SR. MARY NAOMI OF THE EUCHARIST TURNS GOLD!
The Cloistered Carmel at Hassan (Carmel Matha Ashram) wore a festive look on 23rd December, 2014, as relatives, friends and acquaintances of Rev. Sr. Mary Naomi OCD, from all directions, gathered to celebrate her 50 years in consecrated life.

The main celebrant Rev. Fr. Charles Serrao OCD, Provincial Superior of the Discalced Carmelites of the Karnataka-Goa Province, to which this Cloistered Carmel belongs, was the main celebrant. He was joined by around 20 other concelebrants. The parish choir raised their voices to God, and enhanced the beauty of the entire celebration.

Fr. Jerry Sequeira, SJ (coming all the way from Gujarat), a cousin of Sr. Naomi, broke the word of God during the celebration while pointing to the happy coincidence of the V Birth Centenary of St. Teresa of Jesus (foundress of the Discalced Carmelites) celebrated by the Carmelite Family this year and the year of Consecrated Life, from November 30, 2014 to February 2 2016. He highlighted the aims and the three main thrusts enunciated by Pope Francis.

The special rite for the jubilee during the Eucharist, included the handing of the candle at the beginning of the Eucharist (remembrance of the baptismal consecration), the renewal of the religious profession after the homily and finally the presentation of the staff (symbolizing the Holy Cross of Christ) and staff (token of the heavenly crown) after the final blessing.

At the end of the Mass, Sr. Anne Therese OCD, prioress of Carmel Matha Ashram, expressed sentiments of gratitude on behalf of the community to all those who contributed in one way or the other to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Sr. Naomi.

Rev. Fr. Charles Serro OCD, felicitated the jubilarian and recalled his close associated with this Carmel since its inception in 1992. This was followed by the cutting of the cake and wishing song. The relatives of Sr. Naomi, then projected a power point presentation of the journey of Sr. Mary Naomi from the time she joined the religious life till the milestone she has reached today.

The entire celebrations culminated by a festal meal, offered by the family of Sr. Naomi.

Frs Cyril Menezes, Silvestre D’Souza, Prasanna Kumar, Cyprian Fernandes, Jeevan Tauro, Ajith Rodrigues and Prakash Tauro were present to participate in the joy of Sr Naomi.

BRIEF PROFILE: Sr Naomi was born to Mr Rosario and Mrs Nathalia Fernandes. She is the eldest of 10 children (7 boys and 3 girls). Her dear parents and 2 brothers have been called by the Lord for their eternal reward in heaven.

After her studies she joined the Apostolic Carmel (AC) on 24th May 1962 and on completion of her religious formation, made her first profession on 14th January 1965. She went on to make her final profession in the same congregation on May 23rd 1970.She was very much attracted to a life of prayer and solitude and with the help of her spiritual guides, she was able to realize her dream of entering the Cloistered Carmel in Mangalore on May 1st 1979. From then on, there was deep within her a desire to experience God and everyday she would say “I have found favour with this sovereign Virgin in everything I have asked of her, and in the end she has drawn me to herself ” (St Teresa of Jesus, Life, 1:7). Her eternal ‘Yes’ as a Discalced Carmelite nun came on January 26th 1984 when she made her solemn profession. Sr. Naomi volunteered as one of the pioneers to begin this Carmel in Hassan in December 1992.