Media Release
Mangaluru, Mar 14: The Secular Franciscan Order (SFO), popularly known as ‘Franciscan Thisri Oddh’ completed its 90 years in the diocese. The first fraternity of SFO was canonically erected on February 13, 1927 at St Francis Xavier parish, Bejai. From then it has spread to various parts of Karnataka through the efforts of the Capuchin Friars. To mark this occasion, around 800 members from all over the diocese specially from Beltagandy, Moodbidri, Bantwal, Bajpe and the city gathered together on March 12 at Divine Mercy Retreat, St Anne’s Friary, here.
The programme of the day began with a traditional devotion by Way of the Cross followed by a talk by friar Victor Crasta, Capuchin on the theme of the day ‘Franciscan Kutmacho Mogaso Sonthos’. In the felicitation programme a tribute was paid to all the deceased friars and members who served the Order all these 90 years.
Fr Joseph Dolphy Pais, provincial of Holy Trinity Capuchin Province, Karnataka in his presidential address congratulated all the members for being faithful to their vocation to be Franciscans and highlighted the speciality of SFO as an Order recognized by the church and spread throughout the church, having a history of 800 years.
Fr Peter Cyprian D'Souza and Fr Paul Melwyn D'Souza, also spoke on the occasion and appreciated the commitment the members have in their vocation and congratulated them for gathering together in large numbers to express their brotherhood and sisterhood. All the former spiritual assistants, present spiritual assistants and present regional presidents were honoured. The special attraction was honouring the eldest members in the Order namely, Juliana Lobo from Derebail who completed 90 years and has been the member of the SFO for nearly 70 years and Louis Fernandes from Bellore who also completed 90 years and has served the Order for more than 60 years.
The Festal Eucharist was celebrated by Rt Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangaluru and Fr Joseph Dolphy Pais preached a fitting homily on the occasion. Vicar general Fr Denis Moras Prabhu and parish priest Fr Wilson D'Souza together with many Capuchin friars concelebrated the Eucharist. After the Mass, the Bishop in his message shared his experiences with the SFO members and was edified by their simple lifestyle. He also brought to the notice of all, that his parents were the first SFO members in Most Holy Saviour Parish, Agrar. He also added that he himself was a member of SFO as a seminarian at St Joseph Seminary, Jeppu. Till the 1970’s it was good to know that all the seminarians from St Joseph’s Diocesan Seminary were members of SFO, including vicar general Fr Denis Moras Prabhu and Fr Wilson D’Souza parish priest who concelebrated the Holy Eucharist. After the festal meal there were a variety of programmes from the members. The seminarians from Dayalbagh Ashram, Ujire also performed a beautiful musical tableau and added a fitting climax to the memorable day.