Repair my church: St. Francis of Assisi and Pope Francis It was a remarkable day for all the
Franciscan sisters and brothers as My AFFI (Mysore All Franciscan Family
in India) celebrated the 7th Franciscan Gathering on 2nd October at
Jattihundi, Mysore. The Franciscan brothers hosted the gathering at
their school premises. The celebration began with prayerful dance and
small prayer conducted by the sisters of Maria Niketan Convent, Bogadi.
Thereby the Br. Sunil, the superior of Portiuncula Franciscan brothers,
addressed the congregation with welcoming words. Fr. Santa Lopes OFM
cap, the rector of Kripalaya and also the secretary of My AFFI,
introduced the speaker of the day Fr. Rocky D’cunha OFM cap who
enlighten the participants with the theme: Francis, go and repair my
house which as you see, is all being destroyed. He made a beautiful
comparison between St. Francis of Assisi and Pope Francis in repairing
the church in the present times. The talk had a deep insight and moved
the hearts of all the participants.
The general session was held by the Rev. Sr. Apoline Corderio,
provincial superior, Mysore Province USF. Thereafter Msgr. Rev. Fr.
Desmond Rebello, Episcopal vicar for the religious, Mysore diocese,
celebrated the Eucharist and enlightened the all the Franciscan sisters
and brothers to be cheerful and warm hearted just like children of
Francis of Assisi. Thereupon, all brothers and sisters shared meal with
one another. In the noon there was a cultural program. Beautiful dances
and skits entertained everyone present. The program ended with vote of
thanks by Fr. Santa Lopes. After that the brothers of Kripalaya led us
through the Transitus as preparation for the feast on 4th October.
Before, the departure there was photo session and tea party. Thus the
Franciscan gathering was a great success and fruitful.
