India, Fraternal Visit of Br. Ignacio Ceja, Vicar General

During the Jubilee Year of St. Francis, the three-week visitation in India of Br. Ignacio Ceja, OFM, Vicar General of the Order of Friars Minor, which began on 25 January 2026 and concluded on 15 February 2026, became a moment of grace, renewal, and fraternal communion for the Franciscan family in India. Representing the Minister General and the General Definitory, his presence strengthened the friars and faithful in their commitment to Gospel life and mission.

The visit began with the inauguration of the Jubilee Year at St. Louis Friary, Palamaner — fondly regarded as the cradle of Indian Franciscans — in the presence of aspirants and novices. From there, Br. Ignacio travelled to Madurai for the blessing of St. Anthony’s Academy. 

He later inaugurated the Jubilee celebrations at St. Anthony’s Friary, Bengaluru, the Mother House of the Indian Franciscans, presiding over the Eucharist and addressing the brothers during the Intermediate Chapter, where he shared the message of the Minister General.

Continuing his journey, he visited Goa, the historic Franciscan center once home to Portuguese Franciscans, where he also inaugurated the Jubilee Year. At Assisivanam in Kerala, home to philosophy students, he received a joyful welcome and spent time encouraging the brothers in formation.

He also visited friaries and pastoral centers of the Custodia of Mary, Mother of God, including Malom Noatoli and Nanesera, where he spent quality time with the fraternities and parishioners, offering guidance and encouragement. Everywhere he went, the faithful welcomed him with joy and reverence, experiencing his presence as a sign of the Church’s closeness. A particularly moving aspect of the visitation was the welcome offered by tribal communities at Malom Noatoli and Nanesera. Through traditional dances, songs, and symbolic gestures of honour, they expressed deep respect and gratitude. Their simplicity, communal solidarity, cultural richness, and strong faith resonated deeply with Franciscan values of fraternity, humility, and care for creation.

At St. Anthony’s Friary, North Guwahati, the brothers of the Foundation of St. Francis of Assisi welcomed Br. Ignacio with traditional Assamese hospitality, including the presentation of a Pulen Gamusa. He visited mission centers and interacted with the brothers in formation, expressing joy at seeing many young friars and encouraging them to grow as committed Franciscans rooted in prayer, fraternity, and service.

During his visit to Nongjri Mission, he attended the send-off program for Class X students of St. Thomas School and encouraged them to strive for excellence. He also inaugurated and blessed a newly constructed cloth-drying shed for the boys’ hostel — a small but meaningful step toward improving student welfare.

Throughout his visit, Br. Ignacio ensured that he spent quality time meeting the friars, listening to their experiences, and sharing the dream and universal vision of Francis of Assisi. Struck by the beauty and richness of India, he inspired the brothers — especially those in formation — to broaden their horizons and embrace the universality of the Franciscan mission.

His fraternal presence strengthened bonds of unity, renewed missionary zeal, and deepened spiritual commitment among the friars and faithful. This visitation, celebrated during the Jubilee Year of St. Francis, stands as a moment of grace and renewal. Inspired by this encounter, the fraternities continue their journey with renewed hope, fidelity, and dedication to living the Gospel in the spirit of St. Francis in today’s world.

We express special gratitude to Br. Baptist D’Souza, OFM, Delegate of the General Secretary to the Foundation OFM Fraternitas, Rome, whose support made Br. Ignacio’s visit to India possible and whose fraternal accompaniment during the initial phase of the journey was deeply appreciated.