The pages of history remind us about the presence of Carmelites in Goa (Old Goa) in 1619 with the arrival of Fr Leandra da Anunciacao as the founder of the Carmelite establishment. It was a novitiate house. Theologate was started in 1630 and discontinued from 1954. It is worth recalling that Blessed Denis of the Nativity and Blessed Redemptus of the Cross, who were the members of the Community at Old Goa became the proto-martyrs of the Teresian reform (Order of the Discalced Carmelites).
The Carmelites were forced to leave Goa since all religious orders were suppressed. Afterwards, in 1928, the Carmelites arrived in Kerala. An attempt was made to bring the Carmelites back to Goa. A Goan Diocesan priest named Fr. Maxim Godinho wrote to Fr. Leandra on December 19, 1928, requesting that they reestablish their foundation in Goa. “We really want Carmelites to work among us,” the writer remarked. The ancient Carmelites retained enduring recollections of their work in this area.”
When Fr. Constantine, the provincial vicar at the time, and Fr. Lucas met Archbishop Teotonio, they told him about their plan to establish a monastery in Goa. Not only did Archbishop Teotonio express his willingness, but he also said how happy he would be to see the spirit of St. Teresa revived in Goa, where it once thrived.
To meet the patriarch, he sent Msgr. Benziger, Fr. Lucas, and Fr. Mary Joseph of Candolim. Fr. Lucas gave Archbishop Teotonio an explanation of the type of apostolate the Carmelites will establish in Goa. With great understanding, the Patriarch remarked, “You have the entire diocese at your disposal.” He also suggested that they ask those who were familiar with the diocese for information on the various locations that would be appropriate for their needs.
They proceeded with laying the foundation at Margao based on the report that Fr. Lucas had presented to the regional council. Dr. Vincent Gracias’s house near Holy Spirit Church in Margao was rented out as a temporary home while the monastery was being constructed. The community’s first Prior (Superior) was appointed to be Fr. Lawrence of Sacred Heart of Jesus. The members were Br. Theophilus, Br. Timothy, Br. Louis, and Fr. Mary Joseph. Finally, a long-cherished dream came true on March 19, 1939. The new foundation was declared canonically established with the reading of all the relevant documents. The present monastery building was built in 1943 and thereafter the monastery church.
Today Carmelites have three foundations (Margao, Mapusa and Xellim) in Goa.
Right from its foundation, the friars from this monastery have served the faithful through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Carmelite Monastery is known for this apostolate. Many faithful mostly from South Goa approach these Carmelite priests for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Friars are also involved in other spiritual apostolate like retreat, recollection, spiritual direction and counselling, administering the sacrament of anointing to the sick, etc.
The faithful also participate in the daily and Sunday Eucharistic celebration, Sunday Catechism, Youth Group, Carmel Choir, Legion of Mary and Altar Servers.