REPORT OF THE CANADIA CARMELITES ANNUAL GATHERING AT LITTLE FLOWER MONASTERY – CARMEL HILL - CANADA
Our Provincial Superior, Rev. Fr. Charles Serrao arrived on 12th of September and visited all our communities in the Eastern region of Canada till 17th of September.

The first annual gathering of all the friars in the Canada region in this triennium was held from 18th to 20th September at Little Flower Monastery – Carmel Hill, Deroche, Vancouver.

The first day began with the Holy Eucharistic celebration with the participation of the Secular Carmelites. Two Secular Carmelite candidates pronounced their definitive vows and one was accepted into Secular Carmelite community.

After the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration the newly installed Stations of the Cross were blessed by Rev. Fr. Provincial, while Fr. Rudolf V. D’Souza cut the ribbon and declared the Stations of the Cross open to public.

The actual proceedings of the annual meeting began in the afternoon. Fr. Mario Fernandes led the community into prayer and Fr. Rudolf V. D’Souza welcomed Fr. Provincial and the Canada Region members to the meeting. Fr. Provincial briefed the friars about the proceedings in the recent Provincial Chapter and then gave a birds-eye view of life within the Province enumerating the prospects for the future and challenges we are facing. All the members were happy to hear about various projects that have been undertaken.

The Regional Superior, Fr. Rudolf V. D’Souza presented a brief report of the Triennium (2014-2017). Then the points of the agenda were discussed, beginning from presentation of the annual accounts by Fr. Jerald D’Souza, discussion was held on Vocation promotion, Secular Carmelites, and the ongoing projects in the Region. Later each priest was asked to give a brief report of his ministry in the respective parishes.

In the evening after a mouth watering meal provided by the community, members shared their stories and spent time in fraternal recreation.

On September 19th the meeting resumed at 9.00 a.m. with the rest of the agenda. At the end of the meeting the Guidelines revised by the Provincial Council were discussed and Fr. Provincial noted the changes which would presented to the Provincial Council and approved.

Rev. Fr. Provincial thanked Fr. Rudolf V. D’Souza for being the Regional Superior for 8 years and initiating many projects, especially that of Little Flower Monastery, Carmel Hill and Mount Carmel Spirituality Centre at Edmonton. He also acknowledged the services of Fr. John Alex Pinto the previous Regional Superior. He then announced the name of the new Regional Superior: Fr. Jerald D’Souza. This appointment was followed by the announcement of the Delegate Provincial for the Secular Carmelites: Fr. Steny Mascarenhas, Co-ordinator for the Eastern Region: Fr. Ranjan D’Sa and the new bursar Fr. Melvin Pinto.

Rev. Fr. Provincial assured his prayers and support to the new team and wished them all success. He congratulated all the fathers and Bro. Joseph for the wonderful testimony and Carmelite witness they were giving in Canada. All the bishops are very much appreciative of our fathers including Frs. Melvin Pinto and Ronald Sequeira who were serving in Prince George diocese till July 2017.
With a prayer and good wishes the meeting concluded at 6 pm.