The Province of St. Thomas the Apostle, India, held its annual Friars Students’ Meet - FRISM 2025 - at St. Aloysius Friary in Palamaner. 77 friars in formation, from postulants to pastoral-year brothers, gathered for a vibrant week of celebrating brotherhood, reflecting Franciscan forma vitae, and renewing the call to be a friar minor today.
Under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope: Journeying with Creation in the Spirit of St. Francis,” the gathering invited participants to deepen their understanding of their vocation and face today’s challenges with fresh conviction.
The event opened with a heartfelt prayer service and warm welcome from Br. Sleeva Reddy, Guardian of St. Louis Friary. Br. Shaji Nicholas, Secretary for Formation and Studies, set the tone by presenting the gathering’s goals, while Br. Saji Mathew, Vicar Provincial, delivered a compelling keynote urging brothers to engage with their fraternal relationships by deepening, sensing, seeing, and hearing.
Throughout the week, sessions tackled timely and essential topics: Br. Joy Sebastian led discussions on sexual orientation, healthy relationships, and integrating personal needs and values in formation. Fr. Sahaya Arockiasamy, CSsR, unpacked the effects of social media on formation, while Br. Charles Bernard spoke on the unique significance of the lay brotherhood. Environmental stewardship took center stage with Br. Lourdu Augustine guiding participants to draft practical action plans for “Caring for Our Common Home.” Br. Rajasekhar Gopu introduced the wide horizon of Franciscan ministries across India and beyond, sparking enthusiasm for mission.
Yet, FRISM 2025 was not just about talks - it pulsed with shared prayer, teamwork, meals, games, and cultural events, weaving a strong fabric of fraternity among the brothers.
The final days brimmed with powerful moments of commitment as 35 brothers reaffirmed their “yes” to the Franciscan journey through the Renewal of Vows, 21 brothers stepped joyfully into the next chapter with Vestition into the Novitiate, and 8 novices, along with 5 brothers making their Solemn Profession, marked their life-changing commitment before the Minister Provincial. Additionally, two brothers from the Custody of Mary Mother of God had made their Solemn Profession earlier, on May 4, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Nanesera, in the hands of Br. Santosh Ekka, the Custos.
Br. Xavier Durairaj, Minister Provincial, in his concluding address, offered a clear and inspiring vision: reminding the young friars of the Order’s expectations and urging them to take up the demanding yet rewarding task of living the Franciscan call with relevance and authenticity in today’s world.
FRISM 2025 left the friar students, novices and postulants reoriented, reenergized, and renewed in the joy and purpose of their vocation — ready to journey on as true pilgrims of hope.
