Everywhere: Indian Elective Assembly

2-3 October 2025. The first Indian Elective Assembly took place over two days in early October. All of the Province in India members attended the Assembly held at the Camilians Pastoral Centre, Carmelaram Bangalore. Those in overseas appointments had the chance to participate online. The whole process flowed easily, prayerfully, and with a deep sense of the presence of the Holy Spirit. Bram Tulusan attended as delegate of the Superior General, Simon Lumpini was also present, and I had the privileged task of facilitating the proceedings. The Assembly staff worked together very well to ensure a smooth and confidential voting process, particularly the two scrutineers, Fr. Bhaskar Raj and Deacon Arokia Samy. Congratulations to them. The election of Fr. John Chinnappan, MSC, as provincial elect was very clear, with a simple majority being reached on the first ballot. He and his council take up office in early December. The election of Council took place on the second day with Fr. Charles Babu, Fr. Jesu Arokiam, Fr. Arokia Swamy, Fr. Ragu Immanuel, and Fr. Victor Raghu forming the new council. Congratulations to Fr. John and his new team; we ask God’s blessing on them.

Special thanks to Fr. Darwin Thatheus and his council for their years of service as leaders of the Indian Union and their journey to becoming the Indian Province. Darwin’s term spanned just over six years and saw much development in the province’s infrastructure and administrative restructuring. In the new year, he will take up the position of executive officer of the General Administration Mission Development Project Office. Congratulations to the whole province of India. We wish them every blessing as they spread the mission of the Congregation into new places and hearts in the coming years.

Chris Chaplin, MSC