The Little Flower’s jubilee commemoration by the OCDS of Margao
The OCDS community of St Therese is inspired by their patron: St. Therese of the Child Jesus, her simple yet powerful legacy of “The Little Way” still resonates in the hearts of millions today. To commemorate her feast on the 1st of October and also to honor the jubilee year 2023 of her 150th Birth Anniversary and the Centenary of Beatification, an inter-school Rolling Shield Elocution Completion titled ‘Childlike Confidence’ on the 24th of September was held. The objective of this initiative was to make the saint known and to learn and imbibe some of her qualities. Altogether, there were 15 school entries.

The event began with prayer, recited by Mrs. Teresa Dias OCDS, followed by a hymn of St. Therese sung by members to the strumming of chords by guitarist Chris.

Rev. Fr. George Santhumayor OCD, Spiritual Assistant addressed the gathering. President Mrs. Martha Pereira OCDS welcomed all present and introduced the chief guest Dr. Siona A Gomes, and the panel of Judges, Mrs. Maria Ana da Costa, Mrs. Yolanda Pinto and Dr. Rudolfo Vaz. Also present was Mr. Sebastian Mendes OCDS, President of OCDS Provincial Council.

All the participants spoke well with clarity which hinted their being trained in public speaking. Whilst the judges took to totaling the marks, the coordinators Mr. Roy Rodrigues OCDS and Mrs.Valerie Antao prepared the final results, and the audience was graced by the performance of the Goan Mando. The Rolling Shield and 1st place Prize went to Miss. Sancha Olenka Mascarenhas of Fr. Agnel Multipurpose High School. 2nd place to Miss. Maegan V Fernandes of St. Mary of the Angles Convent Chichinnim and the 3rd place to Miss. Ancia Cardozo of Perpetual Soccor Convent Navelim. Mrs.Effie Viegas proposed the vote of thanks and Mr. Conrad Mendes Compered the whole event.

Both Margao OCDS communities joined in for the triduum and shared liturgy for the Solemnity on 1st October, to celebrate St. Therese’s life and eternity, Rev. Fr. Ronald D Souza OCD, of the Little Flower, Superior of Avila Jyothi, Carmelite Seminary, Mapusa, presided the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration, he preached a meaningful homily and towards the end he awarded the shield and prizes to the winners of the elocution competition.