OFM
Order of Friars Minor
Province of St. Thomas the Apostle, India
Joy is Being Franciscan
Joy is Being Franciscan
St. Anthony’s Seva Nilaya, popularly known as St. Anthony’s Bread Centre, has become a beacon of hope in the heart of Bengaluru. What began in 2003 as a very modest initiative has grown into a large, life-giving service that feeds and uplifts hundreds of people every single day.
Initially started in a small way by the OFM Franciscan Friars, the mission was simple yet profound: to ensure that no one in the neighbourhood goes hungry. Over the years, this vision has blossomed into a well-organized and deeply appreciated ministry of compassionate outreach.
Each afternoon, the Bread Centre opens its doors to provide a free, nutritious midday meal for around 150 hungry and deserving individuals—daily wage labourers, migrants, patients’ attendants, the elderly, and anyone struggling for a basic meal. The food is served with the Franciscan spirit of simplicity, joy, and respect, ensuring not just nourishment but dignity.
When the COVID-19 pandemic swept through the country, Bengaluru witnessed unprecedented hardship. Lockdowns left thousands without jobs, income, or food. During this critical time, St. Anthony’s Bread Centre became a lifeline for countless people.
During the peak of the lockdown, the Centre fed around 750 people every day.
Packets of cooked food were distributed at key locations such as:
o The Cancer Hospital
o St. John’s Hospital
o Madiwala Junction
o Sudaguntapalya
The friars were supported by a dedicated group of volunteers who tirelessly helped in cooking, packing, and distributing food to those in dire need.
This compassionate response made a tremendous difference in the lives of migrant workers, daily labourers, and families who had no access to food during the crisis.
The Bread Centre is blessed with a strong team of committed volunteers who give their time, energy, and love to this ministry. They help with:
Cooking and food preparation
Packing meals
Distributing food in public spaces
Maintaining cleanliness and order
Reaching out to those who need help the most
The mission thrives because of their generous service and dedication.
Over the years, several OFM Franciscan Friars have served at St. Anthony’s Seva Nilaya, nurturing and strengthening the ministry through their commitment, pastoral concern, and Franciscan witness. Their presence continues to inspire both volunteers and beneficiaries alike.
One of the remarkable aspects of the Bread Centre is that it does not depend financially on the Province.
It is sustained entirely by the donations and goodwill of generous people—individuals, families, shopkeepers, and well-wishers who believe in the mission. Because people see the real impact of this service, they come forward to help wholeheartedly, making the ministry self-sustaining.
Today, thanks to this Centre, no one around the Friary goes hungry. This simple yet powerful act of daily feeding stands as a living testimony of God's providence and St. Anthony’s intercession. The friars firmly believe that the Bread Centre is a miracle — a sign of how God works through ordinary acts of kindness to bring hope to the poor.
