May the Lord give you Peace! We extend a warm Franciscan welcome to our digital sanctuary. As Friars Minor in North India, we strive to walk in simplicity, brotherhood, and unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ under the gentle mantle of Mary, Mother of God
"Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible."
— St. Francis of Assisi
Custody of Mary – The Mother of God, North India
Called by God,
to live a vibrant and authentic life
as friars minor in fraternities-on-mission,
and to cultivate the Spirit of Prayer and Devotion,
we dare to risk a life according to the Gospel,
by living in obedience,
without possessing anything as Our own,
and in chastity,
according to the example of Francis and Clare.
We choose to live and work in fraternal bonding
with those on the margins
of our multi-cultural/multi-religious Society,
and to bring, to all the message
of Peace, Justice and Love of Creation.
From 1291 onwards, many Franciscan Friars had come to India to preach the Gospel till a hostile Portuguese government put an end to it in 1838; and the last friar among them died in Kolkata in 1893. Once again, in 1925, friars of the English Province had come to India but their presence was small; and the last friar in India died in Bellary in 2009. The present Franciscan presence in India was established by the Dutch friars in 1948. The Custody of Mary the Mother of God was erected on 7th November 2008.
To be a beacon of hope and unity in North India, building communities where faith flourishes, education empowers the youth, justice prevails for all, and every individual experiences the maternal love and protection of Mary, Mother of God.
The Order of Friars Minor (OFM) is a Catholic religious order founded in 1209 by Saint Francis of Assisi. As Friars Minor ("lesser brothers"), we vow to live in poverty, chastity, and obedience, witnessing to the Gospel through brotherhood, prayer, and service among all God's creation.
Fraternal Life:Sharing all things in common with joy.
Minoritas:Choosing humility and standing with the marginalized.
Contemplation & Action:Uniting deep prayer with active mission.
Franciscan friars arrived in India as early as the 14th century (Blessed Jordan of Severac and companions). Over centuries, the Franciscan footprint expanded across western, southern, and northern India, establishing schools, parishes, and social welfare centers.
Established to foster Franciscan spirituality and mission across the Northern states of India, the Custody of Mary encompasses vibrant friaries, educational institutions, social rehabilitation programs, and pastoral parishes dedicated to Mary, our Heavenly Patroness.
Transforming lives through diverse avenues of service and spiritual renewal.
Our friars serve in various parishes, mission stations, and retreat centers across North India. We administer the sacraments, conduct spiritual retreats, lead youth ministry, and foster vibrant faith communities dedicated to Jesus Christ and Mary.
Through St. Francis schools and educational institutions, we impart value-based education to thousands of children, emphasizing character building, academic excellence, social responsibility, and moral integrity.
Guided by St. Francis' love for the poor, our social apostolate operates dispensaries, rural healthcare camps, women empowerment centers, and emergency relief programs during natural calamities in North India.
Our formation houses guide young men discerning God's call through human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral stages—from Aspirancy, Postulancy, Novitiate to Philosophical and Theological studies.
The friars of North India gathered at the Custodial Headquarters for solemn Eucharistic celebrations and the renewal of religious vows under the patronal feast of Our Lady.
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Young men from across North India spent three days discerning their religious calling.
Empowering rural students with modern digital skills and STEM learning resources.
Over 600 villagers received free health screenings and essential medications.
Patronal feast of the Order of Friars Minor and special day of prayer for the Custody of Mary.
A two-day spiritual retreat filled with praise, adoration, workshops, and fellowship for young seekers.
High Mass, Transitus service, and community fraternal banquet across all North India friaries.
Moments of prayer, community life, social service, and celebrations.
"Living as a Friar Minor in the Custody of Mary has filled my life with profound peace. Joyful brotherhood, simple prayer, and serving the needy give true meaning to the Gospel call of St. Francis."
"Living as a Friar Minor in the Custody of Mary has filled my life with profound peace. Joyful brotherhood, simple prayer, and serving the needy give true meaning to the Gospel call of St. Francis."
"The JPIC initiative of the Custody has brought medical aid and women's self-help groups to our remote region. Their compassionate spirit shows true Christian service in action."
"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace." If you feel a desire to live the Gospel in fraternity, poverty, and joy as a Friar Minor in North India, come and walk with us!
Order of Friars Minor (OFM), North India
St. Francis of Assisi Church
Opp. Modern School
W.C.L. Umrer Project,
P.O. Ghoturli Vaigaon,
Dist. Nagpur
Maharashtra - 441 204
+91 07116-249062
provsec@gmail.com
Monday - Saturday: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
