Infant Jesus Feast and Silver Jubilee of Carmel Ashram, Katkere, Koteshwar
The solemn feast of Infant Jesus and the silver jubilee of the monastery were celebrated at Carmel Ashram Katkere, Koteshwar on 21st Saturday, 2023. Most Rev. Jerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi presided over the Eucharist. Rev. Fr. Joseph D Souza, Superior of Asha Deepa, Madantyar preached the homily. Along with Fr. George Santhumayor around thirty priests were concelebrated in the Eucharist.

Fr. Alwyn Sequeira thanked all former Provincials, Superiors, and members who toiled tirelessly to build Carmel Ashram over the course of time. He also thanked the Bishop and deanery priests for the opportunities they gave to render pastoral services in the diocese thus far. He recalled all the Carmelite communities who generously contributed to the construction of the new kitchen and renovation of the house. Frs. Dolphy D’Souza and Felix Moras of happy memory were especially remembered during the celebration.

Fr. Deep Fernandes read out the names of the donors and Fr. Boniface D'souza the founder and two times Superior of Carmel Ashram honoured them. Fr. Aaron Babush conducted the Choir and Fr. Vishan Vinu Monis played the keyboard. The members of the Choir comprised from different parishes of the deanery.

Bishop congratulated the members of the Carmel Ashram community and expressed his desire that this tiny seed sown in Katkere, Koteshwar may grow and become a mighty tree in the near future. Fr. Provincial spoke on the occasion and said that despite all the odds Carmel Ashram has silently grown for the past 25 years and contributed its mite to the spreading of the devotion of Infant Jesus and Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the vicinity. He also thanked all the benefactors whose constant support has kept this house going.

Fr. Francis Bartholomew took care of the Liturgy and Fr. Cyril Menezes former Superior and present Parish Priest of Koteshwar took care of the meals. Rev. Fr. Stany Tauro, the dean of Kundapur Deanery, prayed for grace over the meals. All were served meals after the celebration.

The celebration was preceded by a triduum and a retreat preached by rev. Fr. Rudolf Raj Pinto and Bro. Prakash D Souza from Bandra Mumbai.