THE PROMISES – A JOYFUL MILESTONE IN CARMEL
Sunday, 27 September 2026 | Carmelite Monastery, Margao
It was a day of joy, grace and gratitude for the two Margao OCDS Communities—Our Lady of Mount Carmel Community and St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus Community—as nine members made their Temporary Promise at the Carmelite Monastery, Margao.

Presided over by Rev. Fr. Deep Fernandes, Provincial Delegate of the Secular Carmel, and concelebrated together with the Spiritual Assistants, Rev. Fr. Jeevan Tauro and Rev. Fr. Silvestre D’Souza, the Eucharistic celebration marked an important step in the members’ journey of living the Carmelite vocation through prayer, community and mission.

A Joyful “Yes” to Carmel
Four members from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Community—Meena Otilia De Souza, Maria Sharon Clara Luis, Ashreena Mendes and Gracy Corte—and five members from St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus Community—Conrad Catolino Mendes, Conceicao Mendes, Felicia Carmen Menezes, Hildred Falcao and Lorna Audrey Gomes—made their Temporary Promise. Surrounded by their families, friends and the wider Carmel family, they offered a deeper “yes” to God’s call, committing themselves to grow in fidelity to the Carmelite way of life.

One Family, One Fire
The celebration continued with a warm and joyful fellowship. Leoniz Gomes, as emcee, invited everyone to choose a family nickname that expressed the unity of the two communities. The response was unanimous and meaningful: “Carmelites on Fire”—a reminder that we are called to remain on fire with the love of Jesus Christ.

The President of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Community, Mrs. Elizabeth Santos welcomed the Provincial Delegate, friars, Spiritual Assistants, Promise members, postulants and all gathered members of the Carmel family. The nine Promise members then cut the celebratory cake, followed by a beautiful musical tribute from the “Carmel Nightingales,” whose wishing song brought warmth and affection to the occasion.

Rev. Fr. Deep Fernandes, Provincial Delegate, offered an inspiring and heartfelt address, encouraging the newly promised members to live their vocation with perseverance, prayer and love.

A warm and heartfelt Vote of thanks by Mrs. Ramila Rodrigues, the President of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus Community, OCDS. She expressed sincere gratitude to Fr. Deep Fernandes, the Provincial Delegate of the Secular Carmel, Fr. Marlon Rodrigues, the Superior, the Spiritual Assistants, the friars, the Promise members, their families and friends, and all those who contributed to making the celebration so special.

The celebration was not only a time of prayer and thanksgiving but also a wonderful opportunity for the Carmel family to relax, laugh and enjoy one another’s company. The fellowship session was filled with cheerful interaction, spot prizes, fun questions and spontaneous moments that brought smiles and laughter all around.

Adding to the excitement were the much-awaited spot prizes. Each prize brought with it cheers, applause and plenty of good-natured fun. The spontaneity of the activity made everyone eager to see what would happen next! What made these moments special was not the prizes themselves, but the joy of being together as one Carmel family. The laughter, applause and friendly teasing transformed the hall into a place of genuine warmth and fraternity.

As they continue their journey, may their Promise bear abundant fruit and may they grow ever deeper in love with Christ, Carmel and one another.

“Where there is no love, put love, and you will draw love.” — St. John of the Cross