Report of the Mother of Divine Grace OCDS Community, Pune.
Seminar on the Liturgy of the Hours by Fr. Rudolph Raj Pinto,OCD

Date: 21 June 2026
Venue: Monastery of God the Father, Cloistered Carmel, Ramwadi, Pune

An OCDS seminar was held on 21st June 2026 at the Monastery of God the Father, Cloistered Carmel, Ramwadi, Pune, under the guidance and leadership of the Spiritual Assistant,Fr. Lancy Mendonca OCD . The seminar commenced at 9:15 a.m. and concluded at 6:30 p.m. A total of 30 members were present for the seminar.

Prior to the commencement of the seminar, Most Rev. Bishop Simon Almeida, Bishop of Pune Diocese, visited the participants and greeted Fr. Rudolph Raj Pinto, OCD, Fr. Lancy Mendonca,OCD and the OCDS members. His presence brought joy and encouragement to all those gathered.

The seminar began with an opening prayer led by Mr. Louis D'Souza. Mr. Manuel Mantode welcomed Fr. Rudolph Raj Pinto, OCD, by presenting him with a sapling. The formal session commenced at 9:15 a.m.

The seminar for the day was on the topic, "The Liturgy of the Hours." Fr. Rudolph Raj Pinto, OCD, gave an enlightening and spiritually enriching presentation on the Divine Office. He explained the structure and various components of the Breviary, the manner of praying it, and its importance in the spiritual life of priests, religious and especially the members of the Secular Order. He encouraged the members to faithfully pray the Divine Office as an integral part of their Carmelite vocation. On the previous day, Fr Rudolph also gave a half-day session for the Cloistered Sisters at Pune.

The morning session was followed by lunch and fellowship.

In the second half of the seminar, Rev. Fr. Colin Hendricks, Parish Priest and Rector of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Pune, was present. Addressing the members, he spoke on the importance of the Divine Office and encouraged them to remain faithful to the teachings of the Church regarding the prayer of the Breviary. He also expressed his appreciation to Fr. Rudolph for his insightful presentations and urged the members to deepen their understanding and practice of the Divine Office.

The seminar sessions concluded at 5:00 p.m., followed by tea and snacks. Thereafter, the members joined the Cloistered Carmelite Sisters in praying the Evening Prayer of the Divine Office.

The Holy Eucharistic Celebration was held at 6:00 p.m. Fr. Rudolph Raj Pinto, OCD, was the main celebrant, concelebrated by Fr. Lancy Mendonca OCD. During the concluding session, Fr. Lancy Mendonca expressed gratitude to Fr. Rudolph for conducting the seminar. Important announcements were also made, including the announcement of the new office bearers and the names of the those entering into the stage of aspirancy.

Mrs. Nirmala Kuris, President of the community, proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all those who contributed towards the successful organization of the seminar.

The seminar concluded at 6:30 p.m., leaving the members spiritually enriched and inspired to remain faithful in praying the Divine Office and in living their Carmelite vocation.

Maureen D’Souza,
Secretary
Mother Of Divine Grace OCDS community Pune