India. On the third day of the VIII Provincial Chapter, the group from Andhra Pradesh, Haryana and Maharashtra led the liturgy. Fr. John Vettikanal presided over the Holy Eucharist and Fr. Jose Kattath preached the homily.

In the beginning Fr. James Kannanthanam the moderator of the day announced the agenda of the day. It was followed by reading of the minutes of the proceedings of the second day by Fr. Thomas Thennadiyil, the chapter secretary.

Today being the Birthday of Fr. Joseph Areeckathundathil, the chapter members wished him with a birthday song. Messages and greetings of many persons and communities from different parts of the world were read out in the chapter.

9.30 to 10.30 the leaders of different groups presented their reports in the chapter hall. The provincial government responded to the clarifications sought by the groups. Rev. Fr. Josep Maria Abella, the chapter president clarified certain issues that were raised during the first session.

At the end of evaluative session the present provincial superior Fr. Xavier Manavath thanked all the provincial council members, the superiors, the members of the pre-capitular commission. In a special way he thanked Rev. Fr. Josep Maria Abella for having extended all help and co-operation during these 4 years tenure.

At the end of the second session Rev. Fr. Josep Maria Abella communicated the results of the sounding for the election of the new provincial government.

After noon 2.30 pm in the third session Rev. Fr. Josep Maria Abella explained the manner of electing the provincial government quoting the constitution and the directory. After this Fr. Martin Mankunnath introduced the report of the precapitular commission to the chapter members.

From 3 pm onwards the chapter members took up the study of the report of the pre-capitular commission in groups.