Lower Mainland OCDS Ceremonies Monday,
September 18, 2017 was a most memorable day for the
Lower Mainland OCDS Communities who celebrated their
ceremonies at Little Flower Monastery for the first
time. The day started with Holy Mass celebrated by
Fr. Provincial Charles Serrao and concelebrated by
the friars of the Canada Region including Fr. Rudolf
D’Souza, Fr. Jerald D’Souza, Fr. John Pinto and Fr.
Ranjan D’Sa who were all present for their curia
meeting. Mass was offered for the repose of the soul
of Felicia D’Sa, Fr. Ranjan’s mother.
Fr. Provincial officiated the clothing and promises
of the candidates. Luc Bengono of St. Teresa of
Jesus Community was clothed with his scapular;
Virginia Concon of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Community
and Jessie Wong of St. Teresa of Jesus Community
made their Definitive Promises. Fr. Provincial’s
message was simple and clear: Like the roots that
keep up a tree, in Carmel, our relationship with God
and others in faith keeps us stronger.
After Mass, every one proceeded up the hill to
witness the inauguration and blessing by Fr.
Provincial of the newly completed Stations of the
Cross. The event concluded perfectly with a
delightful buffet lunch shared by the friars and the
seculars. It was a joyful and jubilant Carmelite
family celebration! To steal an expression of Fr.
Provincial when he praised Fr. Rudolf for his
accomplishments, most of us seculars were filled
with “holy jealousy” of our candidates for such a
blessed day with all the friars in attendance.
Thanks go to Fr. Jerald D’Souza, our Provincial
Delegate, for orchestrating and making the occasion
so special.
click here for the photographs
CONFIRMATION Thursday 21st, 2017 was a special day to St. Martin
of Tours, Mpandangindo in the Archdiocese of Songea.
60 children; 15 from Liweta, 7 from Kituro and 38
from Mpandangindo itself received the Sacrament of
Confirmation from the hands of Very Rev. Fr.
Camillus Haule, the Vicar General of the
Archdiocese. At 10 am the Eucharistic celebration
was presided over by the Vicar General and
concelebrated by the Rev. Fr. Roshan Pinto, the
Parish Priest and Fr. Raymond Santhanaz. After the
Holy Communion the Confirmation children were
congratulated by the Vicar General and the priests.
Then the Vicar General was congratulated and thanked
for his service and honoured him with the gift of a
male goat. Even the catechists were congratulated
and thanked for their sincere service of teaching
the catechism to the children. After the blessing
there was a photo session of the children as well as
of their parents and sponsors. All the children and
the leaders joined for the food.
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MONTI FEST at Infant Jesus Shrine Pushpashrama The feast of the nativity of the Blessed Virgin
Mary. After the 9 days novenas with flowers, sweets
and masses; we had a grand celebration of the
birthday of Mary on September 8th. There were 2
masses to mark the event of the day- at 6.45am mass
in English; 6.00pm mass in Kannada. All were given
new corn (paddy/grains) as a symbol of the harvest
festival and sugar canes to double the joy. Secondly
the children of the Infant Jesus Children’s
Association led the choir and conducted a beautiful
and meaningful liturgy. During the Holy Mass the
newly formed “Infant Jesus Children’s
Association” was inaugurated. And in the
noon we celebrated the birthday of Mother Mary with
52 types of dishes to boost the family spirit.
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Family feast celebrated at Infant Mary Chruch, Bajjodi Bajjodi, Sep. 8: The cultural programe of the family
feast began at 5.30pm in the Parish community hall.
The programe began with the prayer song by the Altar
Servers. Soon after a short stage programe was held.
Chief guest Episcopal Vicar, Rev. Fr. Pius James,
Guest of honour, St. Joseph Monastry, Rector, Rev.
Fr. Wilfred Rodrigues, Asst. Priest Fr. Ivan D’souza,
Vice President, Mr. Joseph Mascarenhas, Secretary
Irene Pinto were then led to the stage by Parish
Priest Fr. Shabas Crasta. In the beginning secretary
Mrs. Irene Pinto welcomed the gathering. Soon after
that all those who were present on the dais offered
flowers to Infant Mary. Fr. Pius James D’souza in
his message stressed that in every family members
should always come together, pray together and eat
together. There should be always joy in the family.
Parish Priest, Fr. Shabas Crasta thanked everyone
for their whole hearted support and invited everyone
to build a good parish community.
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Monti Fest Celebrated at Infant Mary Church, Bajjodi Bajjodi:The nativity feast of Mary was celebrated
with utmost devotion at Infant Mary Church, Bajjodi
on Friday September 8th. At 7.45am new corn was
blessed by St. Joseph Monastery Rector Rev. Fr.
Wilfred Rodrigues. After the blessing children
showered flower petals to Mother Mary. Later
children walked in procession with adults to the
Church. Fr. Wilfred Rodrigues celebrated the festal
mass together with Parish Priest Fr. Shabas Crasta,
Assistant Priest Fr.Ivan D’souza and Fr. Jocy
D’souza. Fr. Wilfred Rodrigues in his homily said
that feast of Nativity of Mary or traditional called
as Monti Fest is the occasion of thanksgiving to the
Almighty for the abundance of graces that he has
showered on mankind. The family bonding is essential
for better relations and it is the time to
introspect on one’s life. At the end Fr. Shabas
thanked the donors. After the Feast Mass, people
returned home with the blessed new paddy and the
children cherished the day as sugar canes were
distributed to them.
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NEW MASS CENTRE AT MATUNUNGU (OUTSTATION OF MPANDAGINDO PARISH) Matunungu was one of the Out Station of St. Martin
of Tour Parish, Mpandangindo – Songea. There was a
small shed as a church where we used to celebrate
mass for the people when we go or where faithful
used to gather for Sunday Prayer when priests don’t
come. In the course of time this shed was fallen
since polls were eaten by white ants. Since people
were not able to rebuilt, it went on like that
almost for ten years. But recently the parish has
decided to help them to rebuild the shed and to give
them the privilege of having Sunday Mass one a
month. Hence on 3rd of September it was an inaugural
mass at Matunungu. Fr. Roshan Pinto, the Parish
Priest accompanied by Br. Cyprian Kihwele, Sr. Rosy
UMI and some leaders from the parish went to
Matunungu to have the reinstating the Out Station of
Matunungu.
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THE SECULAR CARMEL GROWS!
The Karnataka-Goa Province is delighted that 11
members and 5 candidates have come forward to
pronounce their Definitive and Temporary Promises
respectively on 10th of September, 2017. We
cordially invite you to participate in the Solemn
Eucharistic Celebration at Infant Jesus Shrine,
Bikarnakatte, Mangaluru.
We offer our congratulations to all these members
and wish them all the best in their life as members
of the world-wide Discalced Carmelite Family.
Please support them with your presence and prayers.
Fr. Charles Serrao OCD
Provincial Superior
New Grotto of Our Lady at Agassiz, Canada: Here
is the link to the upgraded Grotto of our Lady
engineered by Fr. Steny Mascarenhas OCD the Pastor
of St. Anthony of Padua Church - Agassiz. Fr. Steny
has proved himself to be an able, dedicated,
hardworking pastor in the parish and in the
neighborhood and has united the divided parish
within this short period of time. We congratulate
him for his great success. Fr. Steny has introduced
apart from Carmelite Spirituality among the people;
popular devotions to Mother Mary of Mount Carmel,
St. Anthony of Padua, St. John of the Cross, St.
Teresa of Avila and St. Elijah. He has visited
people in the parish and instilled in them desire
for faithful following of Christ. His presence has
enhanced the faith of people and has enhanced their
desire for spirituality and contemplation. From time
to time Fr. Steny conducts what we call Carmelite
Meditation and Contemplative sessions.
Click
here for more
New Priest celebrated Mass at Mpandagindo! New Priest is in Mpandagindo, at St. Martin of Tours
Parish. Fr. Sandeep Kumar, our new Priest who was
ordained on July 5th in India, celebrated his
Thanksgiving Mass at Mpandagindo on Sunday 27th
August. Frs. Roshan Pinto, the Parish Priest and
Raymond Santhanaz concelebrated with him. He was
introduced and welcomed by the Parish Priest before
the mass and after the communion, he was greeted by
the people by individually receiving his blessing.
We wish Fr. Sandeep a joyful priestly ministry and
God’s choicest blessings in his future appointment.
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NEW GROTTO OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL AT MPANDAGINDO, SONGEA The Feast of the Assumption of the BVM
was celebrated on 13th of August at St. Martin of
Tours, Mpandagindo-Songea. On that great day of the
feast of the BVM we were also privileged to bless
the Grotto of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The mass was
celebrated by Fr. Roshan Pinto, the Parish Priest
and concelebrated by Fr. Raymond Santhanaz and a
beautiful homily was delivered by Br. Cyprian Kiwele,
the Scholastic from Kola who has come for Pastoral
experience. After the mass the statue of Our Lady of
Mount Carmel was blessed by Fr. Raymond and all went
out in procession with the statue to the Grotto. The
Grotto was blessed by Fr. Roshan and the statue was
placed inside the Grotto. The work of the Grotto was
started on 21st July after blessing the site by Fr.
Roshan after the morning mass of the day. We are
grateful to all those who helped us financially to
realize this project of building this Grotto of Our
Lady of Mount Carmel. May God bless all those who
helped us. It is said by our own faithful that this
is a very unique kind of Grotto, nowhere to be seen
in Tanzania itself.
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NEW ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM IN TANZANIA! The Mission Congress in Tanzania is being held from
August 15-18, 2017. We are very happy to communicate
to you the results of the elections held recently: Regional Vicar:
Fr. Sylvester Msemwa of the Holy
Spirit
First Councillor:
Fr. Vivian Menezes of Jesus
Crucified
Second Councillor:
Fr. Elius Malale of St John of
the Cross.
We wish the new administrative team all the best and
promise our prayers. Our thanks to Fr. Marlon
Rodrigues the out-going Regional Vicar who was at
the helm for four terms! May the Lord continue to
bless him.
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THE KARNATAKA-GOA PROVINCE REMEMBERS BISHOP
BENZIGER:
The Karnataka-Goa Province is full of gratitude to
Mons. Aloysius Benziger OCD, the Bishop of Quilon.
It was his keen desire to renew Carmelite Presence
in Goa and that, during the 3rd centenary of the
martyrdom of the Teresian proto-martyrs, Bls.
Dionysius and Redemptus (1638-1938). He is said to
have obtained due permission from the Patriarch of
Goa during the National Eucharistic Congress held a
year earlier (29-31 Dec. 1937) at Madras (now
Chennai). In spite of his age, he went to Margao,
Goa in the company of the Fr. Mary Joseph (the first
Goan Carmelite friar) to promote the foundation.
Today (17th of August, 2017), the Malabar Province
along with five Dioceses of Kerala (which originally
comprised the first and oldest Diocese of Quilon),
is marking this event in Trivandrum at our Carmel
Hill Monastery Church, where his mortal remains have
been interred. There is seminar in the morning,
Solemn Eucharist in the afternoon followed by a
programme and dance drama. In the absence of the
Provincial, Rev. Fr Oswald Crasta (Provincial
Councillor) is representing the Karnataka-Goa
Province.
Bishop Benziger visited Rachol Seminary where Fr.
Paul’s father was physician. According to Fr. Mary
Joseph OCD, Bishop Benziger blessed Fr. Paul who was
around 5 years old. The following verses are
composed by him in recognition of the Bishop’s
eagerness and interest in the first foundation of
what became later the Karnataka-Goa Province.
Inter ward Singing Competition held at Bajjodi Inter
ward Marian and patriotic singing competition was
held for the children and adults on Aug.15th, 2017
at 4pm in Infant Mary Church hall, bajjodi. Mr.
Santosh Veigas welcomed the gathering and introduced
the judges of the competitions to the audience. The
little ones from each ward sang Marian hymns and
gave an awesome performance in singing. The adults
were dressed up in their tri-color costume sang
patriotic songs. Our respected judges were Rev. Fr.
Maxim D’souza and Mr. Jude Fernandes. All the
singers performed very well and judges had the tough
time to judge them as singers really performed well.
The audience enjoyed the good singing by golden
voices of the participants as it was a treat to the
soul to enjoy the good singing. At the end Parish
Priest, Fr. Shabas Crasta announced the winners and
congratulated the winners as well as participants
for their wonderful performances.
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ICYM unit observes Swachh Bajjodi Abhiyan Aug.15th-Bajjodi:
To mark Independence day Celebration Infant Mary
Church ICYM unit organized ‘Swachh Bajjodi Abhiyan’
at the church premises here on Tuesday 15th August.
The cleaning which began at 8.30 am went on till
11am. Youth and parishioners joined together to
clean the Bikarnakatte to bajjodi parish road and
surroundings. Parish Priest Fr. Shabas Crasta, Asst.
Priest. Fr. Ivan D’souza, Vice President Mr. Joseph
Mascarenhas were present. Indeed this programe was
organized to create awareness in people to keep our
surroundings clean and tidy.
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71st Independence Day celebrated at Infant Mary
Church, Bajjodi It
is a day of double celebration for Catholics in
India. India, our Motherland was freed from the
clutches of the British and thus attained its
political liberation. Blessed Virgin Mary after
completing her life on earth was assumed into Heaven
Body and soul. That’s the feast of the Assumption of
Blessed Virgin Mary which Catholics commemorate
today whole over the world. Faithful in great number
participated in both these celebration held at
Infant Mary Church, Bajjodi. The Holy Eucharist was
at 6.30am celebrated by the Episcopal Vicar for
Religious, Rev. Fr. Pius James D’souza. After the
Eucharist, all gathered to celebrate the 71st
Independence Day of our Country with honour and
devotion.
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FIRST HOLY COMMUNION at
MPANDAGINDO, TANZANIA Sunday
30th of July, 2017, was a very special day for St.
Martin de Tours Parish at Mpandagindo, Songea. It
was the First Holy Communion of our children, and
speciality was Rev. Fr. Marlon Rodrigues, the
Regional Vicar presided over the Eucharistic
celebration and gave the Holy Communion. Fr. Marlon
arrived Mateka on 28th evening and came to
Mpandagindo on 29th evening with two guests from
USA, Mr & Mrs. Joe and Sheri, and two of our
scholastics, Br. Urban and Br. Cyprian who will be
here for almost three months for community
experience. The Eucharistic celebration began at 8
am, concelebrated by Frs. Roshan Pinto and Raymond
Santhanaz. 52 children received the First Holy
Communion from the hands of Rev. Fr. Marlon.
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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.
NEW BOOK RELEASED! THE WAY LESS TRAVELLED, by Rudolf V. D'Souza
OCD, Dhyanavana Publications, Bangalore 2015, pp. xi
+ 199.
The new book The Way Less Travelled, is the 31st
literary product of Rev. (Dr) Rudolf V. D'Souza OCD.
This compendium of 26 articles is a commentary on the
Way of Perfection of St. Teresa of Avila, published by
the Dhyanavana Publications of the Discalced Carmelite
Friars of the Karnataka Goa Province (India). The Way
Less Travelled is reader friendly that summarizes the
doctrinal content of the Way of Perfection to make the
work of the Saint easily accessible, so that The Way of
Perfection may be more often travelled. This book was
officially released in India by V. Rev. (Dr) Saverio
Cannistra OCD (Superior General of the Discalced
Carmelites) during the National Closing ceremony of St
Teresa’s V Birth Centenary at the Shrine of Our Lady of
Good Health, Vailankanni, Tamil Nadu on 3rd of October,
2015 and during the inauguration of our Little Flower
Monastery at Fraser Town, Canada on October 15th by Ms.
Helen Chua Tiampo, in the presence of Bishops, OCD
Friars, Secular Carmelites and a large gathering of
friends.
HOMILIES IN ENGLISH (VIDEO):
The following homilies have been preached by Rev. Fr.
Rudolf V. D'Souza OCD, Parish Priest at Guardian Angels
Church, Vancouver Canada.The first three homilies are of
his Lenten mission reflections in the parish.
The remaining are Sunday homilies which will be
regularly uploaded. All our friends and well-wishers are
most welcome to benefit from these reflections.
Click here to listen :
REFLECTIONS IN KONKANI (Audio)
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
Monday,
September 18, 2017 was a most memorable day for the
Lower Mainland OCDS Communities who celebrated their
ceremonies at Little Flower Monastery for the first
time. The day started with Holy Mass celebrated by
Fr. Provincial Charles Serrao and concelebrated by
the friars of the Canada Region including Fr. Rudolf
D’Souza, Fr. Jerald D’Souza, Fr. John Pinto and Fr.
Ranjan D’Sa who were all present for their curia
meeting. Mass was offered for the repose of the soul
of Felicia D’Sa, Fr. Ranjan’s mother.
Thursday 21st, 2017 was a special day to St. Martin
of Tours, Mpandangindo in the Archdiocese of Songea.
60 children; 15 from Liweta, 7 from Kituro and 38
from Mpandangindo itself received the Sacrament of
Confirmation from the hands of Very Rev. Fr.
Camillus Haule, the Vicar General of the
Archdiocese. At 10 am the Eucharistic celebration
was presided over by the Vicar General and
concelebrated by the Rev. Fr. Roshan Pinto, the
Parish Priest and Fr. Raymond Santhanaz. After the
Holy Communion the Confirmation children were
congratulated by the Vicar General and the priests.
Then the Vicar General was congratulated and thanked
for his service and honoured him with the gift of a
male goat. Even the catechists were congratulated
and thanked for their sincere service of teaching
the catechism to the children. After the blessing
there was a photo session of the children as well as
of their parents and sponsors. All the children and
the leaders joined for the food. 
The feast of the nativity of the Blessed Virgin
Mary. After the 9 days novenas with flowers, sweets
and masses; we had a grand celebration of the
birthday of Mary on September 8th. There were 2
masses to mark the event of the day- at 6.45am mass
in English; 6.00pm mass in Kannada. All were given
new corn (paddy/grains) as a symbol of the harvest
festival and sugar canes to double the joy. Secondly
the children of the Infant Jesus Children’s
Association led the choir and conducted a beautiful
and meaningful liturgy. During the Holy Mass the
newly formed “Infant Jesus Children’s
Association” was inaugurated. And in the
noon we celebrated the birthday of Mother Mary with
52 types of dishes to boost the family spirit.
Bajjodi, Sep. 8: The cultural programe of the family
feast began at 5.30pm in the Parish community hall.
The programe began with the prayer song by the Altar
Servers. Soon after a short stage programe was held.
Chief guest Episcopal Vicar, Rev. Fr. Pius James,
Guest of honour, St. Joseph Monastry, Rector, Rev.
Fr. Wilfred Rodrigues, Asst. Priest Fr. Ivan D’souza,
Vice President, Mr. Joseph Mascarenhas, Secretary
Irene Pinto were then led to the stage by Parish
Priest Fr. Shabas Crasta. In the beginning secretary
Mrs. Irene Pinto welcomed the gathering. Soon after
that all those who were present on the dais offered
flowers to Infant Mary. Fr. Pius James D’souza in
his message stressed that in every family members
should always come together, pray together and eat
together. There should be always joy in the family.
Parish Priest, Fr. Shabas Crasta thanked everyone
for their whole hearted support and invited everyone
to build a good parish community.
Bajjodi:The nativity feast of Mary was celebrated
with utmost devotion at Infant Mary Church, Bajjodi
on Friday September 8th. At 7.45am new corn was
blessed by St. Joseph Monastery Rector Rev. Fr.
Wilfred Rodrigues. After the blessing children
showered flower petals to Mother Mary. Later
children walked in procession with adults to the
Church. Fr. Wilfred Rodrigues celebrated the festal
mass together with Parish Priest Fr. Shabas Crasta,
Assistant Priest Fr.Ivan D’souza and Fr. Jocy
D’souza. Fr. Wilfred Rodrigues in his homily said
that feast of Nativity of Mary or traditional called
as Monti Fest is the occasion of thanksgiving to the
Almighty for the abundance of graces that he has
showered on mankind. The family bonding is essential
for better relations and it is the time to
introspect on one’s life. At the end Fr. Shabas
thanked the donors. After the Feast Mass, people
returned home with the blessed new paddy and the
children cherished the day as sugar canes were
distributed to them.
Here
is the link to the upgraded Grotto of our Lady
engineered by Fr. Steny Mascarenhas OCD the Pastor
of St. Anthony of Padua Church - Agassiz. Fr. Steny
has proved himself to be an able, dedicated,
hardworking pastor in the parish and in the
neighborhood and has united the divided parish
within this short period of time. We congratulate
him for his great success. Fr. Steny has introduced
apart from Carmelite Spirituality among the people;
popular devotions to Mother Mary of Mount Carmel,
St. Anthony of Padua, St. John of the Cross, St.
Teresa of Avila and St. Elijah. He has visited
people in the parish and instilled in them desire
for faithful following of Christ. His presence has
enhanced the faith of people and has enhanced their
desire for spirituality and contemplation. From time
to time Fr. Steny conducts what we call Carmelite
Meditation and Contemplative sessions.
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.
