Christmas Joy shared in Italy
On December 28, 2021, the community at Santuario La
Madonnina, Capannori, Lucca, Italy, was privileged
to host its first Christmas Gathering of the
Carmelites of the Karnataka-Goa Province serving in
Italy. The Christmas joy was palpable as the friars
from all over Italy – Casa Generalizia, Teresianum,
Santa Maria della Scala (Rome), Santa Maria a Ripa (Empoli),
Corpus Domini (Milan), Santa Teresa del Bambin Gesù
(Legnano) – arrived at this ‘new home’ of our
Province. Rev. Fr Pius D’Souza, the Definitor
General, presided over the Eucharistic celebration
at 11:00 a.m. along with the rest of the friars, the
Secular Carmel, the community of the Carmelite
Sisters of the UCT Congregation and the laity, in
the 400-year-old Shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Mt
Carmel. In his meaningful homily, Fr Pius
highlighted the Carmelite character of the
liturgical feasts just celebrated. Then followed a
sumptuous meal prepared by the expert hands of Frs.
Ajith and Selva. Fr Alwyn Aranha, the superior, took
the opportunity to welcome Rev. Fr Pius, and to wish
the silver jubilarians Frs. Richard and Selva, as
well as all those who celebrated their birthdays and
ordination anniversaries in the Christmas Octave.
After the meal, the friars graced the community of
the UCT sisters for a coffee. The next day, the
majority of friars who stayed back went for a tour
of the city of Lucca and in the noon, paid a visit
to the Cloistered Carmel sisters, spending an hour
of recreation with them, serenading carols and
sharing the Christmas joy. May the Babe of
Bethlehem, born to unite heaven and earth in the
love of God, continue to be the source of our joy
and togetherness all through the year.
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