Celebration of the 800th Anniversary of the Regula Bullata in India

The Conference of Major Superiors of India celebrated the 800th anniversary of the Regula Bullata (Later Rule) on November 29, 2023, at the Institute of Philosophy in Kripalaya, Mysore, India. The day began with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Br. Paul Álvares, formation counselor. In his homily he recalled how the Franciscan Rule has inspired many of our brothers and sisters to a life of holiness. The Rule makes explicit a way of life for all those who want to live the Gospel. 

The Eucharistic celebration was followed by a two-day seminar on the Rule confirmed by Pope Honorius III in 1223. The speakers dealt with the development of the Rule, delving into each of the twelve chapters, also considering their practical application. They touched on the fundamental Franciscan values of the evangelical form of life, fraternity, minority, prayer and contemplation, mission and reform. Forty-five brothers participated in the seminar.

Throughout the year 2023, the study of the Rule for us Capuchins was promoted by the CCSMI conference involving the Provinces and Custodies of India, comprising about 2,000 friars. A group of eleven Franciscan scholars was selected, who traveled the length and breadth of India, offering specific formation time on our theme. This study was an opportunity to have a common program of ongoing charismatic formation for the friars of the various circumscriptions, interwoven with the initiatives carried out locally to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the Rule.