| THE SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER (SFO) |
The Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) shares in the common charism of the Franciscan family and among the various ministries of our Order SFO has a prominent role. It is the responsibility of the Friars to give adequate spiritual asistance and impart to them the spirituality of St. Francis.
The pastoral care of the Secular Franciscan Order is entrusted to the First Order and TOR. In India, the four Obediences are actively involved for the development of SFO. The beginning of the SFO in India takes us back to 1872. It is interesting to read from the history that the spiritual assistance of the first fraternities was attached to the Conventual Franciscan Friars, though there was no presence of any of the Friars. It was on 5th October, 1949, that the Capuchin Friars took over the pastoral assistance of all the fraternities in Kerala. Eventually came all other branches of the First Order and TOR.
We began our first fraternity at Kolbe Ashram, Aluva in 1994. In the same year a fraternity at Franciscan Ashram, Nattackal was also established. Later in 1999 the fraternities that were in the diocese of Kanjirappally had been handed over to us by the Capuchins, as they had no friary in the Diocese. There has been a tremendous revival for the SFO during these last four years, mainly: a) The number of fraternities increased, b) more Friars were interested to work in this field, c) the awareness regarding the autonomous nature of the SFO and its juridical status in the church, are some of the important elements of growth and development of the SFO.
In 1999, the conference of the spiritual assistants of all the four obediences was formed and this conference, which meets occasionally, evaluates and animates SFO in various levels. There was also a seminar organized by this conference for all the Regional Spiritual Assistants, two days seminar at FISI, Bangalore.
There is a steady growth and development for SFO in India. Moreover, we Conventual Franciscans play an important role here. As per the norms of the National statutes and the directions of the National council, for a better functioning, the units under our pastoral care are divided in the National chapter held at Assisi Shanthi Kendra, Karukutty on 23rd January 2005. Accordingly, there are three regions; Kanjirappally region, Kolbe region, Assisi region and a fraternity, which is attached to our friary in Malabar, Franciscan Ashram, Nattackal under our pastoral care. |
| Assisi Region |
| Assisi region consists of six fraternities and the office of this region is Assisi Shanthi Kendra, Karukutty. All these units are very active and dynamic with young and energetic members. Out of 463 members, 295 are professed. |
| Fraternities of Assisi Region |
1.
|
St. Sebastian’s Church, Nalukettu |
| 2. |
St. Thomas Church, Mangalassery |
| 3. |
St. Anthony’s Church, Elavoor |
| 4. |
St. Sebastian’s Church, Kunnappillissery |
| 5. |
St. Joseph’s Church, Kodussery |
| 6. |
St. Xavier’s Church, N. Kuthiyathode |
| Kolbe Region |
| Kolbe Region consists of five fraternities and the office of this region is Kolbe Franciscan Ashram, Aluva. This region has made tremendous growth during the last four years. There were only two units in this area for long time among them Kolbe Franciscan Ashram unit has been the first unit established under our pastoral care. It was established on October 4, 1994. There are 387 members in this regions among them 142 are professed. This region collaborates with Assisi region for all the activities. |
| Fraternities of Kolbe Regiion |
| 1. |
Kolbe Ashram, Aluva |
| 2 |
St.Joseph’s Church, Snehapuram |
| 3. |
St. Joseph’s Church, Thottua |
| 4. |
St. Sebastian’s Church, Neericode |
| 5. |
St. Louis Church, Thuruthippuram |
| Kanjirappally Region |
| Kanjirappally regional council came into being in 2003. It consists of 18 fraternities and has its office in Nirmalaram Franciscan Ashram, Chotty. This region maintains its regular programs with |
| Fraternities of Kanjirappally Region |
| 1. |
St. Mary’s Church, Anickadu |
| 2. |
St. Michael’s Church, Pazhayidom |
| 3. |
St. Mary’s Church, Kanayankavayal |
| 4. |
St. Thomas Church, Velichiyani |
| 5. |
Assumption Church, Erumely |
| 6. |
St. George’s Church, Neyyattussery |
| 7. |
St. Pius X Church, Anchellippa |
| 8. |
St. Mary’s Church, Cheruvally |
| 9. |
Holy Family Church, Inchiyani |
| 10. |
St. Mary’s Church, Podimattam |
| 11. |
St. Ephraim’s Church, Chirakkadavu |
| 12. |
Sacred Heart Church, Chengel |
| 13. |
Holy Cross Church, Kappadu |
| 14. |
St. Mary’s Church, Mundakkayam |
| 15. |
St. Mary’s Church, Kannimala |
| 16. |
St. Mary’s Church, Thekkemala |
| 17. |
St. Joseph’s Church, Kunnumbhagam |
| 18. |
Nirmalaram Franciscan Ashram, Chotty |
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