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.
Admission
Ceremony and Renewal of Temporary Promises
On
November 4, 2024, the OCDS community at Mira Road
celebrated a significant occasion with the admission
of new members and the Renewal of Temporary
Promises. The ceremony took place in a spirit of joy
and devotion as members from the St. Elizabeth of
the Trinity and St. Joseph communities gathered for
this blessed event. During the solemn ceremony, five
Aspirants and three Novices of the St. Elizabeth of
the Trinity Community were officially admitted,
marking an important milestone in their spiritual
journey with the Secular Order of Discalced
Carmelites. The St. Joseph Community also welcomed
one new Aspirant into their fold, strengthening the
bonds of their faith community. Adding to the day’s
grace-filled moments, the renewal of temporary
promises highlighted the commitment of current
members to their Carmelite vocation. Five members
from the St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Community and
eight members from the St. Joseph Community renewed
their promises, reaffirming their dedication to the
Carmelite path and its values of prayer,
contemplation, and service. The ceremony was a
beautiful expression of each participant’s
commitment to following the call of Christ through
the Carmelite charism.
Free
Cancer Screening & General Health Check - Up Camp
Organised at Infant Jesus Shrine Hall, Carmel Hill
Mangaluru
The
Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte, Mangaluru, the
OCDS unit of St. Teresa of Avila Community,
Bikarnakatte, Mangaluru and the Indian Cancer
Society, Mangaluru in collaboration with Father
Mullers Medical College Hospital, Mangaluru,
organized a Free Cancer Screening and General Health
Check-Up Camp at the Shrine Carmel Hill Hall,
Bikarnakatte, Mangaluru on 31st October 2024.
Registration began at 8:15 am by the OCDS members.
The inaugural program was presided over by Rev. Fr.
Melvin D’Cunha, OCD, Superior of St. Joseph’s
Monastery, Bikarnakatte, Mangaluru. Ms. Raina J.
Mascarenhas, NSG, Dr. Kumar S. Vashist, and Dr.
Anoop Joseph were the guests of honor. The camp was
initiated by Rev. Fr. Ivan D’Souza, with active
support from the OCDS President, Mr. Herold Gratian
D’Souza, and all OCDS community members. The event
concluded at 1.40pm, benefiting 173 attendees. The
OCDS unit co-operated to ensure the camp’s success,
with publicity conducted during the Novena Masses
for over two weeks prior to the Camp. The camp's
primary focus was Cancer Screening and General
Health Checkup for various types of cancer. A
comprehensive team was available to address
additional health concerns, with specialized
departments in General Medicine (for general health
issues), Ophthalmology (for eye-related concerns),
Optometry (for vision testing), Speech and Hearing
(for individuals of all ages), Obstetrics and
Gynecology (for women’s health), and specific tests
like the breast cancer & Pap Smear test. Medication
was also provided to attendees. The program was
compered by Dr. Laveena D'Mello, OCDS.
Bonded
by Generosity: OCDS Community’s Mission Sale
The
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel OCDS Community in Margao held
a lively and successful mission sale on October 27,
2024, bringing together community spirit and
generosity for a meaningful cause. Proceeds from the
sale will support the Carmelite community in
Kushalnagara and assist the sick and needy in Goa.
The church compound was alive with excitement as
tables overflowed with colourful handmade crafts,
delicious baked goods, savoury treats, and an
assortment of unique plants. The aroma of freshly
baked delicacies filled the air, drawing eager
crowds to the snack tables. Visitors were welcomed
by OCDS members with warm smiles and guided through
the many offerings, each item carrying a story
shared enthusiastically by those who had crafted or
donated them. Throughout the day, a strong sense of
companionship united attendees, creating a beautiful
atmosphere of connection and purpose. The event not
only raised significant funds for mission outreach
programs but also strengthened community bonds,
embodying the congregation’s spirit of collaboration
and support. By the end of the day, smiles were
everywhere, hearts were full, and there was an eager
anticipation for the next gathering—another chance
to unite in purpose and love.
A
Journey of Ministry and Brotherhood: Junior Priests
Meeting 2024
The
annual Junior Priests meeting was held at Avila
Jyothi Seminary, Mapusa, Goa, from October 19 to 23,
2024. This enriching event brought together 21
dynamic priests from various parts of the province,
creating a space for the exchange of experiences,
responsibilities, and the challenges they encounter
in their ministry. Over the three-day gathering, the
friars not only deepened their understanding of each
other’s journeys but also strengthened their bonds
of fraternity. Key Highlights of the meeting include:
01. Interactive Session with Fr. Archibald Gonsalves,
OCD - Fr. Archibald led a thought-provoking session,
addressing the challenges faced by young friars in
the province and offering insights on how to
navigate the evolving landscape of religious life.
He also shared a vision for the future of the
province, inspiring the junior priests with his
wisdom and pastoral care.
02. Visits to Chimbel Carmel, Cloister Carmel, and
Emmaus Wellness Centre - The group embarked on a
visit to significant places, including the Chimbel
Carmel and Cloister Carmel, deepening their
connection with the contemplative dimension of the
Carmelite vocation. The stop at Emmaus Wellness
Centre also highlighted the importance of holistic
care for those in ministry.
Inauguration
and Blessing of the MCS Shivamogga Office Block
The
Inauguration and Blessing of the new office block at
Mount Carmel School, Shivamogga, took place on
October 21, 2024 under the theme “Blessed to Bless”.
The event was graced by the presence of Rev. Fr.
Silvestre D'Souza, Provincial Superior, as the chief
guest, accompanied by Frs. Prakash Tauro and Vinod
Lobo. The inaugural ceremony was compered by Fr.
Nelson Pinto. The solemn inauguration was held
outside the office, where the guests were greeted
with a warm welcome by the school band. Provincial
Fr. Silvestre D’Souza, along with Fr. Sunil
Rodrigues, the school Correspondent, ceremoniously
inaugurated the new edifice. This was followed by a
prayer of blessing and the sprinkling of Holy Water
over the entire building. After the blessing, the
school band led the guests to the multi-purpose hall
for the felicitation programme. The event commenced
with a prayer dance by the school children, invoking
God's blessings on the occasion. In his speech, Fr.
Sunil Rodrigues emphasized four key values—Dream,
Desire, Dedication, and Discipline—encouraging the
students to imbibe these principles to excel both in
academics and in life. He expressed heartfelt
gratitude to all who contributed to making the
office block a reality, acknowledging the founding
father of the school, Fr. Jerome Moras, as well as
the friars who have served the institution since its
inception.
Blessing
of the Social Apostolate Archives
On
October 19, 2024, the blessing of the Social
Apostolate Archives took place at Carmel Bhavana,
Huvina Hadagali. The blessing rite was conducted by
Fr. Silvestre D’Souza, Provincial Superior. Present
at the ceremony were the community friars—Frs.
Denzil Veigas, Superior, Victor Pais, Anil Prashanth
Lobo, and Bro. Vinod Herald Pais—along with the
boarding boys and the sisters of Assisi Convent.
Following the blessing, Fr. Provincial congratulated
Fr. Denzil on the establishment of the Social
Apostolate Archives and encouraged him to document
the social works undertaken across the province, as
Hadagali serves as a hub for social apostolate. Fr.
Denzil expressed his gratitude to the Provincial for
imparting God's blessing and thanked Fr Joachim
Rodrigues, Prov. Councillor for Apostolate and Fr.
William Miranda, Secretary for Social Apostolate,
for their support and encouragement. The ceremony
concluded with the distribution of sweets to all
present.
Celebration
of the Patroness of the Province at Sadbhavana
The
community of Sadbhavana joyfully celebrated the
Solemnity of St. Teresa of Avila, the Patroness of
the Province, on October 15, 2024. The Solemn Festal
Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Thomas
Kalariparambil, MSFS, Provincial of the South West
India Province, in the presence of the OCD friars
from the Bengaluru Region, religious priests from
neighbouring communities, religious sisters,
benefactors, and close associates of Sadbhavana. The
Eucharistic celebration began at 6:30 p.m., with the
liturgy beautifully animated by Fr. Richard Saldanha
and the soulful hymns led by the Cathedral Choir of
Bengaluru. In his homily, Fr. Thomas highlighted the
remarkable life and enduring legacy of St. Teresa of
Avila, both within the Church and particularly in
the Carmelite tradition. He invited the faithful to
walk in the footsteps of this strong and courageous
saint, whose profound spiritual insights and
reformative zeal continue to inspire generations of
Christians and Carmelites alike. Following the Mass,
Fr. Silvestre D’Souza, Provincial Superior on behalf
of the Sadbhavana community expressed heartfelt
gratitude to the attending priests and religious
sisters for their unwavering support to Sadbhavana
and the Province. He extended special thanks to the
benefactors, acknowledging their steadfast monetary
contributions and prayerful assistance, which have
been pivotal in sustaining the mission of the
province. He also took a moment to recognize the
invaluable contributions of Sadbhavana's close
associates, whose dedicated service and support
continue to enrich the community and assist in its
administration.
Carmel
Fest 2024: Uniting Carmelite Formees in Spiritual
Growth and Brotherhood
Carmel
Fest is a unique triennial event organized by the
Karnataka-Goa Province, bringing together Carmelite
students in various stages of formation. This year's
Carmel Fest, held from October 3rd to 6th at Carmel
Home and Mount Carmel School, Belur, marked the
fourth such gathering in the past twelve years. With
the theme “Walking in Love,” inspired by the 150th
Birth Anniversary and the Centenary of the
Canonisation of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Carmel Fest
2024 offered participants a rich blend of spiritual
growth, fellowship, and community-building. Day 1: October 3 – A Warm Welcome and Grand
Opening
The event began on October 3rd with the warm welcome
of the formees by Fr. Archibald Gonsalves, the Vicar
Provincial and Convenor of Carmel Fest-2024, along
with members of the Core Committee. Participants
arrived from Mangalore and Mysore in buses sent by
Mount Carmel School, Belur. At noon, the Holy
Eucharist was celebrated by Fr. Prasanna Kumar, the
Superior of the host community, seeking God’s
blessings on the event.
The Grand Opening Ceremony took place in the
evening, with Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Swamy, Bishop of
Chickamagaluru, as the Guest of Honour. Fr. Ashwin
D’Silva OCD, head of the Core Committee, led the
ceremony, where participants were divided into four
teams, each named after St. Thérèse—Marie,
Francoise, Therese, and Martin. The brothers from
Pushpashrama, began with a prayer hymn, followed by
a formal welcome from Fr. Prasanna Kumar.
Six
Carmelites ordained as Deacons
Mangalore,
October 2, 2024 – A significant event unfolded at St
Joseph’s Inter-Diocesan Seminary, Jeppu, as Bishop
Peter Paul Saldanha ordained 23 seminarians to the
diaconate, marking a pivotal step in their path to
priesthood during the mass held on 2nd October 2024
at 11:15 am. Among the newly ordained, six deacons
belong to the Order of Discalced Carmelites of the
Karnataka-Goa Province: Dns. Avith Pais, Jesvin Tom
Benoy, Movin Pereira, Pranay Pereira, Prithesh
Steeve Crasta and Stany Listan Pinto. During the
solemn Mass, Bishop Saldanha, in his homily,
highlighted the role of deacons in serving the
Church at three key tables: the Table of the Word,
the Table of the Bread, and the Table of Charity. He
called upon the new deacons to wholeheartedly
embrace their roles in serving the Church and the
people of God. The Bishop also extended his
heartfelt appreciation to the parents of the deacons
for their sacrifices, offering their sons to the
service of the Lord. The ordination ceremony was
attended by a large congregation, including priests,
religious, and faithful from across various
dioceses. Among the concelebrants were Fr Ravi
Kumar, Superior General of the MSIJ Congregation;
Msgr Jenson Puthenveettil, Vicar General of the
Diocese of Calicut; Msgr Maxim Noronha, Vicar
General of the Diocese of Mangalore; Fr Archibald
Gonsalves, OCD, Vicar Provincial of Karnataka-Goa
Province; Rev. Dr Ronald Serrao, Rector of St
Joseph’s Seminary; and Fr Melvin D’Cunha, OCD,
Superior of St Joseph’s Monastery.
2024
Faith Companion Retreat: From the Wilderness to the
Promised Land
From
October 9-11, 2024, the group gathered at the Little
Flower Monastery for the 2024 Faith Companion
Retreat, themed From the Wilderness to the Promised
Land. This enriching retreat bore much spiritual,
social, and physical fruit. Spiritually, under the
guidance of Sister Christina Cheung, the
participants deepened their understanding of
Genesis, Exodus, and Deuteronomy. They experienced
the immense love of God in His protection and
preparation for His people. God spreads His arms
wide like an eagle, carrying us across the
wilderness of evil and sin to belong completely to
Him. Socially, the group of 29 brothers and sisters
cared for one another, prayed together, and were
inspired by genuine sharing. They witnessed the
breathtaking aurora and were amazed by God's
wondrous works. The beautiful starry sky, adorned by
the northern lights, combined with the joy of their
group, created a true heaven on earth. Physically,
they walked uphill for the Stations of the Cross,
contemplating and entering into the mystery of
Jesus' gift of Himself to them. This hike not only
strengthened their faith but also provided good
exercise; some of them even ascended the hill four
times in three days! Surrounded by the lush beauty
of nature, they enjoyed healthy and delicious meals
that nourished their bodies.
A
Joyous Gathering: A Special Mass with the
Mangalorean Association of Canada
On
October 13, 2024, at 2 p.m., the Mangalorean
Association of Canada (MAC) gathered in Mississauga,
Toronto for a solemn Mass celebrated by Fr. Rudolf
V. D’Souza. The event was graced by the presence of
approximately 300 attendees who came together in
fellowship after the Eucharistic celebration. Fr.
Rudolf used this occasion to distribute his recent
publications to the community and introduced his
YouTube channel, Carmel Radiance. He highlighted the
key features of the channel, which focuses on
Carmelite spirituality, prayer, and reflection on
the Word of God. During the homily, Fr. Rudolf spoke
passionately about the Gospel parable of the young
rich man, urging the faithful to recognize and
enthusiastically multiply the talents God has
bestowed upon them. He emphasized the importance of
sharing the fruits of these gifts with the less
fortunate, reminding everyone of their Christian
duty to serve others. The meaningful celebration
concluded at 4:30 p.m., leaving the participants
spiritually enriched and connected in faith.
Carmel
Tree Vocation Camp 2024
St.
Joseph’s Monastery, Carmel Hill, Bikarnakatte,
Mangaluru, organized a vocation camp, on 8th and 9th
of October 2024. The event was attended by 42
students of the Mangalore region studying in classes
8-10th who has projected an interest in becoming a
Carmelite. The inauguration ceremony was graced by
Rev. Fr. Gregory Dsouza, the Delegate Superior along
with Fr. Stifan Perera, the Director of Infant Jesus
Shrine. The joy of the camp was enhanced by the
total participation and involvement of the community
members. Distinguished speaker, great artist and
movie director Amrin Christon gave a talk to the
students on ‘How to Think Creatively.’ Alongside
him, Mrs. Leena Rodrigues, the mother of Rev. Fr
Aaron Babusha Rodrigues gave an inspirational talk
to the students on how a vocation camp can change
into a call to religious life. Other local regional
Vocation promoters contributed their participation,
thus making the Carmel Tree Vocation Camp 2024 a
huge success. The beauty and the joy of the camp was
further enhanced by the presence and participation
of the Rev. Fr Aaron Babusha Rodrigues and brothers
from Asha Deepa. Carmel Tree Vocation Camp 2024 was
indeed a boost to the aspirants and offered help to
those seeking to discern their vocation to religious
life. The vocation promotors extend their gratitude
to the community and the province. May these
youngsters be inspired to follow God, and to be
beacon of Divine love in this world! The province
expresses its gratitude to Fr. Wilson Tauro,
Regional Vocation Promoter, Fr. Rayan T. Pinto,
Assistant Vocation Promoter for Mangalore, and all
other vocation promoters of the region for
meticulously organizing this camp and instilling in
the students an initial interest in Carmelite life.
Possessed
by God: Sr. Nirmala's Definitive YES to the LORD
October
12, 2024, marked a momentous and joyous occasion at
the Cloistered Carmel of St. Joseph and St. Teresa
in Bogadi, Mysore, as Sr. Nirmala of Mary Immaculate
made her solemn profession. The day’s celebration
began at 11:00 a.m. with a Eucharistic celebration
presided over by Rev. Fr. Silvestre D’Souza,
Provincial of the Karnataka-Goa Province. He was
joined by 17 concelebrants, including Fr. Archibald
Gonsalves, Provincial Councillor, and Fr. Charles
Serrao, Religious Assistant to the Cloistered Nuns,
alongside Carmelites, Capuchins, and other religious
from nearby communities, as well as priests from St.
Peter’s Seminary. In his homily, Fr. Provincial
reflected on the theme chosen by Sr. Nirmala: "To
possess God and to be possessed by God." He drew on
everyday experiences and Scripture to illustrate
this profound theme, capturing the depth of Sr.
Nirmala’s commitment. Following the homily, the
Litany of Carmelite Saints was sung as Sr. Nirmala
prostrated herself, symbolizing her total surrender
to Christ. She then pronounced her solemn vows
before Rev. Sr. Arokia of the Holy Spirit, Mother
Prioress of the Mysore Carmel. The liturgy was
beautifully animated by the harmonious choir led by
Fr. Prashanth and the Capuchin Philosophy brothers
from Kripalaya. Fr. Wilfred Rodrigues, Dean of
Pushpashrama, provided guidance throughout the
ceremony, adding depth and reverence to the
proceedings. Toward the end, Fr. Archibald Gonsalves
expressed words of gratitude on behalf of the
province, offering congratulations to Sr. Nirmala
for her courageous and joyful commitment.
Archbishop
Carney Regional Secondary School Students Empowered
as Missionaries at Little Flower Monastery
A
two-day retreat was held from October 7th to 8th,
2024, where 42 Grade 11 and 12 students from
Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary School, along
with their teachers, campus ministers, and school
chaplain, spent two transformative days at Little
Flower Monastery, Carmel Hill, Deroche, BC. The
retreat was designed to form and empower these young
leaders to serve as missionaries within their school
community, equipping them with the skills and
spiritual foundation needed to spread their faith.
Throughout the retreat, the students participated in
various workshops aimed at enhancing their ability
to lead small groups, engage in praise and worship,
and share personal testimonies. They also learned
how to build and strengthen faith communities, all
while growing in their own faith and leadership
abilities. The central theme of the retreat was
inspired by 2 Timothy 1:6: "Fan into flame the gift
of God within you," which motivated participants to
nurture the gifts of the Spirit in their lives. In
addition to the workshops, the students spent
valuable time in prayer, celebrating the Eucharist,
and adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. The
experience deepened their relationship with God and
provided them with the spiritual tools needed to
lead and inspire others within their school
community.
Transformative
Silent Retreat at Little Flower Monastery:
Rediscovering Identity in God
From
October 4th to 6th, 2024, the Institute for
Christian Action and Contemplation hosted a powerful
weekend silent retreat at Little Flower Monastery,
Carmel Hill, Deroche, BC. This retreat, themed
"Where Are You? Who Am I?", welcomed 16 participants
from various Chinese churches, offering them a
peaceful space for deep reflection and spiritual
growth. The retreat emphasized rediscovering one's
identity in God and provided a unique opportunity
for attendees to disconnect from the distractions of
daily life. Through silence, prayer, and insightful
teachings, participants were invited to reflect on
their personal journeys, helping them strengthen
their connection with a loving God. One participant
shared, "Every time I tell my life story, I gain a
deeper and new understanding of myself." The retreat
speakers—Dr. Thomas, Pastor Stanley, and Pastor
Howard—were instrumental in guiding attendees
through this process. Their carefully prepared
messages helped participants explore new
perspectives on their identities in God,
highlighting God’s unconditional love and boundless
mercy. They emphasized how God tirelessly seeks to
save sinners, offering His love as a constant source
of strength and renewal.
THE
4TH ANNUAL ELOCUTION COMPETITION
The St. Therese of the Child Jesus OCDS Community,
Lar de Santa Terezinha, Pajifond Margao, held its
4th Annual Elocution Competition on October 6, 2024,
with the theme "St. Therese: Patroness of the
Missions." This event was part of the community's
ongoing initiative to foster spiritual education and
enhance public speaking skills among students,
focusing on the life and mission of St. Therese of
Lisieux, revered as the Patroness of Missions. The
program commenced with a warm welcome from Mrs.
Ramilla Rodrigues, the President of the community.
Rev. Fr. Marlon Rodrigues, Superior of the Carmelite
Monastery, officially inaugurated the competition
with a prayer and an inspiring address to the
attendees. A total of 13 schools participated, with
students from classes VI to IX showcasing their
enthusiasm and dedication in preparing for this
intellectually and spiritually enriching
competition. The distinguished panel of judges for
the event included Sr. Isha Priya, Dr. Rheane
Palmira Da Silva, and Mr. Tony Fernandes, who had
the challenging task of evaluating the remarkable
performances.
Guided
by Faith: A Three-Day Residential Retreat at Divine
Springs
A
three-day residential retreat was held from
September 30th to October 2nd at the Divine Springs
Retreat Centre, Xellim. The retreat was led by Fr.
Rovel D'Souza, Fr. Joseph D'Souza, and Br. Vincent
from Mumbai. A total of 113 people participated as
residential attendees, with several others joining
as day participants. This retreat marks the third
residential retreat organized at the center this
year. The retreat was a time of deep spiritual
renewal, reflection, and prayer, with participants
experiencing a profound sense of community and
faith. The dedicated efforts of the retreat leaders
and the vibrant participation of attendees
contributed to making it a meaningful and enriching
experience for all.
The
Final Journey of Mangalore’s First Carmelite
Bro.
Gregory Menezes of the Holy Trinity, the first
Carmelite friar from the Diocese of Mangalore,
passed away on September 29, 2024, at the age of 95.
Hailing from Holy Cross Parish, Cordel, Mangalore,
and affectionately known as "Giga Brother," he
played a pivotal role in the development of the
Karnataka-Goa Province. He made his profession on
June 10, 1975, and served in various communities of
the Province, contributing significantly to its
growth. One of his notable achievements was
transforming barren lands around the monasteries
into fertile farms, showcasing his dedication and
"green thumb." Throughout his life, Br. Gregory was
loved by the Carmelite fathers and brothers for his
wisdom, simplicity, and unwavering commitment to
service. His time with the Belgian Carmelite
community in Goa had a profound influence on him,
helping to shape the future of the Karnataka-Goa
Province. In his final years, Br. Gregory resided at
St. Joseph’s Monastery, Carmel Hill, where he lived
a life of prayer and austerity, never complaining
about the pain and suffering he endured. His
peaceful passing on the feast of the Archangels was
a fitting conclusion to a life of faith and
devotion. He was laid to rest on October 1, the
feast of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. The funeral rites
on October 01, 2024 began at 2:45 p.m. with the
Divine Mercy Chaplet, followed by a visit from the
Bishop of Mangalore, Most Rev. Peter Paul Saldanha.
The Carmelite friars then prayed the Office for the
Dead. The funeral Mass commenced at 3:30 p.m.,
presided over by Most Rev. Aloysius Paul D’Souza,
Bishop Emeritus of Mangalore, along with the
Provincial Superior, the Episcopal Vicar for
Religious, and 48 Carmelite priests from across the
Province.
Journeying
through the Psalms
On
August 26, 2024, Fr. Vishan Monis conducted a
week-long course on the Book of Psalms, organized by
the Spiritual Assistant, Fr. Lancy Mendonca. This
enriching program brought together the members of
the OCDS communities of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and
St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Margao. The course
delved into the Psalms’ poetic beauty, exploring
their profound themes of worship, trust, and
expressions of faith. Participants discovered how
these ancient songs, filled with spiritual wisdom,
continue to inspire and guide us on our personal
faith journeys.
Discovering the Depths of Scripture: An Introduction
to the Bible
On September 16, 2024, the OCDS communities of Our
Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Therese of the Child
Jesus, Margao, gathered for an enlightening course
on the Bible. Led by Fr. Roshan Monteiro and
organized by Spiritual Assistant Fr. Lancy Mendonca,
the session provided a comprehensive introduction to
the Bible. Fr. Roshan guided the participants
through the historical context, structure, and
central themes of the Bible, offering a solid
foundation for deeper engagement with sacred texts.
The course empowered participants with practical
insights on how to apply biblical teachings in their
everyday lives, enriching their spiritual journeys.
Divine
Springs: A Sanctuary of Renewal and Grace
Divine
Springs Retreat Centre is a vibrant hub of spiritual
enrichment, offering a wide range of transformative
activities. The centre hosts a variety of retreats
tailored to different groups: charismatic retreats,
family and couple retreats, children's and youth
retreats, as well as residential programs, catering
to the spiritual needs of all. Beyond these, the
prayer conventions held at the centre draws in large
numbers of devotees, often surpassing a large number
devotee. One of the key highlights is the
charismatic retreat organized by the Carmelite
Fathers, which regularly gathers over 800
participants, all seeking renewal and grace. In
August 2024, Br. Prakash from Bandra led a three-day
residential retreat, which attracted a massive crowd
and received widespread appreciation for its
profound spiritual impact. Br. Joel Lasrado, along
with several diocesan priests, has also contributed
to the retreat programs, guiding participants
towards deeper faith and reflection. The centre’s
facilities are utilized not only by individuals but
also by various groups, including schools that
attend weekend retreats, as well as parish youth and
children who find spiritual nourishment at Divine
Springs. The atmosphere of prayer and community here
offers a rejuvenating experience for all who visit.
Below are some glimpses from the Divine Springs
gallery, capturing the spirit of these blessed
moments.
Admirari
Youth Camp 2024 at Little Flower Monastery
On
September 14-15, 2024, CFC-Youth Greater Vancouver
North A hosted an inspiring and spiritually
enriching Admirari Youth Camp at Little Flower
Monastery, Carmel Hill, Deroche, BC. The camp,
themed Admirari—Latin for "to marvel"—was based on
the powerful message from Romans 11:36: "For from
Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To
Him be the glory forever!" This theme invited
participants to contemplate the wonders of God's
works in their lives and to grow deeper in faith and
spiritual awareness. The camp was graced with the
presence of 20 new participants, each eager to
deepen their relationship with Christ. A dedicated
team of 30 enthusiastic youth leaders led the
sessions, fostering an atmosphere of fellowship,
prayer, and spiritual discovery. The community
expressed heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Mario Fernandes,
OCD, Director of the Retreat Centre, for his
spiritual guidance throughout the camp. Special
thanks were also extended to Fr. Vincent Dsouza, OCD,
Superior of the monastery, and Fr. Stephen Lobo, OCD,
Assistant Director, whose support and presence
contributed to the camp's success. This inspiring
weekend marked a turning point for many young
participants, encouraging them to live out their
faith more fully and recognize God's presence in
their daily lives.
Catholic
Pacific College Students Experience Spiritual
Renewal at Little Flower Monastery
From
September 13-15, 2024, students from Catholic
Pacific College, Vancouver, gathered at Little
Flower Monastery, Carmel Hill, Deroche, BC, for a
retreat that proved to be a profound blessing. The
weekend offered them a chance to step away from
their daily routines and immerse themselves in an
atmosphere of spiritual renewal, prayer, and
community-building. A key highlight of the retreat
was the continuous presence of the Blessed
Sacrament, fostering a deep sense of reverence and
connection to Christ. Each evening, the students
participated in Eucharistic Adoration, offering
personal moments of prayer and reflection in the
presence of the Lord. For many, this was a spiritual
highlight, drawing them closer to God and helping
them rediscover the power of stillness in His
presence. The retreat also promoted communal growth.
Living together in a peaceful and secluded
environment, students formed stronger bonds, sharing
their experiences and supporting one another in
faith. The monastery's serene landscapes and quiet
atmosphere contributed to a sense of belonging and
peace, leading many students to describe the
experience as "living in a home." The retreat left a
lasting impact on participants, sending them back
with renewed energy and a deeper understanding of
their faith journey, both individually and as a
community. Special thanks were extended to Fr.
Vincent Dsouza OCD, superior of the monastery, and
Fr. Stephen Lobo OCD, Assistant Director, whose
guidance and presence greatly contributed to the
success of the retreat.
Novem
with Shrine Staff and Volunteers
The
members of various associations serving at the
Infant Jesus Shrine gathered for the Novem Jevnche
program on September 8, 2024. Novem Jevnche is part
of the Monti Fest celebration in the Canara Konkan
region, where families come together for a communal
meal. Traditionally, newly harvested paddy is
brought to the church, blessed by the priest during
Mass, and then mixed with payasam or milk, which is
shared among the people. Following this, everyone
enjoys a vegetarian meal as a symbol of unity and
love. At the Shrine, several associations that offer
their services, including Ballok Jesu Kutam, Infant
Jesus Auto Drivers Welfare Association, Infant Jesus
Jevan Samithi, Carmel Soldiers, and Secular Carmel,
participated in the event. They were joined by the
Shrine's supporting staff. This was the first time
all these associations came together for such a
program. Fr. Stifan Perera, the Shrine Director,
welcomed everyone, while Fr. Melvin D'Cunha, the
Superior of St. Joseph's Monastery, encouraged all
to work in unity during his address before blessing
the Novem. Mrs. Flavy Mascarenhas expressed her
gratitude to the participants, and Mr. Dolphy
D'Souza skillfully compered the program. The
gathering concluded with everyone enjoying payasam,
holige, and chicken puffs.
The
Blessing of Carmel Radiance Studio: Spreading
Carmelite Light to the World
September
14, 2024 - on the Feast of the Exaltation of the
Cross, the Caledonia St. John of the Cross community
in Canada celebrated a significant milestone. After
Mass, the community friars, Fr. Jerome Mascarenhas,
Superior Fr. Roshan D’Souza, and Fr. Rudolf D’Souza,
gathered for the blessing of the new Carmel Radiance
Studio. Fr. Jerome opened the event with a speech,
underscoring the significant role of mass media in
today’s evangelization efforts. He emphasized that
the Carmelites must actively use these platforms to
promote Carmelite spirituality and spread the Good
News of Christ. Fr. Roshan not only captured the
moments through photographs but also shared
insightful feedback on how the studio could evolve
into a center for evangelization and the
dissemination of Carmelite spirituality, both in
Canada and beyond. He highlighted its particular
value for the Secular Carmelites, envisioning it as
a fertile ground for the growth of the Carmelite
mission. Fr. Jerome then led the blessing of the
studio with prayers, and the ceremony concluded with
a hymn. The Carmel Radiance Studio aims to connect
with a wider audience through platforms like
Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, engaging people who
seek to deepen their understanding of Carmelite
spirituality. The community congratulated Fr. Rudolf
for this innovative initiative, which marks the
beginning of a new chapter in evangelization. This
effort is expected to reach a global audience,
sharing the wisdom and teachings of St. John of the
Cross, St. Teresa of Avila, and St. Thérèse of
Lisieux. Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes
to Fr. Rudolf D’Souza as he embarks on this exciting
journey.
Monti
Fest celebrated with devotion and fervor at Infant
Jesus Shrine
The
Infant Jesus Shrine at Carmel Hill,
Bikarnakatte-Mangaluru, celebrated the Nativity of
Our Blessed Mary, commonly known as Monti Fest, with
great devotion and fervor on Sept 8, 2024. The
festival was marked by a series of events, including
a Main Festal Mass, blessing of new corn, and the
release of a new book. The Main Festal Mass was
presided over by Rev. Fr. Melvin D'Cuna, Superior of
St. Joseph's Monastery, while Rev. Fr. Walter
D'Souza delivered a meaningful homily. Fr. Stifan
Perera, Director of the Shrine, expressed gratitude
to all. In a symbolic gesture, Fr. Deep Fernandes
blessed the paddy grains, which were then
distributed to devotees after the Mass. Children in
colorful attire offered flowers to Our Lady, adding
to the festive atmosphere. During the celebration,
Rev. Fr. Rudolph D'Souza's book, 'Pitisponacha
Sansarant Ujawd' (Light into the World of
Superstition), was released. Fr. Arun Lobo blessed
the new paddy grains, known as Novem, which were
later mixed with Payasam and served to all. Sugar
cane, a special mark of the feast, was also
distributed. Notable attendee MLC Ivan D'Souza
visited the Shrine to pray and seek blessings. The
Monti Fest celebration was preceded by nine days of
prayer, during which devotees gathered at the Grotto
to pray the Rosary, led by children. The Brothers at
the Monastery offered reflections on the fruits of
the Holy Spirit in Mary's life. Devotees brought
useful grocery items and flowers, which will be
distributed to local orphanages and Ashrams. The
festival was a testament to the devotion and faith
of the community, and the Shrine's commitment to
spreading love and compassion.
A
Milestone Achieved: Canonical Establishment of the
Community
With
hearts full of joy and gratitude, the St. Therese of
the Child Jesus OCDS Community, Lar de Santa
Terezinha, Margao-Goa, celebrated the swift receipt
of the indult, a testament to God's favour and
blessings. This remarkable achievement is attributed
to the intercession of our beloved patroness, St.
Therese of Lisieux. On August 25, 2024, Rev. Fr.
Deep Francis Fernandes, OCD, Provincial Delegate of
OCDS, presided over the Thanksgiving Mass,
accompanied by co-celebrants Fr. Lancy Mendonca, Fr.
Jeevan Tauro, and Fr. Roshan Monteiro. The ceremony
was also graced by the presence of Fr. George
Santhumayor, and Fr. Diogo Proenca. In his homily,
Fr. Deep emphasized the importance of commitment,
likening the Canonical Establishment to a
"Betrothal," where the Carmelite Order enters into a
sacred covenant with the community, acknowledging
their mutual relationship and responsibilities. The
Decree of Canonical Establishment was promulgated,
officially erecting the group into a community of
the Secular Order of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary of
Mount Carmel. This significant act was carried out
by Fr. Deep Francis Fernandes, Provincial Delegate,
in the presence of Fr. Lancy Mendonca, Spiritual
Assistant, Fr. Marlon Rodrigues, Superior, Mr.
Sebastian Mendes, OCDS Provincial President, and
Mrs. Elizabeth Santos, OCDS, President of the Mt.
Carmel Community.
St.
Teresa of Jesus OCDS Community Annual Retreat 2024
The
St. Teresa of Jesus OCDS Community in Vancouver,
Canada, held their annual retreat at Little Flower
Monastery, Carmel Hill, Deroche, BC, from August 9
to August 11, 2024. The retreat was spiritually
enriching, with 27 participants receiving guidance
from Rev. Fr. Mario Fernandes, OCD, the Director of
the Retreat Centre. The community also expressed
their gratitude to Fr. Vincent Dsouza, OCD, the
superior of the monastery, and Fr. Stephen Lobo, OCD,
the Assistant Director, for their support and
presence throughout the retreat.
FAITH
SHARING COMPETITION – Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
Community – OCDS, Margao : Sunday 11th Aug 2024
August
is a jubilant month as many of our members celebrate
their birthdays during this time. On Sunday, August
11th, 2024, We, the members of the Our Lady of Mt.
Carmel Community,OCDS,Margao, gathered to partake in
the Faith Sharing competition. We also took this
opportunity to celebrate the birthday of our
Spiritual Assistant, Rev. Fr. Lancy Mendonca, along
with the birthdays of those born in the month of
August. The meeting began with evening prayer,
followed by meditation for around 20 minutes. We
then had a spiritual talk by our Superior Rev. Fr.
Marlon focused on a concise summary of St. Teresa’s
of Avila’s Interior Castle where he explained St.
Teresa's journey toward achieving union with God
through the seven mansions. He further went on to
explain entering the door of first mansion is only
through Prayer where the soul needs to spend time in
the rooms of “self-knowledge” and humility.
Enriching
the Youth: A Psycho-Spiritual Seminar at Infant
Jesus Church, Gorwa-Vadodara
On
11th August 2024, the Infant Jesus Church in
Gorwa-Vadodara hosted a transformative
"Psycho-Spiritual Seminar" aimed at the youth of the
community. With over 70 enthusiastic participants,
the seminar offered a refreshing and enriching
experience for all who attended. The primary focus
of the seminar was to promote a healthy and balanced
integration of body, mind, and soul, with Jesus
Christ as the perfect model. The discussions
addressed the pressing challenges faced by today’s
youth, particularly the widespread issue of
addiction to various vices. Rev. Frs. Macson Dabre
and Jovel Oliver, the speakers, offered practical
advice, introducing the concept of the "21-Day
Cycle"—a method designed to help individuals
overcome personal limitations. However, they
emphasized that for Christians, this cycle alone is
insufficient and must be coupled with a strong
foundation in prayer. A key component of the seminar
was the group discussions, which were both
thought-provoking and reflective, allowing the youth
to engage deeply with the material. The event
concluded with the celebration of the Holy
Eucharist, presided over and preached by Fr. Jitu
D'Monte SJ, followed by the distribution of small
tokens of appreciation to the participants. The
seminar not only provided valuable insights but also
fostered a sense of community and spiritual growth
among the youth, leaving a lasting impact on all who
took part.
CRI
Meeting at Carmel Home, Belur
On
August 4, 2024, the Carmel Home in Belur hosted the
CRI meeting for the Chikmagalur Diocese. The event
brought together 70 participants from three
deaneries: Hassan, Chikmagalur, and Balehonnur. The
meeting began with an inaugural speech by Fr.
Joseph, the Episcopal Vicar for Religious. In his
address, he encouraged the attendees with the words,
"Bloom where you are planted." Sr. Geraldine, the
president of the gathering and a member of the SMMI
congregation, emphasized the importance of mutual
service in religious life, stating, "Religious life
is called to live in service of each other." A
highlight of the event was a presentation by Fr.
Prasanna Kumar, who delivered a paper on the
"Mission Dimension of Consecrated Life." His
insights and reflections provided valuable
perspectives for the participants. The meeting
concluded at 3:00 PM, with attendees expressing
their satisfaction with the arrangements and
hospitality provided by the hosts. The event was
marked by a spirit of unity and dedication to the
mission of religious life.
BLD
Youth Encounter at Carmel Hill, Deroche
A
three day youth retreat was held at Carmel Hill,
Deroche, B.C for Bukas Loob sa Diyos (BLD - Open in
Spirit to God) youth aged 13-19 titled - Youth
Encounter Weekend from August 2 to August 5, 2024.
This annual retreat was a wonderful opportunity for
youth to meet other like-minded individuals in a
fun, faith-filled setting.
Day
of the grandparents and elderly celebrated at Infant
Jesus Shrine
The
Infant Jesus Shrine in Mangaluru hosted a special
Eucharistic celebration dedicated to grandparents
and the elderly on July 25, 2024. This significant
event aimed to honor and recognize the invaluable
contributions of the elderly within families and the
broader society. The main Mass at 10.30 am was
celebrated by Fr. Boniface Pinto, a revered priest
known for his deep spiritual insights and pastoral
care. During his homily, Fr. Pinto emphasized the
critical role that the elderly play in nurturing
family values and fostering societal cohesion. He
spoke passionately about the wisdom and experience
that older generations bring, highlighting how their
life stories and teachings serve as a foundation for
younger family members. Fr. Pinto encouraged the
congregation to cherish and respect the elderly,
reminding everyone that they are living repositories
of tradition, culture, and faith. He pointed out
that in a rapidly changing world, the elderly
provide stability and continuity, ensuring that
important values and practices are passed down
through generations. Fr Boniface serves as the
spiritual director of Divya Dham, Karantaka Regional
Seminary at Moodubelle-Udupi. A special prayer
service was held after each Novena Prayer. On a
Thursday there are nine Euchartistc celebrations at
the Shine. The Catholic Church celebrates the World
Day for Grandparents and the Elderly each year on
the Sunday closest to the feast of Sts. Joachim and
Anne, Jesus' grandparents.
OCDS
Events at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Community, Margao
On
July 21, 2024, the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Community
celebrated a momentous occasion, as members took
their Promises, marking a significant transition
from Aspirancy to Promises. On July 18, 2024, the
members fortified themselves spiritually by
recollection and confession given by Rev. Fr.
Santosh Menezes. Rev. Fr. Diogo Proenca also
assisted for confession. The evening of July 21st,
2024, began with everyone coming together for Holy
Mass, celebrated by Rev. Fr. Deep Fernandes OCD,
Provincial Delegate, with Fr. Marlon Rodrigues OCD,
Superior, and Rev. Fr. Lancy Mendonca OCD, Spiritual
Assistant. During the Eucharistic Celebration, Savio
Pereira provided the commentary. Rev. Fr. Deep
delivered a heartfelt homily on the theme of being
the Good Shepherd. After which the following members
were admitted into the different stages of Formation
and Renewals: 2 members took Temporary Promises, 6
renewed their Promises, 3 were admitted into
Formation and 3 into Aspirancy.
Carmelite
Family Get-together in Mangaluru
On
Sunday, July 21st, a family get-together was held
for all the Carmelites of the Mangalore and Udupi
dioceses on the occasion of the feast of Our Lady of
Mt. Carmel. More than 100 OCD Friars, AC, CSST, and
CMC sisters participated in the event held at St.
Agnes College, Mangaluru. At 3:30 PM, a
concelebrated Holy Eucharist was held in the St.
Agnes Convent Chapel. Fr. Rudolf Raj Pinto was the
main celebrant, and Fr. Alvito Fernandes delivered a
meaningful homily. The melodious choir by the AC
Sisters helped elevate our minds and hearts in
praise and thanksgiving. This was followed by tea
and snacks generously served by the AC Sisters. A
short program was then held at St. Agnes High School
auditorium, featuring songs, games, and jokes
organized by the OCD brothers and AC Sisters. The
prizes were sponsored by the CSST sisters. The
entire program fostered a strong sense of Carmelite
fraternity and identity.
Infant
Jesus Shrine sponsors Mercy Care Trust's Educare
Scholarships
Infant
Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte - Mangaluru joined hands
with Mercy Care Charitable Trust in distributing
scholarships to 25 needy children. The program
combined with sapling distribution was organised on
Sunday, July 21 at St Joseph's Higher Primary
School, Fajir. Mercy Care Charitable Trust president
Maxim Fernandes, Infant Jesus Shrine director Fr
Stifan Perera, Carmelite, Felix D'Souza, co-teacher
of St Joseph's Higher Primary School, Fajir were on
the stage. "Mercy Care Charitable Trust born in
December 2023 has achieved remarkable success in a
short span of seven months. We feel honoured to see
the Trust has taken up building a house to a needy
family which is reaching its completion, rain
harvesting, tree plantation and many other people
and nature friendly projects. When the Trust planned
a programme like educating poor children, we thought
of sponsoring the entire Program on our behalf. When
we asked our well-wishers about this, we got full
cooperation from them. We are involved in this work.
It is our pride," said Rev Fr Stifan Perera,
Carmelite. "When we seek help from the people, the
donors do not abandon us. We have received the full
cooperation of the people for our good works. When
we asked the people for aid to the students, they
responded in a good way. The director of the Infant
Jesus Shrine has given us full cooperation. We are
happy that the construction of a house for a poor
family is in the final stage and will soon be
completed," said Maxim Fernandes. Scholarships were
distributed to 25 students, and saplings to those
who were present. Vincent D'Souza presented the
programme. Victor Mendonsa completed the scholarship
process and Roshan D'Souza proposed a vote of
thanks.
Feast
of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Celebrated at the
Carmelite Monastery Margao.
MARGAO:
The feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was celebrated
at the Carmelite Monastery Margao on July 16. Bishop
Simião Fernandes Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese
of Goa and Daman presided over the Eucharistic
celebration held in konkani in the evening. Fr. Joe
Rodrigues , Parish Priest of Our Lady of Grace
Church, Margao, Fr. Marlon Rodrigues , Superior of
the Carmelite Monastery Margao along with 25 Priests
concelebrated the feast mass. Delivering a homily on
the theme: ‘Mary is our model to proclaim the Gospel
”Bishop Simião urged the congregation to draw
inspiration from Mary as a model for proclaiming the
Gospel in daily life. He emphasized that just as
Mary exemplified various roles in her community, so
too are we called to embody these virtues today. "We
are called to proclaim the Gospel by deepening our
communion with God, engaging actively in the
Church's participatory structures, and advancing the
mission entrusted to us at Baptism," declared the
Prelate. Highlighting Mary's diverse roles, Bishop
Simião illustrated how she proclaimed the Gospel as
a responsible parent within her family, a caring
neighbor as seen in her visit to Elizabeth, a
compassionate presence in society at the wedding in
Cana, and a supportive member of the Apostles'
community. He encouraged the faithful to follow
Mary's example by promoting Gospel values: within
families through responsible actions, in
neighborhoods through service to the needy, in
society amidst inequalities and differences, and in
the Church by active participation in its various
structures.
Celebration
of Queen Beauty of Carmel at Mira Road
The
Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was celebrated
with great devotion at St. Joseph Church, Mira Road,
on July 16, 2024. The Holy Mass was presided over by
Rev. Fr. Pius James D'Souza, OCD, Definitor General.
During the service, Fr. Pius delivered a moving
homily on the theme of "The Beauty of Carmel." The
Mass also marked the annual devotional renewal of
promises by the members of the Secular Order of
Discalced Carmelites (OCDS). Following the spiritual
service, the community enjoyed a vibrant cultural
program organized by the OCDS. The event included
the felicitation of newly professed OCDS members and
concluded with an agape, fostering fellowship and
unity among the participants.
12
New Disciples to the Carmelite Fold
The
Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was solemnized
with Holy Mass presided by Fr. Regan Paul D'Souza,
Superior of Krista Shanti Dham, Mira Road on 14th
July 2024 at St Joseph Church, Mira Road. Fr Regan
preached a homily on the "Significance of the
Carmelite Scapular" of Carmel". At the Mass, 11 OCDS
members from St Elizabeth of the Trinity OCDS
Community and 1 member from St Joseph OCDS Community
made their first promises. Scapulars were
distributed to all the faithful.
Blessing
and Inauguration Of Mount Camle Spirituality Centre
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
16th
July, 2024, the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount
Carmel was a red letter day for the second
foundation of the Carmelites in Canada, at Edmonton.
At 10.45 am around 1150 people gathered at the
entrance of the Chapel along with Most Rev. Richard
Smith, the Archbishop of Edmonton, Most Rev. Gary
Franken, the Bishop of St Paul’s, and over 40
priests. Rev. Fr. Silvestre D’Souza, Provincial of
Karnataka-Goa Province cut the ribbon and opened the
doors of the new Spirituality Centre. The Archbishop
greeted the people and said the opening prayer. All
then entered the new Chapel while the Cathedral
Choir chanted the entrance antiphons. During the
penitential rite, the Archbishop blessed the
sanctuary and the entire edifice, by sprinkling Holy
Water. After the homily the litany of saints was
sung. The Archbishop placed the relics of three
saints (St Therese, St Jean Venard and St Andre
Bessette) in the open slot of the Altar which was
shut with a marble plaque by an expert mason. Then
the Archbishop poured Holy Oil on the altar and
consecrated it. There followed the long prayer of
consecration, incensing of the Altar and marking the
walls of the Chapel at four locations with Holy Oil.
The deacon along with the altar servers lit the
candles on the altar and those affixed to the walls
of the Chapel. This was a beautiful ceremony
witnessed by the crowd silently.
Feast
of Our Lady of Mount Carmel at Asha Deepa
On
July 17, 2024, the Asha Deepa community in
Madanthyar joyously celebrated the Feast of Our Lady
of Mount Carmel. The event was marked by a solemn
Mass, with Fr. Rudolph Raj Pinto, the Director of
the Ryshivana Spirituality Centre in Mangalore,
serving as the main celebrant. In his inspiring
homily, Fr. Pinto highlighted the profound reasons
for honouring Mary, delving into the significance of
the scapular and its role in spiritual life. He also
spoke about how Mary assists the faithful in
overcoming life’s challenges, offering comfort and
guidance. The Mass was further enriched by the
angelic voices of the choir, creating a serene and
uplifting atmosphere. The celebration saw the
participation of numerous deanery priests, religious
priests, and sisters from the region, along with a
large gathering of the faithful. Following the Mass,
refreshments were provided for all attendees,
fostering a sense of community and fellowship. The
priests and nuns were served a monastic meal in the
refectory, adding a special touch to the day’s
festivities. The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
was a memorable occasion for the Asha Deepa
community, filled with spiritual enrichment,
communal harmony, and joyous celebration.
Ryshivana
Celebrates Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Launches
Spiritual Renewal Course
On
July 16, 2024, Ryshivana, the Institute of Indian
Christian Spirituality located in Mangalore,
Karnataka, hosted a vibrant celebration in honour of
the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The occasion
was marked by the inauguration of the Spiritual
Renewal Course for the academic year 2024-2025. The
Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Rev. Fr.
Prakash D’Cunha, Provincial Councillor, brought
together community friars and friars from the
Mangalore region. The faithful gathered to express
their devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, seeking
her intercession and guidance. The feast witnessed a
diverse congregation, including neighbouring
religious sisters, participants enrolled in the
upcoming eight-month diploma course in spirituality
at Ryshivana, members of the Secular Order of
Discalced Carmelites (OCDS), and friends and
well-wishers of Ryshivana. During the homily, Fr.
Prakash emphasized the significance of Our Lady of
Mount Carmel and encouraged everyone to emulate her
devotion and commitment to following the Lord. He
also explained the importance of wearing the brown
scapular—a symbol of Mary’s protection and
intercession. The inauguration of the Spiritual
Renewal Course coincided with the celebration.
Faith
and Learning: Dhyana Sadhna’s Joyous Start with
Mount Carmel Feast
The
Dhyana Sadhna community celebrated the Mount Carmel
feast with great solemnity and joy on July 16, 2024.
This festive occasion coincided with the
inauguration of the academic year 2024-25, which
currently has 19 participants, with more expected to
join in the coming months. The celebration was
marked by a solemn high Mass presided over by
Reverend Fr Alphonse Britto, Provincial Councillor
for Spirituality, who delivered a meaningful and
inspiring homily. His words resonated deeply with
the participants, setting a spiritual tone for the
new academic year. The community came together in a
spirit of unity and devotion, making the event a
memorable and uplifting experience for all involved.
As the academic year unfolds, the Dhyana Sadhna
community looks forward to welcoming more
participants and continuing their journey of faith
and learning.
The
Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel at St. Mark's
Parish, Calgary
On
July 14th, 2024, St. Mark's Parish in Calgary
celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel,
drawing a crowd of 2,500 participants. The feast
began with the Holy Eucharist and culminated in a
grand procession. The purpose of the event was to
foster community spirit and religious devotion
towards the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel and
to inspire new vocations to the Secular Carmelites
and the Carmelite Delegation. Preparations began in
advance with a nine-day novena at St. Mark's Parish.
A dedicated team of volunteers decorated the statue
of Our Lady of Mount Carmel at both the altar and
the foyer for the procession. Fr. Rudolf D’Souza
celebrated the 10 a.m. mass, which was packed with
over 800 participants. He powerfully preached on the
Carmelite spirituality of the Prophet Elijah,
highlighting the importance of prayer and
contemplation. The celebration of the Solemn Holy
Eucharist was presided over by the former Provincial
Superior of the Karnataka-Goa Province, Fr.
Archibald Gonsalves, and concelebrated by Fr. Rudolf
D'Souza, Fr. Rajesh Madtha, Fr. Vijay Martin, Fr.
Venil D'Souza, and Deacon Carlos Perez at St. Mark's
Parish, Calgary, at 12 noon. The inspiring sermon by
Fr. Archibald Gonsalves provided deep spiritual
engagement for the devotees. The procession, a
highlight of the event, followed a predetermined
safe route with enthusiastic participation. The
event concluded successfully with positive feedback
from parishioners, emphasizing the importance of Our
Lady of Mount Carmel in the Christian family.
A
Spiritual Symphony: Celebrating at Our Lady of Mount
Carmel Shrine
On
Saturday, July 13th, 2024, the Our Lady of Mount
Carmel Shrine, Benoni, South Africa joyously
celebrated its feast day with a festival mass held
at 17:00. The mass was presided over by the Rt. Rev.
Dr. Dabula Anthony Mpako, the Archbishop of
Pretoria. Concelebrating the mass were Rector Fr.
Rayan Pais, along with community members Fr.
Boniface D'Souza and Fr. John D'Souza. Deacons
Keith, Neelan, Chris, and Denzil were also in
attendance. The theme for this year’s feast was
"Symphony of Prayer," chosen in preparation for the
upcoming jubilee year. In the days leading up to the
feast, a five-day novena was held, featuring masses
in Zulu, Portuguese, and English. The festival mass
drew many devotees, reflecting their deep devotion
and commitment. During his sermon, the archbishop
emphasized that prayer is about anchoring ourselves
in God and fully surrendering to His will, much like
a plug connecting to a socket. He stressed that in
God, there is no load shedding, and prayer should be
a lifelong commitment, not just a one-day activity.
At the conclusion of the mass, Fr. Rayan Pais,
Superior and Rector of the shrine, shared a brief
history of the shrine and read the decree of its
declaration. He expressed his gratitude to everyone
for their love and commitment to the shrine. Special
thanks were extended to Fr. Boniface and the
parishioners of Our Lady of Loreto in Kempton Park,
and Fr. John and the parishioners of St. Joseph in
Actonville for their support and presence. The
scapular was blessed and distributed to all
attendees, symbolizing their dedication to Carmelite
spirituality.
United
Under Carmel: Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in
Namma Bengaluru
The
Carmelite Family of the Bengaluru Region celebrated
the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on the 14th of
July, 2024, at the serene Cloistered Carmel
Monastery Chapel in Bengaluru. The Thanksgiving Holy
Mass commenced at 10:00 a.m., officiated by Rev. Fr.
Alphonse Britto OCD, Provincial Councillor, along
with other esteemed O. Carm, OCD, and CMI priests.
Rev. Fr. Rinson Manjaly O. Carm, Principal, Carmel
Academy delivered a brief yet profoundly meaningful
homily, inviting all to walk in the footsteps of
Mary. Rev. Fr. Paulachan Kochappilly, CMI, blessed
the scapulars, which were later distributed to
everyone. The event was graced by the presence of
OCD, CSST, AC, CTC, and CM sisters from various
parts of Namma Bengaluru. The melodious choir,
composed of students from Mount Carmel College,
elevated the minds and hearts of the participants to
God with their harmonious singing. After the Mass,
the fathers and sisters had the opportunity to meet
the cloistered nuns, gaining insight into their
contemplative lives within the confines of Carmel.
The gathering was further enriched with engaging
games and ice-breaking events, fostering fraternity
and unity among the Carmelites. Fr. Alphonse Britto,
the convenor of CFI Bengaluru Region, expressed his
heartfelt gratitude to all who dedicated their time
to be part of this unique celebration. He also
extended his thanks to the executive members and
informed the gathering about the upcoming centenary
celebration of St. Therese of the Child Jesus in
2025, seeking collaboration and cooperation from all
congregations.
Feast
of Our Lady of Mount Carmel at the Infant Jesus
Shrine, Bikarnakatte
The
Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, popularly known
as the Feast of the Scapular (Benthin) was
celebrated at the Infant Jesus Shrine,
Bikarnakatte-Mangaluru on Sunday July 14 along with
Secular Carmelites and the faithful. There were
three masses for the entire day including a solemn
festal mass at 6.00 pm. During all the masses the
Holy Scapular, the symbol of Our Lady’s protection,
was distributed. Novena was held in preparation for
the feast which began on July 5, with a reflection
each day on the themes taken from the Regula given
by St Albert the then Patriarch of Jerusalem. The
lay faithful who had gone to the Holy Land to fight
Crusades remained in the caves of Mount Carmel and
started to live a life of prayer and contemplation
imitating Prophet Elijah. Later these approached the
Patriarch for a rule and thus they gave birth to the
Carmelite Order which is spread all over the world.
Rev. Fr. Walter D'Souza, the newly appointed Parish
Priest of St Sebastian Church, Bendur presided over
the festal mass and preached the homily. Fr Stifan
Perera the Director of the Shrine thanked all the
benefactors and volunteers, who are at the service
of Carmelites of Carmel Hill throughout the year. On
the occasion of the Feast, the Carmelite sponsored
scholarship of 25 children of the Mercy Care
Charitable Trust. Fr Melvin D’Cunha, the Superior of
the Monastery handed over the Cheque to Mr Maxim
Fernandes, the Managing Trustee.
New
office bearers of St. Teresa of Avila Community,
Bikarnakatte
The
triennial election of the St. Teresa of Avila
Community, Bikarnakatte was held on 28th June 2024
at 4.30 am. Fr. Deep Fernandes, Delegate Provincial
of the Secular Carmel presided over the official
election. Spiritual Assistant Fr. Ivan Dsouza and 28
OCDS members were present. Spiritual Assistant Fr.
Ivan D'souza welcomed everyone. The President and
Councillors presented their Annual report. Fr. Deep
Fernandes explained the importance of Secular Carmel
and gave some guidelines on procedure for the
election. The following were elected for the next 3 years :
President : Mr. Herald Gratian Dsouza
1st Councillor: Mrs. Jacintha Lobo
2nd Councillor: Mrs. Lucy Pais
3rd Councillor: Mrs. Mary Rebello
Formator: Mrs. Jane Sequeira
Fr. Deep Fernandes after seeking their consent
confirmed them in their respective offices. We
congratulate the new team of office bearers and wish
them all the best. The Community comprises of :
25 in Definitive Promises, 8 in Temporary Promises,
12 in Novitiate Formation, 5 in Novitiate
A
New Dawn in Holistic Spirituality: Inauguration of
the Spirituality Course at Dhyanavana (28th Batch:
2024-2025)
On
Sunday, June 30, 2024, the Holistic Spirituality
Course at Dhyanavana was officially inaugurated by
Rev. Dr. Alphonse Britto, OCD – the Provincial
Councilor for Spirituality. The ceremony was also
graced by Rev. Fr. Joachim Rodrigues, OCD – the
Provincial Councilor for Social Apostolate. The
inaugural Mass saw participation from several
community Fathers, including Rev. Dr. Rathan
Almeida, the Director; Fr. Augustine Robert, the
Dean of Studies; Fr. Rakesh Parmar, the
Administrator; along with Friars from the
Pushpashrama and Dhyana Sadhana communities, and
numerous religious sisters from the vicinity. More
than 30 sisters have registered for the course, with
more expected to join later. The day was
particularly special as it coincided with the
birthday of Fr. Augustine Robert, the Dean of
Studies. Heartfelt birthday greetings and good
wishes were bestowed upon Fr. Augustine by all
present. We pray that the sisters who have entered
the portals of Dhyanavana may be filled with the
spirit of the Lord to become beacons of light as
they undergo the nine-month intensive course in
Spirituality. May the Lord guide the staff and
professors who will be enlightening the sisters on
various spiritual subjects.
Psycho-Spiritual
Integration Course for Cloistered Nuns
A
Psycho-Spiritual course was organised by the
Federation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel at Sadbhavana,
Bengaluru, India from 3-22 June 2024, with 16
participants from the nine Carmels and from the
Raipur Carmel. As testified by the Nuns, it became
an experience of coming to a deserted place to
answer perennial question posed by the Beloved,
“Where are you Adam”? To reflect on the
vulnerabilities and fig leaves – the various defence
mechanisms used to hide one’s nakedness before the
One, “we know loves us”. The Nuns examined some of
the key concepts, at times distorted, and paradigms,
which motivate the living-out of the charism in
community, learning to handle anger and conflict.
There were scientific therapeutic sessions of
handling childhood trauma and negative memories
through Brain Equilibrium Therapy. The renewed
understanding of the essentials underpinning the
Carmelite prayer journey, the practice of spiritual
direction, personal reflection and group discussions
coupled with the lavish love and care of the friars
challenged and motivated the participants to return
to their communities with courage and fervour to be
the “Salt and Light”. The sessions helped to renew
the lives of the Nuns.
Training
Programme for Koteshwar Secular Carmelites (OCDS)
Members: A Revitalized Approach
The
Canonically established Secular Carmel Community (OCDS)
of St. Teresa of Avila, Bikarnakatte,
Mangaluru-575005, affiliated with St. Joseph’s
Monastery at Bikarnakatte, Mangaluru, organized a
day-long training programme for the Infant Jesus
OCDS Community, Koteshwar. The event took place at
the Community Hall in Koteshwar on June 17, 2024,
from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. The formal inauguration was
conducted by Rev. Fr. Praveen Pinto, Superior and
Rev. Fr. Joseph Cyril Dsouza, the Spiritual
Assistant of the Koteshwar unit. This was followed
by an icebreaker session led by Mr. Roshan Varun,
OCDS. The first session presented by Mrs. Jane
Sequeira, OCDS, covered the OCDS Charism, Vocation,
Mission, and Identity (Constitution Chapter I), as
the Nature and Daily Life of the members of the
Secular Order. After a short break, group games were
organized by Mr. Roshan Varun, OCDS. The second
session again led by Mrs. Jane Sequeira, OCDS,
focussed on St. Albert’s Rule and Allegiance to
Jesus Christ. This was followed by the third session
- a session on steps to Meditation led by Mrs.
Jacintha Lobo, OCDS. During lunch the members had
the opportunity to share their experiences and
discuss their prayer lives.
"Put
On The Mantle" - Investiture Ceremony at St. Therese
of the Child Jesus, OCDS Community, Margao-Goa
On
Sunday, 16th June 2024, the St. Therese of the Child
Jesus, Secular Carmel Community in Margao-Goa held a
simple yet joyful rite to welcome five Aspirants
into initial Formation. The ceremony took place at
the Monastery Chapel and marked a significant step
in the faith journeys of the following individuals:
• Mr. Conrad Catolino Mendes of St. Anthony of Padua
• Mrs. Conceicao De Souza of St. Therese of the
Child Jesus
• Mrs. Hildred Falcao of St. Therese of the Child
Jesus
• Mrs. Felecia Carmen Menezes of St. Catarina
• Mrs. Lorna Audrey Maria Gomes of St. Teresa of
Avila
The outgoing Spiritual Assistant, Rev. Fr. George
Santhumayor OCD, conducted the ceremony. He was
joined by the new Spiritual Assistant, Fr. Lancy
Mendonca, along with Fr. Marlon Rodrigues, Fr. Diogo
Proenca, Mr. Sebastian Mendes, OCDS Provincial
Council President, and other OCDS members. During
the ceremony, Fr. George delivered a meaningful
homily, emphasizing the courage and faith of the
five candidates as they took this significant step
to enter Secular Carmel as their vocation. The
Formator, Beliza Antao, and her assistant, Roy
Rodrigues, assisted the candidates in the vestition
ceremony. After the aspirants made their pledges,
the celebrant vested them with the smaller
Ceremonial Brown Scapular, symbolizing their
commitment to their new path.
Namma
Kudla Gathering at Udupi Farm House ‘Fraternitas’
- The Namma Kudla regional gathering was held at
Udupi on June 18, 2024. By 9.30 am all the friars
reached from north and south east and west
navigating their way to our newly built ‘Farm House’
in Udupi. Incessant rains did not deter our brave
friars from attending this important gathering. All
were accorded a warm welcome with a hot cup of
almond milk shake. The educational session followed
on 'Mobile and Cyber Crime' by Dr Grynal D’Mello
Associate Professor of Nitte University. At the
outset Fr. Alwyn Sequeira, the animator of the
community at Udupi Farm House welcomed all the
friars. Fr. John Sequeira gave a brief overview of
the topic and introduced the speaker. Dr. Grynal
enumerated the various cyber frauds and how to be
judicious and keep ourselves safe while using media
platforms. A hot cup of soup was served soon after
the one-and-a-half-hour-long study session. This was
followed by a group discussion on a very apt and
relevant topic of ‘Vocation Promotion in the
Region’. Several proposals were presented and all
were of the opinion that individually we have to
take responsibility to promote vocations. The
evergreen Fr. Gregory D Souza moderated the session.
The Holy Eucharist was celebrated next in honor of
our Lady of Mount Carmel. The Mass was presided over
by Fr Jossey Rodrigues on the occasion of his
forthcoming 74th birthday. Fr. Praveen Pinto the
Superior of the Parental Community of Udupi Farm
House requested all to pray for the good health of
Fr. Jossey and sought the protection of our Divine
Patroness over the Farm house and the members living
therein. Fr Clifford Rodrigues, the Benjamin of the
Region preached a short, crispy and
thought-provoking homily.
Spiritual
Programs at Carmel Hill – Little Flower Monastery,
Vancouver
The
hard work of Fr. Vincent D’Souza, the Superior, and
Fr. Mario Fernandes, the Director of the
Spirituality Centre, has borne abundant fruits in
the recent months following the COVID-19 pause. On
May 3rd there were 22 youth came from Blessed
Sacrament Parish - Vancouver to make their
confirmation retreat for three days and there were
at the same time 8 people came for their personal
directed retreat. The fathers apart from arranging
for their comfortable stay of the retreatants also
exerted themselves to be available for the spiritual
direction and retreat talks. From May 5th to 9th, 25
members of Carmel Family from Vancouver Archdiocese
came for their get together and spent 4 days in
engaging themselves in spiritual adventure in the
silent atmosphere of Carmel Hill. The friars
assisted them through the celebration of the Holy
Eucharist and spiritual conferences. From May 18th
to May 21, approximately 45 people from Christian
Groups from the Fraser Valley area gathered at
Carmel Hill for their spiritual renewal. They
thoroughly enjoyed their spiritual experience at
Little Flower Monastery. Members from St. Ann’s
Parish, Archdiocese of Vancouver, held a two-day
retreat at the centre on May 19th and 20th. Directed
by Fr. Mario Fernandes and assisted by Fr. Vincent
D’Souza, they were provided with spiritual guidance
and comfortable accommodations. For the first time
from May 25th to May 26th 36 members of the OPUS DEI
congregation gathered at the spirituality centre for
their spiritual renewal having conferences on
various themes of spirituality. In spite of having a
huge spirituality centre of their own at Squamish
near Vancouver they opted to come to our
spirituality centre at Carmel Hill.
OCDS
Community Members' Formation Milestones @ Mapusa
The
Secular Discalced Carmelite Community (OCDS) of St.
Teresa of Avila, Peddem, Mapusa, Goa, joyfully
announced that two of its members have advanced to
the Initial Formation Stage 1, while three other
members transitioned to Aspirancy on June 9, 2024.
Mr. Louis Dsouza and Mrs. Judith Dsouza made their
pledges during the 8:15 am Mass at the Carmelite
Seminary in Mapusa, Goa. The ceremony was attended
by the Provincial of the Karnataka-Goa Province,
Rev. Fr. Silvester D’Souza, and the Spiritual
Assistant of the Mapusa Community, Rev. Fr. Jason
Coutinho OCD, along with other community members.
Following their pledges, Provincial vested Mr. and
Mrs. Dsouza with the Scapular, symbolizing their
commitment. In the same ceremony, the Provincial
also welcomed three new Aspirants, Mr. Charles
Fernandes, Mrs. Luiza Dsouza, and Mr. Elvino
Martins, by presenting them with the Carmelite
emblem. The Mass was concelebrated by several
priests, including the Provincial Rev. Fr. Silvester
Dsouza OCD, Frs. Aaron Babusha, Jason Coutinho,
Alvito Fernandes, Don Tony D’Souza, Richard Saldanha,
Roshan Monteiro and Vinod Lobo. Additionally, the
event was graced by delegates from the Provincial
Council, including Mr. Sebastian Mendes, the
President, Mr. Roy Rodrigues, the Councillor, and
members from the St. Therese of the Child Jesus
Community, Lar Margao, led by their President, Mrs.
Martha Pereira. After the Mass, all OCDS members and
priests gathered in the Seminary Refectory to share
their experiences over refreshments, marking the
occasion with fellowship and joy.
Welcoming
New Members with Joy to Embrace the Call to Serve
and Follow the Carmelite Way.
The
Canonically established Secular Carmel Community (OCDS)
of St. Teresa of Avila, Bikarnakatte,
Mangaluru-575005, affiliated with St. Joseph’s
Monastery at Bikarnakatte, Mangaluru, is pleased to
announce that two more members have made their
Temporary Promise. Mrs. Susheela Dsouza and Mrs.
Gracy Noronha made their Promise on the Feast day of
Sacred Heart of Jesus - Friday, the 7th of June 2024
at 4:00 p.m. The concelebrated high Mass was
presided over by Rev. Fr. Melvin D’Cunha, OCD,
Superior of St. Joseph’s Monastery, Bikarnakatte,
along with Rev. Fr.Dominic Vas, OCD, Parish Priest
of Infant Mary Church, Bajjodi, and Rev. Fr. Ivan
D’Souza, OCD, the Spiritual Assistant of the OCDs
community. The Mass was followed by a small
gathering in the community hall. Rev. Fr. Melvin
D’Cunha, OCD, presided over the function. Also in
attendance were Rev. Fr. Ivan D’Souza, OCD, Mrs.
Jacintha Lobo, OCDS, President, Dr. Laveena Dmello,
OCDS, Provincial Council Secretary, and the newly
committed Mrs. Susheela Dsouza and Mrs. Gracy
Noronha. The program commenced with a welcome
address by Mr. Gracian Dsouza, followed by an
introduction of the members by Mrs. Jane Sequeira.
Rev. Fr. Ivan D’Souza, OCD, delivered an inspiring
message. During the gathering, the new members
shared their journeys of being called by God to
their vocation, the training they underwent, and the
support they received from other community members.
Rev. Fr. Melvin D’Cunha, OCD, gave the presidential
address, appreciating the members' zeal to join the
OCDS and their dedication to following Mother Mary
and the Carmelite Saints. Mrs. Lucy Pais gave the
vote of thanks, and the entire event was compered by
Mrs. Mary Rebello.
Inauguration
of the Academic Year 2024-25 and Lectio Brevis at
Pushpashrama
The
inauguration of the academic year 2024-25 at the
Pushpashrama Institute of Philosophy and Religion
was held on Saturday, June 1, 2024. The event began
with a solemn inaugural Eucharistic celebration,
presided over by Rev. Fr Silvestre D’Souza OCD, the
Provincial Superior of the Karnataka Goa Province.
In his homily, Fr. Provincial emphasized the
significance of walking in humility with God,
setting a reflective tone for the academic year. The
formal inaugural program commenced at 11:00 AM. Fr
Oswald Crasta OCD, the Rector, extended a warm
welcome to the gathering. Following this, Fr Wilfred
Rodrigues OCD, the Dean, presented the annual
report, providing an overview of the institute's
achievements and progress over the past year. The
students added a musical touch to the ceremony with
a well-received chorus. A highlight of the event was
the Lectio Brevis, delivered by Dr V N Sheshagiri
Rao, a retired Professor and Chairman of the
Department of Studies and Research in Philosophy at
Manasa Gangotri, University of Mysore. His
presentation on "The God of Christianity and Dvaita
Vedanta '' offered profound insights into the
comparative study of these philosophical traditions.
The program also included the release of the
students’ wall magazine, ‘Cosmos,’ by Fr.
Provincial. In his presidential address, he
underscored the importance of philosophizing as a
crucial aspect of intellectual and spiritual growth.
The event concluded on a high note with the
Pushpashrama anthem, leaving the attendees inspired
and ready for the new academic year.
A
Day of Double Joy at Tapovana
On
May 26, 2024, the Tapovana community gathered to
celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, a
day marked by both religious significance and joyous
events. This year, the community had a special
reason to rejoice in a twofold manner. Firstly, the
celebration honored Fr. Siltan Noronha, who had
recently been ordained as a priest on May 10, 2024.
Fr. Noronha had served as a Deacon at Tapovana for
several months, endearing himself to the community
with his dedication and service. On this special
day, he returned to Tapovana to celebrate his first
thanksgiving Mass. The novitiate community warmly
congratulated and felicitated him, expressing their
joy and support for his new journey in the
priesthood. Following the Mass, the community took
the opportunity to extend their heartfelt wishes to
Fr. Silvestre D’Souza, the Provincial, on the feast
of the Holy Trinity, a day that holds special
significance for him due to his religious name. In a
gesture of shared joy and gratitude, both Fr. Siltan
Noronha and Fr. Silvestre D’Souza participated in a
cake-cutting ceremony. The novices added to the
celebratory atmosphere with a melodious song,
wishing both priests God’s blessings and continued
grace. The festivities concluded with a monastic
meal. The Tapovana community extends its heartfelt
wishes to Fr. Siltan Noronha, praying for God's
blessings as he continues his priestly ministry in
the garden of Carmel. They also wish Fr. Silvestre
D’Souza a blessed feast of the Holy Trinity.
Victims
of Love: Six Brothers' Solemn Profession in Carmel
May
22, 2024, a Wednesday, marked a day of celebration
and rejoicing as six brothers—Pranay Pereira, Alwin
D’Souza, Elston Monteiro, Stin George, Loy Jackson
Crasta, and Hilary Rodrigues—made their Solemn
Profession, thereby perpetually embracing the life
of Carmel. Inspired by the spirituality of St.
Thérèse of Lisieux, they chose the poignant theme
“To be little victims of Love” for their sacred
commitment. The solemn Eucharistic celebration began
at 3:30 PM, presided over by Rev. Fr. Silvestre
D’Souza, Provincial Superior, accompanied by 46
priests from various province communities and the
diocesan clergy. In his homily, Fr. Provincial
highlighted the lives of Carmelite saints,
emphasizing their deep connection with God’s love.
He invited the brothers to be true “victims of God’s
love” in their daily lives as Carmelites, echoing
the spirit of self-surrender and devotion. The
liturgy was animated by Br. Prithesh Crasta,
enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of the occasion.
Adding a melodious spiritual flavour to the
celebration was the Carmel Choir, whose harmonious
singing uplifted the entire ceremony. Following the
Mass, a short felicitation was organized. Fr. Babush
Rodrigues skillfully compered the program, while Fr.
Deep Fernandes offered a heartfelt toast,
acknowledging the unique talents and qualities of
each brother, as well as the immense sacrifice of
their parents in offering their sons to the
Carmelite life. Fr. Provincial extended his
blessings and best wishes to the newly professed
brothers.
click on the image for more
Distribution
of Scholarships to children of Visually Impaired
parents
Bengaluru,
May 11: A Carmelite NGO, Dhyana Jyothi Trust,
stepped in to make a small but considerate impact in
the lives of the children of thirty Visually
Impaired parents that depicted a noble purpose of
Love and Charity. Under the banner, 'Carmel Vision
for the Future,’ scholarships of approximately Rs 7
Lakhs were provided for these children on 11th May
2024 at KROSS, Bengaluru. Fr Ivan D'souza, the
Director of the Trust in his message, remarked at
the Milestone of completing the Tenth Year of
Service in this Scholarship Programme. He said that
Education to children especially to those of
visually impaired parents is a Carmelite Venture.
Though the parents are blind, they have a great
desire to brighten the lives of their children.
Carmelite priests have taken up this unique
initiative with the help of the donors and
benefactors.” Also, Nelly Prichardo, coordinator of
‘Carmel Vision for Future’ said, “Parents are not
only blind, they are also poor. Hence, they cannot
afford to educate their children. On the contrary,
children are highly talented and fare very well in
their studies. Hence, we feel it is our
responsibility to lend them a helping hand.” The
parents of these kids suffer from total or partial
blindness and thus struggle to earn a living. While
they find it extremely difficult to educate their
children, the children in turn lack the support they
need financially, in spite of their excellent
performance in Academics. Therefore, Dhyana Jyothi,
a Charitable Trust by the Carmelite priests which
also takes up printing of Religious and Social
Literature counts on its generous Benefactors and
Sponsors who manifest their Generosity by being a
light in the path of the future of these children.
Inauguration
of Carmel Garments Unit at Kadaganchi
Carmel
Garments, the Kadaganchi unit of Carmel Garments
Jagalur, experienced a momentous occasion on May 14,
2024, as it was grandly inaugurated. Reverend Fr.
Stany Lobo, Vicar General of Gulbarga Diocese,
graced the event, marking a significant milestone
for the community. The event commenced with a warm
welcome extended by Fr. Deepak Thomas, followed by
Fr. Sundeep Goveas honouring Fr. Stany with a shawl.
Fr. William Miranda further embellished the ceremony
by presenting a flower bouquet, symbolizing the
flourishing of this new endeavour. Following the
cutting of the ceremonial ribbons by Fr. Stany and
the bestowing of blessings upon the center, Carmel
Garments Kadaganchi was officially inaugurated. The
event was attended not only by esteemed clergy but
also by the dedicated staff of Mount Carmel
Kadaganchi and the women from the village.
"Divine
Calling: Fourth Carmelite Ordained to Priesthood in
Karwar Diocese"
On
May 10, 2024, a momentous occasion unfolded at St.
Anthony's Church, Mundkani, Honnavar, as Bishop
Duming Dias of the Diocese of Karwar presided over
the ordination of a fourth Carmelite deacon, Siltan
Noronha OCD, to the priesthood. The ceremony
radiated joy, attended by a gathering of 70 priests,
comprising Carmelites, Diocesan members, and other
religious, alongside a multitude of witnesses from
the parish and friends’ circle. In his reflections
on the profound significance of priesthood, Bishop
emphasized its divine mandate, stating, "God sends a
priest to proclaim the Gospel, sanctify his people,
and continue the mission of mercy, being a man of
God and the Church." He further elucidated the
essence of priesthood, highlighting the divine
calling, anointing, and commissioning that underpin
a priest's sacred duties. Drawing parallels to the
redemptive mission of Jesus Christ, the bishop
underscored the priest's role as a steward of this
divine legacy. Echoing the bishop's sentiments, Fr.
Silvestre D'Souza, Provincial Superior of the
Carmelites, expressed gratitude for the bishop's
presence and underscored the enduring bond between
the Diocese of Karwar and the Carmelites. He
extended heartfelt congratulations to the bishop,
who recently marked the completion of one month
since his episcopal ordination. Additionally, he
thanked Fr. Siltan's parents, acknowledging their
pivotal role in nurturing his vocation.
Mount
Carmel Spirituality Centre Prepares for
Inauguration: A Sneak Peek Inside
May
08, 2024: Mount Carmel Spirituality Centre is on the
tip of its grand inauguration, heralding a new
chapter in spiritual enrichment and community
engagement. As anticipation builds, the first
glimpses of the interior furnishing unveil a space
poised to inspire and nurture the soul. Mr. Aman,
the supervisor of the construction, recently led the
friars on a comprehensive tour of the premises,
showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and
thoughtful design that defines the Centre's
ambiance. With 95% of the construction completed,
every corner reflects a labour of love and devotion.
As the final touches are put in place, Mount Carmel
Spirituality Centre stands ready to embrace its role
as a bastion of solace and enlightenment in the
community.
Love
has chosen me as a Holocaust… Five Novices Embrace
Their Sacred Journey to Carmel with First
Profession"
Five
novices, Brs Brayan V. Lobo, Clavin D'souza, Daniel
Mathias, Mark Murali, and Rheyan Fernandes, embarked
on their sacred journey into Carmel by making their
first religious profession at Tapovana in
Kushalnagar on May 1, 2024. The concelebrated Holy
Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Silvestre Dsouza,
the Provincial Superior of Karnataka Goa, together
with the Provincial Councillors, forty priests from
Carmelite and other religious congregations, and
diocesan clergy. The profound moment of their simple
profession was witnessed by numerous religious
women, family members, well-wishers of Tapovana, and
the lay faithful from the Parish of Kushalnagar. In
his homily, the Provincial invited the novices to
abide in the love of Jesus and to remain faithful to
the steadfast love they have professed. The liturgy
was animated by Fr. Antony Stephen, and the
felicitation program was conducted by Deacon Siltan
Noronha. The melodious choir was led by thirteen
postulants who had just embarked on their novitiate
on April 30, the previous day. Fr. Provincial
extended his congratulations to the newly professed
brothers and expressed gratitude to their parents
for entrusting their sons to the Order and the
Church. Fr. Joseph D'souza extended his thanks to
all present for their participation. Finally, all
attendees were invited to share in the agape meal,
marking the culmination of a joyous celebration.
Magnificat
- Seeking Mary's intercession
On
Wednesday, April 24, 2024, a special prayer service
was held under the banner of Magnificat to seek
divine blessings for the upcoming General Elections
of 2024 at the Infant Jesus Shrine in
Bikarnakatte-Mangaluru. The service was organized to
pray for Mary's intercession and to seek the
blessings of the Lord for the entire election
process, the second phase of which will be held on
Friday. The service commenced with the meaningful
recitation of the Rosary. Following the Rosary,
there was Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and
the Holy Eucharist was also celebrated. Fr. Clifford
Rodrigues OCD, a newly ordained priest from the Asha
Deepa Monastery in Madanthyar, led the entire
service. A moderate crowd of faithful gathered for
the service, filled with hope and faith that their
prayers would be answered. Intense prayers were also
offered for the future of our country. Overall, it
was a meaningful and inspiring event that brought
people together to seek divine guidance and
blessings for the nation. In addition to the prayer
service, the Shrine has made sincere efforts to
raise awareness about the nationwide elections.
Posters and videos have been prepared regarding the
General Elections 2024, reminding the faithful that
participating in the elections is a noble deed and
essential to safeguarding the future of our nation.
"Trifecta
of Celebration: Triple Birthdays Spark Joy at
Sadbhavana"
On
April 22, 2024, Sadbhavana witnessed a day filled
with joy and celebration as the community, alongside
the friars of the Bengaluru region, came together to
commemorate the Birthday and ordination day of Fr
Silvestre D’Souza, the Provincial, and anticipated
birthdays of Frs. Vijaya Kumar and Melwin Lasrado.
The day commenced with a solemn Eucharist at 7:00
am, with the Provincial presiding over the ceremony.
Fr Archibald Gonsalves delivered a poignant homily,
setting the tone for the day's festivities. Later in
the evening, at 7:30 pm, the celebration continued
with a prayer service led by Frs. Vinod Lobo and
Melwin Lasrado. This was followed by a brief
felicitation ceremony held at the dining hall. Fr
Prakash D’Cunha adeptly compered the event, while Fr
Joachim Rodrigues raised a heartfelt toast. Speaking
on behalf of the birthday celebrants, Fr Provincial
shared words of gratitude and appreciation. The
gathering was graced by the presence of esteemed
guests, including Fr Pius James D’Souza, Definitor
General, Provincial Councillors, as well as Frs.
Charles Serrao and Wilfred Rodrigues from
Pushpashrama; Fr George Santhumayor from Margao; and
Fr Naveen Lobo from Kadaganchi. Following the formal
proceedings, all the friars partook in a splendid
birthday dinner prepared by Fr Henry Moras. This
birthday celebration served as an opportunity to
express appreciation for the selfless services
rendered by the Provincial to the Province. As the
celebrations drew to a close, heartfelt wishes were
extended to Fr Silvestre D’Souza and the other
birthday celebrants. May they continue to be blessed
with peace, joy, and happiness in the years to come.
Student
Retreat at Carmel Hill, Vancouver
From
April 11th to 14th, Carmel Hill - Little Flower
Monastery hosted a three-day retreat for 151
students, marking a significant success in fostering
spiritual growth and community bonding. The retreat,
meticulously managed by Fr. Vincent and Fr. Mario
ensured that the needs of the participants were
promptly addressed. The success of the retreat is a
reflection of the sacrifices and relentless efforts
of the entire team of Fathers at Carmel Hill. Their
selfless service and commitment to nurturing the
spiritual development of the students have left an
indelible mark on all who attended. It is through
their guidance and support that the retreat
blossomed into a transformative journey for the
students, leaving them inspired and rejuvenated. As
we reflect on the triumph of the student retreat at
Carmel Hill - Little Flower Monastery, we extend our
heartfelt congratulations to the team of Fathers for
their exceptional leadership and unwavering
commitment to the spiritual welfare of the
participants. Their dedication serves as a beacon of
light, guiding future generations towards a deeper
understanding of faith and community.
Revitalizing
Faith: Reflections on the New Evangelization Retreat
at Little Flower Monastery
From
April 16 to 29, 2024, Little Flower Monastery on
Carmel Hill, Canada hosted a three-day retreat on
New Evangelization for lay people from the Vancouver
Archdiocese. With 60 participants in attendance, the
retreat offered a deeply enriching spiritual
experience. Fr. Vincent Superior and Director Fr.
Mario Fernandes deserves appreciation for their
contributions towards the success of the retreat.
Little Flower Monastery is increasingly recognized
among Catholics in the Archdiocese as a leading and
accessible retreat centre. Participants were
captivated by the serene green surroundings,
embraced by majestic mountains and outdoor Stations
of the Cross. The atmosphere provided a conducive
environment for reflection and prayer, fostering
spiritual growth. Attendees greatly appreciated the
opportunity to immerse themselves in the retreat's
offerings, taking full advantage of the facilities
provided by the Discalced Carmelites. This retreat
served as a testament to the monastery's commitment
to spiritual enrichment, empowering participants to
deepen their faith and share their experiences
within their communities.
Fancy
Dress Competition for Postulants
The
Fancy Dress Competition was held on the evening of
April 14th at the Carmelite Monastery Hall,
providing an opportunity for the Postulancy Brothers
to showcase their creativity and performance skills.
The event aimed to encourage self-expression and
teamwork among the participants. The competition
allowed the Postulancy Brothers to select any topic
for their fancy dress performance. They were
evaluated by three external judges based on the
following criteria:
• Costume • Makeup • Theme Adherence • Expression
and Gestures • Novelty/Creativity • Overall Impact
The event witnessed a significant turnout, with
members of the OCDs, teachers, friends,
well-wishers, benefactors, and children attending to
support and enjoy the performances of the Postulancy
Brothers.
Mount
Carmel Spirituality Centre, Edmonton, Canada
Herewith
we enclose the latest photos showcasing the progress
of the Mount Carmel Spirituality Centre. These
images reflect that approximately 95% of the
construction work has been successfully completed.
As we approach the inauguration date, it's
encouraging to witness the substantial advancement
in the project. Please review the photos at your
earliest convenience and whisper a prayer.
"Discern
Your Call" Vocation Camp at Carmel Hill
St.
Joseph's Monastery organized a pivotal event, the
"Come to Carmel Hill to 'Discern Your Call'"
vocation camp, targeted at the Mangalore region.
Spanning from the 8th of April, starting at 5 PM,
until the afternoon of the 10th of April, the camp
attracted 50 boys, including students from 8th, 9th,
and 10th grades, eager to explore their calling. The
inauguration ceremony, graced by Rev. Fr. Archibald
Gonsalves, Provincial Councillor for Vocation
Promotion, alongside the respected Superior of St
Joseph’s Monastery, Rev. Fr. Melwin D'Cunha, and Fr.
John Pinto, Bursar, along with Regional Vocation
Promoters, set an auspicious tone for the event.
Throughout the camp, distinguished speakers such as
Fr. Archibald Gonsalves, Fr. John Sequeira, Fr. Deep
Fernandes, and Fr. Michael Morris imparted
invaluable insights, infusing the gathering with
their vibrant energy and wisdom. Crucial to the
camp's success was the invaluable assistance
rendered by Rev. Fr. Ashwin D'Silva and the
supportive presence of brothers from Mapusa and
Madanthyar, who facilitated a seamless experience
for all attendees. The "Discern Your Call" camp not
only provided a platform for introspection and
exploration but also fostered a sense of community
and solidarity among participants. It served as a
platform for nurturing vocations and guiding young
minds towards a purposeful path. We pray that these
boys may be inspired by the Lord to embrace Carmel
in following Jesus.
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,
Computers and other electronic devices globally in
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