine is very rich...
 The eucharistic celebration....Provincial welcoming all for the Mass ....
 My introduction based on the first reading...Peters leadership....he allows the Holy spirit to Guide,,,,he dialogues with all....shows patience and love....when questioned he clarified....he wins over people....that is the leadership.....shepherds ready for dialogue and sit with the ones who need....no losing temper...but evaluating the issues....

 Homily was on the theme....Cpuchin charism.....vibrant.....allows us to look deep into our personalities to be transformed and changed

 Inaugural session.....accepting the agenda and other stuff.....Damien Pereira is the Chapter secretary....
 we are 88 in all....young and old....there is joy and happiness...

 without the presence of the Light there cannot be any celebration in India.....it is a rich symbol.....we invite the Lord through the lightning  of the Lamp

 After the session we moved to the Refectory.....Br. Arockiam began presenting his provincial report....we finished just 5 pages....he still has 25 pages to go....we take up in the afternoon session
 Friars enjoying simple but delicious Tamil meals.....