On Friday, June 9, 2017, Friar Saviour Karamvelil, OFM Conv. arrived in Canada as the first friar to join us at our new international house in Ottawa (St. André Bessette Friary). Friar Saviour is 46 years old and one of eight children; two of whom are also priests (a Carmelite and a Diocesan). He made first profession in 1994 and was ordained to the priesthood in 2003, as a member of our Syro-Malabar Eastern Catholic Province in Kerala, India. Before entering the order, Friar Saviour earned a diploma in Electrical Engineering and Psychology. He has served as guardian and rector of the minor seminary and, most recently, served as parish priest in the Latin Church outside his native Kerala. We are excited to have Friar Saviour in Ottawa and we very much look forward to the rich and multi-talented contribution he will bring to our community and to the province.
In the next few months, Friar Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv. – Guardian of the new St. André Bessette Friary and Friar Saviour will welcome Friar Dominic Lim, OFM Conv. from the Philippines and Friar Jeremiah Budău, OFM Conv. from Romania.

{lefto to right: Fr. Ed Debono, OFM Conv., Fr. James Fukes, OFM Conv. – Guardian, Friar Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv. – Guardian of the new St. André Bessette Friary, Friar Saviour, and Fr. David Collins, OFM Conv.} On Wednesday, June 14th, the friars of St. Anthony Friary, in Kingston, Ontario warmly welcomed Friar Jobe and Friar Saviour to share a delicious “welcome” meal together.