Media Release

Mangaluru, Jul 16: Sunday, July 15 was a special day for the secular Carmelites (OCDs) of the Bajjodi unit as they celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and their annual day.

The day also saw six members - Sr Asuntha Mendonca, Sr Sylvia Mascarenhas, Sr Gracy Fernandes, Sr Cynthia D'souza, Br Patrick Menezes and Sr Janet Menezes making their definitive promises as well as three members - Sr Rita D'sa, Sr Stella D'Souza and Sr Maria D'Souza making their temporary promises in the presence of Fr Deep Fernandes OCD, delegate provincial of the secular Carmelites of the Karnataka - Goa Province.

Fr Dominic Vas, spiritual assistant of the community, Fr Ivan D'Souza, editor of Naman Ballok Jesu, Fr Cyril Menezes, Fr Rayan Pinto and Dn Silton concelebrated the holy eucharist at 5.30 pm during which the rite of the promises was held.

Fr Deep Fernandes in his Homily said that the greatness of man is not in demanding but in surrendering to god's will just like how Mother Mary did. He called upon the members of the secular Carmel to take Mary as their model and live a life like her surrendering to the will of god and by the truths of the gospel and thus bring others to Christ by their example.

Mass was followed by a felicitation programme in the church Hall that began with a prayer song by few of the OCDs members. Fr Deep Fernandes was the chief guest. Fr Melwin D'cunha, superior of the Infant Jesus Shrine, Fr Ivan D'Souza, Fr Dominic Vas, Fr Cyril Menezes, Fr Wilson Tauro, Fr Rayan Pinto, Dn Silton, PPC vice-president Prakash Saldanha, PPC secretary Elizabeth Pereira and president of OCDs community Asuntha Mendonca were the dignatories on the dais.

OSS sisters, core members of St Teresa unit, gurkars of different wards, heads of different Associations and families of OCDs members were among the others present.

Asuntha Mendonca welcomed the guests and the gathering after which the annual report of the community for the year 2022-23 was read out by the community secretary Gracy Fernandes. This was followed by prize distribution to the winners of the annual sports day.

Glen Lasrado read out the names of the winners. Fr Deep Fernandes, Fr Ivan D'Souza and Fr Dominic Vas in their respective messages congratulated the members of the secular Carmel for their commitment to the vocation, appreciated them for their unity and co=operation and wished them well to continue their life of prayer and service with the same dedication and grow in the vocation of secular Carmel.

Stella D'Souza spoke a few words on each of the members who made their definitive promises and a memento was presented to them. All members who made their promises then cut a cake in celebration of their special day. The other members sang a meaningful song wishing them well in their vocation.

Ronald Goveas compered the programme.  Theresa D'cunha proposed the vote of thanks.

Fr Dominic Vas blessed the food and the gathering. The programme concluded at 9 pm with a hymn of our Lady of Mount Carmel followed by a fellowship meal.