VOCATION PROMOTION AT CARMELITE CLOISTERED NUNS MONASTERY, CHICALIM
On April 6th, 2025, the members of Our Lady of Mount Carmel community, along with their Spiritual Assistant,Fr. Lancy Mendonca, visited the Carmelite Cloistered Nuns Monastery of the Carmelite nuns in Chicalim to promote the vocation of Secular Carmel (OCDS). This was a special occasion for the community, as they had the opportunity to witness the life of the Carmelite Cloistered Nuns, even if only through a window, symbolizing the separation between the contemplative life and the outside world and promote their OCDS vocation.

The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Fr. Lancy, focusing on God's promise of renewal and hope. The Carmelite choir, led by Blasio, Leena, Louella, and Savio Baretto, provided beautiful musical accompaniment, enhancing the solemnity of the Mass. Many OCDS members from the community, as well as residents from Chicalim, gathered to celebrate this special Mass.

At the conclusion of the liturgy, Fr. Lancy addressed the congregation, offering a brief introduction to the vocation of OCDS. He emphasized that Chicalim would now be a new center for those interested in exploring the Carmelite way of life, inviting them to share their names and contact details for further information. To deepen the understanding of the vocation, he invited two OCDS members, Leoniz Gomes and Victor Carvalho, to share their personal testimonies. Leoniz spoke of the transformative spiritual journey she experienced through Carmelite prayer, contemplation, and apostolic work, while Victor shared how OCDS gave him a deeper sense of purpose.

A warm get-together followed, with the community interacting and enjoying breakfast prepared by the nuns. Flyers about OCDS were distributed to the laity. Through another window, the community was able to interact with the nuns, whose joy and warmth were contagious. Everyone left with hearts full of peace and inspiration, deeply moved by the devotion and happiness of the Carmelite sisters.

Overall, the visit to the Carmelite Cloistered Nuns Monastery in Chicalim was a meaningful experience that highlighted the beauty of Carmelite spirituality and opened the door for others to explore the Secular Carmel vocation OCDS.