Milestone of Grace for the Mapusa OCDS Community
In a significant milestone, the Secular Discalced Carmelite Community (OCDS) of St. Teresa of Avila, Peddem, Mapusa, Goa, celebrated the advancement of several members in their spiritual journey on 6th July 2025. Of the community’s eighteen members, ten made their Temporary Promises, two advanced to the Initial Formation Stage I, and three began their journey as Aspirants.

During a solemn Eucharistic celebration held at 5:00 p.m. at the Carmelite Seminary, Mapusa, Mr. Agnelo D’Souza, Mr. Glenn Nunes, Mrs. Philomena Rodrigues, Mrs. Janice Rodrigues, Mrs. Judeth Parker, Mrs. Dora Nunes, Mrs. Agnes Bharucha, Mrs. Anita D’Souza, Mrs. Gema Ataide, and Mrs. Steffi Rodrigues made their Temporary Promises before Rev. Fr. Silvestre D’Souza, Provincial Superior, and Rev. Fr. Stany Listan Pinto, Spiritual Assistant.

Mr. Charles Fernandes and Mrs. Luiza D’Souza were received into the OCDS Initial Formation Stage I and vested with the Small Brown Scapulars. In the same ceremony, the Provincial Superior formally welcomed three new Aspirants — Mr. Charles Pinho, Mrs. Priscilla Pinho, and Ms. Abigail Menezes — by presenting them with the Carmelite emblem.

In his homily, Fr. Silvestre D’Souza reminded the faithful that all are called to be missionaries, often not by words but through the witness of life. The Mass was concelebrated by several priests, including Rev. Fr. Ronald D’Souza (Superior, Mapusa), Fr. Macson Dabre, Fr. Jason Coutinho, Fr. Rakesh Parmar, Fr. Diogo Proenca, and Fr. Melwin Lasrado.

Members of the Provincial Council, Mr. Roy Rodrigues and Mr. Sebastian Mendes, along with family, friends, and representatives from both the Margao and Mapusa OCDS groups, were present to witness this momentous occasion.

Following the Eucharist, the community hosted a simple yet meaningful fellowship gathering in the Seminary classroom, featuring a short program and refreshments, joyfully commemorating their journey in Carmel.