Provincial Delegate Visits Holy Trinity Community OCDS, Chicalim
27 September 2026 | Chicalim, Goa
The Holy Trinity Community OCDS, Chicalim, was blessed with the fraternal visit of Rev. Fr. Deep Fernandes OCD, Provincial Delegate of the Secular Carmel, accompanied by Rev. Fr. Jeevan Tauro OCD - Spiritual Assistant, Seby Mendes OCDS Provincial Councillor, Mrs. Elizabeth Santos - President of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Community OCDS, Margao, and some members of the Margao community.

The day was marked by Holy Eucharist, prayer, fellowship, formation and encouragement, strengthening the community in its journey as a family within the Secular Carmel. The visit began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Rev. Fr. Deep preached an inspiring homily on our relationship with God. He encouraged us to see God not merely as a Master whom we obey, but as a loving Father who desires a personal relationship with each one of us.

OCDS Community strengthened: After the solemn Eucharist, with a simple rite that followed the Delegate Provincial admitted Mena Dulcina Dias into Aspirancy and presented her Carmelite emblem. This makes the maiden batch of Aspirancy into a community of 9 members.

Formation: A Journey of Transformation : Fr. Deep offered an informative and encouraging session on the OCDS vocation, explaining the history and development of the Secular Carmel, the role of the year 2003 - Constitutions, and the gradual formation journey of the lay Carmelite. He encouraged members to embrace the approximately six-year formation journey not as a burden, but as an opportunity for deeper prayer, spiritual growth and transformation.

Key elements highlighted included:
• Daily prayer and meditation
• The Morning and Evening Prayer of the Breviary
• The Six M's
• Community life and fraternity meetings
• Formation and ongoing spiritual growth
• Mission and apostolic service

A Spirit of Fraternity :
The visit also provided a joyful opportunity for fellowship. It was a beautiful coincidence to have Nina Joshy celebrate her birthday on the very same day and after Mass, the members shared breakfast generously provided by the birthday celebrant and the Cloistered Nuns, adding an extra touch of joy and warmth to the celebration.

The gathering concluded with words of gratitude from Gladys Farias, on behalf of the Holy Trinity Community OCDS, thanking Fr. Deep, Fr. Jeevan, Fr. Diogo, the Carmelite Nuns and the members of the Margao community for their presence, encouragement and support.

The visit was a beautiful reminder that the OCDS vocation is not walked alone. It is a journey lived together as a family—rooted in prayer, strengthened by fraternity, nourished by formation and sent forth in loving service.

May the Holy Trinity continue to bless the Holy Trinity Community OCDS, Chicalim, and guide every member faithfully on the beautiful journey of Carmel.