Grand Carmel Day Celebration by Carmelites

Steve Pereira OCD
Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 11 December 2011: Carmel Gudo celebrated the Seminary Day on 10th Dec. 2011. The whole community of Carmel Hill put their hands together to organize the Carmel Day 2011 on Dec. 10th. The programme began at 5.30 and reached its climatic end at 8.20 pm. The crowd of more than 1000 people actively participated right through and was very supportive and encouraging. The programme began with a prayer dance by the altar girls, after which Fr. Pius James D’Souza, the Superior, welcomed the gathering and honoured the President Fr. Archiebald Gonsalves, the  Provincial Superior of the Carmelites, and the Chief Guests, Mr. Melwyn D’Cunha, President of MCC Bank, Mangalore, and Mr. Roy Castelino, President of Konkani Prachara Andolana. He also welcomed Fr. William who was present on behalf of the Diocese of Mangalore, and Fr. Joseph Martis, Rector of St. Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary.

 

 

 

The brothers harmonized their voices to bring forth a melodious chorus. Mr. Melwyn D’Cunha while sharing about his association with the Carmelites at Carmel Hill mentioned the three functions of an ordained minister, namely, priest, prophet and king. He spoke of how the Carmelites have served God and the faithful around. He also thanked the gathering for their contribution in bringing about the centenary year of the MCC Bank and appealed for their continued support. Mr. Roy Castelino appealed to the sentiments of the gathering, asking them to contribute to the growth of Konkani our mother-tongue and highly appreciated the Carmelites for playing a primary role in this regard, through their association with various Konkani organizations and initiatives, and especially through such programmes like the Carmel Day, which go a long way in promoting Konkani.

 

He then honoured Mr. Thomas J. D., the dance master, for his commitment to the Carmelites for the past eight years. Fr. Provincial recalling the early years of this event, highlighted the fact that the Carmel Day has been held for 24 years consecutively, mentioning that there were some present who had attended every single one. He proudly congratulated the brothers for organizing such a wonderful programme despite their hectic schedule. He also honoured Mr. John M. Permanoor, the director of the Konkani drama. The brothers entertained with two dances – a western and a classical – and a creative song conveying the message, “Stop corruption.” Fr. Deepak Tauro, Master of students, thanked everyone who contributed to the success of the programme. then followed the highlight of the event, the Konkani drama, written by Br. Jocy Siddakatte, “Khaim Tuji Savari?” Interpolated with comedy scenes, the play, a tragedy, kept the crowd in suspense until the climax. The brothers did incredible well and the Carmel Day became a great success.

“Kudos to the Carmelites of Carmel Hill”