Induction of Seven New OCDS candidates into Aspirancy
Date: 12 July 2026
Venue: Monastery of God the Father, Cloistered Carmel, Ramwadi, Pune

The monthly meeting of the Mother of Divine Grace OCDS Community was held on 12th July 2026 at the Monastery of God the Father, Cloistered Carmel, Ramwadi, Pune at 3:00 p.m. A total of 14 members were present for the meeting.

The meeting began with a period of silent prayer for the seven candidates who were to be admitted into Aspirancy. At 3:30 p.m., the members joined the Cloistered Carmel Sisters in praying the Vespers.

This was followed by the Rite of Admittance to Aspirancy, presided over by the Spiritual Assistant, Rev. Fr. Lancy Mendonca, OCD. During the rite, the 7 candidates expressed their desire to begin their formation in the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites. Fr. Lancy led the rite of admittance, after which the aspirants received the blessed OCDS emblem from the hands of Mother Prioress as a sign of their commitment to begin their journey of formation.

Mr. Roby John, one of the newly admitted aspirant, shared his personal testimony on what inspired him to join the OCDS and embrace the Carmelite vocation.

The community was then informed about the Seminarian sponsored by the Community Br. Ethan Lobo doing his 1 Year Philosophy and the letter from the Provincial Superior, Rev. Fr. John Francis Sequeira, OCD, was shared, expressing gratitude for the community's generous support towards the formation of seminarians. Br. Ethan's introductory letter was also read, and the community was requested to keep him in their prayers as he continues his journey towards the priesthood.

Rev. Fr. Lancy Mendonca and the Mother Prioress congratulated and blessed the new aspirants, offering them their prayers and best wishes as they began their formation journey.

Later we had a time of fellowship with a few games, fostering fellowship among the members.

Tea and snacks were served , after which a brief meeting of the Core Group members was held.

The meeting concluded with gratitude to God for the gift of the seven new aspirants and prayers for their faithful perseverance in the Carmelite vocation.

Maureen D’Souza,
Secretary
Mother of Divine Grace OCDS Community Pune