Another fresh spring at Xellim!
Divine Springs is a centre for contemplative prayer, youth animation and family life at Xellim Goa. The last Provincial Chapter endorsed the plan and recommended that it be further developed in phases. We are happy that this centre has added one more feather to its cap.

On 7th of June, 2017 at 7.00 am a solemn Mass was officiated by Fr. Charles Serrao, OCD, Provincial Superior of the Karnataka-Goa Province. Fr. Praveen Pinto, OCD the newly appointed Chaplain of Fatima Chapel welcomed all the celebrants. There were 11 priests present: Fr. Pius James D’Souza, Fr. Silvestre D'Souza, Fr. Archibald Gonsalves, Fr. Vivian Menezes (Tanzania), Fr. Lucius (Tanzania), Fr. Henry Moras, Fr. Stephen Lobo, Fr. Praveen Pinto, Fr. Peter D’Sa and Fr. William Miranda. At 8.30 a.m. the newly built hall was blessed and inaugurated by Fr. Provincial in the presence of all the friars and the contractor, Mr. Gregory D’Silva, who has been a great support to this project.

With the blessings of God and generous benefactors, the community has already renovated the existing retreat house with 40 bed facility for the retreatants. Since the number of families, religious and youth groups is on the increase, the need is felt of increasing the facilities and so trusting in divine providence, a new block of 20 rooms is envisioned. Fr. John Sequeira, OCD, the director of Divine Springs retreat centre explained the logistics of the new venture. Later Fr. Provincial along with other priests present, laid the new foundation stone. Thanking God for the marvelous graces we have received, all those gathered sang the hymn: “There shall be showers of blessing.”

Your contributions and well wishes are most welcome towards this noble venture of the Province.

- Report by Fr. Praveen Pinto OCD