Feast of our Lady of Mount Carmel, at Benoni, South Africa
The feast of our lady of Mount Carmel was celebrated on 16th of July, 2016 at Benoni, South Africa. It was indeed an important day in the history of South African Mission. Rt. Rev. Dr Buti Tlhgale the Archbishop of Johannesburg blessed the new tabernacle and declared that the church dedicated in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel as a virtual parish. In his speech, the Archbishop thanked the Carmelite Fathers for their selfless service to the faithful in his archdiocese.

The Solemn Festal Mass was at 5.00 pm. During the Mass, new batch of Secular Carmelites were admitted for a period of formation through the rite of Admission. Archbishop, in his homily explained the 15 new candidates the importance of Carmelite Spirituality for laity and asked them to discern their vocation as Secular Carmelites through the spirit of Prayer and commitment. Distributing the Constitution of the Secular Carmelites, he asked them to study the Constitution well and being faithful to it, strive for perfect union with Christ. The Archbishop also commissioned the first group of lectors in the parish.

After the Mass the Scapulars, which were brought from India, were blessed and distributed to the people. The Archbishop also blessed the new statues of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St Teresa of Jesus, St John of the Cross and St Theresa of Child Jesus. All these statues were made in India.

In his vote of thanks, Fr Peter Rebello, the superior thanked the archbishop for his continual support and encouragement. He also expressed our gratitude to cloister nuns, our immediate neighbors for their support in our mission. The Cloistered Nuns participated in our celebration and for a fellowship meal along with other Religious Sisters and priests from different Congregations.

The faithful were well prepared for the feast with Triduum Celebration. The three days novena Mass was celebrated by Fr Peter, Fr Boniface D’Souza and Fr Arvin Tauro. The First day of the Novena was dedicated for the Senior Citizen with special prayers and blessing for the elders. On that day Fr Peter Rebello gave the congregation a brief History of the Origin of Carmelites and their contribution to the Church.
The second day was dedicated for the Youth and Children. Fr Arvin Tauro in his homily explained the devotion to Scapular and the importance of intercession of Mother Mary.
The third day was a healing Mass. Fr Boniface D’Souza celebrated the meaningful liturgy, explaining the faithful importance of Marian Devotion. After the Mass, Fr Boniface conducted a small prayer secession, praying for healing and reconciliation. The Triduum and the Festal Mass was well organized by the laity under the guidance of Fr Arvin Tauro.