India: Carmelite Scholastics Gather in Mysuru to Reflect, Learn, and Grow

The Karnataka–Goa Province of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, southwest India, organised the Scholastics’ Meeting for the academic year 2025–26 on December 27–28, 2025, at Pushpashrama, Institute of Philosophy and Religion, Mysuru.

The meeting commenced on December 27 with the inaugural Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr Archibald Gonsalves OCD, Vicar Provincial, who also formally inaugurated the gathering. In his homily, Fr Archibald reflected on St John, the Beloved Disciple, who remained close to Jesus at all times. Presenting St John’s love and fidelity as a model for the scholastics, he exhorted them to love sincerely and remain deeply rooted in Christ. Referring to St John’s symbol, the eagle, he encouraged the scholastics to soar high with purpose, making full use of their talents and gifts.

On December 28, the Feast of the Holy Family, Fr Silvestre D’Souza OCD, Provincial Superior, presided over the Eucharistic celebration and reflected on the threefold relationships essential to family life. He highlighted the duties of children toward their parents, the need for mutual love between spouses, and the responsibility of parents to protect and guide their children, drawing inspiration from the example of St Joseph. He also noted that family extends beyond biological relationships to include religious communities and circles of friendship, concluding that love is the foundation of healthy and life-giving families.

Following the Eucharistic celebration, Fr Silvestre addressed the scholastics on priestly formation in the light of Pastores Dabo Vobis, the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation of Pope John Paul II. Referring to paragraphs 43–59 of the document, he highlighted the four essential dimensions of holistic formation, human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral, stressing that “all four dimensions are indispensable and must be given due and balanced attention.”

To illustrate this integrated approach to formation, Fr D’Souza presented the example of the newly canonised St Carlo Acutis, describing him as “a saint who has taken the world by storm.” He noted that Carlo’s deep love for the Holy Eucharist inspired his parents to return to regular practice of their faith and fostered renewed devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. Fr D’Souza further pointed out that Carlo’s Eucharistic faith also led to the conversion of his domestic worker, Rajesh Mohur, who later received baptism. “It was by watching Carlo pray before the Blessed Sacrament and listening to him explain the Real Presence that faith was awakened,” he said.

At the same time, the Provincial Superior emphasised that Carlo’s holiness was not separate from everyday life. “He was not confined only to church and prayer,” Fr D’Souza remarked, noting that like any child of his age, Carlo enjoyed video games, PlayStation, and had a fondness for Spider-Man and Pokémon. Concluding his address, he underlined that St Carlo Acutis offers a powerful model for young people today, showing that “it is possible to live a deep life of faith while joyfully engaging with the world,” and that true holiness lies in learning to balance faith with fun.

As part of the programme, a session on Cyber Security was conducted by Advocate Milash Arrol Noronha, who enlightened the participants on the safe and responsible use of digital platforms, with special emphasis on social media awareness, online banking, and financial security.

A quiz on Carmelite history was conducted by Fr Clifford OCD, Fr Stephen OCD, and Deacon Loy Crasta OCD. Based on the book Journey to Carith, the quiz helped deepen the participants’ understanding of Carmelite heritage, origins, and spiritual tradition in an engaging and interactive manner.

Various sports activities and a cultural programme on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope” were also organised. The scholastics were further given opportunities for personal sharing, offering insights into their experiences, challenges, and growth in formation.

The Scholastics’ Meeting concluded with a picnic, providing an occasion for relaxation, fraternity, and joyful recreation.