Blessing and Inauguration of the Carmelite Monastery in Cape Town
"Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; make them remember that His name is exalted." Isaiah 12:4. Indeed this verse is the root cause of the blessing and inauguration of Mimosa Carmelite Monastery at Cape Town on 27th October 2023.

The day began with welcoming the dignitaries His Eminence Cardinal Stephen Brislin, Very Rev. Fr. Miguel Marquez OCD, Superior General of Discalced Carmelites, His Lordship Auxiliary Bishop Sylvester David OMI, Very Rev. Fr. Silvestre D’Souza OCD Provincial Superior of Carmelites, Karnataka Goa Province, Very Rev. Fr. Philbert Namphande OCD and Very Rev. Fr. Pius James D’Souza OCD Definitors – Discalced Carmelites were welcomed by Rev. Fr. Mari Joseph OCD the superior and he introduced the dignitaries.

The theme is taken from the 150th jubilee celebration of the little flower St. Therese of the Child Jesus ‘All is Grace’. The solemn Holy Eucharist at 10.00 a.m. with all the dignitaries and the invited fathers, sisters, parishioners, friends, and well-wishers. Mrs. Pat Lindgren gave an introduction and welcome to begin the Thanksgiving holy Eucharist. Fr. Silvestre D’Souza broke the word of God, shared the reflections that touched every heart and impressed the gathering. The Eucharistic celebration brought many blessings and the monastery was filled with grace.

After the Divine meal blessing of the Monastery was solemnized by His Eminence Cardinal Stephen Brislin, cutting off the Ribbon by our Very Rev. Fr. Miguel Marquez OCD, Superior General of Discalced Carmelites, Unveiling of the Plaque by Rev. Fr. Silvestre D’Souza OCD Provincial Superior of Carmelites, Karnataka Goa Province. Planting of the biblical saplings of two Olive plants and a Fig plant was blessed by the Cardinal, Superior General, and Auxiliary Bishop.

The final blessing was given to the faithful gathered and marked the blessing and Inauguration of the Carmelite Monastery and the Mimosa Shrine. The felicitation began with the brief report presented by Fr. Mari Joe OCD giving in detail the missionary work for the past 24 years with its small yet tough beginning and challenges, difficulties and limitations, struggles and shadows, the fruits of the spirit that bore faith in the people and the spirit of dedication which brought grace and blessing.

Very Rev. Fr. Miguel Marquez OCD, Superior General of Discalced Carmelites addressed the gathering and was inspired by the mighty blessings. Very Rev. Fr. Philbert Naphande Definitor shared his feelings of gratitude to the local church and Rev. Fr. Silvestre D’Souza OCD Provincial Superior of Carmelites, Karnataka Goa Province thanked one another for the collaboration and the work of God in Cape Town. His Eminence Cardinal Stephen Brislin gave his keynote address and thanked the OCD fathers for their spiritual and pastoral service in Cape Town. Rev. Fr. Philbert Namphande OCD and Fr. Pius James D’Souza OCD thanked the faithful and all the benefactors for the Carmelite monastery and Mimosa Shrine.

With overwhelming joy and blessing, all were invited to the scrumptious meal which was graced and blessed by Auxiliary Bishop Sylvester David OMI. There were 300 guests who met one another and shared their joy and experiences, enjoying the delicious meal. The Provincial Superior of Carmelites, Karnataka Goa Province gave the final note of thanks expressing his gratitude by thanking the dignitaries, fathers, sisters, invites, and well-wishers for their prayers and continued support. He also thanked Fr. Mari Joe who worked hard to bring this Mimosa shrine and Carmelite monastery to the present day in spite of many life-threatening challenges is a blessing for one and all. Special thanks to Fr Antony Stephen who accompanied Fr Mari Joe as a brother in all his endeavours.