A Visit to Kochi on the Malabar Coast

Last night the seasonal monsoon rains began - a welcome relief to the oppressive heat. The dark red-orange earth drank thirstily and afterwards the air was fresh, light and filled with the scent of jasmine.

I am staying at the residence of a group of Franciscan friars near Kochi. Their compound includes a large residence, a church and a retreat center on the grounds. There are seven friars living here full time but they regularly host guests from India and abroad along with a group of young Franciscan candidates who are studying here.

A rooster in the back garden begins calling at about 4:00 in the morning, waking first the bevy of hens and then the emus, the geese and the three turkeys living in the yard.

The residence is an oasis to the busy streets and daily activity present at the end of their road. There are coconut trees, banyan and jackfruit in their gardens along with bushes of curry leaves and pepper plants.

 

There is a volleyball court where the students engage in nightly competition at dusk before evening prayers and dinner. I sat on a bamboo bench last night watching them play with my eyes on the deep fields beyond where a man coaxed his cattle across the fields towards home.

The Franciscan friars are one of many religious groups living and participating in daily life here in Kerala. They are a part of the fabric of the community with their Hindu and Muslim neighbors.