THE YOUNG AND THE BOLD of THE INDIAN CARMEL at GOA!
A gathering of Carmelite Priests from all over the country ordained 5 years ago, was held under the auspices of the Inter-Provincial Conference of India (IPCI) from 20-25 February, 2017 at Lar de Sta Terezinha, Margao, Goa. The participants included:
Manjummel (8 friars)
Malabar (3 friars)
Tamil Nadu (4 friars)
S. Kerala (4 friars)
Andhra Pradesh (3 friars)
Regional Vicariate of W. Bengal (1 friar)
Karnataka-Goa (9)
TOTA : 32 friars

It was indeed a great joy that the IPCI meeting was being held at the same time. The presence of the 7 OCD Provincial Superiors was a great boost.

The inaugural Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Prasad Theruvathu, the Provincial of Majummel Province, while Rev. Fr. Benjamin Franklin preached an inspiring homily on the day’s Gospel, thus setting the tone for the gathering.

Each day there were sessions on relevant topics:
21st of February – on Cyber technology and crime, by Dr. Harold D’Costa
22nd February – on new and creative forms of youth ministry, by Rev. Fr. Ralin De Souza SDB
23rd February – challenges to contemplative life today, by Rev. Dr. John Sequeira OCD
24th February - Legal matters and our Constitutions, by Rev. Dr. Clifford D’Souza OCD
All the participants were divided into groups to animate the day’s liturgy and conduct the recreation in the evening.

On 22nd of February, there was a special Mass organized at the Carmelite Monastery nearby, along with the Provincials, friars from other Carmelite communities in Goa, the pre-philosophy students and the faithful, followed by high breakfast. Rev. Fr. Augustine Magalathil OCD, the Provincial of Delhi and President of IPCI was the main celebrant, while Rev. Fr. Benjamin Elias OCD, the Provincial of South Kerala Province and Secretary of IPCI, broke the Word of God. The same evening, all congregated once again at the Monastery for a get-together. Friars from each Province showcased their culture through a performance. The highlight was two songs by our octogenarian, Fr. Paul D’Souza OCD, which captivated the audience. The programme was compeered by Fr. Archibald Gonsalves, former Provincial of the Karnataka-Goa province, and presently the Superior of Margao Carmelite Monastery in his imitable and fascinating style. A variety of Goan delicacies were laid out on the table for a fraternal meal. The entire evening was indeed a celebration of our fraternity as brothers!

A day’s outing was organized on 25th February, which took the participants to the ruins of the first monastery of the friars in Asia situated at Old Goa and other historical places. It culminated with a dip in the Indian Ocean at one of the famous beaches of the State.

We thank the Margao community for the warm hospitality and service. A word of appreciation to all the Provincial Superiors for their collaboration and support.

The whole gathering was co-ordinated by Fr. Silvestre D’Souza OCD, the executive secretary of the IPCI.