OFM

Order of Friars Minor

Province of St. Thomas the Apostle, India

Joy is Being Franciscan

Who We Are: The Order of Friars Minor

We are a brotherhood, a fraternity inspired by the vision of St. Francis of Assisi. By professing the Gospel vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, we seek to follow the divine call together, surrendering our lives entirely to God.

Our Charism: To Live the Gospel Radically

As followers of Jesus Christ in the footsteps of St. Francis, we are bound to lead a radically evangelical life. This means:

  • Living in a spirit of prayer and fraternal fellowship.

  • Offering a witness of penance and humility (minority).

  • Announcing the Gospel throughout the world through our deeds, preaching reconciliation, peace, and justice.

  • Showing respect for all people and for creation.

Our Motto

To live out the Good News of Jesus Christ in a spirit of obedience, without personal possessions, and in chastity.

Our Mission & Presence

A Fraternity on Mission

Guided by St. Francis, our very life is a mission. Our fraternity is called to be a vibrant, outgoing force for the Gospel, and every friar embraces his personal responsibility in this shared work.

Faithful to the Church, Engaged in the World

Planted firmly within the Catholic Church, we journey with the People of God. We listen to the world with open hearts, responding with faith and compassion to its changing needs, always faithful to the Church's wisdom.

Our Apostolic Work

We bring this mission to life through various ministries, including:

  • Parish Ministry

  • Education through Schools

  • Social Services: Boys' Homes, a home for rag-pickers, care for HIV/AIDS patients, and an Industrial Training School.

  • Preaching Ministries

  • Ashram Ministries

  • Promoting the Integrity of Creation