“Para Vos Nací” @ Ávila
The international centenary celebration of St. Teresa was held on August 10th – 14th, 2015 at the birth place of St. Teresa, Avila, Spain. The celebration was attended by the fathers, brothers, sisters and the laity belonging to various Carmelite families of the world. The groups were divided on the basis of language and were accommodated at the various centers in Avila. The Karnataka-Goa Province was represented by Frs. Joseph D’Souza (Sr), Donath Rebeiro, Vinod Lobo, and Ajay Nazareth.

The formal inauguration commenced on August 10th at 7:30 pm which was presided over by the Vicar General Rev. Fr. Agusti Borrell O.C.D. which was followed by a musical programme in Spanish language. On August 11th the English group visited the main Teresian places like the Incarnation convent, St. Joseph’s convent (the first foundation by St. Teresa), the place where she was born (La Santa) and the place where she died (Alba de Tormes, where her relics are preserved).

August 12th and 13th were the days of input sessions and group discussions. The main themes were – “The essential elements of Teresian Spirituality” by Fr. Daniel Chowning OCD and “The Mission guidance from the perspective of Teresian Spirituality” by Fr. Peter Chakiath OCD. Apart from the input sessions the participants were enriched with prayer experience, musical concerts and the vigils. At the same time the Eucharistic celebrations took place at the various churches of Avila. The KG Province friars had the privilege to preside over the Eucharistic celebration at St. Martin’s Church.

The culmination of the Teresian International gathering was held on 14th August where Mons. Jesus Garcia Burillo, the Bishop of Avila presided over the Eucharistic celebration which was attended by more than thousand participants belonging to various language groups. Thus the International Teresian Meeting was concluded on a happy note with a rich spiritual experience where St. Teresa lived and experienced the union with God.