ST. PIO CAPUCHIN ASHRAM Back

Participation in Church's missions in the diocese of Ajmer and Jaipur was in the overall plan of the Capuchin mission, but could not be materialized immediately on the account of lack of personnel. An oppurtunity came its way when Sr. Joselyn, the Superior General of the Mission Sisters of Ajmer (MSA), requested the Capuchins of the province of Krist Jyoti to assist the community of her sisters with chaplaincy and to collabborate with them in organizing charismatic retreats and spiritual renewal programmed at the Karunalaya Catholic Christmatic Renewal Centre at Gagwana in the diocese of Ajmer. The provincial defenitory considered this proposal and decided to positively respond to this request.

Together with Sr. Joselyn and Br. Thomas provincial approached the bishop for his approval. His Excellency Bp. Ignatius of Ajmer was only too glad to welcome the Capuchins into the diocese of Ajmer and other dioceses in Rajasthan with spiritual/charismatic renewal programs. Having obtained the bishop's permission to begin our presence and services in Ajmer, we proceeded with the finalization of the agreement with MSA and the documentation of the transfer of one acre of land in favour for our future friary in Gagwana, Ajmer. On 3rd August, 2010 the Capuchins were formally welcomed into the Diocese of Ajmer by the Bishop and the MSA General Superior Fr. Menappatt was appointed as chaplain and programme coordinator of Karunalaya Retreat Centre. The new friary is named as "St. Pio Capuchin Ashram". The foundation stone for the new friary was laid on August,2011. Br. Chacko supervised the construction of the new friary. It was blessed on 8th July,2012 by Bp. Ignatius Menezes of Ajmer. At present Br. Thomas Pullat is appointed as guardian, Br. Thomas Menappatt continues to be the programmed coordinator and Br. Sebastin Ullathottam is appointed as member and continues his studies.