SEMINAR ON THE OCDS PROVINCE STATUTES
A Seminar on the OCDS Province Statutes was held from October 21-22, 2023 at Sadbhavana, K. G. Province, Bengaluru. The progamme was inaugurated by the Provincial Superior, Rev Fr Silvestre D’Souza, OCD. Rev Fr Alphonse Britto, the Councillor in charge of Spirituality, Rev Fr. Deep Fernandes, Provincial Delegate for the OCDS, and the Spiritual Assistants of the OCDS: Rev Frs George Santhumayor, Dominic Vas, Shabas Crasta, Jerald D’Souza, Lancy Mendonca, Ivan Robert D’Souza, Regan D’Souza and Anthon Souz, were present. The President of the Provincial Council Mr Sebastian Mendes, Provincial Council members Mr. Roy Rodrigues, Mrs. Laveena Dmello and Jessy Pinto were also present. In total, there were 13 OCDS office bearers, 8 Spiritual Assistants apart from the Provincial Superior, his delegate, and the Councillor in charge of Spirituality.

The Provincial Superior and his delegate were the resource persons for the Seminar. The newly approved OCDS Province Statutes of the Karnataka Goa Province were studied in depth. Along with that, quite a few practical difficulties were discussed.

During the two-day seminar, many uncertainties were effectively resolved. The participants were engaged in a profound discussion regarding inactive communities, chronic absenteeism of members, availing of the formation syllabus material, establishment of new communities, etc. All the members were grateful for this enriching experience and requested to host such programmes with greater frequency.