A Sacred Beginning: Initial Formation
Ceremony of OCDS Aspirants @ Londa
The Carmel Nivas Community in Londa witnessed a momentous occasion
on December 1, 2024, as six aspirants of the Secular Order of
Discalced Carmelites (OCDS) from the St. Teresa of Avila Community
embarked on their Initial Formation I. This significant milestone
marked the beginning of their deeper commitment to the Carmelite way
of life.
The St. Teresa of Avila Community, founded by Fr. Wilson Tauro and
nurtured by Fr. Anthon Souz, is currently under the spiritual
guidance of Fr. Siltan Noronha. This community has been instrumental
in fostering vocations to the OCDS, providing a nurturing
environment for individuals seeking a closer relationship with Jesus
and a life of service and prayer.
The solemn ceremony was presided over by Rev. Fr. Deep Fernandes,
the Provincial Delegate for OCDS. He formally inducted the aspirants
into their initial formation journey, emphasizing the essence of
prayer, community life, and apostolic witness. The six
aspirants—Paul Borges, Michael Carvalho, Deepak D’Costa, Florin
Damle, Antonita D’Costa, and Prasilla Fernandes—publicly expressed
their desire to follow the Carmelite charism.
During the formation, the aspirants are invited to deepen their
relationship with Jesus through a life rooted in prayer. This
includes the daily recitation of the Prayer of the Church,
meditation, and personal reflection. Their apostolic mission calls
them to be living witnesses of God’s presence, spreading Christ’s
love and compassion in their everyday interactions. Furthermore,
they are encouraged to foster unity and support within their
community, nurturing a spirit of harmony and shared mission.
The entire community extended their heartfelt congratulations to the
aspirants, assuring them of their prayers and support as they embark
on this sacred journey. May this initial step be the foundation of a
fruitful and transformative vocation in the Secular Order of
Discalced Carmelites.




