The last day of work. On Saturday evening, the draft of the final document from the Goa Extraordinary Definitory was distributed to the members of the Definitory. The first morning session on Sunday took place in the geographic-linguistic groups, who examined and discussed the proposed text, proposing possible additions or modifications. The result of the shared analysis was delivered by the secretaries of each group to the moderators, who integrated into the draft the observations made.
Meanwhile, at the Old Goa Cathedral, Fr. General presided at the opening session of a Seminar on the history and contribution of the Discalced Carmelites in India, during which, conferences will be given of a historical, artistic-architectural and spiritual nature, giving a look at the challenges in India today.
In the last official session held in the Great Hall, the definitive text of the message was presented and approved unanimously.
After final speeches of summary, thanks and farewell by Fr Johannes Gorantla and the General, the 2019 Extraordinary General Definitory was declared concluded with the singing of the “Flos Carmeli”.
At 4:00 p.m., in the Old Goa Cathedral, took place the commemorative celebration of the IV Centenary of the arrival of Carmel in India. Presiding at the Eucharist was Mons. Felipe Neri, Archbishop of Goa, and concelebrating with him were Mons. Derek Fernandes (Bishop ofKarwar), Mons. Luis Pablo D’Souza (emeritus Bishop ofMangalore), as well as, naturally, our General, Fr Saverio Cannistrà, the General Definitors, the members of the Extraordinary Definitory, and also a considerable numbers of priests. Also attending the ceremony were Discalced Carmelite students who had come from all over India for this extraordinary occasion. Besides the 220 concelebrants, filling the enormous baroque cathedral was a multitude of faithful, Secular Carmelites, religious from the various Carmelite congregations born in India (the most numerous has more than 6,000 Sisters).
After the Mass, under an immense marquee prepared for the occasion, the official celebration of the fourth centenary unfolded, during which were choir performances by the almost 60 students from Karnataka-Goa, the panegyrics, the official speeches of Prelates, as well as typical music and dances.
Now we go back to the daily rhythm of life, work and mission, with the pride of being the bearers of a valuable gift and with the humility of those who know that “all is a grace”.
