Easter Gathering of the KG Province Friars in Italy
Santa Maria della Scala, Rome | April 09–10, 2026

The friars of the KG Province currently serving in Italy came together for the Easter gathering at Santa Maria della Scala in Rome on the 9th and 10th of April 2026. Members from the communities of Empoli, Lucca, and Teresianum joined the host community at Scala.

The gathering commenced with the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration. The Eucharist was presided over by Fr Aaron Babush, while Dn Ruban exercised his right to preach the Word of God. Fr Manoj Braganza led the choir. During the Mass, the friars especially remembered and prayed for the repose of the soul of the mother of Fr Roshan Lobo, Mrs Angline Lobo, who had gone to her heavenly abode that same morning.

They Eucharistic meal was following by a sumptuous dinner. The day ended with chatter and recreation.

The second day was dedicated to fraternal bonding, which began with Holy Eucharist combined with Lauds. Prof. Fr Richard D’Souza celebrated the Eucharist and preached an exegetical homily on Jn 21, thus giving us a ‘face-to-face glimpse of his expertise, of which many of us only heard as a reflection as in a mirror’.

Having received the spiritual nourishment in the Eucharist, the friars had the physical nourishment with the Goan ‘Choris Pao’ breakfast, and then they went on a walking pilgrimage to the less-frequented churches of Rome. The day was well spent with informal conversations, holy gossip, joyful interactions, and the sharing of Carmelite community life. The presence of the Definitor, Fr Pius D’Souza, added flavour to the fraternity. The gathering concluded with a sumptuous lunch. At closing, Fr Ambrose D’Souza, the Rector, extended his gratitude and wishes to all the friars.