Bengaluru: Carmelite Fathers of Sadbhavana along with the vibrant Carmel Kutam celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on the 19 July, 2015 at the Sadbhavana premises.
The celebration began with the solemn procession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in a beautifully decorated chariot on the Dr Rajkumar Road. Nearly four hundred people participated in the pious procession reciting the Holy Rosary and singing Marian hymns after Fr Charles Serrao, Provincial Superior of Carmelites of Karnataka-Goa province blessed and incensed the chariot.
After the solemn procession, the statue was installed in the chapel for veneration by Fr Archibald Gonsalves who presided over the festive Eucharist. Fr William Miranda preached a heart touching sermon highlighting the motherly character of Our Lady with a request to remain close to her to feel her affection and protection. Carmelite priests from near and far along with Capuchin friars from Saccidananda concelebrated in the thanksgiving sacrifice.
Br Sandeep Kumar, studying in Tanzania, Africa renewed his vows in the hands of Fr Charles Serrao on this auspicious day. The angelic choir led by Maxim Lobo and Cajetan Dias added flavor to the prayerful celebration. After the Eucharistic blessings, Fr Archibald Gonsalves, Fr Joachim Rodrigues along with those who celebrated their B’days these days cut the B’day cake and the whole congregation sang the melodious B’day song.
Dolphy D’cunha, the President of Carmel Kutam, honored the Provincial for his paternal support and encouragement to Carmel Kutam and the devotees who frequent Sadbhavana for spiritual assistance. The main sponsor, Marina Pinto was honored by Fr Charles Serrao offering her the most beautiful statue of Our Lady and a shawl. All others who contributed through petals and flowers for the celebration were honored with a blessed candle.
Fr Charles Serrao wished all the devotees a very happy and joyous feast and thanked them for their generosity towards Sadbhavana and Fr Archibald Gonsalves encouraged and appreciated all the members of Carmel Kutam for their unceasing efforts to keep Konkani alive in the metropolitan city of Bengaluru. Pramila compered the post mass program.
After the solemn Eucharist, the Scapulars, the armor of protection offered by Our Lady of Mount Carmel, were distributed to all the devotees of Our Lady. Blue Bird Caterers had prepared a sumptuous Mangalorean meal which was relished and cherished by all those who took part in the celebration.
Long live Carmel Family under the protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.