Blessing the Foundation Stone of the New Church
and Monastery @ Gorwa, Vadodara A good number of Carmelite friars along with the
faithful of the Gorwa parish and some parishioners
from Mira Road, Mumbai, assembled at the new
property of the Carmelites in Gorwa, Vadodara on
March 1, 2014. Frs. Melwin Rosario and Sunil Monis
organized the prayer service near the construction
site. First of all the Carmelite friars were
welcomed in traditional Gujarati style. Later Fr.
Archibald Gonsalves, Provincial superior led the
prayer and blessed the foundation of the new church
and monastery. The new Church will be dedicated to
the Infant Jesus and the Monastery will be placed
under the protection of the Little Flower. After the
blessing Fr. Melwin Rosario (Superior) acknowledged
the financial support of all the donors, and
especially the Mira Road parishioners. He also
thanked all those who made it to this ceremony.
Click here for more
FIRST CARMELITES FROM GUJARAT ORDAINED PRIESTS!!! March 1, 2014 was a memorable day for the Discalced
Carmelites of the Karnataka-Goa Province as the
first two deacons from Gujarat, namely Kaushik
Parmar and Daniel Christian were raised to the Order
of Priesthood. Though this territory was assigned to
us in 1981, we could set our feet in this state only
in 2004 and had to wait another decade for the first
fruits! The ordination ceremony was held at St.
Mary’s Church, Nadiad, Gujarat at 4-00pm. Most Rev.
Dr. Godfrey Rozario, SJ Bishop of Baroda Diocese – a
good friend of the Carmelites, was the ordaining
minister.
Click here for more
Son of the Soil was raised to the Order of
Priesthood at Mira Road Mira Road: Feb.27th 2014 was indeed an auspicious day for the Carmelites
of Karnataka Goa Province and for St. Joseph’s Church, Mira Road. On
this gracious day the son of the soil, Deacon Nitesh Rodrigues was
raised to the Order of Priesthood by his Excellency Most Rev. John
Rodrigues, the Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay. Fr.Nithesh haild from Rajodi,
Vasai diocese (second Carmelite Vocation from the Diocese). The bishop
in his homily highlighted the duties and responsibilities of the priest
and invited the faithful to pray for priests and also to pray for
vocations in the vineyard of the Lord. About 40 priests concelebrated at
the Eucharistic banquet and a large number of faithful took part in the
Liturgy with greatest devotion. Fr. Ivan D’souza animated the Liturgy.
8 read more
YOUNG RELIGIOUS PRIESTS GET-TOGETHER AT ANUBHAV,
MUMBAI The young priests of the Karnataka Goa Province
gathered together for the yearly meeting at Anubhav,
Mira Road from February 03 to 07, 2014. There were
25 participants together with Br. Malvino who was a
young religious. The meeting commenced with the
inaugural mass celebrated by Fr. Dominic Vas,
Provincial Councilor for Spirituality who
highlighted the various qualities of leadership and
how the youngsters’ have to imbibe these qualities
in their diverse ministries as religious and
priests. Frs. Dominic Vas, Michael Shenoy – Superior
of Anubhav community and other representatives among
the young priests lighted the lamp and thus formally
inaugurated the meet.
Click here for more
WORKSHOP STRESSING THE ESSENCE OF INTERPERSONAL
RELATIONSHIPS One Day workshop on Interpersonal Relationships for
teachers was organized by the Emmaus counseling
Centre, Mapusa, on 12th February, 2014. It received
participation from a total of 27 teachers. The
resource persons for the day Ms. Merlyn Fernandes,
Counsellor and Ms. Tina D’Cunha, Assistant
Professor, St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, delivered
interactive sessions on Transactional Analysis,
Emotional Intelligence and Interpersonal
Relationships between teachers and students. The
highlight of all the sessions was that as educators,
every teacher works tirelessly to prepare every
child for the future and works towards increasing
the students’ potential to face the world.
Click here for more
Family Retreat at St. Joseph Church, Mira Road Feb.7th-9th: Mira Road: With the theme ‘The Kingdom
of God is at hand’, Fr Augustine Vallooran,
director, Divine Retreat Centre, Potta and his team
preached three days retreat at St. Joseph Church
grounds, Mira Road. More than 8,000 people from
different parishes participated in the retreat to
praise the Lord and feel his presence. Fr Augustine
Vallooran and his team led the faithful with praise,
thanksgiving, sharing and adoration.
Click here for more
INFANT JESUS IS HONOURED IN THE SILICON CITY January 26, 2014 Sunday, the devotees of Infant
Jesus came together in Sadbhavana to celebrate the
annual feast of Infant Jesus. The festal mass
commenced at 10.30am presided over by Rev. Fr
Archibald Gonsalves, Provincial Superior along with
other twelve Carmelite priests and three diocesan
priests from St Peter’s Pontifical Seminary. Fr
Provincial in his homily highlighted the various
aspects of prayer and invited all to take the
example of St Teresa of Avila who is the teacher in
the Catholic Church in the field of prayer.
Click here for more
REV FR. JOSEPH D’ SOUZA CELEBRATES RUBY JUBILEE January 21, 2014 Tuesday, the community of
Hegdenagar celebrated the ruby jubilee of the
Ordination of Fr Joseph D’ Souza at Geddalahalli,
Bangalore. The celebration was attended by good
number of Carmelites, neighbouring religious sisters
and the friends of the Carmel Welfare Centre. The
Thanksgiving Eucharist was presided over by the
Jubilarian along with twenty Carmelites including
the parish priest Fr Jerome. Fr Pius James D’ Souza
preached an inspiring homily quoting Pope Francis
highlighted the qualities like Simple, Joyful,
Peaceful and connected the same to the life of Fr
Joseph D’ Souza. After the mass a short felicitation
programme was held. Fr Jacob C. welcomed the
gathering and Fr Deepak Thomas compeered the
programme.
Click here for more
FIRST CARMELITE TO BE ORDAINED
IN 2014 January 18, 2014 Saturday, on this gracious day
Deacon Cannio Remedio Cardozo, OCD was raised to the
Order of Priesthood by his Excellency Most Rev.
Anthony Alwyn Fernandes Barreto, Bishop of
Sindhudrug. The Ordination ceremony was held at Our
Lady of Candelaria Church, Camurlim, Salcette, Goa
at 10.00 am. The Holy Eucharist was attended by more
than fifty five priests and large number of
faithful. The bishop in his homily highlighted the
duties and responsibilities of the priest and
invited the faithful to pray for priests and also to
pray for vocations in the vineyard of the Lord.
Click here for more
Blessing of the Renovated Cemetery at Carmel
Hill, Mangalore On January 15, 2013 Wednesday the blessing of the
renovated cemetery at Carmel Hill, Mangalore was
held after the morning Eucharistic celebration. Rev.
Fr Archibald Gonsalves, Provincial Superior
conducted the prayer service and blessed the
renovated cemetery along with other Carmelite
fathers, brothers and faithful of the vicinity. Fr
Gregory D’ Souza who took keen interest in restoring
the cemetery welcomed the gathering and proposed the
vote of thanks. Finally Fr Provincial appreciated
and congratulated the hard work of Fr Gregory D’
Souza and the members of Carmel Hill Community.
Click here for more
Infant Jesus feast at Carmel Hill, Mangalore The annual feast of Infant Jesus was celebrated on
January 14 at the shrine at Carmel Hill, with deep
devotion and fervor, and brought about a lot of
spiritual nourishment in the hearts of many
devotees. The theme was “Prayer – the Core of
Christian Life” and was chosen in preparation for
the 5th Birth Centenary of St. Teresa of Avila, a
Carmelite mystic and teacher of the way of prayer.
The preachers for the novena days, well-versed in
the Teresian doctrine on prayer, gradually developed
this theme during the novena days by reflecting on
various sub-themes each day. During these days,
there were also special prayers offered for various
intentions. There were 7 masses on each of these
days.
Click here for more
Feast of Infant Jesus & Inter-Religious Dialogue
at Mira Road
"Save the Family life". The lively and dynamic St Joseph Church Celebrated
the Infant Jesus feast and conducted an
Inter-Religious Dialogue session, on Sunday, January
12th at 6.30 pm on St Joseph Church Grounds.
Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay Most Rev. Dr Dominic
Savio Fernandes presided over the solemn festal
Eucharistic celebration along with other six
Priests. Soon after the mass the Inter-religious
dialogue commenced with a prayer dance led by Parish
youth. Bishop Dominic Savio, presided over the event
with various speakers from across the religious
spectrum.
Click here for more
JUBILANTLY IN EMPOLI 27th December 2013 was a memorable day for the
Karnataka Goa Province members in Italy, as we had
the solemn ground breaking Christmas gathering at
our house at Avane in Empoli. It was a shiny day
after days of incessant rains throughout the
Christmas days. Good many friars made it a point to
attend the venue quite in advance and spend time
sharing the joys and sorrows. Fr. Donath and his
community offered warmest welcome to all confriars
with impeccable preparations and delicious flavours
and savours in food.
Click here for more
GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY OF
LITTLE FLOWER FORMATION HOUSE, FRASER VALLEY, CANADA WWell begun is half done! The Canadian Carmelites of
the Karnataka-Goa Province (India) under the
leadership of Fr. Rudolf V. D’Souza have taken
another bold leap. The ground breaking ceremony of
LITTLE FLOWER Formation House at Fraser Valley,
North Deroche Road 10789 was held on 27th December
2013, the Birthday of our generous and benevolent
benefactor Helen Chua Tiampo. Though the day began
with incessant rains making it difficult for the
invitees to reach the destination on time;
providentially it all subsided when the ceremony
began.
Click here for more
Invitation
Dear Rev. Fathers, brothers and Sisters, We the Canadian Carmelites of the Karnataka Goa
Province (India) are launching the construction of
our LITTLE FLOWER Formation House at Fraser Valley,
North Deroche Road 10789 on 27th December 2013 at 12
noon, the Birthday of our Benefactor Helen Chua
Tiampo. We will have approximately 50 people for the
ground breaking ceremony. We have obtained all
permissions from the Fraser Valley Development
Authority, the Architects Final Drawings of the
building; landscaping and Car Parking Facilities are
in place.
Click here for more
Mega Christmas Carol Carnival in Mira Road The Four days Mega Christmas Carol Carnival was
organized by St. Joseph Church, Mira Road under the
leadership of Small Christian Communities on 14th to
17th December, 2013. The carnival was blessed by
Rev. Fr Dominic Vas, Parish Priest of St. Joseph
Church and inaugurated by Fr Ivan D' Souza & Mr.
Clifford Faria. Since the theme of this year was
"Joy in the Family-Joy to the World" the purpose of
this Carnival was to spread peace and religious
harmony and to create awareness of Family Values
said Fr Dominic before beginning the Carol Carnival.
Click here for more
This website was launched in 2006 during the silver
jubilee celebrations of the Karnataka-Goa Province of
the Discalced Carmelite Order.
The ancient Carmelites founded in the thirteenth century
were reformed in the sixteenth by two great doctors of
the church, Saints Teresa and John of the Cross. These
spiritual geniuses, while re-enforcing the contemplative
dimension of the Carmelites, inserted a decidedly
apostolic thrust into their spirituality, with special
emphasis on the missions.
During the seventeenth century, we find Carmelite
missionaries in several pockets along the west coast of
the Indian sub-continent : Surat, Diu, Goa, Verapoly. In
the eighteenth, Carmelites were appointed vicars
apostolic of "the Great Mogul" and Verapoly. They are
invited to attend to the pastoral needs of the Catholics
in Mumbai. In the nineteenth century, the sees of
Mangalore and Quilon were entrusted to the sons of St.
Teresa.
Finally, in the twentieth century, the Discalced
Carmelites opened their doors to Indian natives, who
would henceforth draw more freely from the rich
spiritual treasures of Sts. Teresa, John of the Cross,
and other Carmelite interreters of the Good News of
Jesus.
As Indian vocations multiplied, more and more
foundations were made, and grouped into "provinces".
Today among more than thirty provinces world-wide, there
are five Indian provinces . One of these is the
Karnataka-Goa province.
The aim of this web-site is, primarily to acquaint
readers with Carmelite history and tradition; to share
the spiritual insights of the great Carmelite saints and
also give glimpses of the life within the province to
all our associates. Articles of topical interest have
also been included.
You are welcome to benefit spiritually from the
reflections of our Carmelite Friar - Rev. (Dr) Rudolf
V. D’Souza, OCD
Retreat preached on the theme “The Kingdom of God is
at hand” at Abu Dhabi, from 26 November to 2 December,
2009.
Day 1: The Kingdom of God
Day 2: The Beatitudes
Day 3: The Seven Sacraments
Day 4: the Ten Commandments
Day 5: Holy Mother, the Church and Mother mary
Day 6A: Family
Day 6B: Love
Click here to Listen
Retreat preached at Ruwi – Muscat (Oman) from 20 to 24 January 2008
THEME: JESUS CAME TO GIVE LIFE, LIFE IN ABUNDANCE (JOHN
10:10)
1. ABUNDANT LIFE - GOD
2. FORGIVENESS
3. LOVE
4. SUFFERINGS
5. 7 WORDS FROM THE CROSS AND RESURRECTION
Click here to Listen
A good number of Carmelite friars along with the
faithful of the Gorwa parish and some parishioners
from Mira Road, Mumbai, assembled at the new
property of the Carmelites in Gorwa, Vadodara on
March 1, 2014. Frs. Melwin Rosario and Sunil Monis
organized the prayer service near the construction
site. First of all the Carmelite friars were
welcomed in traditional Gujarati style. Later Fr.
Archibald Gonsalves, Provincial superior led the
prayer and blessed the foundation of the new church
and monastery. The new Church will be dedicated to
the Infant Jesus and the Monastery will be placed
under the protection of the Little Flower. After the
blessing Fr. Melwin Rosario (Superior) acknowledged
the financial support of all the donors, and
especially the Mira Road parishioners. He also
thanked all those who made it to this ceremony.
March 1, 2014 was a memorable day for the Discalced
Carmelites of the Karnataka-Goa Province as the
first two deacons from Gujarat, namely Kaushik
Parmar and Daniel Christian were raised to the Order
of Priesthood. Though this territory was assigned to
us in 1981, we could set our feet in this state only
in 2004 and had to wait another decade for the first
fruits! The ordination ceremony was held at St.
Mary’s Church, Nadiad, Gujarat at 4-00pm. Most Rev.
Dr. Godfrey Rozario, SJ Bishop of Baroda Diocese – a
good friend of the Carmelites, was the ordaining
minister.
Mira Road: Feb.27th 2014 was indeed an auspicious day for the Carmelites
of Karnataka Goa Province and for St. Joseph’s Church, Mira Road. On
this gracious day the son of the soil, Deacon Nitesh Rodrigues was
raised to the Order of Priesthood by his Excellency Most Rev. John
Rodrigues, the Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay. Fr.Nithesh haild from Rajodi,
Vasai diocese (second Carmelite Vocation from the Diocese). The bishop
in his homily highlighted the duties and responsibilities of the priest
and invited the faithful to pray for priests and also to pray for
vocations in the vineyard of the Lord. About 40 priests concelebrated at
the Eucharistic banquet and a large number of faithful took part in the
Liturgy with greatest devotion. Fr. Ivan D’souza animated the Liturgy.
8 
The young priests of the Karnataka Goa Province
gathered together for the yearly meeting at Anubhav,
Mira Road from February 03 to 07, 2014. There were
25 participants together with Br. Malvino who was a
young religious. The meeting commenced with the
inaugural mass celebrated by Fr. Dominic Vas,
Provincial Councilor for Spirituality who
highlighted the various qualities of leadership and
how the youngsters’ have to imbibe these qualities
in their diverse ministries as religious and
priests. Frs. Dominic Vas, Michael Shenoy – Superior
of Anubhav community and other representatives among
the young priests lighted the lamp and thus formally
inaugurated the meet.
One Day workshop on Interpersonal Relationships for
teachers was organized by the Emmaus counseling
Centre, Mapusa, on 12th February, 2014. It received
participation from a total of 27 teachers. The
resource persons for the day Ms. Merlyn Fernandes,
Counsellor and Ms. Tina D’Cunha, Assistant
Professor, St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, delivered
interactive sessions on Transactional Analysis,
Emotional Intelligence and Interpersonal
Relationships between teachers and students. The
highlight of all the sessions was that as educators,
every teacher works tirelessly to prepare every
child for the future and works towards increasing
the students’ potential to face the world.
Feb.7th-9th: Mira Road: With the theme ‘The Kingdom
of God is at hand’, Fr Augustine Vallooran,
director, Divine Retreat Centre, Potta and his team
preached three days retreat at St. Joseph Church
grounds, Mira Road. More than 8,000 people from
different parishes participated in the retreat to
praise the Lord and feel his presence. Fr Augustine
Vallooran and his team led the faithful with praise,
thanksgiving, sharing and adoration.
January 26, 2014 Sunday, the devotees of Infant
Jesus came together in Sadbhavana to celebrate the
annual feast of Infant Jesus. The festal mass
commenced at 10.30am presided over by Rev. Fr
Archibald Gonsalves, Provincial Superior along with
other twelve Carmelite priests and three diocesan
priests from St Peter’s Pontifical Seminary. Fr
Provincial in his homily highlighted the various
aspects of prayer and invited all to take the
example of St Teresa of Avila who is the teacher in
the Catholic Church in the field of prayer.
January 21, 2014 Tuesday, the community of
Hegdenagar celebrated the ruby jubilee of the
Ordination of Fr Joseph D’ Souza at Geddalahalli,
Bangalore. The celebration was attended by good
number of Carmelites, neighbouring religious sisters
and the friends of the Carmel Welfare Centre. The
Thanksgiving Eucharist was presided over by the
Jubilarian along with twenty Carmelites including
the parish priest Fr Jerome. Fr Pius James D’ Souza
preached an inspiring homily quoting Pope Francis
highlighted the qualities like Simple, Joyful,
Peaceful and connected the same to the life of Fr
Joseph D’ Souza. After the mass a short felicitation
programme was held. Fr Jacob C. welcomed the
gathering and Fr Deepak Thomas compeered the
programme.
January 18, 2014 Saturday, on this gracious day
Deacon Cannio Remedio Cardozo, OCD was raised to the
Order of Priesthood by his Excellency Most Rev.
Anthony Alwyn Fernandes Barreto, Bishop of
Sindhudrug. The Ordination ceremony was held at Our
Lady of Candelaria Church, Camurlim, Salcette, Goa
at 10.00 am. The Holy Eucharist was attended by more
than fifty five priests and large number of
faithful. The bishop in his homily highlighted the
duties and responsibilities of the priest and
invited the faithful to pray for priests and also to
pray for vocations in the vineyard of the Lord.
On January 15, 2013 Wednesday the blessing of the
renovated cemetery at Carmel Hill, Mangalore was
held after the morning Eucharistic celebration. Rev.
Fr Archibald Gonsalves, Provincial Superior
conducted the prayer service and blessed the
renovated cemetery along with other Carmelite
fathers, brothers and faithful of the vicinity. Fr
Gregory D’ Souza who took keen interest in restoring
the cemetery welcomed the gathering and proposed the
vote of thanks. Finally Fr Provincial appreciated
and congratulated the hard work of Fr Gregory D’
Souza and the members of Carmel Hill Community.
The annual feast of Infant Jesus was celebrated on
January 14 at the shrine at Carmel Hill, with deep
devotion and fervor, and brought about a lot of
spiritual nourishment in the hearts of many
devotees. The theme was “Prayer – the Core of
Christian Life” and was chosen in preparation for
the 5th Birth Centenary of St. Teresa of Avila, a
Carmelite mystic and teacher of the way of prayer.
The preachers for the novena days, well-versed in
the Teresian doctrine on prayer, gradually developed
this theme during the novena days by reflecting on
various sub-themes each day. During these days,
there were also special prayers offered for various
intentions. There were 7 masses on each of these
days.
The lively and dynamic St Joseph Church Celebrated
the Infant Jesus feast and conducted an
Inter-Religious Dialogue session, on Sunday, January
12th at 6.30 pm on St Joseph Church Grounds.
Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay Most Rev. Dr Dominic
Savio Fernandes presided over the solemn festal
Eucharistic celebration along with other six
Priests. Soon after the mass the Inter-religious
dialogue commenced with a prayer dance led by Parish
youth. Bishop Dominic Savio, presided over the event
with various speakers from across the religious
spectrum.
27th December 2013 was a memorable day for the
Karnataka Goa Province members in Italy, as we had
the solemn ground breaking Christmas gathering at
our house at Avane in Empoli. It was a shiny day
after days of incessant rains throughout the
Christmas days. Good many friars made it a point to
attend the venue quite in advance and spend time
sharing the joys and sorrows. Fr. Donath and his
community offered warmest welcome to all confriars
with impeccable preparations and delicious flavours
and savours in food. 
WWell begun is half done! The Canadian Carmelites of
the Karnataka-Goa Province (India) under the
leadership of Fr. Rudolf V. D’Souza have taken
another bold leap. The ground breaking ceremony of
LITTLE FLOWER Formation House at Fraser Valley,
North Deroche Road 10789 was held on 27th December
2013, the Birthday of our generous and benevolent
benefactor Helen Chua Tiampo. Though the day began
with incessant rains making it difficult for the
invitees to reach the destination on time;
providentially it all subsided when the ceremony
began. 
We the Canadian Carmelites of the Karnataka Goa
Province (India) are launching the construction of
our LITTLE FLOWER Formation House at Fraser Valley,
North Deroche Road 10789 on 27th December 2013 at 12
noon, the Birthday of our Benefactor Helen Chua
Tiampo. We will have approximately 50 people for the
ground breaking ceremony. We have obtained all
permissions from the Fraser Valley Development
Authority, the Architects Final Drawings of the
building; landscaping and Car Parking Facilities are
in place. 
The Four days Mega Christmas Carol Carnival was
organized by St. Joseph Church, Mira Road under the
leadership of Small Christian Communities on 14th to
17th December, 2013. The carnival was blessed by
Rev. Fr Dominic Vas, Parish Priest of St. Joseph
Church and inaugurated by Fr Ivan D' Souza & Mr.
Clifford Faria. Since the theme of this year was
"Joy in the Family-Joy to the World" the purpose of
this Carnival was to spread peace and religious
harmony and to create awareness of Family Values
said Fr Dominic before beginning the Carol Carnival.
Finally, in the twentieth century, the Discalced
Carmelites opened their doors to Indian natives, who
would henceforth draw more freely from the rich
spiritual treasures of Sts. Teresa, John of the Cross,
and other Carmelite interreters of the Good News of
Jesus.
