CHRISTMAS JOY SHARED IN ITALY!
The Carmelites of the Italian Region gathered in Parrocchia di San Maria a Ripa on the 28th of December, 2017 for the Chrismas celebration. All the priests except Fr Edwin Deniz, Fr Rodlof Pinto and Fr Peter Rebello were present for the gathering totalling 11. Our celebration began with a grand dinner in one of the benefactors’ house. We sang the Christmas Carols as we savoured the Italian delicacies. On the 29th of December we had a fraternal concelebrated mass in the Parish Church along with the parishoners. Fr Manoj Braganza the Superior and Parish Priest spread the carpet of red roses to all the priests as he introduced all the priests to the parishoners. Fr Deepak Tauro OCD, Rector of the Scala Community presided over the Eucharist and preached a meaningful homily. After the Holy Mass we prayed the Lauds with the people which was an enriching experience. Under the able leadeship of Fr Manoj Branganza and Fr Elias D’Cunha with the expertice of Fr Ambrose D’Souza, Fr Vijay D’Costa and Fr Selva Kumar the mouth waterning Indian Food was prepared and served which was really a home-coming experience for all of us. It was a joyous occasion indeed as Fr Ambrose D’Souza and Fr Richard D’Souza were also celebrating their Ordiantaion Anniversaries. The hosting Superior expressed the sentiments of gratitude for one and all for making the gathering a memorable one. After the sumptuous meal all the fathers dispersed to their respective communities with the hope of meeting for the Easter Celebration in Scala Community with a brotherly hugs and fraternal kisses.