ASIA/INDIA - Food and “certain hope” for the poor, in the spirit of the Jubilee: the Capuchin mission in Tamil Nadu

Dindigul (Agenzia Fides) – The “Assisi Free Food Support” initiative aims to offer food to the neediest students in rural areas, those who cannot afford even one meal a day, as well as to those who share this situation of deprivation. This initiative is launched today, February 5, at Anugraha College (whose name means “Providence of God”), a center run by the Capuchin Fathers in the diocese of Dindigul, in Tamil Nadu, and is presented as a prophetic gesture for the Jubilee Year. “We intend to demonstrate in a concrete way our closeness to the poorest, in the spirit of the Jubilee that announces hope to those in need,” says Father George Bernardshaw Jesudass OFM. Cap, director of the school, which houses 900 young people between 18 and 23 years old. The centre, dedicated to guiding students from rural families in their formation and higher education, is affiliated with the Kamaraj University of Madurai. “We are happy and receive support from both the friars of the Mary Queen of Peace Province and others, since any kind of help is prescious in order to generate a positive impact in the lives of our students and ensure the basis of food security necessary for study,” adds the friar, who is also Provincial Vicar. The initiative reflects the inclusive approach of the Indian Capuchins, especially in favour of the most disadvantaged in rural areas, without ethnic, cultural or caste distinctions. “When we are in heaven, the doors will be open to all, regardless of culture, language, social status or caste,” recalls Father Bernardshaw. “The caste mentality persists in society and even in some hierarchical structures of the Church, which represents a danger for the Catholic community. We, as Capuchin friars, do not impose barriers or hierarchies in our relationship with our neighbours; we are close to everyone and our doors remain open,” he says. The director reports that the province, made up of 150 Franciscan religious, is committed to various areas of the apostolate: “from aid and solidarity towards the needy, psychological and social counselling, the management of homes for abandoned elderly people and the mentally ill, to assistance to victims of addictions, especially among young people addicted to drugs or alcohol, without forgetting the important field of education, through schools that accompany the growth of students from rural families. This apostolate allows the friars to stay close to the people and to be widely appreciated.”
“In the name of Francis of Assisi, we also try to give people that ‘certain hope’ that he preached,” explains the provincial father, Fr Arockiadoss Savarimuthu. The Capuchin friars have been present in India for almost 400 years. Their journey in the country is divided into four phases: at first, they were directly linked to the Sacred Congregation of Propaganda Fide (1632-1887); later, their missionary activities were promoted through provinces of other nations (1887-1982); then, with the birth of the “Commissariat of India”, Capuchin provinces were developed throughout the country (1922-1963); and, finally, the Indian Capuchins were consolidated and spread in their own land, also carrying out missions ad gentes (1963-today). During almost 400 years of mission, the friars have baptized thousands of people, founded various dioceses, contributed to the formation of the local clergy and erected 13 cathedrals, which remain a clear testimony of their dedication to the mission and to the Church in India. It is common for Capuchin convents to have annexes as charity centres, centres for social development and apostolic activities, also in the cultural field, through the publication of works of Franciscan theology and spirituality in the local language. Among the significant dates of this long history, the beginning of the Capuchin mission in India in 1632 stands out, marked by the landing of Brother Ephrem de Nevers, from France, in Madras, in the south of the country; and, later, in 1703, the missionary landing in Tibet and Nepal by Italian Capuchins from Le Marche area. In 2021, the friars celebrated the centenary of the opening of the first novitiate in India. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 5/2/2025)

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