✝ Brief History About Ellicott City - St. Francis Assisi Anbium
Praise be to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Our Anbium began on December 6, 2015, with a Holy Mass at St. Anthony’s Shrine in Ellicott City. Rev. Fr. Antony Dhas, then the Spiritual Director of CATCA, celebrated our first Mass at the shrine and blessed our humble beginning. Inspired by the beauty, peace, and prayerful atmosphere of the church—and the loving presence of the Franciscan friars—we gratefully adopted the name of St. Francis of Assisi as our patron.
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Our Inspiration: St. Francis of Assisi
St. Francis of Assisi renounced worldly wealth and comfort to follow Christ with a pure and joyful heart. His life, guided by the Holy Spirit, reflected four central virtues: poverty, prayer, gratitude for God’s creation, and joy in serving others.
We strive to imitate St. Francis by living these values in our families and community life. His timeless prayer, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,” continues to inspire us to live with humility, compassion, and love for all of God’s creation.
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Our Journey of Faith and Fellowship
Over the past nine years, our Anbium has come together for Holy Eucharistic celebrations, prayer gatherings, and social events, strengthening our faith and fellowship. We have joyfully participated in CATCA Masses and celebrations, with our children sharing their talents in choir, skits, and music performances, glorifying God through their gifts.
We express our heartfelt gratitude to Rev. Fr. Christy Arockiaraj for his spiritual guidance during our formative years, especially throughout the challenges of the COVID pandemic, and to Rev. Fr. Parthiban Raj for his ongoing pastoral support and encouragement.
Our children have actively participated in several Catholic organizations, including IACA and FETCANA, growing in both faith and leadership through their involvement in church events and cultural celebrations.
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Celebrations, Memories, and Gratitude
Through the years, our families have celebrated together many joyful milestones—First Holy Communions, Confirmations, graduations, baby showers, and housewarmings—always with hearts full of thanksgiving to God.
In 2024, we mourned the passing of our beloved member, Mrs. Ligia Fernando, who went to her eternal home. We deeply miss her presence, cherish her memory, and pray that her soul may rest in peace.
Each year, one family takes the lead in coordinating Anbium activities, bringing fresh energy, new ideas, and deepening our sense of unity. These shared efforts continue to strengthen our bonds and serve as vital building blocks in our journey together as one family in Christ.
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Living Our Mission
The St. Francis of Assisi Anbium continues to embody the spirit of its patron—spreading peace, love, and joy wherever we go. Together, we seek to follow Christ’s example, growing in holiness and helping one another become true instruments of God’s grace.
“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.”
— St. Francis of Assisi