OCDS Annual Retreat in Margao
Margao, March 21, 2025: The Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCDS) communities in Margao, namely the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Community and the St. Therese of the Child Jesus Community, came together for their annual retreat from March 21-23, 2025. This year’s retreat, guided by Fr. Melwin Lasrado, OCD, from Sadbhavana, the Carmelite Provincial House in Bengaluru, was centred around the theme, "St. Therese: A Guide and Inspiration to be the Pilgrim of Hope."

The retreat began with a beautiful and peaceful recitation of the Marian Rosary, uniting both communities in a shared moment of prayer and devotion.

Mr. Roy Rodrigues, the President of the OCDS Provincial Council, extended a warm and heartfelt welcome to all present and took the opportunity to introduce Fr. Melwin Lasrado to the community, who serves as the Treasurer at Sadbhavana, the Carmelite Provincial House in Bengaluru.

The opening moments set a tone of deep reverence, preparing the hearts of the retreatants for the spiritual journey ahead. Fr. Melwin then led the group in the Carmelite Way of the Cross, inviting everyone to reflect on Christ’s suffering and love in a deeply personal and moving way. This solemn and meaningful experience was followed by the evening prayer, which offered time for quiet reflection, meditation, and spiritual talks, designed to nurture the souls of those present.

Throughout the retreat, Fr. Lasrado shared teachings that were rich in insight and tenderness, helping the participants feel the loving embrace of God through the example of St. Therese of Lisieux. Her life, marked by simplicity, trust, and a profound love for God, served as a beautiful guide for all those present, reminding them of the importance of faith and hope.

As the retreat unfolded over the next two days, the focus deepened, exploring the virtues and spirituality of St. Therese. The retreatants were invited to reflect on their own pilgrimages of faith and hope, with talks on topics such as “Love for Love,” the power of bearing sufferings with joy, the practice of meditation, and the importance of Scripture in our daily lives through practices like Lectio Divina.

The retreat reached its beautiful conclusion on the final day with a heartfelt time of adoration and Eucharistic Celebration, a powerful moment that sealed the experience of prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Elizabeth Santos, President of the Mt. Carmel Community, who expressed heartfelt gratitude for the enriching retreat experience. As a gesture of love and appreciation, a token of thanks was presented by Ramila Rodrigues, President of the St. Therese Community. Our Spiritual Assistant, Rev. Fr. Lancy Mendonca, also took a moment to thank Fr. Melwin for graciously accepting the invitation on short notice to lead the retreat. He expressed deep appreciation for the time and effort Fr. Melwin dedicated to guiding the community spiritually, helping each participant grow in faith and devotion.

As the retreatants departed, their hearts were filled with renewed hope and a deeper commitment to live out the virtues of St. Therese, embracing their own journey as pilgrims of hope, walking forward with the quiet strength and grace that St. Therese so beautifully embodied.