The Annual General Body Meeting of the members of Association of Franciscan Families in India was held on the request of Rev.Fr. Remish, OFM, Cap. Provincial of Lucknow Province and Treasurer of AFFI, at Nav Sadhana from March 2-5, 2017. The theme of the deliberation was FRANCISCAN RESPONSE TO THE CRY OF THE POOR IN INDIA. The Resource Persons were Rev. Fr. Prakash Louis, SJ, Rev. Fr. Gerry Lobo, OMF, Rev. Sr. Joeann, MC. Rev. Fr. Prakash Louis enlightened the members in his first talk THE PRESENT STATUS OF THE POOR AND POVERTY IN INDIA with various examples. Rev. Fr.Gerry Lobo, OFM spoke with conviction and courage on THE RESPONSE OF ST.FRANCIS TO THE CRY OF THE POOR. In his talk he challenged them to renew it rather than living and working with a sense of complacency. Sr.Joeann, MC, shared her experiences on RESPONDING TO THE CRY OF THE POOR. At the end of the four days discussion, deliberation, decision they drew a regional, congregational plan to respond to the cry of the poor in India. The programme was co-ordinated by Rev.Fr. Nithiya, OFM, Cap.
All were extremely happy with the Franciscan atmosphere of the campus, spacious room accommodation, delicious dishes, friendly fellowship, meticulous arrangement and execution, timely food, availability of the director and staff of Nav Sadhana. On the penultimate day at 6.30 p.m. the Nav Sadhana Kala Kendra students presented the life, mission and ministry of St.Francis Xavier in the form of skit with dance. It was scripted, directed by Rev.Fr. Justy and choreographed by Sir.Robin A.and Ms. Vineetha V. The chief guest of the function was Most Rev. Eugene Joseph, Bishop of Varanasi; the audience was welcomed by Dr.Fr.V.Sebastian, director and principal of Nav Sadhana; the vote of thanks was proposed by Rev.Fr.Remish, OFM, Cap. The play with dance brought accolade to the students, staff and principal of the college.
