Closing Ceremony of the Common Novitiate Programme at Kurnool
Kurnool, 31 May 2026 – The Common Novitiate Programme concluded on 31 May 2026 with a day filled with thanksgiving, prayer, fellowship, and joyful celebration.

The day began with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration at 7:00 a.m., presided over by Rt. Rev. Dr. Johannes Gorantla OCD, Bishop of Kurnool, and concelebrated by Fr. Charles Serrao OCD, Religious Assistant, and Fr. Samson OCD. As the Church celebrated Trinity Sunday, Bishop Johannes reflected on the mystery of the Holy Trinity, explaining how God reveals Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit throughout salvation history. He emphasized that God is a communion of love and invites humanity into that same communion.

Drawing from Scripture, the Bishop highlighted God's relationship with His people, from the Old Testament revelation to Moses, through the mission of Jesus Christ, and into the present age guided by the Holy Spirit. He reminded the congregation that communion lies at the heart of Christian life, a communion beautifully expressed in the Eucharist. Referring to the vision of St. Teresa of Avila, he encouraged all to foster joyful and loving communion within their religious communities. The Eucharistic celebration included introduction and intercessory prayers prepared by the novices.

The formal closing programme was held in the common hall of the Kurnool Carmel Monastery under the guidance of Mother Anna of Jesus, Federal Formator. The novices presented a creative and inspiring drama entitled Living Flame, portraying the life and spirituality of St. John of the Cross in the context of the third centenary of his canonization. The presentation also highlighted the significant role of St. Teresa of Avila in the life of St. John of the Cross and his influence on St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus. Through drama, dance, narration, and multimedia presentations, the novices brought to life the rich spiritual heritage of the Carmelite tradition.

The programme was presided over by Most Rev. Johannes Gorantla OCD, Bishop of Kurnool and attended by Fr. Charles Serrao, Religious Assistant; Mother Theresita of Jesus Crucified, Federal President; Mother Grace of Jesus, Prioress of Kurnool Carmel Monastery; the Kurnool community.

Mother Anna of Jesus presented a brief report on the Common Novitiate Programme, highlighting the formation journey undertaken by the novices. In his address, Bishop Gorantla commended the novices for their outstanding performance, describing it as having the qualities of classical drama. He encouraged them to remain faithful to their vocation and to follow the inspiring examples of the great Carmelite saints—St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus.

The Bishop and Fr. Charles Serrao respectively expressed their appreciation and gratitude to Mother Anna for her dedicated service, commitment, and sacrifices in the formation of the novices as the Federal Formator, accompanying them throughout their formation journey. They also thanked Mother Theresita for her vision and leadership in implementing the Common Novitiate Programme and acknowledged Mother Grace and the Kurnool Community for their generous hospitality and support.

The Federal President, acknowledged the contributions of all who made the programme possible and presented mementos as tokens of appreciation. Mother Grace thanked the Bishop for his continued support, while Mother Anna expressed her gratitude to the Bishop and Fr. Charles for their guidance, accompaniment, and encouragement. The formal programme concluded with a fellowship meal.

In the evening, at 4:30 p.m., the novices led a special thanksgiving prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, offering gratitude for the generosity, care, and sacrifices of the Kurnool community throughout the novitiate year.

The day concluded with a joyful recreation programme at 7:00 p.m., in which Fr. Charles Serrao also participated. The novices, together with Mother Anna, expressed their appreciation to the community members through creative poems projected on screen and personalized acknowledgement cards. The celebration included Bible Housie and Passing the Parcel games, with prizes awarded to the winners.

The closing day ended with a shared meal, the grace before meals prayed by Fr. Charles Serrao, and the singing of the Salve Regina, bringing the Common Novitiate Programme to a prayerful and memorable conclusion.

May the Lord continue to bless the novices as they carry forward the rich Carmelite spirit in their vocation and service.