FEAST OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL IN ST. EDMUND'S PARISH
In preparation for the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St. Edmund's Church held a Novena with Masses celebrated by OCD friar, Fr. Jerald D'Souza. On July 16 at 7pm, the Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Mass was celebrated at St. Edmund's Church. Parishioners, devotees of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel along with OCDS members, Religious and Secular members filled the church. A beautiful flower arrangement surrounded the statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel which stood prominently in front of the altar. Bishop David Monroe of Kamloops was the homilist and the main celebrant having especially made the five-hour drive to North Vancouver. OCD friars Fr. Rudolf D'Souza, Fr. Jerald D'Souza, Fr. Steny Mascarenhas, Fr. Rajesh Madtha together with Msgr. Gregory Smith, Fr. James Comey and Fr. Paul Goo, priests of the North Shore Deanery, concelebrated. Bishop Monroe was particularly pleased to celebrate Mass at St. Edmund's, his former parish. He had been instrumental in many initiatives in the Parish and nostalgically recalled the challenges he and other religious overcame and accomplished during his tenure. Prior to the final Blessing, Bishop Monroe blessed scapulars which had been generously donated by OCDS members. They were distributed after the Mass. In his concluding remarks, Fr. Jerald D'Souza, thanked Bishop David Monroe, his brother Carmelites, the clergy, and everyone who had contributed their time and talent to make the celebration such a prayerful, joyous occasion. He introduced Fr. Rudolf D'Souza, Regional Superior who has been instrumental in the building of Carmel Hill in Deroche (Fraser Valley). Fr. Rudolf announced the publication of the first Carmel Hill bulletin (everyone received a copy) along with extending an invitation to visit the new Formation house and beautiful grounds. He also spoke of the many features provided by the members of the Order and encouraged the congregation to consider joining. Afterwards, everyone went to the Parish Hall to enjoy a reception prepared by the Catholic Women's League and Parishioners.