Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Celebrated at the Carmelite Monastery Margao.
MARGAO: The feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was celebrated at the Carmelite Monastery Margao on July 16. Bishop Simião Fernandes Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman presided over the Eucharistic celebration held in konkani in the evening. Fr. Joe Rodrigues , Parish Priest of Our Lady of Grace Church, Margao, Fr. Marlon Rodrigues , Superior of the Carmelite Monastery Margao along with 25 Priests concelebrated the feast mass.

Delivering a homily on the theme: ‘Mary is our model to proclaim the Gospel ”Bishop Simião urged the congregation to draw inspiration from Mary as a model for proclaiming the Gospel in daily life. He emphasized that just as Mary exemplified various roles in her community, so too are we called to embody these virtues today. "We are called to proclaim the Gospel by deepening our communion with God, engaging actively in the Church's participatory structures, and advancing the mission entrusted to us at Baptism," declared the Prelate.

Highlighting Mary's diverse roles, Bishop Simião illustrated how she proclaimed the Gospel as a responsible parent within her family, a caring neighbor as seen in her visit to Elizabeth, a compassionate presence in society at the wedding in Cana, and a supportive member of the Apostles' community. He encouraged the faithful to follow Mary's example by promoting Gospel values: within families through responsible actions, in neighborhoods through service to the needy, in society amidst inequalities and differences, and in the Church by active participation in its various structures.

Bishop Simiao called on the congregation to emulate Mary's proclamation of the Gospel, adapting her virtues to their own lives and communities today.

During the liturgy, the Carmel Choir, led by Leena Gomes, contributed with their melodious singing. Fr. Marlon Rodrigues, Superior of the Carmelite Monastery Margao expressed gratitude to everyone. Bishop Simião Fernandes was congratulated by the Carmelites on his appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. This visit to the Carmelite Monastery in Margao marked his first since his Episcopal Ordination.

During the day, two masses in English were held in the morning, celebrated by Fr. Anthony D'souza OCD and Fr. George Santhumayor OCD

Carmelite communities in Mapusa, Xellim and Chicalim also celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Themes for the novena and the feast were based on the theme of the pastoral year 2024-2025.

During the Novena, Fr. Edson Fernandes (Parish Priest of Our Lady of Succour and Good Success, Nagoa-Salcete), Fr. Macson Fernandes (Professor at Rachol Seminary), Fr. Melito D’Costa (Assistant to the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Grace Church, Margao), Fr. Dylon D’Costa (Assistant to the Parish Priest of Navelim), Fr. Alban Fernandes (Director, Diocesan Family Service Centre), Fr. Clifford Fernandes (Assistant to the Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Church, Benaulim), Fr. Ashley Alphonso (Spiritual Director of Rachol Seminary), Fr. Arvino Fernandes (Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Utorda) and Fr. Camilo Dias (Chaplain of Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel, Ambelim) celebrated the mass and preached the homilies on various themes.