OFM

Shalom Friary/ Church of St. Francis of Assisi
Ramnagar,
Zamistanpur P.O,
Hyderabad,
A. P - 500 020,
040-27616889.

History

St. Francis of Assisi Church, Ramnagar: A Testament of Franciscan Spirit

The Franciscan chapter in the history of Ramnagar Parish began in January 1974, when Fr. Christopher Coelho, OFM, arrived with the permission of Archbishop Samineni Arulappa to establish a Franciscan community. Soon after, on 14th April 1975, Fr. Sylvester Dias, OFM, became the first Guardian and Parish Priest, joined by Fr. Augustine P.A., OFM, and Fr. Joy Prakash, OFM. The first friars lived humbly in the basement of the school run by the Catechist Sisters of St. Ann, celebrating Mass in a small shed. Under Fr. Sylvester’s leadership, the old convent was converted into a friary, an additional floor was added in 1977, and the construction of a new church began.

On 20th December 1978, this church was blessed and dedicated as St. Francis of Assisi Church. The succeeding pastors steadily built up the parish community. Fr. Augustine P.A., OFM (1978–1980), began celebrating Mass in Vidyanagar, while Fr. Lawrence Kochumalakunnel, OFM (1980–1984), relocated a typing institute to serve the poor and initiated Mass at Chikkadpally. In 1985, Fr. Bala Sunder, OFM, took charge of the now well-established parish, followed by Fr. Arok Sunder, OFM, whose dedication throughout the 1990s ensured stability and growth. In 1994, a new building was added to house the Franciscan Juniorate students.

Later, Fr. Salibindla Prathap Reddy, OFM (1998), and Fr. Prasad Cheely, OFM, continued this mission until Fr. Prasad’s untimely passing in April 2000. Leadership then passed to Fr. Varghese Sebastian, OFM, in 2000, who guided the community with care. A time of renewal dawned with Fr. K. Sleeva, OFM, whose personal and pastoral approach revitalized parish life. Attendance increased, and a major extension and renovation of the church were undertaken. The beautifully renewed St. Francis of Assisi Church was blessed by Archbishop Marampudi Joji on 27th May 2007, marking a new era of vibrancy for the Franciscan presence in Ramnagar.

Fr. Arok Sunder once again returned to the parish for another 3 years; fr. Prasad served for a year and went to Germany from here. fr. Prasanna then swerved the parish for the next 5 years and fr. Praveen took up the charge of the parish in 2023. Today, the parish continues to flourish. There is a strong system of faith formation, supported by committed parents who encourage their children to attend catechism. Every year, the parish joyfully celebrates First Communion and Confirmation. The successive priests have given priority to spiritual activities and have made parish feasts meaningful and vibrant occasions of community celebration. A dynamic youth group adds energy and vitality, engaging actively in many areas of parish life.

Recent years have seen remarkable milestones. In 2022, a new flag pole was erected. In 2023–24, a statue of St. Francis with the wolf and the inscription “I LOVE ST. FRANCIS” were installed, along with significant renovations inside the church, enhancing the beauty of the parish. The parish has also hosted major youth gatherings: in 2023, it welcomed over 400 young people for FRAYME the Franciscan Youth Meet, and in 2025, it hosted the Archdiocesan Youth Meet, again bringing together more than 400 youth in joyful celebration. Through the decades, Ramnagar Parish has grown from humble beginnings into a faith-filled, vibrant, and welcoming community. Strong in formation, rooted in Franciscan spirituality, enriched by the dedication of its pastors, and energized by its youth, the parish continues to be a living witness to the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi.