Secular Carmel Convention 2019 held at Bajjodi
The Secular Carmel Konkani Convention was held on
the 5th & 6th of October, 2019 at Jyothi Nivas,
Bajjodi, Mangaluru. 85 members from five units,
namely, Mira Road, Honnavar, Koteshwar, Bikarnakatta
and Bajjodi participated in this convention.
The inaugural function started at 9.30am with a
prayer song. Rev. Fr. Ivan D'souza welcomed the
gathering. Keeping in mind our Holy Father Pope
Francis' message ' Laudate Si', the convention was
inaugurated with planting of a Sapling by Rev Fr.
Ivan D'souza. Soil was added by Fr. Rovel D'souza-
Delegate Provincial KG province, Mr. Rodo Pereira -
OCDS President KG province, Mrs Felcy D'souza and
Spiritual Directors of all units. Rev. Fr. Patrick
Lobo watered the sapling after which Fr. Rovel
D'souza in his message wished the hosts - Bajjodi
unit and the convention every success. Mrs. Gretta
Lobo compered the programme. The inaugural session
was followed by an Ice breaking session with group
dynamics conducted by Ms. Sharel D'souza. The first
talk was by Fr. Deep Fernandes on St. John of the
Cross. He beautifully explained the ways through
which we can unite with God in prayer. The members
then gathered in the chapel for Holy Mass celebrated
by Rev Fr. Rovel D'souza and concelebrated by
spiritual directors present. After the lunch the
second talk was by Provincial Rev. Fr. Charles
Serrao who first gave the statistical information of
the order and then stressed on the three main
qualities - Humility, Detachment and Love that we as
Carmelites need to follow. In the evening at 7 pm
prayer of the church was conducted by the Bajjodi
unit after which dinner was served.
On the second day - 6th October, 2019, the members
gathered at Infant Mary Church Bajjodi at 8.30 am
for morning prayers followed by a photo session. The
Holy mass at 9.15am was celebrated by Provincial
Rev. Fr. Charles Serrao and con celebrated by Fr.
Ivan D'souza, Fr. Patrick Lobo, Fr. Rajesh D'souza,
Fr. Deep Fernandes and Fr. Lawrence D'cunha. The
third talk was given by Fr. Rovel Dsouza. In his
message he stressed that OCDS member should live in
the family and society. The afternoon session began
with the cultural programme at 2.30pm. All the five
units displayed their talents so beautifully which
brought the audience into total involvement and
cheer. The groups dispersed at 4.30pm for tea and
gathered back for an evaluation. Rev Fr. Rovel
D'souza in his message appreciated and thanked
Spiritual Director Fr. Ivan D'souza, President Mrs.
Gracy Fernandes and all the members of Bajjodi Unit,
for organising the convention. He congratulated
everyone on the success of the convention. Prizes
were distributed by Fr. Rovel D'souza and the
Spiritual Directors. President of Bajjodi unit -
Mrs. Gracy Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks.
The Secular Carmel Konkani Convention, 2019 was a
grand success. Each and every member of all units
participated positively and enthusiastically and
thereby gained a lot of inputs from this convention.