Preparation for the Feast of the Assumption by Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Community, OCDS Margao Goa – Aug 10,2025.
"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." — Luke 1:39-56
Prayerful Beginning :
In preparation for the Feast of the Assumption, our OCDS community gathered during our regular meeting for a deeply prayerful and spiritually enriching evening centered on Our Lady. We began with the Divine Mercy Chaplet, followed by a prayer invoking the Holy Spirit, and then prayed the Evening Prayer (Vespers) from the Divine Office together.
Scripture Brought to Life:
A dramatized reading of Luke 1:39–56 brought the Gospel to life. Sharlon portrayed Mother Mary, Rosy took the role of Elizabeth, and Rodo played Zechariah. One of the most moving moments was Sharlon's heartfelt recitation of the Magnificat, beautifully capturing Mary’s spirit of praise and surrender.
Group Reflection and Sharing:
This led into a time of silent reflection and group sharing, where members were invited to reflect and share their thoughts on the question:
"How does the Assumption of Mary give meaning to their Carmelite journey?"
A few members shared their personal reflections, offering inspiring insights that deepened our appreciation of Mary’s role in our spiritual path.
Consecration to Our Lady:
We continued with the Scriptural Rosary, where members said a decade each beginning the mysteries with a sacred reflection, followed by the Renewal of Consecration to Our Lady, prayer led by Victor and repeated by all, reaffirming our devotion to Mary and our Carmelite calling.
Hearts Aflame in a Procession of Prayer:
Following this, we entered into a sacred Marian procession, prayerfully led by Rev. Fr. Diogo, who carried the blessed statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel from the chapel to the hall. With hearts aglow and candles in hand, our members followed in quiet devotion, creating a gentle river of light and faith. Upon reaching the hall, the statue was reverently placed on a prepared table, becoming the focal point of our prayerful offering. One by one, members approached with candles and flowers—symbols of love, sacrifice, and hope—lifting up their personal intentions in silence before our Blessed Mother’s gaze.
Fellowship Activity: “Mary’s Crown – A Gratitude Chain”:
The evening concluded with a meaningful fellowship activity titled “Mary’s Crown: A Gratitude Chain.” Each member was given a coloured strip of paper to write down something they were grateful for—especially graces received through their Carmelite vocation or Marian devotion. These notes were linked together to form a decorative paper chain, like a garland, symbolizing our unity in Mary’s love and under her queenship and lifted upto Heaven.. Some members shared their notes aloud, while the chain itself stood as a quiet testimony to our collective thanksgiving.
Joyful Fellowship:
The evening continued with tea and snacks, shared in an atmosphere of joy, gratitude, and fraternity.
Closing Blessings:
President Elizabeth Santos offered a warm thank-you message to all who participated. The meeting closed with the communal singing of the Salve Regina, lifting our voices in devotion to our Blessed Mother.
