Inauguration of Emmaus Wellness Centre
The newly constructed building of Emmaus Wellness Centre of the Discalced Carmelites, formerly known as Emmaus Counselling Centre was inaugurated at the hands of donor of the property and the house Frank Carvalho and director of the Emmaus Wellness Centre, Mapusa, Fr Praveen D’Souza in the presence of Provincial of the Karnataka-Goa Province of the Discalced Carmelites Fr George Santhumayor, Superior of Carmelite Seminary Mapusa Fr Ivo Dias, Fr Alwyn Sequeira, fathers and brothers of the communities of Mapusa, Margao, and Xellim and the invitees. The prayer of the blessing was conducted by Fr George Santhumayor.

Speaking on the occasion, Fr D’Souza recalled the dream of the owner Frank Carvalho and his wife late Olga Da Costa Carvalho to use their property and house for the wellness of the people, and especially, towards mental and spiritual wellness. “We had begun counselling and conducted some short courses on different themes related to Psychology and Spirituality in their old house which was donated to us in the year 2007. Since the demand was growing and a bigger place was required, I approached Mr Frank with a new plan for the Emmaus. He, not only encouraged me, but assured his assistance,” said Fr D’Souza who also holds a doctorate in Counselling Psychology (clinical). “He helped us generously to realise this project,” Fr D’Souza added.

Explaining the origin of the word Emmaus in the Bible, Fr D’Souza said that the fear and anxiety of the disciples vanished when they recognised Jesus and they attained peace. So, Emmaus is a place to meet Jesus and bid goodbye to fear and anxiety and obtain peace. “Body, mind and spirit are three inseparable elements of human person. Hence their unified and healthy functioning is essential for holistic human health,” he said and further explained the purpose of the centre. “Therefore, Emmaus Wellness Centre will strive its best to focus on holistic, all-inclusive approach on human health.”

In his address, Fr Santhumayor appreciated the efforts of Fr D’Souza in completing the three storey building of the centre which has 23 residential rooms. He further recalled the efforts of the former superiors and the community members of the Carmelite Seminary, Peddem-Mapusa. He also appreciated Fr Ivo Dias and the community members for their support in completing this project. Fr Macson Dabre animated the programme. The programme began with a prayer service led by Fr Walter Lobo, Br Hilary Rodrigues and the aspirants of the Carmelite Seminary. Parish priest of St Jerome’s Church, Mapusa, Fr Denis Fernandes released a planner of the activities of the centre for the year 2022 and 2023.