Province of South Asia
Br. Farancis, 37 years old, hails from a Catholic village , Mariakhal, in the Diocese of Islamabad Rawalpindi. He comes from a very devout family. Having completed his novitiate in Sri Lanka and post novitiate at MAPAC he worked as a boarding master at Boys Town for two years. He also worked for a year in Kalpitya in Sri Lanka to get experience as a missionary. After working for a little more than a year at St Mary's High School he joined the community in Sargodha in September 2015.
On the eve of the vow ceremony there was a cultural celebration of ‘Mahandi’ organized by the teachers of Sargodha Catholic High School. It was a very joyful and colorful evening, with songs and dancing to the beat of drums.
Farancis professed his final vows in Sargodha’s St Francis Xavier Parish Church on 11 September. Fr. Jacob Dogra, Chancellor of the Diocese was the main celebrant, and Fr. Leonard Steger, the parish priest, the Co-celebrant. Fr. Khalid Mir OFM Capuchins, the elder Brother of Br. Farancis gave the homily. There were a number of priests and religious present along with Brother’s family members and many friends and well-wishers.
Br. Joe McKee, Vicar General and Br. Michael de Waas, Councillor General were also present for the occasion. Br. Joe received the vows.
More than two hundred were invited to a delicious meal prepared by the teachers and lay Marists. The teachers from St. Mary's and St. John's were among the many invited guests (including Muslim teachers) who enjoyed this wonderful occasion. For many it was the first time to witness a religious profession of a Brother. The Marists would like to witness many more of these in the years to come.
May the Lord grant Br. Farancis the grace of perseverance and continue to bless our South Asia Province with many more Brothers.
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Br. Paul Bhatti