The Joyful Fragility of a Saint: Centenary Celebration to the Little Flower
The Carmelite Family of the Bangalore Region came together in joyous unity on 23 November 2025 to celebrate the Centenary of the Canonization of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, the beloved Little Flower. Hosted at the stately DJB Auditorium of Mount Carmel College, Autonomous, Vasanthnagar, Bengaluru, the event unfolded as a vibrant tapestry of gratitude, fraternity, and spiritual renewal.

Organized under the joint banner of the Carmelite Family, the celebration drew together the religious congregations rooted in the Carmelite tradition: OCD Fathers and Nuns, CMI, CSST, AC, CTC, CMC, CM, and the Bethany Sisters (BS). The gathering was further enriched by the presence of numerous priests, religious, lay associates, Secular Carmelites, benefactors, and friends, all united in honouring the life, message, and enduring sanctity of St. Thérèse.

Solemn Welcome of Distinguished Guests
The celebration began with a warm and graceful welcome extended to an august assembly of leaders of the Carmelite Family:
1. Rev. Fr. Silvestre D’Souza, OCD, Provincial Superior, Karnataka–Goa Province
2. Rev. Fr. Pius James D’Souza, OCD, Definitor General
3. Rev. Sr. Jose Lynette, CSST, Superior General, Carmelite Sisters of St. Teresa
4. Rev. Sr. Maria Nirmalini, AC, Superior General, Apostolic Carmel
5. Rev. Sr. Shahila, CTC, Superior General, Congregation of Teresian Carmelites
6. Rev. Sr. Sahana, BS, Provincial Superior, Bethany Sisters (Bangalore Province)
7. Rev. Sr. Arpana, CSST, Assistant General
8. Rev. Sr. Fredoline, CSST, Superior of Mount Carmel Community

Representatives of all Carmelite branches—fathers, sisters, students, lay Carmel, and collaborators—were gratefully acknowledged, along with clergy and religious from other congregations who graced the celebration with their esteemed presence.

Inauguration Ceremony
The programme commenced with a symbolic and life-affirming gesture: the watering of a potted flowering plant, signifying growth, vitality, and the ever-renewing fragrance of Carmelite spirituality grounded in “the Little Way.” This act highlighted St. Thérèse’s message of humble love, steady fidelity, and the blossoming of sanctity in the ordinariness of daily life.

Conference Session: “St. Thérèse – Fragile but Joyful, A Pilgrim of Hope”
At 9:00 a.m., the audience was blessed with an enlightening conference by Rev. Fr. Pius James D’Souza, OCD, Definitor General, who masterfully explored the theme: “St. Thérèse: Fragile but Joyful – A Pilgrim of Hope.” With theological depth and pastoral warmth, Fr. Pius reflected on Thérèse’s spiritual realism, her luminous trust in God’s merciful love, and her fragile humanity transformed into joyful confidence. His talk stirred hearts and reawakened in many, the conviction that sanctity is attainable through simplicity, surrender, and unwavering hope.

Messages from Carmelite Superiors
The day’s celebration was enriched by heartfelt messages from distinguished leaders of the Carmelite congregations: Rev. Sr. Maria Nirmalini, AC, who highlighted the need to embrace our vulnerability – to find God present in the dust and dirt of everyday life. Rev. Sr. Jose Lynette, CSST, who emphasized the call to serve with childlike trust. Rev. Sr. Sahana, BS, who spoke on living the Gospel in hidden, transformative ways. Rev. Fr. Silvestre D’Souza, OCD, who invited the gathering to rediscover the contemplative dynamism of Carmelite mission. Their reflections added depth, variety, and collective richness to the celebration.

Solemn Eucharistic Celebration
At 11:00 a.m., the celebration reached its spiritual summit with the Holy Eucharist, solemnly presided over by Most Rev. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore. Numerous priests from the Carmelite Family and other congregations concelebrated, creating a deeply prayerful and joyful atmosphere. In his homily, Archbishop Machado invited the faithful to imitate the Little Flower’s simplicity, courage in suffering, and missionary heart that continues to inspire millions worldwide.

Cultural Programme and Fellowship
Following the Eucharistic celebration, the gathering was treated to a vibrant cultural programme. Students from Apostolic Carmel institutions, CSST colleges, CTC and Bethany Institutes presented a captivating tableau on the life, spirituality, and mission of St. Thérèse; dance performance and artistic expressions that portrayed her Little Way; sequences celebrating her joy, trust, and her role as patroness of missions. Their performances were marked by grace, devotion, and youthful enthusiasm, leaving the audience deeply moved.

Rev. Fr Alphonse Britto, the Convener of the Carmelite Family of Bangalore Region proposed the vote of thanks, articulating from the bottom of his heart the feeling of gratitude shared by the entire Carmelite Family. Fr Alphonse and Sr Sajitha CSST, assisted by the lecturers of Mount Carmel College, were the brains behind the organization of this beautiful event commemorating the life and spirituality of St Therese of Lisieux. The day’s celebrations concluded with a fellowship meal, fostering bonds of communion within the wider Carmelite family.

Spanning from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the Centenary Celebration of St. Thérèse’s Canonization was a profound manifestation of unity, gratitude, and renewed missionary zeal. The event beautifully highlighted the rich tapestry of the Carmelite heritage while rekindling in all gathered the fragrance of the Little Flower’s message—a call to live with trust, love, simplicity, and joyful hope.

The Carmelite Family of Bengaluru stands ever grateful to God for the grace of this occasion and for the abiding inspiration of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, whose little way continues to lead countless souls to holiness.