Conventuals in India

• Fr. Vitale BOMMARCO aimed to establish the Order in India to honour Blessed Maximilian’s 50th anniversary in 1978.
• Fr. Sebald REIL, General Secretary for the Missions, was tasked to prepare and visit India.
• Fr. Sebald contacted Bishop Jacob THOOMKUZHY of Mananthavady and Bishop Joseph POWATHIL of Kanjirappally, who were willing to host the Order.
• On October 18, 1979, the General Definitory approved Fr. Sebald’s efforts.
• From November 16 to December 15, 1979, Fr. Sebald met with various bishops, particularly Bishop POWATHIL, who invited the Order to establish itself in his diocese.
• The first foundation aimed at vocational activities.
• The project was presented to the Maltese Province in February 1980, with Fr. Albert SAMMUT and Fr. Samuel CHETCUTI chosen as the first missionaries.
• In November 1980, a Convention was signed between the General Curia and the Maltese Province, formalizing the Indian Mission.
• The first missionary, Fr. Samuel, arrived in India in November 1980 to find suitable land for the Franciscan Centre.
• The Centre was established on January 24, 1981, providing general education and Franciscan spiritual formation.
• On February 5, 1981, Fr. Samuel reported to the Maltese Definitory, which approved the mission's policy and his role as Superior.
• The Nirmalaram religious house and Minor Seminary were officially established on February 12, 1981 by the approval of General Definitory.