SECULAR CARMEL
CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS
St. Therese of the Child Jesus OCDS
community, gathered on Sunday, 20th of
December 2020, at Lar de Sta. Terezinha for
a homely celebration of Christmas. It began
with the recitation of the evening prayer.
Mrs. Effie Viegas was the compere for the
evening. All the members took part in a
march past, which was a warm up exercise.
Carols were sung by three different groups.
Then there was the exchange of gifts to the
Christmas friend who was assigned to each
member for special prayers during the Advent
season. The Spiritual Assistant, Fr.
Silvestre D'Souza, delivered the Christmas
message exhorting all to put 'CHRIST' back
into Christmas and make him the focus of our
celebrations.
After a group photo, time was spent in
fellowship and all enjoyed the Christmas
delicacies which were shared.
At present this OCDS community
comprises of:
8 in Definitive Promises
2 in Temporary Promises
14 Aspirants
Anybody wishing to join the community are
most welcome to have a "come and see'
experience at one of our meetings. |
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THE FRIARS OF GOA
REGION celebrate the solemnity of ST JOHN OF
THE CROSS
The Goa
region, comprising the communities of Mapusa,
Xellim, Londa, Matadakeri and Margao came
together to celebrate the feast of St John
of the Cross at Carmelite Monastery, Margao
on 14th of December, 2020. There was a
recollection in the morning up to noon. Fr
Kennet Teles, the director of the Family
Service Centre, shared his insights to make
our preparation for Christmas more
meaningful and fruitful. Confessions
followed. Fr. Ronald S. D�Souza, the Silver
Jubilarian was the main celebrant at the
Solemn Mass, during which three regents (Brs.
Pranay Pereira, Elston Monteiro and Bala
Praveen), renewed their profession. Fr.
Joachim Rodrigues, Superior of Londa, in his
homily, indicated how the example and
teachings of St John of the Cross, are very
relevant to Covid times, though he lived in
a different age and milieu. Before lunch,
Fr. Ajith Rodrigues wished the Silver
Jubilarian on behalf of the region,
highlighting some of his sterling qualities
based on the alphabets of his name. The
postulants, who were guided by Fr. Ronald
till a few days back, offered their
congratulations in song. Finally the
jubilarian gave expression to his
sentiments. The Superior of Mapusa, Fr. Ivo
Dias, prayed the grace over the meals, which
were lovingly prepared by Fr. Jossey
Rodrigues. In the afternoon, all the friars
gathered to discuss some pertinent issues of
the region and exchange views regarding the
common programmes and gatherings for the
triennium. The get-together ended with the
intonation of FLOS CARMELI. |
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HOLY MASS AT A HISTORIC
SITE
On 12th of December 1750, the Archbishop of
Goa, a Franciscan, Dom Louren�o de Santa
Maria, approved the Statutes of the
Carmelite Tertiaries of Chimbel. This is the
first indigenous Carmelite Congregation in
Asia. To mark the 270th anniversary of this
event, Holy Mass was celebrated at the
ruins, in front of the fa�ade of the
historic Church and monastery where the holy
and zealous religious lived till 1835. From
there they went as pastors and missionaries
to various parts of Goa, Karnataka, Kerala
and Maharashtra.
On 12th of December 2020, the State
Government of Goa notified the Church and
Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Nossa
Senhora do Carmo) at Chimbel (within the
parish of Ribandar), as a heritage site. The
Conservation Committee, comprising locals
from the village, who made this petition and
pursued the matter for years, participated
in the Eucharistic celebration. The
Carmelite Friars from Margao monastery and
Fr. Eusico Pereira, a native of the village
(presently, Parish Priest at S�o Jos� de
Areal) led the liturgical service. The local
MLA, Mr. Tony Fernandes was also present and
spoke at the end of the celebration,
assuring all support from the government to
preserve this site. We are grateful to the
local Panchayat which helped us to organize
this event. |
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On 4 September 2020,
there was a meeting at Lar called by Mr
Agnelo Fernandes, the additional Collector
of South Goa. It was attended by Mr Gaonkar
the Fatorda Police Inspector and Mrs.
Linette From Women and Child, Panjim along
with V. Rev Fr Pius James Dsouza, the
Provincial Superior, Fr Sylvestre Dsouza,
the new superior and Fr Ronald D'Souza. Fr
Archibald Gonsalves, the out going Director
of Lar welcomed the guests and gave a
historical account of Lar de Sta Terezinha.
Then the Collector explained the rules of
the institution, which was followed by
interventions from both Police Inspector and
Mrs Linette. Then the girls raised some
doubts and sought clarification. The
Collector clearly stated that discipline
will not be compromised at any cost. He
invite� |
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The new batch of
postulants were welcomed along with Fr
Ronald D'souza, their fomator. After
completing their quarantine period in
Shellim, they arrived in Margao. |
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The Senior Citizens
Forum founded by Fr Archibald Gonsalves,
gave him a tearful adieu on Friday, 29
August 2020. After the holy Eucharist, there
was refreshment, during the program the
members had a power power point
presentation. They sang and danced. After
cutting the cake, on behalf of the group,
Mr. Morris and Mrs Farrel spoke in the rich
contribution made by Fr Archie to their
group and tothe Church in Goa as a whole.
Then he was given a gift and a farewell
card. Fr Archie remembered thebrokeof all
the animators, namely, Chris, Farrel,
Morris, Willy, Alice. He also prayed for
Benicio and Ida the departed members. Then
Fr Archie thanked one and all for their love
and concern. |
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The Mt Carmel group of
OCDS gave a warm sendoff to Fr Archie, their
Spiritual Director on Sunday, 23 August
2020. After the holy Eucharist there was a
sendoff program. |
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Send off party was
organised by Carmel Food Bank on Saturday,
22 Aug 2020. The volunteers thanked Fr
Archie for his dymanic leadership. Each
member spoke appreciating Fr Archie for his
contribution to the poor and to the
migrants. The send off party ended with a
light refreshment. |
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The birthday of Lar
Shelter Home animator Philomena (Filu) was
celebrated on 17 Aug. After mass in the
morning there was luchon celebration in the
Hall where all residents of Lar gathered. |
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Fr. Archie's birthday
celebrated in anticipation on 7 July 2020.
Communities of Xellim and Mapuca were
present.... |
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Lar Day Out: Instead of
their annual study tour, Lar children were
taken out for a day to visit Bharadi cross
and Cabo De Rama. All enjoyed the day. |
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Lar children during
lockdown. |
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The Chimbel Society
visited the Old Goa ruins of the Carmelite
Monastery. |
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The Carmelite monastery
garden is given a facelift. Thanks to the
hard work of Mr Blascio, Cyrus and Fr
Michael along with the community. |
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Destitute Home
construction in Progress. April- May 2020.
Contractor Mr Pio Pereira, Architect:
Francis and Sharon, Project in Charge: Fr
Archie ocd
Lar Retreat Centre interior Cleaned by Leon
Salva. The new boy from Hyderabad. May 2020. |
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Lar Shelter Home for
Women under restoration. In April-May 2020.
Contractor Mr Pio Pereira. Roof: Mr Robin
Santos. Architect Francis Sharon. |
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Lar Shelter Home for
Women. Roof dismantled for a over all repair
and maintenance. Due to Corona lockdown,
work halted. To recommence shortly before
monsoon sets in. |
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Lar Destitute Home
Women. Work going on fully swing. To be
blessed on 19 April 2020 On Divine Mercy
Feast. But due to Corona Lockdown, postponed
to July 16, Mt Carmel Feast. |
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On 23 November 2019, the
construction site for the Destitute Home at
Lar was blessed, and the stone was laid by
Fr Archibald Gonsalves, the Superior. Fr
Fantino placed the Benedict medals on four
corners. A mass was offered at the
Monastery, for this intention at 6.00 p.m.
Mr Pio the contractor has already begun the
ground work. The first phase of this
building is supposed to be completed by 19
April 2020. Mr. Bush has prepared a blogg to
raise funds for this project. |
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The annual feast of
Little Flower was celebrated at Lar de Sta
Terezinha, at Pajifond, Margao on 1 Oct at
4.00 p.m. The Eucharist was solemnised by Fr
Amandio Valadares, Parish Priest of the Holy
Spirit Parish. Help and Help NGO formally
took over the management of Lar by
symbolically accepting a Statue of St
Therese. Benefactors and wellwishers were
present in large numbers. |
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