Participations in Church’s missions in the dioceses of Ajmer and Jaipur was in the overall plan of the Capuchin mission, but could not be materialized immediately on account of lack of personnel. An opportunity came its way when Sr. Joselyn, the Superior General of the Mission Sisters of Ajmer (MSA), requested the Capuchins of the Province of Krist Jyoti to assist the community of her sisters to collaborate with them in organizing charismatic retreats and spiritual renewal programmes at the Karunalaya Catholic Charismatic Renewal Centre at Gagwana in the Diocese of Ajmer.

The provincial definitory considered this proposal and decided to positively respond to this request. The Provincial along with Sr. Joselyn MSA and Br. Thomas Menappattu, approached the bishop for his approval. His Excellency Bp. Ignatius Menezes of Ajmer was only too glad to welcome the Capuchins into the diocese and expressed his desire that we assist the diocese in Ajmer and other dioceses in Rajasthan with spiritual/charismatic renewal programs.

Having obtained the bishop’s permission to begin our presence and services in Ajmer, we proceeded with the finalization of the agreement with the MSA and the documentation of the transfer of one acre of land in favour for our future friary in Gagwana, Ajmer. On August 03, 2010, the Capuchins were formally welcomed into the diocese of Ajmer by the bishop and the General Superior of the MSA.

The new friary was named “St. Pio Capuchin Ashram”. It is graceful to note that the original sacred relics of Padre Pio of Pietrelcina is most reverentially housed here in our chapel and daily prayers are offered through him. The foundation stone for the new friary was laid on August 15, 2011. Br. Chacko Kallamakkal supervised the construction of the new friary. It was blessed on July 08, 2012, by Bp. Ignatius Menezes of Ajmer.