OCDS ANNUAL LENTEN RETREAT
Goa, March 29, 2026
The Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCDS) communities in Margao—namely the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Community and the St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus Community—came together for their Annual Lenten Retreat held on 28-29 March, 2026.

This year’s retreat was guided by Rev. Fr Joachim Rodrigues, OCD, from Carmel Nivas, Londa, and was centered on the teachings of St. John of the Cross on Love and Forgiveness, Detachment, Fruits of Detachment and Prayer.

The retreat began with a serene and prayerful recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, followed by a hymn invoking the Holy Spirit, drawing both communities into a deep sense of unity and devotion.

Mrs. Valerie Antao, Councillor of the St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus Community, OCDS, extended a warm and heartfelt welcome to all present. She also introduced the retreat preacher, Rev. Fr. Joachim Rodrigues, OCD, who serves as Provincial Councillor in charge of Apostolate and Mission, and is the Manager of Mt. Carmel School, Ramnagar.

The theme of the retreat, drawn from the teachings of St. John of the Cross, was chosen in a spirit of remembrance and gratitude, marking the 300th Anniversary of his Canonization and the 100th Anniversary of his Proclamation as a Doctor of the Church.

Rev. Fr. Joachim Rodrigues, OCD, led the retreatants into a profound spiritual journey through his reflections on “Love for Neighbour” and “Forgiveness”—two essential pillars of the Christian and Carmelite vocation. He gently invited each participant to engage in daily self-examination by asking, “Why have I joined OCDS?” and more deeply, “Have I truly changed after joining OCDS?” These questions stirred a sincere call within the community to ongoing conversion and authenticity in living their vocation.

Emphasizing the heart of Carmelite spirituality, Fr. Joachim spoke on contemplation—not merely as an idea, but as a lived experience. Drawing from the teachings of St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross, he explained that contemplation is the culmination of the spiritual journey: a loving union with God where the human will is gradually transformed and aligned with the Divine Will.

Fr. Joachim also brought alive the witness of St. John of the Cross, whose life was entirely consumed by love—love for God and love for others, detachment and fruits of detachment. He emphasized that true holiness is not found in extraordinary acts alone, but in a heart that loves deeply, forgives generously, and lives with humility and self-giving. Forgiveness, he noted, is not merely an action but a grace that frees the soul, allowing it to grow in divine love and interior peace.

The retreat reached its beautiful conclusion on the final day with a heartfelt time of adoration and Eucharistic Celebration. During the Holy Mass, the celebration began with the solemn blessing of palms, marking the joyful commemoration of Palm Sunday. The members gathered in a spirit of reverence as Rev. Fr. Joachim Rodrigues invoked God’s blessing upon the palm branches, recalling Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where He was welcomed with palms and acclamations of “Hosanna.”

The vote of thanks was delivered by Alice Monte Da Silva, from Our Lady of the Mt. Carmel Community, who expressed heartfelt gratitude for the enriching retreat experience and a token of love and appreciation was handed over to Rev. Fr. Joachim Rodrigues ,OCD on behalf of both communities.

This was followed by a fellowship lunch, where members of both communities shared a meal in a spirit of joy, fraternity, and communion and as the retreatants returned home, they carried with them his timeless wisdom: “In the evening of life, we will be judged on love,” a gentle yet powerful reminder to remain rooted in God’s love and to radiate that love to all they encounter.