Thursday, February 4, 2016

Visitation of Dayalbhag, Ujire, Mangalore

Dayalbhag has many ministries. It is a farm house with an agricultural college. It was to support and help the local people to improve their farming. They have profited a lot from this college. Today there are number of students who attend classes and for practical classes the farm of the capuchins is used. It is a well known place in the area.
The province has also got two stages of formation. The first year of Initiation is conducted here. There are 18 brothers from Karnataka who are formed under the able leadership of Br. Manoj assisted by young friars. The postulancy is shifted just last year and there are 10 postulants altogether. There are two from Kristjyoti. Br. John Fernandes, ex-missionary from Uganda is the director and is assisted by a young friar. 
The Capuchins also run a social work centre for last 15 years. Br. Vinod is the director with another young friar. They provide a lot of help to the villagers. The centre has about 25 volunteers who are doing it with little renumeration. The centre reaches out to many needy children. The women’s groups are also given help by the centre. Br. Vinod has been successful in running it and is able to contact some local benefactors for putting up a building for the purpose of social work. They need a lot of financial support. The programs are all good ones. They do a lot for the children and drop outs. The centre has been able to revive some government schools.
The farm is looked after by a friar Dominic. It is about 30 acres of land. They have coconuts trees and other cash crops. There are also cows and pigs which are looked after by the friars. The income all goes to running the agricultural school. 
 There are nine friars in the fraternity.....they are responsible for various works and apostolate......all young and energetic.......they have a wonderful community life.....young ones blend well......
 Brothers Manoj and Vinod, Guardian and vicar of the house
 It's we who build the community....addressed the pre-postulancy and postulants....it was a fun talking to these young ones...i was reminded of my own formation and also as a director of initiation in early 90's and late 90's....its good to be with them....
 we sang an action song....i kept up with them......

 The friary is big but well maintained and kept by the friars and students....
 Class room.....these are postulants.....
 Long corridors of Dayalbhag.....
 This is an orange .......very sweet and sour.....

 The dogs gave me a warm welcome ....barking barking....at the end became friendly

 The playground for the brothers....
 Guardian and treasurer.....planning out....
 Feast of presentation ....blessing of candle and then procession to the chapel....

 Si

 We began our visitation by celebrating the Eucharist.....

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