The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel at St. Mark's Parish, Calgary
On July 14th, 2024, St. Mark's Parish in Calgary celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, drawing a crowd of 2,500 participants. The feast began with the Holy Eucharist and culminated in a grand procession. The purpose of the event was to foster community spirit and religious devotion towards the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel and to inspire new vocations to the Secular Carmelites and the Carmelite Delegation.

Preparations began in advance with a nine-day novena at St. Mark's Parish. A dedicated team of volunteers decorated the statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel at both the altar and the foyer for the procession.

Fr. Rudolf D’Souza celebrated the 10 a.m. mass, which was packed with over 800 participants. He powerfully preached on the Carmelite spirituality of the Prophet Elijah, highlighting the importance of prayer and contemplation.

The celebration of the Solemn Holy Eucharist was presided over by the former Provincial Superior of the Karnataka-Goa Province, Fr. Archibald Gonsalves, and concelebrated by Fr. Rudolf D'Souza, Fr. Rajesh Madtha, Fr. Vijay Martin, Fr. Venil D'Souza, and Deacon Carlos Perez at St. Mark's Parish, Calgary, at 12 noon. The inspiring sermon by Fr. Archibald Gonsalves provided deep spiritual engagement for the devotees.

The procession, a highlight of the event, followed a predetermined safe route with enthusiastic participation. The event concluded successfully with positive feedback from parishioners, emphasizing the importance of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the Christian family.

Fr. Rudolf blessed the scapulars and spoke about the importance of scapular spirituality. The scapulars were later distributed freely. At the end of the celebration, food was served and snacks were distributed.