Relevance of St. Therese in This Modern World.
There was a day’s seminar held at Carmel Matha Ashram Hassan, organised by the Cloistered Carmel Sisters, Hassan. It was a joint venture with the Carmelite Friars at Belur. It was in connection with the centenary of the Canonization of St. Therese of the Child Jesus (Little Flower). The whole programme was compeered by Fr. Prasana, Superior of Belur Community. The Seminar was formerly inaugurated by the Vicar Provincial Rev. Fr. Archibald Gonsalves by lighting the lamp. The inauguration was held at 10.30. a.m. followed by him addressing the gathering.

In the first talk Fr. Archibald presented a beautiful insights on the life of St. Therese, her family, life at Carmel and the struggles that she underwent. Therese ‘s faith in the absence of consolation became her greatest offering, showing strength of love without feeling. Her struggles grief, sensitivity, scruples, illness , opposition, community life, spiritual darkness, death were not obstacles but the very path through which God brought her to sanctity. They formed her little ways, trust, humility, love in small things. At the end of the session Fr. Archibald was honoured by Fr. Andrew, the Rector of the Don Bosco Community at Hassan.

After the short break the second talk delivered by Fr. Jeevan Tauro. He spoke on the theme “Message of St. Therese for the modern world.” He explored the message of St. Therese to four category of people who were present namely the Cloistered Sisters, Seminarians, Priests & religious and the young people. End of the Session Fr. Jeevan was honoured by Fr. Yesudas SDB.

At 2.00 p.m, Fr. Archibald conducted a short recreation, which was followed by the third session which began at 02.15 p.m. Rev. Fr. Joseph D’Souza, Superior of the Kushalnagar Novitiate Community shared his insights on the theme “Prayer, Passion for Christ and Simplicity of life of St. Therese.” He explained our connection to the Heavenly Father, dwelling upon themes such as contemplation, what God does in our life and about St. Therese’s simple way of Child like attitude and doing little things with much love. At the end of the Session Fr. Joseph was honoured By Sr. Eugene BS.

The climax of the programme took place as Miss Prathiksha, dressed as St. Therese, went in and out of the Monastery Chapel and the yard strewing rose petals on all the participants while Fr. Jeevan Tauro held the Relic of St. Therese and followed.

At 03.15 the meaningful Eucharistic Celebration marked the conclusion of the day. Fr. Prasana proposed the vote of thanks. Mrs. Mary, the domestic staff of Caramel Matha Ashram for 22 years was honoured for her selfless service along with Mr. Naveen, a good benefactor and friend of Carmel. The entire programme came to an end at 05.00 PM with a tea and refreshments.