"Put On The Mantle" - Investiture Ceremony at St. Therese of the Child Jesus, OCDS Community, Margao-Goa
On Sunday, 16th June 2024, the St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Secular Carmel Community in Margao-Goa held a simple yet joyful rite to welcome five Aspirants into initial Formation. The ceremony took place at the Monastery Chapel and marked a significant step in the faith journeys of the following individuals:
• Mr. Conrad Catolino Mendes of St. Anthony of Padua
• Mrs. Conceicao De Souza of St. Therese of the Child Jesus
• Mrs. Hildred Falcao of St. Therese of the Child Jesus
• Mrs. Felecia Carmen Menezes of St. Catarina
• Mrs. Lorna Audrey Maria Gomes of St. Teresa of Avila

The outgoing Spiritual Assistant, Rev. Fr. George Santhumayor OCD, conducted the ceremony. He was joined by the new Spiritual Assistant, Fr. Lancy Mendonca, along with Fr. Marlon Rodrigues, Fr. Diogo Proenca, Mr. Sebastian Mendes, OCDS Provincial Council President, and other OCDS members.

During the ceremony, Fr. George delivered a meaningful homily, emphasizing the courage and faith of the five candidates as they took this significant step to enter Secular Carmel as their vocation. The Formator, Beliza Antao, and her assistant, Roy Rodrigues, assisted the candidates in the vestition ceremony. After the aspirants made their pledges, the celebrant vested them with the smaller Ceremonial Brown Scapular, symbolizing their commitment to their new path.

In addition to the investiture of the new aspirants, the ceremony also included the renewal of the Temporary Promise by Mrs. Saumika Crasta of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

A highlight of the event was Fr. George's announcement of exciting news from the Provincial: Fr. Lancy was appointed as the new Spiritual Assistant, and the community had been canonically established. This announcement was met with great joy and celebration.

Following the ceremony, a fellowship celebration was held, featuring cake cutting, singing, and an array of snacks and refreshments. The five new aspirants were warmly greeted and expressed their deep gratitude to God for their vocation in Carmel and the support of their community.

This Investiture Ceremony was a memorable occasion for the St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Secular Carmel Community, marking both personal milestones for the aspirants and significant achievements for the community as a whole.