Celebration of the Feast of St Teresa of Avila
The Sadbhavana community joyfully celebrated the solemn feast of St Teresa of Avila, the patroness of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, on November 16, 2025. Although the universal feast falls on October 15, the community marked the occasion in November to ensure the presence of the Provincial Superior.

The celebration began at 11:30 am with a solemn Eucharistic liturgy presided over by the Auxiliary Bishop of Bangalore, Most Rev. Arokia Raj Satish Kumar. In his homily, the Bishop reflected on the Christian call to radiate the light of Christ in a world clouded by darkness. Drawing from the life and legacy of St Teresa, he emphasized the need for courageous, faith-filled witnesses who, like her, allow the light of prayer and contemplation to illumine the Church and the world.

The Eucharist was concelebrated by several priests, including Rev. Fr Pius James D’Souza, Definitor General of the Discalced Carmelite Order; Rev. Fr Charles Serrao, OCD, Pontifical Commissary of the Rosarian Congregation, Carmelaram; Provincial Councillors, Fr Alphonse Britto and Fr Prakash D’Cunha, Capuchin friars from the neighbouring community; and Carmelite priests from the surrounding communities and diocesan priests. The presence of these dignitaries added grace and solemnity to the occasion.

A number of religious sisters from various congregations – SMMI, CSST, and AC –joined the celebrations, along with many friends, benefactors, and well-wishers of the friars. Members of the Christian Family Movement, accompanied by their families, were also present, strengthening the spirit of fraternity. The liturgical choir, led melodiously by Mr. Nitin D’Souza and family, enriched the celebration with meaningful and devotional singing.

At the conclusion of the Eucharist, the Provincial Superior of the Karnataka–Goa Province, Rev. Fr Silvestre D’Souza, delivered a vibrant and heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all who contributed to the beauty of the celebration.

The celebration concluded with a sumptuous festive meal, joyfully shared by all. With grateful hearts, the Sadbhavana community offered thanks to God for the abundant blessings bestowed upon the community and the Province through the powerful intercession of St Teresa of Avila, patroness of the Karnataka–Goa Province and Mother of the Carmelite Reform.