In 2009, the province had an urgent need for an additional house to accommodate college-going students (the aspirants for the Capuchin way of life), as the existing house, Gyan Deep, at Gaibira in Odisha, was no longer spacious enough for all of them. To respond to this need, the property known as “Asha Deep,” near Hartmann Ashram in Bareilly, where a community of sisters had resided for some time, was identified and renovated for the purpose.​

          Under the dedicated supervision of Br. Julian Crasto and Br. Yesudas, the house was adapted to suit the formative and pastoral needs of the young brothers. A simple yet dignified chapel, a dormitory and a study hall were constructed, and the renovation work was completed in a remarkably short span of two months.​

          The renewed house, now named Francis Bhavan, was inaugurated on 29 July 2009 by Br. Mark Schenk, the General Councillor, during his pastoral visit to the Province. From its very beginning, Francis Bhavan was envisioned as a house that would foster a prayerful atmosphere, academic growth and fraternal life among the brothers preparing themselves for future ministry.​

          Today, Francis Bhavan functions as a fraternity where the brothers live an authentic communitarian life inspired by the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. The members are actively engaged in pastoral ministry in the local church, collaborating with parish, youth, families and religious communities, while remaining rooted in regular prayer, community exercises and ongoing formation.​

         The house is blessed with a beautiful kitchen garden, which not only supplements the community’s daily food but also reflects a simple, eco-friendly Franciscan lifestyle. The serene surroundings, combined with the chapel and common spaces, make Francis Bhavan a welcoming place where fraternity, hospitality and mission come together in daily witness to the Gospel.