Rev. Fr. Patrick Maxim Crasta, OFM Cap. 

(A Short History)

Dear Barkuronline.com visitors:  It gives me great pleasure to introduce yet another personality, almost Barkurian in spirit, and a true Mangalorean, Reverend Fr. Patrick Maxim Crasta, OFM, Capuchin, from Kannada Kudru, Kundapoor, India.  -James Fernandes.

OFM stands for ‘Order of Friars Minor’, a religious order initiated by St. Francis of Assisi, almost 800 years ago.  No, OFM does not mean, they are ‘Out For Money’, your money, as they are kidded often.  This article is not soliciting any money! 

It was during my teenage years, I was blessed to meet some future extraordinary dynamic personalities, one of them being Peeti, (besides Fr. Alfred Roche, or P.N. Bhoja Rao), a man of much faith, wisdom, vision, leadership, and action.  When I met Peeti for the first time, I felt, he is one like me, an improper Mangalorean, (not from proper Mangalore, I mean), of remote northern side of South Kanara, he from Gangolli, and I from Barkur, who did not address his father as Daddy or Pappa, just like I, ‘will amount to nothing’, as told to me (about me) by several priests, some teachers and/or by some of relatives!  Oh, I was wrong about this young man Peeti.  You may have pity on me for this, but, folks, you sure are going to be flabbergasted about the achievements of this man, once skinny, frail, and often falling ill, now who has no need of a comb, and presently, not to be found in India, but travelling all around the world, moulding, guiding, admonishing, helping, building, preparing, about eleven thousand unmarried men the Franciscan-Capuchin Friars, spread in 97 countries, a job called, “General Commission on Formation.”  I had no idea that he could become the Provincial of Indian Capuchins! Oh, Kannada Kudru, Oh, Gangolli, Oh Kundapoor, Oh, Barkur, Oh ye Indian Franciscan-Capuchin Friars, Oh Mangalore Diocese, do you know that you have a star/jewel amongst you?  Even though a Jewel is not edible, it does have pecuniary/financial/spiritual/emotional value!  This jewel feeds your soul, enlightens and challenges your intellect, and feeds your inner joy or bliss, or feelings, and also feeds quite a few helpless, penniless, or homeless children, who are still around in our civilized world.  And this man has extraordinary divine value, grace, and wisdom which radiates through his words, sermons, retreats, and in his actions, unfortunately a mundane person like me has not got the ability to acknowledge the same, or appreciate the same, or just take advantage of the same.   Isn’t it unfortunate, that “No prophet is loved/recognized in his own land?”  Fortunately Peeti does not look for any recognition, therefore, he has nothing to frown about.  It’s up to us to get the most out of him.  Yes, folks, we still can. 

Patrick Maxim Crasta (known as Peeti at Kannada Kudru and Peter or Patrick in the school, and thereafter), son of Late Mr. Rosario Callistus Crasta and Late Mrs. Cecilia Crasta, (Nee Roche from Barkur, sister to Fr. Alfred Roche), was born at Kannada Kudru, Gangulli Parish, of Kundapoor Taluk, South Kanara, Karnataka, India, on 3rd of October, 1943.  Peeti is the 4^th among the 11 children of whom 9 are living, (one of his sister, Jessy, died at the age of three and one brother died just after birth). Of these 9 children, 8 are boys: Frederick Dominic (Freddie), John Francis (Johny), Lucy Gretta, Patrick Maxim (Peeti), Alexander (Alsu), Edward Mark (Eddu), Wilfred Jerome (Wilfie), Rudolf (Dolphy) and Godfrey Marcel (Goppy). 

Early Education: 

Late Rosario Crasta (a productive and a successful farmer, productive with children too!) and Cecilia Roche (a dedicated housewife): simple and God-loving couple who, with their deep faith and hard work, gave them the best of formation and education with great parental love and care. Somehow they knew the value of education and encouraged each one of them to study, though at times, the parents had to borrow money to pay their monthly school fees, since there were so many of them! With the minimum means that they had, their parents gave them the maximum with the hard work that they put in with great love and dedication. This taught them the spirit of hard work and so today they are able to survive in any corner of the world, facing any hardship. For, on Saturdays and other holidays they did every kind of work at home and in the fields. Thus, they can swim and float easily in any deep or turbulent waters.

His mother used to get up by 4.30 am. Because, by the time the children could wake up, (they did not have a wall clock at that time; and the sun rose only upon cock’s permission, and, the sun and the stars were the guiding points or time keepers, then.), everything was ready for breakfast (konji with some fish, vegetables, chutney, or pappad and of course mango pickle). For, to go to school, they had to leave the house quite early since they had to cross the giant-river: Kollur river. They had a common large non-mechanized boat, shared and used by the entire kudru, (kudru means a piece of land/island surrouned by river), and they had to follow a fixed time for departure to school. In case any one was late, was sure to get a “French leave”, and twice the homework next day.   I guess Peeti got a little taste of community living especially by catching and travelling in this community boat! Punctuality or respect for time was reinforced right here, therefore, Fr. Patrick followed punctuality throughout his seminary and his priesthood days, and he expected from others strict punctuality later in life, wherever he was placed.

Faith Formation:

They never missed a single Sunday mass even when there were heavy floods in the mighty-river, except when perhaps down with genuine fever, a rare occurrence indeed. Same way, the morning and evening family prayers, often on knees, not as a punishment, but in imitating their elders kneeling down out of pure devotion. Since there was only a primary school at Kannada Kudru, nearly 30 children used to go to Gangulli every morning in one big boat oared by a fisherman and return home in the evening. In spite of the enormous breadth and alarming depth of the river no accident has ever taken place, though time and again the school children had to close the umbrellas at the request of the fisherman/boatman and get wet like crows when there were heavy showers and frightening waves in the rough river. This is where Peeti noticed the loving and caring hand of God the Father protecting His children from every danger.  A little fear, and little danger, as they show in movies the boy rescuing the girl from villains, Peeti too started falling in love with God, or at least better respect for God, especially when the boat did not submerge. Added to that goodness the school head master, late G.R. Shenoy, seeing them fully drenched, used to grant a holiday, occasionally.

The Good Lord has blessed all of them (the nine) with special love of predilection, granting them good health and to his brothers and the sister wonderful children. Peeti believes that they are receiving these blessings from the bountiful Father through the intercession of his exemplary parents and grand parents. Of course, late Rev. Fr. Alfred Roche, OFM Cap., their uncle, too had played an important role in their formation who was a God-like (or Spirit-filled) personality. Now, a few details about his brothers and sister who are all well settled.  I intentionally requested a few details of his siblings, because, these are the folks responsible and supportive in the formation of Peeti, who are amply proud of their brother.  Brief details about his sister and brothers is as follows:

Freddie is married to Marie Rodrigues from Uppur and have two daughters and one son: Shaila, B.Com; Laila, M.A; and Praveen, C.A. Shaila and Laila are married and are in Kuwait with their families. Praveen is working in Dubai. Freddie’s family is settled at Kannada Kudru. Freddie was the “luad” of the “vado” for many years, a mission carried out for many years by their father. Presently John, Peeti’s other brother is the “luad”, or in other words ,”Gurkar”.

John is married to Rita Picardo from Barkur (Pandeshwar) and have two daughters and one son: Premila (Premie), M.Sc, M. Phil; Latha, B.E. in Computer; Jason, MBBS. Premila and Latha are married. The former is living at Puttur with her family and the latter is living in New Jersey with her family. Jason is working at Virajpet, completing his bond as a ex-student of St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore. John’s family too is settled at Kannada Kudru.

Lucy is given in marriage to Lawrence Lewis, K.G. Road, Kallianpur and have four sons and three daughters: Patrick (Paty), Nirmala (Nimma), Melwyn, Gerald (Jerry), Neena, Ninete and Norman. Nimma, Melwyn, Neena and Ninete are married and are gracefully living with their families. Lawrence Lewis expired five years ago. Lucy’s family is settled at K.G. Road, Kallianpur.

Alsu is married to Lydia Pinto from Nanthur, Mangalore and have two sons: Len, B.Com; and Shawn, B.Com., had a campus selection.  Both of them are studying and working in Bangalore. Alsu’s family is settled at Kadri, Mangalore.

Eddu is married to Pressilla (Pressie) Andrade from Dobitalau, Mumbai and have two sons: Joy, B.Com., working and studying in Mumbai; Noel, B. Com., working in Mumbai. Eddu is working in Dubai and his family is settled at Panthnagar, Mumbai 

Wilfie is married to Treeza Rodrigues from Uppoor and have two daughters: Clarita (Claru) is doing her Bachelors Degree in Information Technology at the Mumbai University, and Clementia (Clemy) is a PUC student. Wilfie and Treeza are working in Mumbai and they are settled at Bhayandar, Mumbai.

Patrick with uncle ‘Amcho Padreab’ Fr. Alfred, and brother Rudolf, in 1985, at the occasion of Fr. Rudolf’s ordination. 

Rudolf is a SVD Priest ordained in 1985. MA in Anthropology; was the secretary and treasurer with Archbishop Raphael Cheenath, in the Archdiocese of Cuttak Bhuvaneshwar, Orissa, for 10 years. Presently teaching in their Seminary ‘Kristha Jyothi Mahavidyalay’, Sambalpur in Orissa, as well as, he is starting a house of prayer in the diocese of Sambalpur, with the blessings of his superiors. 

Godfrey is married to Shanthi Pais from Kundapoor and have one daughter: Nishmitha (Nishu), who is in the primary. Godfrey is working in Kuwait and Shanthi is working in Mumbai; they are settled at Bhayandar, Mumbai. 

Vocation: 

Peeti is a very privileged person. As he is becoming whiter, also perhaps wiser, and of course holier, he is realizing more and more that he indeed is privileged.  First and foremost he thanks the loving Father for giving him such devout parents who loved him and who sacrificed themselves for him and other children. As mentioned above, the Good Lord laid the foundation of what he is today, through his saintly parents and grand parents. His godmother (Juliana Rebello, his mother’s sister) too was a source of inspiration to him. When Peeti was in the primary school she used to take him to her place (Anagally) during holidays and her life of simplicity and devotion had quite an influence on Peeti. His other aunt, Agnes (his father’s sister), too left a deep impression on him. She used to wait for Peeti and invite him in, without fail, while he was returning from the school to give him home made sweets.  Peeti feels that he is indebted to these people and others mentioned below who had helped him to the priesthood, knowingly or unknowingly. 

In fact, Peeti had a keen desire to be a priest from his very young age, though he did not have even the slightest idea, or its requirements, qualifications, or sacrifices needed in becoming a priest.  Watching his parish priest at the altar during the Sunday Masses, wearing those rich and grandiose vestments, and delivering informative, wise, and eloquent sermons, he perhaps used to dream:

“If only, I were to be a priest one day!”  In response to my question, “what’s it that lead you to become a priest, his quick reply was, “I believe my First Holy Communion event has left a lasting impression in me.” That scene is still fresh in his mind he says. He does not speak of the grandeur, the food, or the presents, but the preceding preparations. Though he was taught the routine rote catechism at the parish level (at Ganguli), special guidance and tuition was given to him for more than a week by his grandmother, late Josephine Monteiro, his mother’s Aunt from Barkur, who was a schoolteacher in Barkur Church School. Besides, he was privileged to receive the first Holy Communion from the hands of his own maternal uncle, late Rev. Fr. Alfred Roche, OFM cap., along with his cousin, Adolph Roche, at Fr. Alfred’s First Mass, which was celebrated at Barkur in a grand scale when late Rev. Fr. Charles Nazareth was the parish priest. He had a special attraction towards this priest uncle Fr. Alfred. So much so, as a high school boy, he used to go to Brahmavar, where Fr. Alfred was the parish priest, to spend some days with him every year during the summer vacation. Another person whom he admired was late Rev. Fr. Joseph (Juze) D’Sousa from Balkudru (Sastan), another paternal uncle who was a seminarian (when Peeti was in high school), belonging to the Archdiocese of Mumbai. Of course, the attraction towards Fr. Alfred was stronger and so in 1959, having completed his high school studies from S. V. High School, Gangulli, and after witnessing the priestly ordination of Fr. Juze at Brahamavar, he joined the Capuchins, though his elder brothers wanted him to continue his studies. In fact, initially for about five years (till the first year of philosophy) Peeti had some health problems and he did not know whether he should go ahead with seminary training. However, the loving and merciful Father helped him through different persons, and specially, through late Rev. Fr. Ambrose, OFM cap., a great philosopher and a deep spiritual animator. Thus, by the grace of God, the ardent prayers of his dear and near ones and the help and guidance that he got from his superiors he went ahead gracefully and he was ordained in his own parish, dedicated to our Blessed Mother Mary, at Ganguli in 1970 when late Rev. Fr. Michael Noronha, a saintly pastor, was the parish priest. This was another great experience or chapter in his life. 

His Apostolate: 

By God’s grace and by the support of the elders, Patrick has been involved in formation ever since his ordination. Teaching the Word of God in the formation units and retreats with a Franciscan touch has been his primary mission. For the theological studies he was sent to Pune, (India), the then Papal Athaneum, where he obtained a licentiate (Masters) in theology. Just after the Ordination he was sent to Farangipet to be the Assistant Director of the Postulants where Fr. Liguoury Noronha was the Director. The following year Patrick became the director of the postulants. Thus, after two years of his involvement in formation his superiors sent him to Rome where he obtained a licentiate (Masters) in the S. Scripture at Biblicum and a doctorate in Biblical Theology at Gregorian University. Returning to the province, coupled with his teaching ministry in different seminaries and institutes of formation, he had been the Rector of the Theologate (Kripalaya) at Mysore, Director of the Franciscan Institute of Spirituality (FISI) in Bangalore, the provincial of the Trinity Province (KGM), the Religious Assistant of the Cloistered Sisters (Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration in India and Bangladesh), Rector of the Philosophate (Deena Seva Ashram), Bangalore. He has helped out in many parishes in India and in the European contexts.  But, he was never a parish priest, so far!  Besides, he has rendered a little service to two state universities in India: as an extern professor at the Chair of Christianity at the University of Mysore and as the director of research in Theology and Philosophy at the University of Bangalore. 

Whatever be the responsibility entrusted to Patrick, option for/with the poor, has been his approach.  He accepted any such roles, which enabled him to get associated to work with the poor. He believes that he imbibed this spirit from his dear uncle, late Fr. Alfred Roche, OFM cap. Just to give an example, when he was a student of theology, as mentioned above, he was in Pune for four years and he (along with three more) was staying with the Missionaries of St. Francis the Sales (MSFS), since there was no Capuchin friary close to the Papal Athaneum.  Patrick was given very little pocket money. But, saving something from that pocket money he helped his table boy at Fransalianum (MSFS Seminary) to complete his high school, upon knowing his keen interest in studies and the boy’s inability to finance the same. 

After the Ordination, during the past 33 years, such small works have been done through different channels: helping economically weak students in their studies; helping in repairing small village roads; helping in keeping the roads and neighboring villages clean and orderly; helping in building a couple of chapels; and helping poor people in building small abodes, to mention a few.  As he has been involved directly in formation, most of these works have been done with the involvement and manual labor of the seminarians, and the support of the staff. The free tuition to the local children and the adult-education to the working-youth that was begun with the help of his seminarians at Kripalaya, Mysore in 1985, are being continued even today. As a teacher or formator in the seminary context, this particular option for/with the poor is shown through a special love and concern towards the intellectually/emotionally/culturally weak students in their acquiring a new identity/personality and in helping them to stand on their own feet, thus promote self respect and turn them into useful citizens.  Only a beneficiary can experience such benefits, no one else can write and appreciate.

Fr. General John Corrivau, OFM Cap. with folded hands, participating with the audience, while Fr. Patrick at the podium (below) moderating the International Congress on Formation, held at Assisi lasting for three weeks, consisting of 95 Capuchin participants, coming from different parts of the world, which took place just in this September, 2004.

What Patrick has been doing in the Indian context for about last 30 years, presently, he has been doing on a wider level as the member of the General Commission on Formation, at the international level. 

These four members of this commission are primarily responsible for the formation (initial and on-going) of the eleven thousand confreres spread over in 97 countries. These four brilliant brains organize different kinds of courses at Frascati, Rome; who visit different provinces to study formation needs and programs; who collaborate with different jurisdictions/conferences in different countries in organizing courses; who go and give the animation in different countries. Besides, Patrick is teaching at the Pontifical Atheneum Antonianum, in Rome. This is a give and take process. For, each one learns new things from each other during classroom discussions and exchange of ideas from representatives of different countries.  In the Words of St. Francis, the Poverello of Assisi, “in giving we receive”.  I am known to exaggerate a little, but folks, judge for yourself, out of 97 countries, only four are selected, and our Patrick is one of them.  What an honour as well as responsibility indeed!  There is no honour without burden!  Everyone’s gets a ring around the collar!

FISI Construction in progress.  Patrick explaining to the then Fr. General, Flavio Carraro, a particular plan, in Bangalore, in 1992. 

Another one of Patrick’s major accomplishments is being the Founder of “Franciscan Institute of Spirituality in India (FISI).” This is a national institute, situated in Bangalore. By the grace of God and by the trust placed in Patrick during the term of the former General Fr. Flavio Roberto Carraro OFM Cap., and his Council, (both seen above), Patrick was responsible for the entire project: in planning, building, implementing, and in getting it recognized by the Bangalore University as the Research Center in Philosophy and Theology. FISI offers a diploma course (9 months duration) in Franciscan spirituality; offers retreat facilities to different kinds of groups, holds seminars and international conventions. Besides, through FISI, one can write a doctoral thesis (dissertation) and get a doctorate in philosophy and theology from the Bangalore University. For, it is recognized by the Bangalore University as a Research Center because of the infrastructure that it has.  This is where he sharpened his negotiating skills, this is where he mastered his administrative skills, and also humility, because, I had to probe him again and again, to verify these accomplishments.  In the name of humility, I don’t want to hide his accomplishments under a bushel!

FISI main entrance

FISI Chapel, in Bangalore

I asked for a few photographs of his to make this article look a little more appealing.  He never replied me for about six weeks.  Upon my repeated e-mails, he coolly, tells me that he went to Portugal to learn Portuguese!  I did not believe at first, but then I thought that he is not supposed to tell a lie, not even a white lie.  “What on earth are you learning Portuguese for, my friend?”  “For the same reason, I know several ancient languages such as Greek, Hebrew and Latin in which I can read and write fluently.” Reluctantly, he admitted that he can very well converse in Italian, German, French and Portuguese, as foreign languages.  He expressly told me, “God has blessed me with such a gift.”  Yes, Patrick, God has given the talent, but still you have had to work at it!  Playing classical music on a piano, or singing ‘Ave Maria, or Gregorean Chants,’ could be talents, only upon repeated life long practice. No, folks, he has not implanted a computer chip!  Of course, Konkany, Kannada, Hindi, English, and sufficient Tamil and Malayalam are his forte too.

Patrick and other delegates taking a break, from attending the ‘Internation Convention of Evangelical Brotherhood, in Multiethnic Context, in January 2004, in Addis Ababa. 

In Brief: 

Fr. Patrick is not just a member, but a pillar of the world acclaimed Capuchin Province of the Holy Trinity, India, but also in the world. 

Qualifications: 

• Licentiate in Theology, Papal Athenaeum, Pune, India, 1970
• Licentiate in S. Scripture, Biblicum, Rome, 1976
• Doctorate in Biblical Theology, Gregorianum, Rome, 1985
• Diploma in Counselling and Spiritual Direction, Yuva Prochodini, Bangalore, India, 1996
• Diploma in Franciscan Internship Program in Spiritual Direction
• and Directed Retreats, Toronto, Canada, 2002

Scientific and Didactic Activity: 

Teaching Experience: 

• Lecturer:  N.T., Deena Seva Ashram, Bangalore, India NBCLC, Bangalore, India
• Professor: N.T., Kripalaya, Mysore, India
• Franciscan Institute of Spirituality in India (FISI) Amalashram, Trichy, India
• St. Antony’s Theologate, Kollam, India
• Chair of Christianity, University of Mysore, India
• Director of Research in Theology: University of Bangalore, India

Publications: 

Books: 

Miracle and Magic: Style of Jesus and Style of a Magician, Rome, 1985 

Articles (selected): 

• “Graeco-Christian Magical Papyri” in Studia Papyrologica, 1979
• “’Man’ in the Teaching of Jesus in the Synoptic Gospels”, in Jeevadhara, 1986
• “Miracle”, in Dictionary of Indian Christian Theology, 1989
• “St. Francis and Ahimsa”, in Indian Capuchin Research Forum (ICRF)1 1991
• “Contemplation and Evangelisation”, in ICRF 2, 1992
• “Empty Tomb or Grace filled Womb?” in Fraternity, 1992
• “Franciscan Charisma and Hinduism”, in ITE, 1994
• “Biblical and Prophetical Basis of Franciscan Mission”, in CCFMC, 1995
• “Poverty: a futuristic Vision”, ICRF 4 1998
• “Lead Kindly Light:  Formation and Spiritual Direction”, 1-4, in Fraternity, 2002-203

Participation in Conventions/Forums: 

• Member of SBS (Society of Biblical Studies: India) since 1980 and Vice-chairman in 1986-1989
• Member of CBAI (Catholic Biblical Association of India) 1986-1996 and Vice-chairman in 1987-1990
• Member of ICRF (Indian Capuchin Research Forum) since 1991
• Represented the Indian Capuchins at the International Convention on Vita Consacrata in Rome, 1993

Offices Held: 

• Assistant director of Postulants, Monte Mariano, Mangalore, India,1971-1973
• Director of Postulants, Monte Mariano, Mangalore, India, 1972-1973
• Spiritual Guide of the Students of Philosophy and Theology, Deena Seva Ashram, Bangalore, India, 1980-1983
• Rector of the Institute of Theology, Kripalaya, Mysore, India 1985-1990
• Vicar Provincial, Trinity Province, India, 1987-1990
• Director of (FISI) Franciscan Institute of Spirituality in India: 1988-1996
• Delegate to the General Chapter of the Capuchin Order: 1988
• Provincial of the Trinity Province of the Capuchins, India, 1990-1993
• Spiritual Assistant of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration (PCPA) in India and Bangladesh, 1990-2001
• Vicar Provincial and Chairman of the Formation Council of the Trinity Province, 1996-1998
• Definitor/Council and Chairman of the Formation Council of the Trinity Province, 1999-2001
• Rector of the Institute of Philosophy, Deena Seva Ashram, Bangalore, India, 1991-2001
• Member of the ‘General Commission of Formation’, Rome 2001- to date

This portrait of St. Francis of Assissi is believed to be the earliest one.

Conclusion: 

In conformity to the true spirit of St Francis, Fr. Patrick lives an integrated life through prayer, community, and ministry to serve the poor, the neglected and the disadvantaged youth, the powerless, the people in need, and the elderly. He lives by his vows of poverty (living in simplicity), chastity (living in love with all), and obedience (living and witnessing the Gospel). 

“Blessed are the poor in spirit.” The followers of Christ needed to escape the lust or money and its power, so that they could be free to love God.  This is the secret of the Franciscans how they accomplish so much.  “The heart is where your treasure is.”  Therefore, if your needs are minimum, your efforts can be channeled to do the works of mercy, rather than spend your entire life in search of a next meal.  Hope mankind will come out of this misery of struggling for a next meal. 

Once, I challenged Fr. Patrick, a friendly one.  I told him, Pat I admire your feeding the poor.  Have you heard of this my favorite statement?  “If you give a fish to a man he will eat for a day.  If you teach a man to fish, he will eat for the rest of his life.”  Hence, dear Fr. Patrick, please use your blessings, your influence, your national and international level reputation and contacts/connections, to secure means to teach some sort of trade to less advantaged people throughout the world.  I know, you have tried in different ways, but let not the ingratitude, and negatives dishearten your efforts.    It’s unfortunate, that the sand castles we build are washed away by the waves.   But the training we get from building sand castles can be used to build solid homes and families on terra firma of ours. 

Being exposed to nature, I am sure you can see and experience God, in the song or chirping of a bird, the scurry of a squirrel, the laughter of water, the smile from flower (whether you personally watered it or not), all signs pointing to you that God loves you as experienced by St. Francis who saw God in these earthly things. 

Once, a Franciscan, a Jesuit, a Carmelite, a SVD, and a Diocesan, were debating which order was the greatest. So, they decided to ask for a sign from God. This is what they received falling down from heaven: 

My sons, 

Please stop bickering about such trivial matters, 

GOD, OFM, Cap.

How serene is to serve the Lord!

If ever, I am consulted I would certainly recommend you for the post of the ‘General’ of the world capuchins!  Whether Fr. General or not, you will have opportunities to touch and enrich many a fortunate and less fortunate children of God.  May God’s hands work through you in all your endeavors.

-James Fernandes, USA