ABOUT

The Friary was opened as the Major Seminary of the undivided Indian Capuchin Province. The Philosophical Formation of the Indian Capuchins in India began at St. Antony’s Friary in 1933. After an year the Capuchins in India commenced the theological formation here. The Philosophate was transferred from Quilon to Alwaye when Assisi Friary Alwaye was started in 1937. There was shift of Theologate from here to Trichy in 1944. The Philosophate alone flourished in St. Antony’s Friary until it was transferred to Calvary Ashram, Trichur, in 1965. Surprisingly during the following year the brothers of the first year theology had their theological studies here. Subsequently the friary became a center of Pastoral Course (i.e, the 5th year theology). St. Antony’s Friary afforded a superb environment also for the minor seminary until 1997. During the Extra-ordinary Provincial Chapter of 1997 it was decided to start the study house of Philosophy and the Theology in St. Antony’s Friary, Quilon. Thus Bodhi Institute of Philosophy and Theology came into being and it was formally inaugurated on 13th June 1998. Owing to the increase in the number of students there was a shift of the Philosophate to Marygiri Ashram in 1999. Offering great hope of further development and expansion of the academic system, Bodhi continues function successfully as the Institute of Theological Formation. The Friars are in charge of the Assisi Press, Social Center, Padre Pio Retreat Center and Assisi & Communications. They serve as Chaplains and Confessors to several institutions in the diocese. The friary celebrated its Platinum Jubilee in 2007.