Carmel Preran: For
Daily Reflections on the Word of God and Daily
Prayers
Living Flame: For
Carmelite Spirituality & Catholic Theology
THE PRECAUTIONS
(St. John of the Cross)
Dear
Friends,
The Precautions of St. John of the Cross are a precious
treasure for those who wish to live an authentic
Christian life and attain perfection of Christian
charity within a short period of time. When reading the
Precautions, we may feel they are hard and too tough to
practice, but the intention of St. John of the Cross was
to help the aspirants to experience God in their daily
life and be united with Him on a daily basis regardless
of the difficulties involved. These are very practical
recommendations and are helpful for spiritual direction
and discernment. Here I have prepared a short commentary
on these precautions, which I presume will be useful for
spiritual reading and spiritual growth. These
reflections will be uploaded on the Carmelite Website of
our Province shortly.
A
Joy-Filled Day of Fellowship: OCDS Our Lady of Mt.
Carmel Picnic at Quepem, Goa On
Sunday, May 3rd, the members of the Our Lady of Mt.
Carmel OCDS Community, Margao, came together for a
refreshing and joy-filled picnic at Quepem, a serene
picnic park complete with a pool and water
slide—offering the perfect setting for relaxation,
laughter, and fellowship across all ages. The day
began with members assembling at the monastery, from
where they set off in their vehicles at 9:00 AM,
filled with excitement and anticipation. Upon
arrival, the community gathered for a delightful
breakfast spread lovingly brought by the members
themselves. From crispy samosas and chutney
sandwiches to refreshing juice and hot tea, the
shared meal set a warm and welcoming tone for the
day. Despite the strong summer heat making itself
felt, it in no way dampened the joyful spirit of the
group. If anything, the warm weather made the pool
and water slide even more inviting. The younger
children, especially, were thrilled as they took
repeated, excited rounds down the water slide, their
laughter echoing across the park. Adults too joined
in, enjoying the refreshing splashes and carefree
moments in the water. The bright sun, though intense
at times, seemed only to add to the liveliness of
the day—reminding everyone that joy is found not in
perfect weather, but in togetherness and shared
happiness. At 1:00 PM, everyone gathered again to
enjoy a delicious and satisfying lunch, featuring a
variety of flavorful dishes that catered to all
tastes. The meal not only nourished the body but
also strengthened the bonds of community. The
afternoon came alive with an exciting round of
housie, where everyone eagerly followed the numbers
and cheered as winners claimed Full House and line
prizes. The friendly competition filled the space
with laughter and joy. The energy continued with the
lively game “Clap,” testing everyone’s rhythm and
alertness. With playful mistakes and lots of
laughter, it quickly became a favorite—making the
afternoon truly fun and memorable. It was truly a
day blessed with togetherness, laughter, and
gratitude—an experience that reflected the spirit of
community and the joy of simple moments shared in
love.
Eucharistic
Celebration for Deceased OCDS Members and Their
Departed Loved Ones On
25 April 2026, members of the OCDS communities of
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and St. Thérèse of the Child
Jesus gathered in prayerful unity for a Eucharistic
celebration offered for the repose of the souls of
deceased OCDS members and their departed loved ones.
The Holy Mass was solemnly celebrated by Rev. Fr.
Diogo Proença OCD. The celebration began with an
invocation of God’s infinite mercy, entrusting the
souls of the departed into His loving and
compassionate care. A deeply moving moment of
remembrance followed, as the names of the deceased
were reverently read aloud. Each name resounded as a
quiet testimony to a life lived in faith, love, and
hope. The members then observed a few moments of
silence, prayerfully holding these souls in their
hearts and commending them to the Lord. Father
further invited the congregation to enter more
deeply into the mystery of the Eucharist by
consciously offering these souls, along with their
personal intentions, during the Offertory. He
explained that as the bread and wine are brought
from the table to the altar, they symbolically carry
not only the gifts of creation but also the prayers,
sacrifices, and memories of the faithful. In that
sacred moment, the community was encouraged to
spiritually place before God the souls of their
departed loved ones, their gratitude for their
lives, and their hope for their eternal rest. He
reminded all present that during the
consecration—when the bread and wine are transformed
into the Body and Blood of Christ—these offerings
are united with Christ’s perfect sacrifice. This
reflection invited the community to participate more
consciously and intimately in the Holy Mass,
recognizing that the Offertory is not merely a
ritual action, but a deeply personal and communal
act of surrender, love, and intercession.
Seeking
my Love! 01
May 2026: On the first of May two of our novices Br.
Brayan Sequeira and Ethan Lobo made their first
religious profession at Tapovana, Carmelite
Novitiate, Kushalnagar, N. Coorg during the Solemn
Eucharistic celebration presided over by Rev. Fr.
John F. Sequeira, the newly appointed Provincial of
Karnataka-Goa Province, along with forty priests
both Carmelites and diocesan. Rev. Fr Provincial in
his insightful homily highlighted the loving journey
of a soul in seeking her Beloved in view of union
with Him. He explained beautifully how St. John of
the Cross, in the third stanza of his Spiritual
Canticle, expresses the ardent frantic desire of a
soul for nothing less than union with the Beloved,
and how the soul is all determined to wage a war
against the worldly attractions, the tactics of
devil and the temptations of the flesh. He
emphasized that the goal and summit of every
religious is to love God in the first place. While
the liturgy of the first Profession was well
animated by Fr Movin Pereira; the Brothers from
Pushpashrama Philosophy college at Mysuru, made a
symphony of voices of heavenly choir for the Holy
Mass. Fr Jeevan Tauro served as the emcee for the
felicitation program adding humour and laughter to
the occasion. Besides the family members of the
newly professed brothers, many of our well-wishers
and neighbours witnessed these precious and
beautiful moments. The culmination of the
celebration was the monastic agape meal shared by
all those who participated in these joyous moments
of Br Brayan and Br Ethan, the newly professed
Brothers.
Faith
And Life: Bible Camp for Children at Pushpashrama A
three-day Bible Camp for children was successfully
organized at Pushpashrama from 27th to 29th April
2026. It was animated by the ICPE Mission and
friends, in collaboration with the Pushpashrama
community. The camp was specially designed for
children between 6 to 16 years of age. Around 40
children actively participated in this joyful and
faith-filled gathering. The camp aimed at nurturing
the spiritual growth of the children while helping
them deepen their knowledge of the Bible and
strengthen their faith and trust in God. It included
a variety of engaging and meaningful activities such
as music and action songs, scriptural learning
sessions, skits, and interactive group activities.
These sessions were creatively designed to make the
learning of biblical values both enjoyable and
impactful for the children. The camp concluded on a
positive and uplifting note, leaving the children
enriched in spirit and inspired to grow in their
relationship with God.
EASTER
CELEBRATION OF MOTHER OF DIVINE GRACE OCDS COMMUNITY The
members of the OCD’s Community gathered at the
Cloistered Carmel on Sunday, 12 April 2026, to
celebrate the joyous occasion of Easter. The event
commenced at 3:00 PM and brought together community
members along with the Sisters of the Cloistered
Carmel, OCD. Programme The celebration began with an Opening Prayer,
followed by the recitation of the Divine Mercy
Chaplet. This was succeeded by Holy Mass, graciously
celebrated by Fr. Lancy Mendonca, OCD, Spiritual
Assistant of the community. Following the Mass, the
community gathered for a festive celebration.
Refreshments and snacks, generously sponsored by the
members, were distributed to all those present.
Games were organised for the members, fostering a
spirit of joy and fellowship. The event concluded
with a Prize Distribution ceremony, honouring the
winners of the games, and was brought to a close
with the Closing Prayer. Lenten Sacrifice – Special Contribution As part of the community's Lenten sacrifice,
members made a charitable contribution towards the
education of a Carmelite seminarian, reflecting the
community's commitment to faith, service, and
support for vocations.
Divine
Mercy Sunday at Pushpashrama Divine
Mercy Sunday was solemnly celebrated with deep
devotion and reverence at Pushpashrama on 12 April
2026. The celebration began at 03:00 pm with
Eucharistic adoration, followed by the solemn
singing of the Divine Mercy Chaplet. The faithful
were then given the opportunity to receive the
Sacrament of Reconciliation, fostering spiritual
renewal and reconciliation with God. The solemn
Eucharistic celebration began at 05:00 pm and was
presided over by Rev Fr Edward S.J. During his
reflection, he emphasised the infinite mercy of God
and His continual forgiveness and compassion for
humanity. The celebration concluded with the
distribution of Divine Mercy images and sweets to
all the faithful, bringing the solemn observance to
a meaningful and grace-filled close.
Easter
Gathering of the KG Province Friars in Italy
Santa Maria della Scala, Rome | April 09–10,
2026 The
friars of the KG Province currently serving in Italy
came together for the Easter gathering at Santa
Maria della Scala in Rome on the 9th and 10th of
April 2026. Members from the communities of Empoli,
Lucca, and Teresianum joined the host community at
Scala. The gathering commenced with the Solemn
Eucharistic Celebration. The Eucharist was presided
over by Fr Aaron Babush, while Dn Ruban exercised
his right to preach the Word of God. Fr Manoj
Braganza led the choir. During the Mass, the friars
especially remembered and prayed for the repose of
the soul of the mother of Fr Roshan Lobo, Mrs
Angline Lobo, who had gone to her heavenly abode
that same morning. They Eucharistic meal was
following by a sumptuous dinner. The day ended with
chatter and recreation. The second day was dedicated
to fraternal bonding, which began with Holy
Eucharist combined with Lauds. Prof. Fr Richard
D’Souza celebrated the Eucharist and preached an
exegetical homily on Jn 21, thus giving us a
‘face-to-face glimpse of his expertise, of which
many of us only heard as a reflection as in a
mirror’. Having received the spiritual nourishment
in the Eucharist, the friars had the physical
nourishment with the Goan ‘Choris Pao’ breakfast,
and then they went on a walking pilgrimage to the
less-frequented churches of Rome. The day was well
spent with informal conversations, holy gossip,
joyful interactions, and the sharing of Carmelite
community life. The presence of the Definitor, Fr
Pius D’Souza, added flavour to the fraternity. The
gathering concluded with a sumptuous lunch. At
closing, Fr Ambrose D’Souza, the Rector, extended
his gratitude and wishes to all the friars.
OCDS
ANNUAL LENTEN RETREAT Goa, March 29, 2026 The
Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCDS)
communities in Margao—namely the Our Lady of Mt.
Carmel Community and the St. Thérèse of the Child
Jesus Community—came together for their Annual
Lenten Retreat held on 28-29 March, 2026. This
year’s retreat was guided by Rev. Fr Joachim
Rodrigues, OCD, from Carmel Nivas, Londa, and was
centered on the teachings of St. John of the Cross
on Love and Forgiveness, Detachment, Fruits of
Detachment and Prayer. The retreat began with a
serene and prayerful recitation of the Divine Mercy
Chaplet, followed by a hymn invoking the Holy
Spirit, drawing both communities into a deep sense
of unity and devotion. Mrs. Valerie Antao,
Councillor of the St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus
Community, OCDS, extended a warm and heartfelt
welcome to all present. She also introduced the
retreat preacher, Rev. Fr. Joachim Rodrigues, OCD,
who serves as Provincial Councillor in charge of
Apostolate and Mission, and is the Manager of Mt.
Carmel School, Ramnagar. The theme of the retreat,
drawn from the teachings of St. John of the Cross,
was chosen in a spirit of remembrance and gratitude,
marking the 300th Anniversary of his Canonization
and the 100th Anniversary of his Proclamation as a
Doctor of the Church. Rev. Fr. Joachim Rodrigues,
OCD, led the retreatants into a profound spiritual
journey through his reflections on “Love for
Neighbour” and “Forgiveness”—two essential pillars
of the Christian and Carmelite vocation. He gently
invited each participant to engage in daily
self-examination by asking, “Why have I joined OCDS?”
and more deeply, “Have I truly changed after joining
OCDS?” These questions stirred a sincere call within
the community to ongoing conversion and authenticity
in living their vocation.
Golden
Birthday Celebration of Rev Fr Oswald Crasta On
Easter Sunday, the Pushpashrama community had the
joy and privilege of celebrating the Golden Jubilee
(50th birthday) of Rev Fr Oswald Crasta, Rector of
Pushpashrama. The celebration began with the Holy
Eucharist, during which the community offered
heartfelt thanksgiving to the Lord for the gift of
Fr Oswald’s life and his dedicated service. It was a
profound moment of gratitude and prayer. In the
evening, a felicitation program was organized by the
community of Fathers and Brothers. The occasion was
further graced by the presence of several priests
from the Mysuru region, as well as Sr Jane Crasta
UFS, the Rector’s sister, whose presence added a
special familial touch to the celebration. On behalf
of the friars, Fr Lancy Lewis, the master of
students, expressed appreciation for Fr Oswald’s
leadership and service. Representing the brothers,
Br Rheyan conveyed their gratitude and good wishes.
On behalf of the Province and the Mysuru region, Fr
Archibald Gonsalves, Vicar Provincial, acknowledged
and commended his valuable contributions to both the
Province and the region. In his response, Fr Oswald
expressed his sincere gratitude to everyone for
their constant support, encouragement, and
accompaniment throughout his journey. The
celebration concluded with a sumptuous meal lovingly
prepared by the community, making the entire event a
truly joyful, memorable, and grace-filled occasion.
“Come,
let us adore Him” The
40 hours Eucharistic Adoration was solemnly
conducted during the Holy Week at the Infant Jesus
Shrine, Pushpashrama, Mysuru. The observance
commenced on 30 March 2026 at 6:30 a.m. with the
celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by
Rev Fr Oswald Crasta, Rector of Pushpashrama.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, the Blessed
Sacrament was solemnly exposed for continuous
adoration. Throughout the two days, various groups,
including religious communities and lay faithful,
participated devoutly, dedicating time to prayer,
silence, and reflection before the Blessed
Sacrament. The Sacrament of Reconciliation was also
made available, providing the faithful with an
opportunity for spiritual renewal and reconciliation
with God. This period of adoration served as a
grace-filled occasion for the faithful to deepen
their faith and prepare themselves spiritually for
the celebration of the Paschal Mysteries. The 40
Hours Adoration concluded on 31 March 2026 at 9:00
p.m. with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass celebrated by
Rev Fr Archibald Gonsalves, Vicar-Provincial. A
large number of faithful were in attendance to offer
thanksgiving to God for the graces received during
this sacred time. It was a spiritually enriching
experience, fostering deeper faith and devotion
among all who participated during this holy season.
Lenten
Recollection for New OCDS Community, Pune The
new OCDS community, Mother of Divine Grace OCDS
Community, Cloistered Carmel Pune, had its Lenten
Recollection for the OCDS Come and See candidates on
08 March at the Pune Cloistered Carmel. The Lenten
Recollection commenced at 10:00 am with the
registration of members. Each participant was
provided with a copy of the Book of Statutes for the
OCDS, the Rule of St Albert, and the Constitution of
the Secular Order of Teresian Carmel. The programme
began with an introduction by Fr Lancy Mendonca OCD,
the Spiritual Assistant of the community, who spoke
about the importance of the Lenten Recollection and
invited the members to enter into the day with a
spirit of prayer and reflection. The gathering then
opened with a prayer offered for the cause of world
peace. At 10:30 am the first talk began and
continued until 11:30 am. The session was led by Mrs
Jubilee Cardozo OCDS, President of the St Elizabeth
of the Trinity Community, Mira Road, Mumbai. She
commenced with prayer and spoke eloquently on the
centrality of prayer in Carmelite spirituality. In
her presentation she explained the four stages of
prayer and emphasised that the Carmelite community
rests on two fundamental pillars: prayer and
community life. Drawing from the teachings of St
Teresa of Avila, she highlighted the importance of
prayer, its spiritual benefits, and practical ways
of cultivating a deep and living relationship with
Christ. She concluded her talk by responding to
questions from the members and offering several
points for personal reflection. From 11:30 am to
12:15 pm time was set aside for silent personal
prayer and reflection, allowing the members to
meditate on the themes that had been presented in
the first talk and to deepen their personal
encounter with the Lord.
Cardinal
Filipe Neri Ferrão Blesses New Tabernacle at
Chicalim Cloistered Convent, Goa At
a solemn Eucharistic celebration held at the
Cloistered Carmelite Monastery, Chicalim, Goa, Most
Rev. Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa
and Daman, blessed the new tabernacle and
highlighted the profound spiritual significance of
the occasion, describing the cloistered community as
the spiritual “powerhouse” at the heart of the
Church’s life and mission. Expressing deep gratitude
for their hidden yet powerful ministry of prayer, he
said that through their praise, sacrifice, and
constant intercession, they sustain the Church in
her saving mission amid ever-growing challenges in
the country and across the world. The Mass was
concelebrated by Rev. Fr Marlon Rodrigues OCD,
Superior of the Carmelite Monastery, Margao, Fr
Patricio Fernandes SJ, Rector of Bom Jesus Basilica,
Old Goa, Fr Siran Rebello SAC, Superior of Pallotti
Home, Chicalim, and several other priests. In his
homily during the Eucharistic Celebration, Cardinal
Ferrão reminded the faithful that the call to
holiness is universal and rooted in Baptism. The
Cardinal, who serves as President of CCBI and FABC,
echoed the words of Mother St Teresa of Calcutta, in
saying that holiness is “not the privilege of a few;
it is a call to everyone.” Reflecting on the grace
of Baptism, he explained that the faithful are
immersed into the death and resurrection of Christ
and “put on Christ,” becoming a new creation.
Through Baptism, he said, believers enter into a
“web of relationships” — with God as beloved
children, with Jesus as brothers and sisters, with
the Holy Spirit as living temples, with one another
as members of the Body of Christ, and even with
creation itself. The Archbishop noted that the
authenticity of one’s relationship with Christ is
measured by one’s relationship with others.
Referring to the Gospel account of the Last Judgment
(Mt 25), he recalled Jesus’ words about feeding the
hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the
naked, and visiting the sick and imprisoned,
stressing that “whatever you did to the least, the
last, and the lost, you did to me.” In the context
of Lent, he urged the faithful to renew their
relationship with God and with one another, warning
that familiarity can sometimes breed indifference
within families and communities. Christians, he
said, are called especially to care for the poor,
the neglected, and the marginalized.
Bible
Enthronement at OCDS Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Community On
Sunday, Feb 8th, 2026 Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Community OCDS Margao, marked a meaningful moment
during its fraternity meeting with the Enthronement
of the Holy Bible, placing the Word of God at the
heart of its communal and spiritual life. The
ceremony was conducted in an atmosphere of prayer
and recollection, highlighting the centrality of
Sacred Scripture in the Carmelite way of life. Rev.
Fr. Diogo Proenca blessed the enthronement and
offered a brief yet profound reflection on the
significance of honouring the Word of God. He
emphasized the call to listen, meditate, and allow
Scripture to transform daily life, encouraging
members to approach the Bible with reverence and
openness of heart. As part of the Bible Enthronement
ceremony, a table was placed at the center of the
chapel and covered with a white cloth, symbolizing
purity and reverence for the Word of God. This was
followed by a solemn procession in which OCDS
Members Elizabeth, Earl, and Anna carried the Holy
Bible, the candles, and the flowers respectively.
These were prayerfully placed on the prepared table.
The ceremony was gracefully led by Otilia, who
served as the narrator, guiding the community
through each moment of the rite. Savio proclaimed
the Word of God, reading from Joel 2:12–13, calling
the fraternity to conversion and a return to the
Lord. This was followed by a reflective sharing by
Alice, helping the members to internalize the
message of Scripture in preparation for the Lenten
season. As the season of Lent approaches, the Bible
Enthronement served as a timely invitation for the
community to prepare their hearts through
repentance, prayer, and interior renewal. By
enthroning the Word of God, the fraternity was
reminded to walk the Lenten journey rooted in
Scripture, embracing a deeper spirit of conversion
and contemplative listening.
OCDS
REGIONAL MEET (KONKANI) - 2026, XELLIM, GOA
Where there is no love, put love, and you will draw
love”. St. John of Cross
“ಜಂಯ್ ಮೋಗ್ ನಾ, ಥಂಯ್ ಮೋಗ್ ಘಾಲ್, ಆನಿ ಮೋಗ್ ತುಂ
ಜೊಡ್ತಲೊಯ್” The
OCDS Regional Meet (Konkani) of the Karnataka-Goa
Province was held on 31st January and 1st February
2026 at Divine Springs, Xellim, Goa. The Meet was
graciously hosted by the Flos Carmeli OCDS
Community, Matadakeri–Honnavar, under the able
guidance of their Spiritual Assistant, Rev. Fr.
Shabas Crasta. The theme of the gathering was
centred on the teachings of St John of the Cross,
“Where you do not find love, put love, and you will
draw love” A total of five OCDS communities
participated in the meeting. In addition to that,
all the five OCDS Provincial Council members were
present. The event was honoured by the presence of
Rev. Fr Silvestre D’Souza, OCD, Provincial Superior,
Rev. Fr Deep Fernandes, OCD, Provincial Delegate to
the OCDS, Rev. Fr. Shabas Crasta, Rev. Fr Joseph
Cyril D’Souza, Rev. Fr Avith Pais (Spiritual
Assistants), Mr. Roy Rodrigues, OCDS Provincial
Council President, Mr. Sebastian Mendes, Ms. Laveena
D’Mello, Ms. Jessy Pinto, and Ms. Diana Wilson, the
Provincial Councillors were also present. Rev. Fr
John Pinto, the Administrator and Rev. Fr Juze
D’Souza, Divine Springs, Xellim, Goa assisted in
organizing the Meet. The programme was meaningfully
structured, comprising input sessions, Mass, Liturgy
of the Hours, meditation, interaction, workshops,
and cultural programme. Participants were also
provided with ample opportunities for fellowship and
interaction with members of other OCDS communities,
fostering unity, mutual learning, and a deeper sense
of Carmelite fraternity. A total of 55 OCDS members
participated in the event.
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.
Dear Friends,
Here I send you the link to my KINDLE BOOKS LIBRARY.
You are welcome download books and read them and
recommend them to your friends who are interested in
Carmelite Spirituality. These books are cheap and
affordable and some of them can be read free of
charge if you are a member in Amazon online Kindle
books. These books uploaded on AMAZON kindle version
can be accessed through smart phones, IPad,
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all the 5 continents. This is actually the new trend
in publishing books as the hard copy of the books is
practically becoming obsolete especially in Europe
and Americas. Hence, this is a new venture in
publishing books.
click here to read
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
A
Joy-Filled Day of Fellowship: OCDS Our Lady of Mt.
Carmel Picnic at Quepem, Goa
On
Sunday, May 3rd, the members of the Our Lady of Mt.
Carmel OCDS Community, Margao, came together for a
refreshing and joy-filled picnic at Quepem, a serene
picnic park complete with a pool and water
slide—offering the perfect setting for relaxation,
laughter, and fellowship across all ages. The day
began with members assembling at the monastery, from
where they set off in their vehicles at 9:00 AM,
filled with excitement and anticipation. Upon
arrival, the community gathered for a delightful
breakfast spread lovingly brought by the members
themselves. From crispy samosas and chutney
sandwiches to refreshing juice and hot tea, the
shared meal set a warm and welcoming tone for the
day. Despite the strong summer heat making itself
felt, it in no way dampened the joyful spirit of the
group. If anything, the warm weather made the pool
and water slide even more inviting. The younger
children, especially, were thrilled as they took
repeated, excited rounds down the water slide, their
laughter echoing across the park. Adults too joined
in, enjoying the refreshing splashes and carefree
moments in the water. The bright sun, though intense
at times, seemed only to add to the liveliness of
the day—reminding everyone that joy is found not in
perfect weather, but in togetherness and shared
happiness. At 1:00 PM, everyone gathered again to
enjoy a delicious and satisfying lunch, featuring a
variety of flavorful dishes that catered to all
tastes. The meal not only nourished the body but
also strengthened the bonds of community. The
afternoon came alive with an exciting round of
housie, where everyone eagerly followed the numbers
and cheered as winners claimed Full House and line
prizes. The friendly competition filled the space
with laughter and joy. The energy continued with the
lively game “Clap,” testing everyone’s rhythm and
alertness. With playful mistakes and lots of
laughter, it quickly became a favorite—making the
afternoon truly fun and memorable. It was truly a
day blessed with togetherness, laughter, and
gratitude—an experience that reflected the spirit of
community and the joy of simple moments shared in
love. 
.jpeg)
On
25 April 2026, members of the OCDS communities of
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and St. Thérèse of the Child
Jesus gathered in prayerful unity for a Eucharistic
celebration offered for the repose of the souls of
deceased OCDS members and their departed loved ones.
The Holy Mass was solemnly celebrated by Rev. Fr.
Diogo Proença OCD. The celebration began with an
invocation of God’s infinite mercy, entrusting the
souls of the departed into His loving and
compassionate care. A deeply moving moment of
remembrance followed, as the names of the deceased
were reverently read aloud. Each name resounded as a
quiet testimony to a life lived in faith, love, and
hope. The members then observed a few moments of
silence, prayerfully holding these souls in their
hearts and commending them to the Lord. Father
further invited the congregation to enter more
deeply into the mystery of the Eucharist by
consciously offering these souls, along with their
personal intentions, during the Offertory. He
explained that as the bread and wine are brought
from the table to the altar, they symbolically carry
not only the gifts of creation but also the prayers,
sacrifices, and memories of the faithful. In that
sacred moment, the community was encouraged to
spiritually place before God the souls of their
departed loved ones, their gratitude for their
lives, and their hope for their eternal rest. He
reminded all present that during the
consecration—when the bread and wine are transformed
into the Body and Blood of Christ—these offerings
are united with Christ’s perfect sacrifice. This
reflection invited the community to participate more
consciously and intimately in the Holy Mass,
recognizing that the Offertory is not merely a
ritual action, but a deeply personal and communal
act of surrender, love, and intercession.
01
May 2026: On the first of May two of our novices Br.
Brayan Sequeira and Ethan Lobo made their first
religious profession at Tapovana, Carmelite
Novitiate, Kushalnagar, N. Coorg during the Solemn
Eucharistic celebration presided over by Rev. Fr.
John F. Sequeira, the newly appointed Provincial of
Karnataka-Goa Province, along with forty priests
both Carmelites and diocesan. Rev. Fr Provincial in
his insightful homily highlighted the loving journey
of a soul in seeking her Beloved in view of union
with Him. He explained beautifully how St. John of
the Cross, in the third stanza of his Spiritual
Canticle, expresses the ardent frantic desire of a
soul for nothing less than union with the Beloved,
and how the soul is all determined to wage a war
against the worldly attractions, the tactics of
devil and the temptations of the flesh. He
emphasized that the goal and summit of every
religious is to love God in the first place. While
the liturgy of the first Profession was well
animated by Fr Movin Pereira; the Brothers from
Pushpashrama Philosophy college at Mysuru, made a
symphony of voices of heavenly choir for the Holy
Mass. Fr Jeevan Tauro served as the emcee for the
felicitation program adding humour and laughter to
the occasion. Besides the family members of the
newly professed brothers, many of our well-wishers
and neighbours witnessed these precious and
beautiful moments. The culmination of the
celebration was the monastic agape meal shared by
all those who participated in these joyous moments
of Br Brayan and Br Ethan, the newly professed
Brothers. 
A
three-day Bible Camp for children was successfully
organized at Pushpashrama from 27th to 29th April
2026. It was animated by the ICPE Mission and
friends, in collaboration with the Pushpashrama
community. The camp was specially designed for
children between 6 to 16 years of age. Around 40
children actively participated in this joyful and
faith-filled gathering. The camp aimed at nurturing
the spiritual growth of the children while helping
them deepen their knowledge of the Bible and
strengthen their faith and trust in God. It included
a variety of engaging and meaningful activities such
as music and action songs, scriptural learning
sessions, skits, and interactive group activities.
These sessions were creatively designed to make the
learning of biblical values both enjoyable and
impactful for the children. The camp concluded on a
positive and uplifting note, leaving the children
enriched in spirit and inspired to grow in their
relationship with God..jpeg)
The
members of the OCD’s Community gathered at the
Cloistered Carmel on Sunday, 12 April 2026, to
celebrate the joyous occasion of Easter. The event
commenced at 3:00 PM and brought together community
members along with the Sisters of the Cloistered
Carmel, OCD.
Divine
Mercy Sunday was solemnly celebrated with deep
devotion and reverence at Pushpashrama on 12 April
2026. The celebration began at 03:00 pm with
Eucharistic adoration, followed by the solemn
singing of the Divine Mercy Chaplet. The faithful
were then given the opportunity to receive the
Sacrament of Reconciliation, fostering spiritual
renewal and reconciliation with God. The solemn
Eucharistic celebration began at 05:00 pm and was
presided over by Rev Fr Edward S.J. During his
reflection, he emphasised the infinite mercy of God
and His continual forgiveness and compassion for
humanity. The celebration concluded with the
distribution of Divine Mercy images and sweets to
all the faithful, bringing the solemn observance to
a meaningful and grace-filled close. 
The
friars of the KG Province currently serving in Italy
came together for the Easter gathering at Santa
Maria della Scala in Rome on the 9th and 10th of
April 2026. Members from the communities of Empoli,
Lucca, and Teresianum joined the host community at
Scala. The gathering commenced with the Solemn
Eucharistic Celebration. The Eucharist was presided
over by Fr Aaron Babush, while Dn Ruban exercised
his right to preach the Word of God. Fr Manoj
Braganza led the choir. During the Mass, the friars
especially remembered and prayed for the repose of
the soul of the mother of Fr Roshan Lobo, Mrs
Angline Lobo, who had gone to her heavenly abode
that same morning. They Eucharistic meal was
following by a sumptuous dinner. The day ended with
chatter and recreation. The second day was dedicated
to fraternal bonding, which began with Holy
Eucharist combined with Lauds. Prof. Fr Richard
D’Souza celebrated the Eucharist and preached an
exegetical homily on Jn 21, thus giving us a
‘face-to-face glimpse of his expertise, of which
many of us only heard as a reflection as in a
mirror’. Having received the spiritual nourishment
in the Eucharist, the friars had the physical
nourishment with the Goan ‘Choris Pao’ breakfast,
and then they went on a walking pilgrimage to the
less-frequented churches of Rome. The day was well
spent with informal conversations, holy gossip,
joyful interactions, and the sharing of Carmelite
community life. The presence of the Definitor, Fr
Pius D’Souza, added flavour to the fraternity. The
gathering concluded with a sumptuous lunch. At
closing, Fr Ambrose D’Souza, the Rector, extended
his gratitude and wishes to all the friars.
The
Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCDS)
communities in Margao—namely the Our Lady of Mt.
Carmel Community and the St. Thérèse of the Child
Jesus Community—came together for their Annual
Lenten Retreat held on 28-29 March, 2026. This
year’s retreat was guided by Rev. Fr Joachim
Rodrigues, OCD, from Carmel Nivas, Londa, and was
centered on the teachings of St. John of the Cross
on Love and Forgiveness, Detachment, Fruits of
Detachment and Prayer. The retreat began with a
serene and prayerful recitation of the Divine Mercy
Chaplet, followed by a hymn invoking the Holy
Spirit, drawing both communities into a deep sense
of unity and devotion. Mrs. Valerie Antao,
Councillor of the St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus
Community, OCDS, extended a warm and heartfelt
welcome to all present. She also introduced the
retreat preacher, Rev. Fr. Joachim Rodrigues, OCD,
who serves as Provincial Councillor in charge of
Apostolate and Mission, and is the Manager of Mt.
Carmel School, Ramnagar. The theme of the retreat,
drawn from the teachings of St. John of the Cross,
was chosen in a spirit of remembrance and gratitude,
marking the 300th Anniversary of his Canonization
and the 100th Anniversary of his Proclamation as a
Doctor of the Church. Rev. Fr. Joachim Rodrigues,
OCD, led the retreatants into a profound spiritual
journey through his reflections on “Love for
Neighbour” and “Forgiveness”—two essential pillars
of the Christian and Carmelite vocation. He gently
invited each participant to engage in daily
self-examination by asking, “Why have I joined OCDS?”
and more deeply, “Have I truly changed after joining
OCDS?” These questions stirred a sincere call within
the community to ongoing conversion and authenticity
in living their vocation.
On
Easter Sunday, the Pushpashrama community had the
joy and privilege of celebrating the Golden Jubilee
(50th birthday) of Rev Fr Oswald Crasta, Rector of
Pushpashrama. The celebration began with the Holy
Eucharist, during which the community offered
heartfelt thanksgiving to the Lord for the gift of
Fr Oswald’s life and his dedicated service. It was a
profound moment of gratitude and prayer. In the
evening, a felicitation program was organized by the
community of Fathers and Brothers. The occasion was
further graced by the presence of several priests
from the Mysuru region, as well as Sr Jane Crasta
UFS, the Rector’s sister, whose presence added a
special familial touch to the celebration. On behalf
of the friars, Fr Lancy Lewis, the master of
students, expressed appreciation for Fr Oswald’s
leadership and service. Representing the brothers,
Br Rheyan conveyed their gratitude and good wishes.
On behalf of the Province and the Mysuru region, Fr
Archibald Gonsalves, Vicar Provincial, acknowledged
and commended his valuable contributions to both the
Province and the region. In his response, Fr Oswald
expressed his sincere gratitude to everyone for
their constant support, encouragement, and
accompaniment throughout his journey. The
celebration concluded with a sumptuous meal lovingly
prepared by the community, making the entire event a
truly joyful, memorable, and grace-filled occasion.
The
40 hours Eucharistic Adoration was solemnly
conducted during the Holy Week at the Infant Jesus
Shrine, Pushpashrama, Mysuru. The observance
commenced on 30 March 2026 at 6:30 a.m. with the
celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by
Rev Fr Oswald Crasta, Rector of Pushpashrama.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, the Blessed
Sacrament was solemnly exposed for continuous
adoration. Throughout the two days, various groups,
including religious communities and lay faithful,
participated devoutly, dedicating time to prayer,
silence, and reflection before the Blessed
Sacrament. The Sacrament of Reconciliation was also
made available, providing the faithful with an
opportunity for spiritual renewal and reconciliation
with God. This period of adoration served as a
grace-filled occasion for the faithful to deepen
their faith and prepare themselves spiritually for
the celebration of the Paschal Mysteries. The 40
Hours Adoration concluded on 31 March 2026 at 9:00
p.m. with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass celebrated by
Rev Fr Archibald Gonsalves, Vicar-Provincial. A
large number of faithful were in attendance to offer
thanksgiving to God for the graces received during
this sacred time. It was a spiritually enriching
experience, fostering deeper faith and devotion
among all who participated during this holy season..jpeg)
The
new OCDS community, Mother of Divine Grace OCDS
Community, Cloistered Carmel Pune, had its Lenten
Recollection for the OCDS Come and See candidates on
08 March at the Pune Cloistered Carmel. The Lenten
Recollection commenced at 10:00 am with the
registration of members. Each participant was
provided with a copy of the Book of Statutes for the
OCDS, the Rule of St Albert, and the Constitution of
the Secular Order of Teresian Carmel. The programme
began with an introduction by Fr Lancy Mendonca OCD,
the Spiritual Assistant of the community, who spoke
about the importance of the Lenten Recollection and
invited the members to enter into the day with a
spirit of prayer and reflection. The gathering then
opened with a prayer offered for the cause of world
peace. At 10:30 am the first talk began and
continued until 11:30 am. The session was led by Mrs
Jubilee Cardozo OCDS, President of the St Elizabeth
of the Trinity Community, Mira Road, Mumbai. She
commenced with prayer and spoke eloquently on the
centrality of prayer in Carmelite spirituality. In
her presentation she explained the four stages of
prayer and emphasised that the Carmelite community
rests on two fundamental pillars: prayer and
community life. Drawing from the teachings of St
Teresa of Avila, she highlighted the importance of
prayer, its spiritual benefits, and practical ways
of cultivating a deep and living relationship with
Christ. She concluded her talk by responding to
questions from the members and offering several
points for personal reflection. From 11:30 am to
12:15 pm time was set aside for silent personal
prayer and reflection, allowing the members to
meditate on the themes that had been presented in
the first talk and to deepen their personal
encounter with the Lord..jpeg)
At
a solemn Eucharistic celebration held at the
Cloistered Carmelite Monastery, Chicalim, Goa, Most
Rev. Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa
and Daman, blessed the new tabernacle and
highlighted the profound spiritual significance of
the occasion, describing the cloistered community as
the spiritual “powerhouse” at the heart of the
Church’s life and mission. Expressing deep gratitude
for their hidden yet powerful ministry of prayer, he
said that through their praise, sacrifice, and
constant intercession, they sustain the Church in
her saving mission amid ever-growing challenges in
the country and across the world. The Mass was
concelebrated by Rev. Fr Marlon Rodrigues OCD,
Superior of the Carmelite Monastery, Margao, Fr
Patricio Fernandes SJ, Rector of Bom Jesus Basilica,
Old Goa, Fr Siran Rebello SAC, Superior of Pallotti
Home, Chicalim, and several other priests. In his
homily during the Eucharistic Celebration, Cardinal
Ferrão reminded the faithful that the call to
holiness is universal and rooted in Baptism. The
Cardinal, who serves as President of CCBI and FABC,
echoed the words of Mother St Teresa of Calcutta, in
saying that holiness is “not the privilege of a few;
it is a call to everyone.” Reflecting on the grace
of Baptism, he explained that the faithful are
immersed into the death and resurrection of Christ
and “put on Christ,” becoming a new creation.
Through Baptism, he said, believers enter into a
“web of relationships” — with God as beloved
children, with Jesus as brothers and sisters, with
the Holy Spirit as living temples, with one another
as members of the Body of Christ, and even with
creation itself. The Archbishop noted that the
authenticity of one’s relationship with Christ is
measured by one’s relationship with others.
Referring to the Gospel account of the Last Judgment
(Mt 25), he recalled Jesus’ words about feeding the
hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the
naked, and visiting the sick and imprisoned,
stressing that “whatever you did to the least, the
last, and the lost, you did to me.” In the context
of Lent, he urged the faithful to renew their
relationship with God and with one another, warning
that familiarity can sometimes breed indifference
within families and communities. Christians, he
said, are called especially to care for the poor,
the neglected, and the marginalized.
On
Sunday, Feb 8th, 2026 Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Community OCDS Margao, marked a meaningful moment
during its fraternity meeting with the Enthronement
of the Holy Bible, placing the Word of God at the
heart of its communal and spiritual life. The
ceremony was conducted in an atmosphere of prayer
and recollection, highlighting the centrality of
Sacred Scripture in the Carmelite way of life. Rev.
Fr. Diogo Proenca blessed the enthronement and
offered a brief yet profound reflection on the
significance of honouring the Word of God. He
emphasized the call to listen, meditate, and allow
Scripture to transform daily life, encouraging
members to approach the Bible with reverence and
openness of heart. As part of the Bible Enthronement
ceremony, a table was placed at the center of the
chapel and covered with a white cloth, symbolizing
purity and reverence for the Word of God. This was
followed by a solemn procession in which OCDS
Members Elizabeth, Earl, and Anna carried the Holy
Bible, the candles, and the flowers respectively.
These were prayerfully placed on the prepared table.
The ceremony was gracefully led by Otilia, who
served as the narrator, guiding the community
through each moment of the rite. Savio proclaimed
the Word of God, reading from Joel 2:12–13, calling
the fraternity to conversion and a return to the
Lord. This was followed by a reflective sharing by
Alice, helping the members to internalize the
message of Scripture in preparation for the Lenten
season. As the season of Lent approaches, the Bible
Enthronement served as a timely invitation for the
community to prepare their hearts through
repentance, prayer, and interior renewal. By
enthroning the Word of God, the fraternity was
reminded to walk the Lenten journey rooted in
Scripture, embracing a deeper spirit of conversion
and contemplative listening..jpeg)
The
OCDS Regional Meet (Konkani) of the Karnataka-Goa
Province was held on 31st January and 1st February
2026 at Divine Springs, Xellim, Goa. The Meet was
graciously hosted by the Flos Carmeli OCDS
Community, Matadakeri–Honnavar, under the able
guidance of their Spiritual Assistant, Rev. Fr.
Shabas Crasta. The theme of the gathering was
centred on the teachings of St John of the Cross,
“Where you do not find love, put love, and you will
draw love” A total of five OCDS communities
participated in the meeting. In addition to that,
all the five OCDS Provincial Council members were
present. The event was honoured by the presence of
Rev. Fr Silvestre D’Souza, OCD, Provincial Superior,
Rev. Fr Deep Fernandes, OCD, Provincial Delegate to
the OCDS, Rev. Fr. Shabas Crasta, Rev. Fr Joseph
Cyril D’Souza, Rev. Fr Avith Pais (Spiritual
Assistants), Mr. Roy Rodrigues, OCDS Provincial
Council President, Mr. Sebastian Mendes, Ms. Laveena
D’Mello, Ms. Jessy Pinto, and Ms. Diana Wilson, the
Provincial Councillors were also present. Rev. Fr
John Pinto, the Administrator and Rev. Fr Juze
D’Souza, Divine Springs, Xellim, Goa assisted in
organizing the Meet. The programme was meaningfully
structured, comprising input sessions, Mass, Liturgy
of the Hours, meditation, interaction, workshops,
and cultural programme. Participants were also
provided with ample opportunities for fellowship and
interaction with members of other OCDS communities,
fostering unity, mutual learning, and a deeper sense
of Carmelite fraternity. A total of 55 OCDS members
participated in the event.
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.
