Moodubelle: Capuchin Friars celebrate the Feast of their Patron, St. Francis of Assisi

By Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

Moodubelle, 04 October 2011: In the picturesque ecological environment surrounding the Assisi Nilaya, the Formation House (Minor Seminary) near Naalku-beedi in Kattingeri, the Annual  Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the Capuchin Friars and the Secular Franciscan Order (Tertiary Order) was celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm on Tuesday, October  4, 2011 at 6 pm.

 

Prior to the commencement of the solemn Feast Mass, Fr. Maxim Pinto(OFM-Cap), Superior and Director of the Assisi Nilaya welcomed the Episcopal Vicar of Udupi, Rev. Dr. Baptist Menezes, Rev. Fr. Fred Mascarenhas, Dean of Udupi Deanery-the chief celebrant of the Feast Mass, Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes, parish priest of Moodubelle, Fr. Peter Cyprian D’Souza-Advisor to the Provincial of the Holy Trinity Province, Karnataka, Rev. Fr. Stany Tauro, parish priest of Shirva and also the Dean of Shirva Deanery, other priests from Udupi Varado and neighbouring parishes as well as invitees and members of the Tertiary Order. He expressed gratitude to Bernard and Regina D’Souza for providing the premises for the Assisi Nilaya and the sponsors of the Feast Mass, Benedict and Flavia Martis and family.

 

In his homily, Fr. Rohan D’Souza-Assistant Novice Master at Farangipet traced the circumstances that led to the transformation of Francis of Assisi from a wealthy merchant to be a servant of Christ.  St. Francis was born on 4 October 1182 in the town of Assisi in Italy. His father was a very wealthy merchant of Assisi and Francis was brought up in a life of luxury. He spent a considerable portion of his wealth in extravagant pleasures. One day Francis came across a beggar crying for alms. Francis, who was soft-hearted, gave whatever he had in his pocket to the beggar. The sight of the beggar set him thinking about the poverty and misery of the earthly life. Sometimes later, Francis seriously fell ill and was about to die. However, he was miraculously saved and Francis decided to devote his life in the service of God and humanity.

 

 

As soon as Francis got well, he gave up his old ways and habits and was determined  to serve God. He distributed clothes, goods and money to the poor. His father was very much annoyed towards his son and turned him out of the house. Francis lived like a beggar. He wore a coarse dress and ate simple food. Francis lived in a cave in the mountains of Assisi and spent his time in prayer and meditation for two years. Some kind people gave him food, but very often he had to starve.

 

Francis was humble and loved God’s creatures-birds and animals. He loved the depressed and the outcastes. He treated the birds, the animals and all beings as brothers and sisters. Francis went from village to village preaching the love of God. He invited people to join him in his life of service if they were willing. Bernard, a rich man of Assisi, was very much attracted by the saintliness of Francis and joined Francis. He was the first follower of Francis. He placed all his wealth at the altar of God. Gradually, others also joined Francis. They distributed all their wealth to the poor. Francis and his followers went all over Italy preaching, teaching, healing and blessing wherever they went.

 

The gospel of kindness and love of Francis soon spread all over Europe. People called him the ‘Little Poor Man of Assisi’. St. Francis collected many followers and founded the Order of Mendicant Friars or Franciscans. The members of this Order have to take a vow of poverty, chastity, love and obedience. St. Francis went to his heavenly reward in 1228. The Catholic Church has honoured St. Francis of Assisi  as the patron saint of the animals and ecology.

 

Following the end of the Feast  Mass, Fr. Maxim Pinto thanked all the guest priests and the invitees and all those who helped in the celebration of the Feast. The choir comprising of the brothers of the Minor Seminary was trained by Br. Denis Miranda, the Regent. Following the Feast Mass the guests were treated with a sumptuous feast dinner.