The Celebration of 150th Birth Anniversary
and the Centenary of the Beatification of St Therese of the Child
Jesus (Little Flower) - the Patroness of Pushpashrama
The celebration of the 150th Birth Anniversary and the Centenary
of the Beatification of St Therese of the Child Jesus, the patroness
of Pushpashrama, was celebrated on Sunday, 8 October 2023 at the
Infant Jesus Shrine, Pushpashrama. The solemn Eucharistic
Celebration was presided over by His Grace, Archbishop Emeritus Most
Rev. Dr Bernard Moras, the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of
Mysuru at 4.00 pm.
The Solemn Eucharistic Celebration was followed by a cultural
programme on the life and mission of the Little Flower held at the
Pushpashrama auditorium and dinner. The program commenced with
invoking God’s blessings by the students of St Joseph’s Convent of
Apostolic Carmel Sisters, Bannimantap by dancing to the tune of “Jai
Jai shristi kartha Deva.” Rev. Fr Oswald Crasta OCD, the Rector of
Pushpashrama, extended a warm welcome to all. The brothers of
Pushpashrama hailed St Therese’s life and message with a Chorus,
“Rejoice O Daughter of Lisieux” composed by Bro Vinod Pais, with
Lyrics by Bro Aldric Xavier and harmonized by Sir Felix. The
Children of Flos Carmeli ICSE School of the CCR Sisters helped the
gathering to relive the life of St Therese with their creative and
artistic presentation of the life of the Little Flower. Rev. Fr
Alfred Mendonca, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Mysore, wished
and appreciated the Carmelites on the occasion of the celebration of
the jubilee.
The Children of six Institutes of CSST sisters presented the message
of St Therese in performing arts: “Walking the Spiritual Path with
St Therese of Child Jesus.” 1. Christ the King Convent: St. Therese
of Lisieux - the Lover of Nature, the Patron of Florists - Dance
Drama. 2. Teresian Convent, Mysore: St Therese' Audience with Pope -
A skit. 3. St. Joseph’s Convent and Carmel Convent Mandya: St
Therese a Contemplative Missionary- Dance. 4. Avila Convent: My
Vocation is Love - A Cultural dance. 5. Nirmala Convent: I shall
spend my Heaven by doing good on earth - Dance performance.
Fr Paul D’Souza’s book Lyrical Messages and Fr Gregory D’Souza’s
book Holiness of God were released by Rev. Fr Silvestre D’Souza OCD,
the Provincial Superior of the Discalced Carmelites of Karnataka-Goa
Province and he in his message highlighted some of the important
inspiring aspects of Therese’s life and message. Brothers of
Pushpashrama performed an instrumental dedicated to St Therese. Fr
Lancy Lewis, the vice Rector and the formator of the students
proposed the vote of thanks. The program ended by singing, “I will
sing the mercies of the Lord.”
The entire celebration was organized by the Carmelite Family of
Mysuru Region under the leadership of Pushpashrama Community and
guided by Rev. Fr Alphonse Britto, OCD, the Provincial Councillor
for Spirituality. Around 45 priests and 500 Religious and faithful
were present for the celebrations. Around 225 children were on the
stage to perform various programs.
