Cloistered Carmel in Goa Celebrate Centenary of Canonisation of St Thérèse of the Child Jesus

Chicalim, Goa – May 17, 2025: The Cloistered Carmelite Monastery in Chicalim, Goa, celebrated the 100th anniversary of the canonisation of St Thérèse of the Child Jesus with a solemn Eucharistic celebration on Saturday, May 17, 2025. The celebration was held in the monastery chapel and was presided over by Fr Anthony D’Souza OCD. Fr Peter Fernandes, Assistant Parish Priest of Chicalim, Fr Bernad Fernandes SAC, and several other priests concelebrated the Mass.

Fr. Anthony, delivering the homily on the theme “St Thérèse of the Child Jesus: A Little Way of Hope for the Pilgrim Church”, urged the faithful to embrace St Thérèse’s “little way” of simplicity, humility, and trust in God, becoming beacons of hope for those around them.

“Through small acts of love, St Thérèse became a true proclaimer of the Gospel,” Fr D’Souza remarked.

Highlighting the appeal of Pope Francis to be "visible signs of hope" to those in need, he noted how St Thérèse lovingly and generously served the elderly nuns in her cloistered convent.

Recalling Pope Francis’ exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate, he reminded the faithful of their universal call to holiness and encouraged them to practise small acts of love within their families and communities.

Prior to the Mass, the life and mission of the beloved saint were presented to the congregation, highlighting her enduring influence on the Church and the Carmelite tradition.

At the close of the celebration, Fr Ronald D’Souza OCD expressed heartfelt gratitude to all present. He also extended special thanks to the monastery’s benefactors for their continued generosity, particularly towards recent repair works and ongoing support for the cloistered community.

The centenary celebration was a moment of grace and thanksgiving for the Carmelites and the wider community, reaffirming their spiritual commitment in the Jubilee Year and drawing inspiration from the “Little Flower”, whose legacy continues to blossom.

By Bro. Malvino Afonso

Pictures by Cloyd Furtado