Media Release
Mysore, May 2: Fr Charles Serrao, OCD was elected as the provincial superior of the Carmelites of KG (Karnataka-Goa) province on Wednesday April 30 at Dhyana Sadhana, Mysore.
Fr Charles Serrao, OCD was born on August 26, 1950 at Vamadapav, diocese of Mangalore. He made his first religious profession on March 19, 1971 and was ordained a priest on December 23, 1978.
After the formation of the Karnataka-Goa Province in 1981, he held the offices of director of the Aspirants at the Vocation Home - Mangalore, Master of Theology Students - Mangalore, Vocation Promoter and Provincial Councillor.
He obtained a licentiate in psychology and pedagogy from Salesian Pontifical University in Rome and a diploma of specialization in consecrated life at "Claretianum", an Institute of Theology for Religious Life, in Rome. He also holds a diploma in human growth and development relationships, spiritual counselling skills, community living from the Institute of St Anselm, London.
On his return to India he was again elected provincial councillor and appointed as Master of Philosophy Students - Mysore. In the General Chapter of 1991, he was elected Definitor General in Rome and then re-elected for a second sexennium in 1997. On completion of this assignment he was appointed Rector of Collegio Teologico Internazionale OCD, in Rome where he continued for 11 years.
During his 25 years as priest, he worked 13 years in formation of the seminarians, both in India and Rome. He has teaching experience in the Philosophy College in India and in “Teresiamun”, the Pontifical Institute of Spirituality - Rome. He has also wide experiences in giving seminars, especially on formation and religious life. He has closely collaborated in the formation of the Discalced Carmelite Friars and Cloistered Nuns as General Councillor and Religious Assistant.