The Carmel in the Land of the Maharajas
In February 2019, India is celebrating the 400th anniversary of the presence of the Discalced Carmelite Order on its soil. This event coincides with the meeting of the Order’s Extraordinary Definitory that was held in Goa from February 4 to 11, 2019.
For the occasion, the ruins of the church of the Convento do Carmo in Old Goa received a facelift. It was there that Fr. Léandre of the Annunciation founded the first novitiate: Pierre Berthelot—who became Blessed Denis of the Nativity—received the habit there in 1635, three years before dying a martyr in Sumatra.
After a Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Saverio Cannistra, Superior General of the Discalced Carmelites, on February 8, 2019, Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrão, archbishop of Goa and Daman, participated in this anniversary by celebrating a Pontifical High Mass on February 10 in his cathedral in Se (Old Goa).
A light and sound show retracing the history of the Carmelites in India and a seminar on the history and contributions of the Order in India are being prepared. An exceptional guest is expected: Cardinal George Alencherry, Major Catholic Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Rite.
The Discalced Carmelites have three foundations in Goa: Margao, Mapusa and Xellim, as well as their novitiate, the Convento do Carmo.
Sources: Indian Catholic Matters / Daijiworld / FSSPX.News – 2/13/2019
