To Live and Follow | Letter of the Franciscan Ministers General

Free Health Education and Health check-up camp: Vimukti Pothnal
The Vimukthi Charitable Trust® Pothnal organized health check-up camp for all the Sponsored children and parents at Vimukti Premises. Mrs. Jecintha and Mrs. Shilpa, organized the health checkup camp. Eye, Weight, Mouth, Ear and Physical checkup was done to all the children. Anemia, mouth cavities, vitamin deficiency, mouth ulcers and fungal infections were commonly seen among children. Children were guided to keep themselves clean and to eat fruits and vegetables. Parents were guided as to how to overcome vitamin deficiency by giving nutritious food. Parents were told to avoid giving chocolates and sweets to children. The health checkup was conducted by Dr. Rajendra, Pediatrician and Mrs. Annamma Nurse, three Anganwadi Teachers and one Helper were also present during the camp. Nearly 140 children parents underwent the health checkup and benefited from this camp.

CONGREGATION Day of Franciscan Sisters of St. Mary of the Angels (FSMA)
Shanthi Sadhana – Franciscan Institute of Spirituality in India – FISI celebrated the Congregation Feast day of Franciscan Sisters of St. Mary of the Angels(FSMA) on the 02nd of August 2021 on the day where the entire Franciscan Family all over the world celebrate the feast of Our Lady of the Angels – Portiuncula - the small Assisi-area chapel that became the foundational home of the Franciscan family. The congregation of the Franciscans of St. Mary of the Angel was founded on 1871 by Fr. Chrysostom of the cross at Angers in France. Christ in the Eucharist is the source and centre of their contemplation and their mission throughout the world. They are adorers and missionaries. Their principal aim is adoration of the Eucharistic Christ. The congregation also dedicates itself to the service of the poor to education, to the care of the sick and the actual needs of the church and of the world. The congregation is a religious institute of St. Francis of Assisi. There was a solemn Mass presided over by Fr. Maxim Nazereth along with other fathers, the choir and the liturgy was conducted by sisters. We wish Happy Congregation Day to FSMA sisters.

Kargil Vijay Diwas @ Darshan College
‘I’ll either come back after raising the Indian flag in victory or return wrapped in it, but I will come for sure’ – Late Captain Vikram Batra. A grateful nation pays homage to all those who served the nation during War. Our brave Soldiers ensured that India remains protected and gave a befitting answer to those who tried to vitiate the atmosphere of peace. We salute the ultimate sacrifice of the martyrs of Kargil. Darshan College NCC Unit organized a tributary event to pay homage to the great Soldiers who fought the Kargil war. Rev. Fr. Vijesh Menezes who was the Chief Guest for the event rightly said that it is not the celebration of war but the celebration of the Victory. The NCC Cadets staged a heart wrenching program reminding everyone present that love for the nation should be in action. Years might fly faster but the memories of Kargil are etched deeper in the hearts of Indian Citizens evoking and inflaming the Spirit of Patriotism.

Self-Employment Training: Vimukti Pothnal
Self-employment training program was conducted to the members of Self-Help Group at Vimukti premises as on 28th of July 2021. The main objective of conducting this program is to motivate the members to involve in self-employment for their livelihood and to improve the standard of living. Mr Jayasheela coordinator of Vimukti addressed the members as, savings money will not enough to meet the requirement of livelihood. It is necessary improve economic conditions of family by adopting income generating activities. Mris Girija Sitram suggested the members to think creatively and actively in Self-help group, share their skills so that they can collectively run income generating activities. The session also included the discussion on goals, objectives, functions and sustainability of Self-Help Group. Mrs. Jecintha, Ishamma, Renuka were participated in the program. It was emceed by Charly. Nearly SHG 58 leaders attended the training and benefited program from this program.

TRINITY CENTRAL SCHOOL SCORES ANOTHER CENTURY.
“Success come to those who work with earnest determination, with a steadfast will-power even in the most towering of challenges.”
In the wake of the pandemic, much has been said about the un-nerving effects that has caused ripples in the education sector, confining students to learn from a 10-inch screen; and with Board Exams cancelled students were apprehensive about their future. However, any unprecedented challenge can be conquered with a confident vision. Keeping their vision in focus, students and teachers of Grade 10 of Trinity Central School, Perampalli took the bull by the horns to become ‘matador’ . For a seventh consecutive time, the school has secured 100% results in the ICSE Board Examinations, with fantastic results. Of the 47 students that appeared for the exams, 3 students topped the charts with scores of 95% and above, 28 students scored 85% and above and 16 students securing 75% and above. Ms Krissel Monteiro took home the honours with a brilliant 96%, along with Ms Anisha D’silva and Master Astle Fernandes who scored 95.4% and 95.2% respectively. The Management, Principal and staff extends their congratulations to all the students for the excellent performance, and wish them the very best in all their future endeavours.

ONLINE CLASSES - MS TEAMS APP : Trinity Central School
A wise person once said ‘At times, life throws curve balls that you would not know which direction to look and the future looks bleak. But whatever the situation, learning must never stop.‘
An ominous curve ball Covid threw life out of gear, putting the future of children in uncertain hands. While schools still remain shut, learning never took a back-seat. Education saw a new form in virtual reality, as classes went online. Whilst in the previous academic year (2020-21), we were sending video recordings, for the current academic year we, at Trinity Central School thought that it had been far too long of being separated from our students, and so, in keeping with the times we decided to take a confident plunge into virtuality, by introducing the MS Teams App. A student friendly app, in which through live classes students and teachers can interact with each other creating a class room like atmosphere, that our students have so dearly missed. We look forward to an amazing and successful year, with the MS Teams App.

INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY - VIRTUAL CELEBRATIONS : Trinity Central School
“ Yoga is not a religion. It is a science of well-being and integrity in culminating together as ONE - the body, mind and soul.”
On June 21st 2021, as the world came together in the brisk hours of dawn to commemorate International Yoga Day, we too , at Trinity Central School took to the virtual world in celebrating this day. Spearheaded by Ms Sunitha, the programme commenced with an invitation to hope by dispelling of darkness, through the lighting of the lamp by our Principal Rev. Fr. Anil D’Costa, along with Fr. Lenson Lobo and our Physical Education instructors Ms Pallavi Naik and Mr Bharath. Ms Shrilatha, through her thoughtful speech and presentation conveyed the importance and benefits of practising yoga in our daily lives. This was followed by presentation of the most important basics of Yoga - the Surya namaskar by our P.E teachers. In his closing words, our principal shared his thoughts on the need for Yoga in our lives especially in these testing waters of the pandemic situation. The virtual yoga day celebrations can be viewed through with this link: https://youtu.be/BUMq36jyaRc

Vaccination Drive @ Darshan College
Vaccines are one of the best things that ever happened in medicines. The Covid 19 Pandemic has created a new normal with social distancing, wearing masks, virtual classes etc. Yet it’s not to be considered as a victory of Corona Virus. The United fight against the deadly virus continues and grows stronger with every awareness program conducted, with every inoculation done. With this motivation, Darshan College organized 3 Vaccination drives with the help and support of Ullal Public Health Centre. The Teaching, Non-Teaching Staff, Students and a few people in the vicinity were vaccinated in the college campus. It was a small step to facilitate the global effort to destabilize the Virus: Be vaccinated, be safe.

FR CLIFFORD FERNANDES, OFM CAP LAID TO REST
The funeral mass of Fr Clifford Fernandes OFM Cap was held on 21st of July at 10 am at St Fidelis Friary - Monte Mariano friary chapel, presided over by Most Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, the Bishop of Mangaluru along with Fr Alwyn Dias, the Provincial Minister of Holy Trinity Capuchin Province Karnataka, Fr Melwyn D'Souza, the Guardian of St Anne’s Friary Mangaluru and many priests, religious brothers and sisters and laity. Fr Alwyn Dias Provincial Minister, in his introduction said, “Death brings sadness to all, today Karnataka capuchin province is mourning because we have lost a young and energetic preacher of the Word of God.” Fr Baptist Rodrigues preached a heart touching homily. He said, "Fr Clifford was an itinerant preacher and helped many people to come closer to Christ. Truly, he had an experience of the love of God and he was always enthusiastic to share that experience with the people of God. Today Fr Clifford is enjoying the wonderful eternal rewards that Christ had promised to him."

Personality Development workshop for Sponsored Children: Vimukti Pothnal
“Activity Based training to make Children achieve their dream and aspirations”
the seeds of success are sown at the teenage. it is the age of dreams and aspirations. it is the age of the possible. it is also the age of uncertainty and doubt due to many physical and emotional changes taking place in a teenager. it is the right time to build foundation of success in a man. the balance lacks the right attitude, self-confidence and communication skills required by organizations. VIMUKTI has stepped in to fill this gap by catching them young (i.e., in their teenage). the personality development workshop for sponsored children to become super teens workshop provided by VCT, is an activity-based personality development program which lays the foundation of success for an individual. the program trains the teenagers, through the process of learning by doing, on power of positive attitude, improving self-esteem/self-confidence, setting & achieving goals, effective communication and teamwork, public speaking & personal grooming. activity based training to make our children achieve their dreams and aspirations. Nearly 130 children and parents attended and availed the benefits of the camp.

15th July 2021 – Silver Jubilee of the Priestly Ordination of Rev. Fr. Salvador Fernandes
It was indeed a joyous day for the community of DITh to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the Priestly Ordination of our beloved rector, Rev. Fr. Salvador Fernandes. The Jubilation got a grace-filled start with the solemn celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided over by the Fr. Rector, the Jubilarian. The day also being the feast of St. Bonaventure we had a very meaningful celebration of the Holy Mass. Fr. Albert, the director of studies gave a beautiful introduction to the liturgy as well as to the celebration of the day, inviting us to thank and pray for the blessings of Fr. Salvador to our community and province at large. Fr. Anil Sequeira preached a homily with deep theological insights aptly fitting for the event. The melodious choir by the brothers, ably guided by Fr. Baptist enhanced the prayerful ambience of the celebration.

Vimukti Free Health Check-up camps: Vimukti Pothnal
Vimukti Pothnal organized health check-up camps at 8 villages of our working area. Eye, nose, ears, throat, height, weight and general check-up were carried out to all the children, pregnant women and elders. Parents and Anganwadi teachers were informed. Mothers with children below 3 years of age were enlightened about the importance of breast feeding. Ill effects of milk substitutes and nutritional benefits of vegetables were briefed to the parents. Forty-four children and elders attended and availed the benefits of the camp.

Inauguration of the Academic Year of Post Novitiate at Pothnal, Raichur
The Post Novitiate formation course began on 30th June 2021 at Clara Vihar, Pothnal, Raichur. The day began with the recollection for the community. Rev. Fr Anil Kumar administered the sacrament of reconciliation. The inaugural Eucharistic celebration began at 10.30 am, which was officiated Fr Sunil Dominic the guardian of Clara Vihar community. The Lectio Brevis began at 11.30 am with the chief guest Fr Anil Kumar & the resident professors of Clara Vihar who chaired the ceremony. The annual report of the academic year 2020-21 was read by Director Fr Joseph Coelho. The professors namely Fr Joseph, Fr Anil, Fr Thomas & Fr Sunil introduced their subject of teaching. The input session was lectured by Prof Fr Ani Kumar who urged us to be more active and vigilant in the Formation. The brothers performed various cultural programs and geared up the celebration. The Ursuline sisters from neighbouring community were invited. The whole programme was concluded with Agape. We wish all the best to the brothers to enliven their year of Post Novitiate and experience the life of St. Francis of Assisi living amidst the people of the vicinity of Raichur.

Recreation and Relaxation: Vimukti pothnal
Believing in the words of Aristotle “educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all”. Recreation was very much fruitful because it was the time that they built friendship with each other, they mixed, shared their happiness, jokes and funny stories. It was also a time to refresh their mind and heart. The group activities conducted during recreation also made them smart and energetic.

Survey on Antenatal and Postnatal care: Vimukti Pothnal
Vimukti staff along with CL leaders and Janavedike members jointly conducted the door-to-door Survey on ANC and PNC Services in the 20 pockets. The main objective is to know during this COVID Pandemic, the poor are affected more adversely, especially in our villages weather the ANC and PNC are getting the benefits from the AWCs and PHCs? weather the timely food distribution and health check-ups are taking place? and all the pregnancy delivery and post- delivery women go to the PHCs for the examines and utilize the services offered by the health department? As a result, 565 ANC and PNC women data was gathered for the further reference. The targeted pocket PNCs and ANCs were advised to wear masks, go for timely health check-ups, to receive nutrition food from the AWCs, compulsory to get admitted for the delivery in the PHCs and use in emergency 108 ambulance service for thier use in difficulties.

Public Awareness Campaign: Vimukti pothnal
Vimukti childline Raichur organised awareness drive for the public in four talukas of Raichur District from 24th to 27th June 2021. Public were explained about the issues of children such as child labour, school drop-outs, begging children, child abuse, human trafficking, missing children, child marriage and run-away children etc. the ChildLine team took up the initiatives to educate the general public in streets and market places mainly on CHILDLINE (1098) services and Handbills with information and child related issues were distributed to the public. A positive response was given by the public who assured that they would call the child helpline if any children were at risk. Around 2500 people received awareness.

INAUGURATION OF ACADEMIC YEAR 2021-22
In spite of COVID-19 PANDEMIC, Shanthi Sadhana-Franciscan Institute of Spirituality in India-FISI-Bangalore inaugurated the Academic year for the Diploma course in Franciscan Spirituality on the 21st of June 2021. The inauguration of academic year 2021-22 was held in FISI on 21st June 2021. Along with the staff, new students and Director of the Institute Fr. Robin Victor D’souza con-celebrated the Eucharist and delivered a fitting homily on the importance of perseverance and imbibing spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare and becoming more human in the world. The melodious choir sung by our new student’s added meaning to the celebration. The Eucharistic celebration was begun with a introduction followed by lighting of the lamp by the Director Fr. Robin Victor D’souza, Fr. Robin Minin Lopez-Program Coordinator, Fr. Joseph Dolphy Pais-Spiritual Director, Fr. Maxim Nazareth-Member, Sr. Linet Danthi UFS-Student representative.

Vestition @ St Pio Delegation, Sri Lanka
St. Pio Delegation, Sri Lanka of the Holy Trinity Capuchin Province, Karnataka began the Novitiate on 13/06/2021 with the ceremony of Vestition of Six Brothers from Pakistan in the presence of Br Arun Kumar Philomenraj, Provincial Delegate. As we congratulate them, we pray for the fruitful holy year of Novitiate.

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  Holy Trinity Province of Karnataka   

On 8 December 2008 the General Definitory by its Decree Prot. No. 00999/98 constituted and declared established the Most Holy Trinity Province of Karnataka. By the same Decree the General Definitory appointed Br. Vincent Gabriel Furtado as the new Provincial Minister, Br. John Baptist Sequeira as the first Definitor and Provincial Vicar, Br. Patrick Crasta, Edwin Colaco and Rudolf D'Souza as the 2, 3, and 4 Definitors respectively.