Carmelites celebrate St Joseph’s Monastery’s 75th Jubilee
“I took for my patron and Lord the glorious St. Joseph …. I cannot call to mind that I have ever asked him at any time for anything he has not granted.” – St Teresa of Avila
The protective hands of St. Joseph have always stood unwavered over his beloved Carmels from the time of its inception till its reformation and even until now! The present evidence is the St. Joseph’s Monastery, Mangalore which has always been his beneficiary from 75 years and who as Fr. Archibald Gonsalves said in the homily, brought with him the blessings of Our Lady and specifically Infant Jesus.

In order to commemorate the platinum jubilee of the second oldest foundation of the K G Province, a great festival was celebrated on 19 March, 2022 at 4:30 PM. Along with over 60 Carmelite friars of our province, our neighboring priests, religious, the OCDS and friends, Most Rev Bishop Emeritus of Mangalore, Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza thanked the Lord in the Eucharist for the abundant blessings we’ve received over 75 years. Fr. Archibald Gonsalves preached a euphoric homily on St. Joseph and his special love to Carmelites. The brothers and the Carmel Choir lent their voices with the faithful in animating the liturgy.

After the thanksgiving mass, the newly built platinum memorial clergy residence was inaugurated by Rev Fr George Santhumayor and the four floors were consecutively blessed by Fr George, Fr Charles Serrao, Fr Rudolph D’Souza and Fr Prakash D’Cunha. The statue of St. Joseph was blessed and the plaque was unveiled. After this followed a short stage programme compered by Fr Rudolph Pinto. The chief guests for the evening were Fr. George Santhumayor, the provincial, Fr Rudolf V. D’Souza, the president of the Carmelite Canadian association, Fr Charles Serrao, the superior of the Monastery, Fr Benny, councilor from Manjummel Province, Sr Shamitha Provincial of AC congregation and Mrs Josephine, from Angelore, at whose house the early friars stayed. The programme included events such as prayer dance by Remona Evette Pereira and Shravya B S, welcome speech by Fr Charles, an event-based song sung by brothers and composed by Fr Alwyn Sequeira, release of the platinum souvenir and felicitation of the guests and of all those who have helped in the construction of the residence. A short documentary was also displayed which recalled the history of the monastery. A skit was performed by Maand group to entertain the audience in conclusion, the vote of thanks was delivered by Fr Rovel D’Souza. After the programme, sumptuous dinner was served for everyone.

The monastery today being the centre for prayer and spirituality, also serves as the housing for the brothers who aspire for priesthood. Every friar staying here based on their personal capacities and Carmelite zeal serve the society in various ways possible. Friars of this monastery are actively engaged in preaching, listening to confessions round the clock, counselling and are available for anointing and prayer at hospitals. They also usher the prisoners through Prison Ministry of India, Mangalore unit and reach out to the catholic readers with Konkani monthly, Naman Ballok Jezu while also catering to the faithful with spiritual talks and various programmes through Carmel Kiran YouTube channel.