Provincial Minister
Rev. Fr. John Alwyn Dias, OFM Cap.,

Director
Rev. Fr. Dr. Salvador Fernandes, OFM Cap.

Assistant Director & Program Coordinator
Rev. Fr. Henry D'Souza, OFM Cap.

Administrator
Rev. Fr. Robin Minin Lopes, OFM Cap.

Group Management
Rev. Fr. Noel Vinay D'Almeida, OFM Cap.

Staff Member
Rev. Fr. Preetham Rayan Mendonca, OFM Cap.

Staff Member
Br. Joseph Francis, OFM Cap.

Enhancing Efficiency: Donation of VEGETABLE CUTTING MACHINE at FISI
We are pleased to announce the generous donation of a vegetable cutting machine to FISI. This new machine has been donated by Fr. Noel Almeida and his friends, and we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for their thoughtful contribution. FISI has always strived to provide quality services and nourishment to all those who come through our doors. In this regard, the new vegetable cutting machine will play a vital role in improving our efficiency, especially when catering to bigger groups. The new machine will streamline the process of preparing vegetables in bulk, allowing us to save both time and effort. We want to express our deepest gratitude to Fr. Noel and his friends for thinking of FISI and helping us enhance our ability to serve the guests better. FISI will remain ever grateful for this kind gesture.

'Young Clergy Meeting' of the Arch-Diocese of Bengaluru (17th - 19th March 2025):
The Arch-Diocese of Bengaluru held the 'Young Clergy Meeting' at Shanthi Sadhana (FISI) from 17th to 19th March 2025. This event brought together 65 young priests from the diocese for a series of enriching sessions aimed at deepening their understanding of the Church’s teachings and documents. The meeting provided an opportunity for the young clergy to enhance their knowledge and spiritual formation under the guidance of distinguished resource persons. These sessions provided the clergy with new insights and reflections on the Church's evolving role in today’s world, strengthening their understanding of Church doctrine, pastoral care, and their duties as clergy members. Shanthi Sadhana had the honor of hosting for three days the Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, along with the two Auxiliary Bishops, Most. Rev. Dr. Sathish Kumar and Most Rev Dr. Susainathan of the Arch- Diocese of Bengaluru. Their presence greatly enriched the meeting, offering the young priests a chance to engage with their shepherds and discuss key issues facing the Church today. The venue, Shanthi Sadhana known for its serene and spiritual ambiance, provided the perfect setting for the event. The young clergy enjoyed the warmth of Franciscan hospitality, which further enhanced their experience. The atmosphere at Shanthi Sadhana fostered a spirit of fraternity, service, reflection, and growth, ensuring that all attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to their calling. Overall, the 'Young Clergy Meeting' was a resounding success, offering both spiritual enrichment and a deeper connection among the clergy of the Arch-Diocese of Bengaluru.

The celebration of the feast, of the Presentation of the Lord

Pastoral Visitation cum Blessing and Inauguration of Damiano Block and Sheet Roof
On the 19th of January 2025, a significant milestone was reached at FISI with the inauguration and blessing of the newly renovated Damiano Block and the newly erected sheet roof at the Administrative Block. The event was graced by the Provincial Minister during his pastoral visitation, marking a momentous occasion in the development and transformation of the institution. The renovation of Damiano Block and the construction of the sheet roof are part of a broader initiative of the province to enhance the infrastructure at FISI. With this development, all blocks within the institution now have a renewed and modernized appearance. The comprehensive upgrade during this triennium includes 32 rooms across 4 blocks, as well as the addition of two VVIP rooms, providing a more conducive and comfortable environment for the VVIP visitors. The Provincial Minister, during the blessing ceremony, commended the progress made at FISI, acknowledging the efforts that have gone into making the institution more vibrant and functional. He expressed gratitude for the support and dedication of all involved in the renovation/sheet roofing project and reiterated the importance of maintaining the facility as a space for growth and experiencing peace. With the completion of these renovations, FISI now boasts modernized facilities that enhance its capacity to serve all those enter its portals. The Director thanked the Provincial, Councilors, the Provincial Administrative team, Staff and DFS students for their generous contribution in making this dream a reality.

Pongal and Feast day celebration of Sr. Antony Priya FSAG

‘PRAISE BE TO YOU MY LORD’ (LAUDATO SI’ O MI’ SIGNORE’)
The Franciscan Institute of Spirituality, India (FISI) celebrated its Institute Day with grandeur and reverence, marking a special occasion: the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi's Canticle of the Creatures. The event, held at the Institute's Aula Magna, was graced by the esteemed presence of Chief Guest. Dr. Benny Koottanal, MSFS, Director of Indian Institute of Spirituality, Fr. Robin Victor, the Councilor and the evening was graced by the presence of numerous men and women religious from the CRI Kengeri Zone. Their presence symbolized the unity of the religious community in embracing the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, especially in the context of ecological responsibility and the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures. The celebration was enriched with vibrant cultural performances, including various traditional and contemporary dances that depicted the themes of harmony, nature, and ecological balance. A skit also took center stage, creatively addressing the urgency of the ecological crisis and the need for responsible stewardship of the Earth—an issue that resonates deeply with the Franciscan ethos. The evening began with a warm welcome by Sr. Mary Aloysius, PCPA. Rev. Fr. Salvador Fernandes, the Director, recalled the past with gratitude, living the present with enthusiasm and looked forward to the future with confidence through his annual report. Fr. Henry, the co-ordinator of studies, proposed the vote of thanks and Br. Joseph and Sr. Prashanthi served as charismatic anchors for the event. The program concluded with a delightful fellowship dinner, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. The Institute Day not only marked a historical milestone but also fostered a spirit of unity and ecological awareness among students, staff, and the wider community.

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Teachers' Day Celebration

Fisi Community along with our separated brothren paying tribute to the National Flag on the independence day our country India

Celebration of the Independence day along with the brothren of other denomination from different patterns of India
 

Birthday celebration of Fathers, Henry and Noel and. Sr. Shobha, on Monday, the 05 of August 2024.

Feast of FSMA Sisters
Was celebrated on 2nd August on the feast day Portiuncula

Annual Retreat-II, 29 July – 2 August 2024, Shanthi Sadhana (FISI), Kengeri, Bangalore
The Annual Retreat for the Vicars, Treasurers and all the Friars of the Province was held at Shanthi Sadhana, Franciscan Institute of Spirituality of India (FISI), Kengeri, Bangalore, from 29 July – 2 August 2024. The five-day retreat is animated by Rev. Br Danny Benedict OFM Cap., a Capuchin friar from St Francis of Assisi Province, Kerala. Provincial Minister Br John Alwyn Dias, warmly welcomed the preacher and retreatants and introduced the preacher and expressed his gratitude to all. The retreat focused on deepening spiritual life and fostering communal bonds through reflections on our life of fraternity and minority and our commitment to our call as Franciscan Capuchins.

Seminar on Financial Administration of Societies and Trust
One day of seminar was held on the Financial Administration of Societies and Trust and on the usage of Artificial Intelligence, on 27 July 2024, at Shanti Sadhana-FISI, Kengeri, Bangalore. The key factors of getting acquainted and updated with the norms and policies of the Government regarding Societies and Trusts, management of finances, responsibility, accountability, transparency and compliance with the legal regulations were stressed upon by Mr Vittal Rao, C.A. The session on Artificial Intelligence by Dr Anil Kumar, introduced its basic concepts, potential applications and its ability to enhance efficiency in our day to day activities was brought into light.

Annual Retreat - 22 - 26 July 2024, Shanthi Sadhana (FISI)
The Annual Retreat for the Provincial Minister and Councillors, Provincial Administration Team, Provincial Spiritual Assistant of OFS, Provincial Vocation Director, Rectors, Directors of Formation Houses, Social Work, Capuchin Publication Trust, Guardians, Parish Priests, Headmasters & Principals is being held at Shanthi Sadhana, Franciscan Institute of Spirituality of India (FISI), Kengeri, Bangalore, from July 22 to 26, 2024. The five-day retreat is animated by Rev. Br Danny Benedict OFM Cap., a Capuchin friar from St Francis of Assisi Province, Kerala. Br Maxim D Silva, the Provincial Administrator, warmly welcomed the preacher and retreatants. The Provincial Minister, Rev. Br John Alwyn Dias, introduced the preacher and expressed his gratitude to all.

Two FSI sisters did retreat in FISI

GLU group had their seminar at FSI

Batch 2024-25

Franciscan Institute of Spirituality, pays tribute, to the founding Father of FISI, Rev. Fr. Patrick Crasta

Lectio Brevis, the beginning of the year

“Taste and See how sweet the Lord is” (Ps 34:8)
INTER-NOVITIATE WEEK : Franciscan Institute of Spirituality, India (FISI)
One Week Intensive course on the topic “Spiritual Wealth of the Psalms” was held at FISI from 10th to 14th October. 55 participants both Novices and Religious sisters belonging to Franciscan, Benedictine and Carmelite family participated and tasted the sweetness of the Psalms. The sessions were not only Class-room bound, they continued during the Morning Prayer, daily Eucharist, Evening prayers. In addition to the input sessions, several practical sessions on how to compose and sing responsorial psalms for the Mass, how to chant the psalms from everyday prayer book were given. The participants did enjoy their stay at FISI. Fr. Dr. Salvador Fernandes, OFM Cap., the Director of the Institute, animated the entire week.

Shanthi Sadhana (FISI) continues to be an ‘abode of peace’ for all people regardless of their faith
An abode of Peace for those who seek peace: The first batch of retreatants of the congregation of the sisters of St. Ann, Phirangipuram made their annual retreat from 31st July to 6th August. It was animated by Br. Henry D’Souza.

Abode of Peace for those who Study:
Sesquicentennial (150 Anniversary) of FSMA Congregation was observed at FISI. Br. Salvador Fernandes, the Director presided over the Holy Mass in the Morning. We prayed for the Sisters of the Congregation who are studying Franciscan Spirituality at our Institute.

Diploma Students at Shanthi Sadhana 2022-2023

Second Batch of Phirangipuram Sisters made their retreat at our abode of peace from 11th August to 17th August. The whole retreat was animated by Br. Robin Minin Lopez.

Celebration of Monti Fest on 8th September at our Abode of Peace. We blessed the first corn and a few people joined us for the celebration which began at the grotto by showering of flowers.

Study of Franciscan Spirituality at our Abode of Peace: A band of postulants of the Congregation of Bon Succor spent a week studying and experiencing Franciscan spirituality with their mistress Sr. Sophie. Brs. Robin, Joseph and Salvador animated the sessions during the week in September.

FISI is the Abode of Peace in the Province. A wonderful Guardians’ Retreat indeed. It was preached by Fr. Benny, MSFS. The retreat was attended by Guardians, Provincial Vocation Promoter, Provincial OSF Animator and Missionary Brothers. After the retreat we had Guardins’ cum treasurers’ meeting. We began on 25th September and concluded with Guardians cum Treasurers meet on 1st October

General Pastoral Visitation began at the Abode of Peace: On the day of Guardians’ cum Treasurers’ meet we welcomed the General Councilor V.Rev. Fr. John Baptist who began his visitation from FISI.

In addition to these above,

• 16th – 17th Atal Bhujal Yojane – Camp with 55 participants

• 23rd June FEDINA workshop with 21 participants
  1st- 3rd July – Kaivalya Leadership camp with 65 participants

• 8th-10th July Samudaya Karnataka, culture and politics – workshop with 69 participants

• 61 participants of Prayogam group practiced and lived their Bhakti Yoga in the month of September 25th – 28th August

• 60 participants of Samudaya Karnataka had a cultural camp in August

• 26 participants of Varmam Academy – healing group had their animation on healing

• Mission to the Blind – Praise and Worship of the Blind with 30 participants

• Friends of moral rearmament, india (MRA) from 19th Eve to 26th Morning

• 23rd October – Garment Workers’ Union Workshop with 132 participants

• 25th October FEDINA workshop with 21 participants

About Franciscan Institute of Spirituality (FISI)
The primary objective of FISI is to help the participants revitalize themselves with the spirit of St. Francis by a live-in experience, an in-depth study of the Franciscan sources and other Franciscan themes of vital importance. A few other relevant topics essential to comprehend the deeper significance of consecrated life are also included in the nine months’ Diploma Course in Franciscan Spirituality offered here. Interiorization and integration is the methodology followed in this Institute, which envisages a harmonious blending of spiritual animation, study, research and active community living in all its dimensions.

Shanthi Sadhana: FISI: An Overview
Shanthi Sadhana, Franciscan Institute of Spirituality, India (FISI), Bangalore, is a unique centre of study and research with live-in experience of integrated, holistic spirituality – a blend of prayer and interiorisation, with close harmony of fraternal bonds with each other and with a bountiful panorama of Nature. This Franciscan Capuchin International Institute with about 80 self-contained individual rooms in a typical Indian ashram cum religious convent setting amidst lush ecological flower and fruit gardens creates an ideal ambience for community living as well as for personal study and reflection, even with a cave experience.

NEWS/HIGHLIGHTS