India has been home to Carmelite missionaries since the seventeenth century. The Discalced proto-martyrs, Blessed Dionysius of the Nativity and Redemptus of the Cross, had even left Goa a novitiate and a theology house for their martyrdom in Sumatra in 1638. However, foundation had not been intended for Indians.

In 1938, on the occasion of the third centennial of the Carmelite martyrdom, Bishop Benziger had the notion to re-establish a Carmelite community in Goa. In light of this, the elderly bishop, who had retired from the seat of Quilon, travelled to Goa personally that year with Fr. Mary Joseph in tow, clearing the ground for the eventual realization of the new Margao foundation.

Looking back at the key moments that preceded this historic day, we remember Msgr. Aloysius Benziger, a Belgian province Carmelite of Swiss descent, whose tireless efforts enabled the Teresian Carmel to welcome Indian sons at the start of the twentieth century.

This community of ours which served as a novitiate to train the young friars for many years has been a desired place for retreats for the clergy and the religious in small groups or as individuals. The structure is quite monastic in outlook evoking a sense of prayer and silence. The recent modification and furnishing of the edifice will make this place a true oasis of grace and interiority for the church in Goa.