Joy for the Church in India

Friars Minor Conventual Celebrate a Season of New Priestly Ordinations

Kerala, 29 Dec 2025 – 5 Jan 2026: The Order of Friars Minor Conventual joyfully celebrated a blessed series of Priestly Ordinations and First Holy Masses during the closing days of 2025 and the dawn of 2026. These sacred events marked a truly significant moment of grace in the life of the Order and the Church.

The celebrations commenced on 29 December 2025 with the priestly ordination of Dn. Nibil Kollithadathil, OFM Conv., held at St. Sebastian’s Church, Irulam, during a solemn Eucharistic celebration at 9:15 a.m. The joyful celebrations continued on 31 December 2025 at Assisi Shanthi Kendra, Karukutty, where the Franciscan fraternity gathered for the priestly ordinations of Dn. Jibin Edapulavan, OFM Conv., Dn. Arun Mangaly, OFM Conv., and Dn. Alan Parayil, OFM Conv. The sacred rites were likewise celebrated during a solemn Eucharistic celebration at 9:15 a.m.

The stream of blessings continued into the New Year. On January 1, 2026, Dn. Jintesh Maliackal, OFM Conv., was ordained at St. Sebastian’s Forane Church, Kuttikkad. A few days later, on January 5, the sacred rite of ordination was conferred upon Dn. Jomon Pulickamandapathil, OFM Conv., at St. Thomas Forane Church, Velichiyani.

Following their ordinations, the newly ordained priests had the profound joy of celebrating their First Holy Masses (Thanksgiving Masses) in their respective home parishes. Rev. Fr. Arun Mangaly presided over his First Holy Mass on January 3 at Bharatha Rani Church, Vathakkad, while Rev. Fr. Alan Parayil celebrated his on January 4 at St. Joseph’s Church, Snehapuram.

The Order of Friars Minor Conventual offers immense thanks to God for the precious gift of these new priests. The faithful are lovingly invited to continue upholding them in prayer as they step forward to begin their dedicated ministry in service of the Church and God’s people.