Centenary of the Canonization of St Thérèse of the Child Jesus @ Carmelite Monastery
The Carmelite Friars of Carmelite Monastery, Margao together with the Carmelite Family, joyfully celebrated the centenary of the canonization of St Thérèse of the Child Jesus at the Carmelite Monastery, Margao, on her feast day on Oct 1, 2025.

The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, and concelebrated by Fr Marlon Rodrigues OCD, Superior of the Carmelite Monastery, Fr Praveen D'Souza OCD, Superior of Emmaus Wellness Centre, Mapusa, Fr Rovel D'Souza OCD, Superior of Divine Springs Retreat Centre, Xellim and several priests.

Delivering on the theme “St Thérèse of the Child Jesus: The Little Way of Hope for the Pilgrim Church”, Cardinal Ferrão invited the faithful to embrace the “Little Way” of St Thérèse and to become a source of hope for others.

Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, reflecting on the Bull of Indiction Spes non confundit of Pope Francis for this Jubilee Year, invited the faithful to live as pilgrims of hope, highlighting St Thérèse of the Child Jesus as an inspiring example.

Reflecting on the Little Way of St Thérèse, Cardinal Ferrão, President of FABC and CCBI, reminded the faithful of its three dimensions: she loved God with boundless love and unswerving trust; her way was marked by humility; and the third dimension was caring and compassionate love.

“She responded with merciful love to those who were harsh to her and set an example to us,” said the Prelate. “We are all called to holiness, and for this St Thérèse is a model for us.” Said the Cardinal.

Cardinal Ferrão urged everyone to become instruments of holiness in their families, neighbourhoods, and wherever they may be.

As part of the celebration, prizes were distributed to the winners of various competitions organized by the Secular Carmelites and the Carmelite Family in Goa. Fr Marlon Rodrigues OCD expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the centenary celebration. Liturgy was animated by the Carmelite Family and the Secular Carmelites. Liturgical singing was led by the Carmelite Choir.

The Eucharistic celebration was followed by a short cultural programme, which began with a prayer dance led by the  students from our Lady of Perpetual Succour school under the guidance of CCR Sisters of Savode, followed by the Welcome dance by the children from Carmel seva mandir Nursery school trained by the AC Sisters from Borda. The program also featured presentations by the winners of the competitions, like Fancy Dress by Miss Adele Baptista from Mother of God Convent, Majorda, Address by Elocution competition Winner -Miss. Ann Esperanca Fernandes from Carmel college, Nuvem, Group Song by Children of Holy Rosary Convent school, Nuvem, and a skit by the exhibition competition winners, Infant Jesus School Colva. Sr Veera D’Sa CCR proposed the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the programme while Fr Don Tony D’Souza OCD skillfully compered the event. Dinner was served for the invitees of the program.