MEETING OF THE SPIRITUAL ASSISTANTS OF SECULAR CARMEL – 2014
(Sadbhavana, Bangalore: 2-3 September, 2014)

Carmelite Seculars, together with the Friars and Nuns, are sons and daughters of the Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St Teresa of Jesus. It is the earnest endeavour of the Karnataka-Goa Province to promote vocations to the Secular Carmel from all walks of life. Around 10 years ago we began forming the first communities and today we have a good number of members who have made their promises.

The first meeting of the Spiritual Assistants of the OCDS who have been appointed after the Chapter was convoked at Sadbhavana from 2-1 September 2014. The total number of participants was 13,besides the Delegate Provincial – Fr. Deep Fernandes and the Provincial Councillor in-charge of Spirituality, Fr. Silvestre D’Souza.

The first day began with a prayer service led by Fr. Rayan Robert Pais and a welcome by Fr. Deep Fernandes. In his address, Fr. Silvestre explained the purpose of the meeting and the general plans for the expansion of the Secular Carmel during this triennium.

Each participant was then invited to offer a picture of the situation in their respective regions. The report of the OCD Provincial Congress held from 17-19 January 2008 was read. Our special invitee, Fr. Rudolf Raj Pinto who is on his home visit, offered a succinct presentation on the nature and purpose of Secular Carmel, and enumerated the profile of a Secular Carmelite. This was followed by group study on the OCDS Constitutions.

The reporting session that began on the first day continued on the second day. Various doubts and practical difficulties were discussed and analyzed. In the fraternal sharing that followed the Spiritual Assistants promised to give their best in order to begin new units where we have none. The cut out date for the implementation of this proposal was 14th November, 2014. Streamlining and systematic formation of the existing units will also be given priority. In view of this it was decided:

• To print the OCDS constitutions in English and Konkanni. Fr. Prasanna volunteered to translate it in Kannada

• Prepare a colourful brochure at the earliest to make the Secular Carmel known

• Design a big scapular for the investiture ceremony, which will be worn by members on special occasions

• To solemnize the definitive promises of the OCDS in a befitting manner

• Start keeping proper records in each community. The newly printed Bio-Data forms were distributed

• A Congress of the OCDS at the provincial level in 2015 to celebrate the V Birth Centenary of St. Teresa (Suggested dates: October 16-18, 2015 at Mysore)

This fruitful gathering came to an end on 3rd September, 2014 at 4.30 p.m. We are grateful to all the communities for the support that they have promised to realize our project regarding the consolidation of the Secular Carmel in the Province. Thanks to all the Spiritual Assistants for their valuable suggestions and enriching interventions. Let us march onwards with renewed vigour to spread the fragrance of Carmel among the faithful!