OFM

Dharmodaya Seva Ashram,
Cantonement,
Bellary,
KARNATAKA - 583 104.
08392-242791

1925, the Franciscans Friars of the English province came to Hyderabad and they were entrusted with the Bellary Mission. There were almost 32 English Friars who toiled in the diocese and the last of these Friars was Fr. Joachim Tinneny ofm. The Franciscan presence in the diocese is continued by the Friars of St. Thomas the Apostle Province, Bangalore. Bishop Joseph D’Silva welcomed the Franciscans to continue the mission in this regard Dharmodaya Seva Ashram was established in 1997, by the initiative of Franciscan friars especially Swami Dayanand the founder of the Ashram. It works with a five-fold thrust: Option for the poor by education help, Evangelization by preaching in the villages, Inculturation through adapting the local culture, Inter-Religious Dialogue by regular dialogue & prayers with other faiths (Satsang) and Contemplation by guided meditation & counselling. A beautiful Ashram Chapel with its present setup was built in the year 2004. Since then many have been benefited by visiting Dharmodaya Seva Ashram for their Spiritual and Psychological needs. In 2023 friar Dayanand who tirelessly worked in the Ashram passed away due to ill health. People those are touched by the life of Swamy Dayanand and embraced Christ expressed their wish to erect a statue in honor of him. The friars sought permission from Bishop Henry D’Souza after several meetings the Bishop gave permission it soon became a reality on 20/07/2024 as the statue of Swamy Dayanand was inaugurated witnessed by people of all faiths. The friars are now continuing the ministry at Ashram by option for the poor in reaching out to them by visiting villages, counselling, confession, prayer, meditation, yoga, Satsang, cave meditation on the hill and Inter Religious Dialogue.