Provincial in the Eternal City
A long-overdue visit by Provincial, Rev. Fr. Pius James D’Souza, OCD to Italy has finally happened. Fr. Provincial landed in the eternal city on 11th April. More than an official visit, it was a friendly and fraternal visit to the province members serving or studying in Italy. On Friday, 16th April all the friars gathered at Santa Maria della Scala community for the Holy Eucharist presided over by Fr. Sunil Rodrigues. The Mass was offered in suffrage of his beloved mom, Mrs. Mary Rodrigues who had passed away about nine months back. Dn. Jignesh Kumar proclaimed the Gospel and preached his maiden homily to the community. Making use of the theories of intelligence in Psychology, namely, Intelligence Quotient (IQ), Emotional Quotient (EQ), and Spiritual Quotient (SQ), he described the Easter Mystery and its relevance both for our personal and community life. The Mass was followed by a gathering in the upper room (fourth floor of the house), during which Fr. Provincial using another latest theory of intelligence, namely, Adversity Quotient (AQ), underscored the need to grow as strong and committed Carmelites even in the midst of challenges and adversities. It was also an occasion to relive some of the special events in the life of individual Friars especially the Diaconate of Br. Jignesh, doctoral defense of Fr. Richard, and arrival of Fr. Prakash Rebello to Rome. Fr. Provincial also made a mention of the forthcoming doctoral defense of Fr. Rudolf Pinto. In a lighter vein the Friars shared their own PQ (Personal Quotient) as they relished the sumptuous dinner organized by Fr. Deepak Tauro with the support of two budding Carmelite chefs, Fr. Mark Furtado and Fr. Prakash Rebello.