The inauguration of the Formation House “THE LITTLE FLOWER” and the first foundation of the Discalced Carmelites of Karnataka Goa Province “CARMEL HILL” in Canada was held on 11th September 2012 at Benedictine Abbey (Mission – British Columbia) at 10 am with a Solemn concelebrated Holy Eucharistic Celebration by the Most Reverend J. Michael Miller, CSB, Archbishop of Vancouver along with Rev. Archibald R. Gonsalves, Provincial Superior and Rev. Rudolf V.D’Souza OCD the Regional Superior and the other eleven Discalced Carmelite Friars working in different Dioceses of Canada. There were 21 priests present for the celebration with the Secular Carmelites and the parishioners of Guardian Angels Church and St. Edmond’s Church North Vancouver. After the Eucharistic Celebration the blessing of the Foundation Stone and blessing of the existing house was ceremoniously done by the Archbishop.

A short felicitation program was arranged. Fr. Rudolf welcomed all and thanked each and every one for making this event a grand success. Rev. Archibald R. Gonsalves thanked the Archbishop for his enthusiasm in welcoming the Carmelites and granting them the permission to open this first Foundation house in Canada in his Archdiocese.

The Archbishop in his address thanked the Carmelites and hoped that their presence would boost the spiritual life of people in his diocese through their prayer and contemplative spirit. He also thanked all the Carmelites including the Secular Carmelites for their valuable contribution to the Diocesan spiritual and pastoral life. The program ended with a sumptuous buffet arranged by the Critics’ Choice Caterers.