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In 2003 the new Constitutions of the Secular Order of the Teresian Carmel, or simply “Secular Carmel,” were accepted, and what was then known as third Order of Carmelites was restructured. At the Carmelite Monastery in Margao, a Community of the Secular Carmel was established in 2006 in compliance with these revised constitutions. It was given Our Lady of Mount Carmel as its patroness. It was determined that it was time to split out to create a separate unit with 12 members as the number of members grew. Saint Teresa of Avila believed that smaller communities would promote healthier interpersonal interactions.
A new Community (OCDS) dedicated to St. Therese of the Child Jesus with its base at Lar de Santa Terezinha, Pajifond Margao was launched as” ad experimentum” by Rev. Fr. Charles Serrao OCD, the Provincial Superior of the Karnataka-Goa Province in the presence of Rev. Fr. Rovel D’Souza OCD, the Delegate Provincial for the Secular Carmel in August 2019. On that occasion the Provincial encouraged the members to continue their journey in holiness by seeking union with God through prayer. The Superior of the Monastery Fr. Archibald Gonsalves OCD was appointed as the first Spiritual Assistant, of the community, Mr. Roy Rodrigues OCDS, as president, Mrs. Effie Viegas OCDS, Formator. Mr. Agnelo Braganza OCDS, I Councillor, Mrs. Teresa Dias OCDS, II Councillor, Mrs. Mabel Dias III Councillor and Mrs. Marta Pereira OCDS, Secretary to the Council.
This Community has fulfilled all requirements as per the Constitutions approved by the Holy See and also the Provincial Statutes. We follow the formation programme which lasts 6 years, leading to Definitive Promise for life. On 29th August, 2021, the new OCDS Delegate Provincial, Rev. Fr. Deep Fernandes OCD, conducted the first official triennial elections of the Local Council. On the same day, 14 Aspirants were inducted into the Initial Formation – I.
Our members are involved in planning and organizing the liturgical and para liturgical services at the Carmelite Monastery, like Sunday Mass, Adoration, Vespers etc. We undertake various apostolates, like helping the poor and the missions, by raising funds, visiting old age homes and orphanages, organizing seminars, participate at regional meet and Congress, and conducting quizzes and competitions for children etc.
There is a meeting of the entire community once a month, during which the formation of members take place. It’s also a time for prayer in common and fraternal bonding. The Local Council meets along with the Spiritual Assistant as per the need and it takes important decisions for the welfare of the community. It also pertains to the Council to assess the suitability of candidates and approve them for the Promises.
The Spiritual Assistant (2020-2023), Rev. Fr. Silvestre D’Souza OCD, who is always ready to assist and support the community in living out the “Charism” of the Carmelite Order, under his guidance on 20th January 2023, at a thanksgiving mass presided by Rev. Fr. George Santhumayor OCD, Provincial Superior of the Karnataka-Goa province, two members professed their Vow of Chastity and Obedience in the Secular Carmel.
April 2023, Fr. Silvestre D’Souza OCD, Spiritual Assistant of our community has been elected as the Provincial Superior of the Karnataka-Goa province of the Order of Discalced Carmelites in the 15th provincial chapter, held at Pushpashrama, Mysuru. He succeeded his predecessor Rev. Fr. George Santhumayor OCD, followed by Fr. Lancy Mendonca who is appointed as our present Spiritual Assistant.
Spiritual Assistant : Fr. Lancy Mendonca OCD
President : Mrs. Martha Pereira OCDS
Director of Formation : Mrs. Beliza Antao OCDS
I Councilor : Mr. Agnelo Braganza OCDS
II Councilor : Mrs. Teresa Dias OCDS
III Councilor : Mrs. Mabel Dias Carneiro OCDS
At present the Community consists of:
Vowed Members 2
Definitively Professed Members 7
Temporary Promise Yr. III 1
Temporary Promise Yr. II 10
Initial Formation Yr. II 2
Initial Formation Yr. I 5
Friends of Carmel 2
Observers 4