Media Release
Mangaluru, Nov 10: The centenary celebration of the canonization of St Thérèse of Lisieux brought together the entire Carmelite family for an unforgettable evening of faith, fellowship, and festivity at the St Agnes College Auditorium, Mangaluru. The event marked 100 years since Pope Pius XI canonized the beloved Little Flower of Jesus in 1925 - the saint whose ‘Little Way’ continues to inspire hearts across the world.
Jointly organized by the Carmelite Fathers (OCD), Apostolic Carmel Sisters (AC), Carmelite Sisters of St Teresa (CSST), and the Bethany Sisters (BS), the celebration beautifully united four congregations that share a rich Carmelite spiritual heritage.
The evening began with a solemn Holy Eucharist presided over by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore, along with several concelebrants.
The cultural programme opened with an inspiring introduction by Fr Stifan Perera, OCD, director of the Infant Jesus Shrine, Mangaluru, whose narration captured the childlike joy and deep spirituality of St Thérèse. This was followed by a soul-stirring opening chorus composed by Fr Alwyn Sequeira, OCD, and rendered by the centenary choir, featuring voices from all four congregations.
A welcome dance by the students of St Raymond PU College, Vamanjoor, choreographed by Charan Raj, beautifully expressed the Theresian spirit of love, innocence, and simplicity.
The formal programme included addresses by Fr Dominic Vas, OCD (convener of the celebration), Sr Maria Naveena, AC (provincial superior of the Apostolic Carmel), Fr Joseph Silvestre D’Souza, OCD (provincial superior of the Karnataka–Goa province), and Sr Rose Celine, BS (superior general of the Bethany sisters).
The chief guest, Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, shared his moving experience of pilgrimage to Lisieux — the hometown of St Thérèse - and delivered an inspiring message on her timeless message of holiness through love in the ordinary moments of life.
A highlight of the evening was the release of four new books inspired by St Thérèse’s spirituality:
• Hope Nurtures Life - Dr Gregory D’Souza
• Beyond the Horizons of Love - Dr John Francis Sequeira
• The Spiritual Elevator and Hope: Helmet of Salvation - Dr Richard Francis D’Souza
• Carlo’s Highway to Heaven – Fr Jocy Siddakatte, inspired by St Carlo Acutis, canonized by Pope Leo XIV
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Sr Lathika AC, followed by the much-awaited Konkani drama ‘Mogacha Vaten’ (Path of Love) - written by Fr Nelson Pinto, OCD, directed by Arun Raj Rodrigues, and performed by the talented artistes of Mandd Sobhann’s Kalakul.
The evening ended with a fellowship meal shared in joy and gratitude, as the entire Carmelite family rejoiced in the life, legacy, and love of St Thérèse of Lisieux - the Little Flower whose fragrance still fills the church today.