A gathering of great spirit occurred Thursday September 20th at Cralle Auditorium on the Bellarmine University Campus. Organized by Fr. John Pozhathuparambil, OFM Conv., Fr. Leo Payyappilly, OFM Conv., Dr. Melanie Prejean-Sullivan (Director of Campus Ministry), and Mrs. Beena Varghese, the evening was a celebration of India.

Shilpa Subramanian and Annie Varghese performed the opening dance.

Fr. Jim Kent, OFM Conv., (Provincial Minister of Our Lady of Consolation Province) was honored with a bouquet of flowers and participated in lighting the nilavilakku, a traditional lamp of south India. It is lighted to represent the presence of God at important events.

In addition to song, dance, and a fashion show, students and staff shared their experiences from their trips to Kerala, India.

Friars Paul Schloemer and Paul Clark enjoyed the evening. More than a dozen friars attended the event.

Friars John and Leo are as part of the Kerala-Kentucky Project – a joint venture between the Conventual Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Consolation and the St. Maximilian Kolbe Province in Kerala, India. Scheduled as a five-year project, it has three goals: to build a strong youth ministry program that will help further vocations; assist in campus ministry at Bellarmine; and to serve the Syro-Malabar community in Louisville and surrounding areas.

Fr. Jim Kent talks with Nick Pendergraft, Bellarmine graduate and member of the Province Development team, who spoke about his trip to Kerala.

Fr. Adam Bunnell, OFM Conv., who helps coordinate the Kerala-Kentucky Project, thanked everyone at the end of the program.

Friars Adam Bunnell and Dismas Veeneman talk with some of the guests.