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Udupi :  The newly constructed Minor Seminary of the Capuchin Friars-Assisi Nilaya at Kattingeri, Moodubelle, near here will be inaugurated and blessed on Monday, 14 March 2016 at 3.30 pm. The Provincial Minister, Holy Trinity Province Karnataka, Rev. Fr. Joseph Dolphy Pais (OFM Cap)will inaugurated the minor seminary and Bishop of Udupi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo will bless the seminary complex.

Seven years ago when the Capuchin Friars were in need of a place for minor seminary to train the young boys desiring to join the Capuchin Order, the building constructed by the ‘Mudartha Charitable Trust’ at Naalkubeedhi in Kattingeri-Moodubelle was made available to them on condition that they will be using it until they build their own establishment in the near future. Thus, the minor seminary was started in that building under the name of ‘Assisi Nilaya’.

Young boys, who have been joining Assisi Nilaya after completing SSLC have been given an opportunity to complete their Junior College studies (PUC) for two years in St. Lawrence PU College, Moodubelle. Meanwhile, they have been also trained in spiritual discipline and other skills. The Capuchin priests who have been residing at Assisi Nilaya have been assisting in pastoral work in St. Lawrence Parish, Moodubelle as well as other parishes of Udupi Diocese.

Since the last six years Assisi Nilaya have had the good fortune of the service of Rev. Fr. Maxim Pinto (OFM Cap)and Rev. Fr. Robert Lasrado (OFM Cap)as superiors and trainers. Presently, Rev. Fr. Victor Fernandes (OFM Cap) is the Superior and Rev. Fr. Anil Sunil D’Souza (OFM Cap) is the trainer. Besides, Rev. Fr. Valerian D’Silva (OFM Cap) and Rev. Fr. Prakash Lobo(OFM Cap) reside in Assisi Nilaya.

As per the agreement that the Capuchin Friars had signed with the Mudartha Charitable Trust, they are required to vacate the premises in the year 2016. Last year a decision was taken by the Capuchin Friars to have their own building for the minor seminary and residence of the Friars. Hence, they constructed their own minor seminary building on a plot of one acre land donated by Mr. Herald Wilson Martis of Moodubelle.

The support of the parish priest and other priests of Moodubelle, cooperation of Moodubelle parishioners and generous contributions from people both within and outside have been chiefly responsible in the construction of the beautiful minor seminary. The new building is being named as ‘Assisi Nilaya-Padre Pio Prayer House’. The location of this new minor seminary is around two furlongs inside on Moodubelle-Karkala Road, a little ahead of Naalkubeedhi.

Rev. Fr. Victor Fernandes (OFM Cap) has expressed his gratitude to all donors, supporters and well-wishers looks forward for their presence during the inauguration and blessing of the Minor Seminary-Assisi Nilaya building on Monday, 14 March 2016 at 3.30 pm.