The Vicar General inaugurates St. Anthony’s Academy in Madurai

On 30 January 2026, Br. Ignacio Ceja Jimenez, OFM Vicar General, inaugurated St. Anthony’s Academy, a newly constructed school of the Province of St. Thomas the Apostle, India, situated in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

The programme began with a traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolising the dispelling of darkness and the ushering in of wisdom, knowledge, and hope. Br. Ignacio led the ceremony, joined by the visiting guests, marking the formal commencement of the inaugural celebrations. Br. Baptist D’Souza, OFM, the Delegate of the General Secretary to the OFM Fraternitas Foundation, Rome, Br. Xavier Durairaj, the Minister Provincial, and Br. Saji Mathew, the Vicar Provincial, along with friars from various fraternities, were also present for the occasion.

Although the school had already commenced classes with the new academic year in June 2025, even while construction was ongoing, the visit of Br. Ignacio came at a particularly appropriate moment to bless and formally inaugurate the completed school building.

Br. Ignacio was accompanied by Ms. Maria from Germany, Br. Joy KD from GSFM, Waterford and Br. Bala Marneni, along with guests from the United States of America. 

Br. Ignacio then presided over the blessing ceremony, invoking God’s abundant blessings and seeking the intercession of St. Anthony upon the school, its management, staff, and students. 

St. Anthony’s Academy stands as a significant educational initiative of the Province, aimed at reaching out to the neighbourhood of Punith Anthoniaar Illam (St. Anthony’s Friary) through quality education grounded in Franciscan values. Addressing the gathering, Vicar general expressed his deep appreciation for the vision and initiative of the Province. He encouraged the staff to remain committed to holistic education and wished the students a joyful and fruitful learning journey in the years ahead.

The children of the school presented colourful cultural programmes, including songs, dances, and short performances. Despite their young age, the children performed with great enthusiasm and confidence, bringing joy and vibrancy to the occasion and drawing warm appreciation from all present.