Celebrating St. Thérèse's Legacy
On September 14, 2025, the St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus Secular Carmel community in Margao-Goa joyfully organized an inter-school exhibition-cum-elocution contest. This event commemorated the 100th anniversary of St. Thérèse's canonization (1925-2025) and honoured her spiritual legacy, giving us an opportunity to revisit her autobiography, "The Story of a Soul".


Event Highlights
Inauguration
Superior Rev. Fr. Marlon Rodrigues OCD inaugurated the event.


Following the inauguration, a hymn was sung to invoke the Holy Spirit’s guidance and inspiration.


Welcome Address
Effie Viegas OCDS welcomed the gathering and introduced the judges: Fr. Anthony D'Souza OCD, Fr. Kiran Lobo OCD, and Fr. Fantino Pereira OCD.



Also present were Mrs. Elizabeth Santos OCDS, President of Mount Carmel Community, and other OCDS members.


Keynote Address
Spiritual Assistant Fr. Don Tony D'Souza OCD addressed the gathering, delivering a meaningful message on the "Little Way" of love, trust, and simplicity, inspiring us to become like little children (Mt 18:3) and embracing God's love and mercy in modern times.


Reading the Rules
Mrs. Joyce Fernandes, outlined the exhibition contest rules to participants, ensuring everyone understood the guidelines and expectations of the event.


Exhibition
All together 12 schools participated in the exhibition. Participants showcased their creativity, spoke well with clarity, and the judges evaluated their work. While the judges tallied the marks, coordinators Mrs. Valerie, Joyce, and Beliza prepared the final results.
Thanks to Mrs. Teresa Dias, for the refreshing snacks and beverages that brought everyone together in love and fellowship.
 


Mr. Roy Rodrigues OCDS, competently compered the whole event.


Awards
Certificates and gifts were presented to all participants, with the top three schools receiving prizes:

1. Infant Jesus High School, Colva (1st place)
Miss Valanka Fernandes
Miss Laxmi Lamani
Miss Dhanashri.C.Pillai


2. Perpetual Succour Convent School, Navelim (2nd place)
Miss Alenora Monteiro
Miss Ancia Cardozo
Miss Lenvisha Braganza


3. Holy Spirit High School, Margao (3rd place)
Miss Rhea Noronha
Miss Joshua Andrade
Miss Ruth Fernandes


The event concluded with an expression of gratitude, echoing St. Thérèse's words, "All is Grace." Thanks, were extended to the Superior, judges, principals, teachers, mentors, and parents for nurturing St. Thérèse's "Little Way." To the participants who didn't win, the message was, let's cherish the journey, not just the prize, and look forward to better luck next time.


The winners were informed that they would receive their awards and prizes from the Cardinal Felipe Neri Ferrao – Archbishop of Goa and Daman and Patriarch of the East Indies, on October 1st, the Solemnity of St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s Feast day, during the fellowship celebration.


As a momento of the event, everyone received a keepsake bookmark featuring St. Thérèse’s quote, serving as a reminder of the exhibition.