Media Release

Mangaluru, Aug 26: The Sisters of the Apostolic Carmel, Karnataka Province, celebrated the feast of St Mary of Jesus Crucified on August 26 with a festive Eucharistic celebration presided over by the bishop of Mangalore diocese, Rt Dr Peter Paul Saldanha.

The Eucharist was concelebrated by Fr Valerian D’Souza, rector of Rosario Cathedral, and Fr Deepak Rodrigues, in the Oratory of St Mary of Jesus Crucified, at the very altar where St Mary of Jesus Crucified professed her first vows at the hands of bishop Marie Ephrem.

St Mary of Jesus Crucified holds a very special place in the history of the Apostolic Carmel, as Mother Veronica, the foundress of the congregation, led her to Carmel and remained her strong spiritual support until her death in Bethlehem. She was also among the first group of sisters of the cloistered Carmel and the Apostolic Carmel who travelled to Mangaluru. She lived at St Ann’s Convent from 1870 to 1872, before returning to Pau.

At the beginning of the celebration, Sr Rose Agnes gave a brief introduction to the life and spirituality of St Mary of Jesus Crucified, highlighting the significant milestones of her life and her deep commitment to God.

In his homily, bishop Peter Paul Saldanha reflected on the life and virtues of the saint and urged the congregation to draw inspiration from her faith, humility, simplicity and love for God. He encouraged the faithful to imbibe these virtues and live them meaningfully in their own lives.

The celebration was a joyful occasion of thanksgiving, recalling the rich Carmelite heritage of Mangaluru and the inspiring legacy of St Mary of Jesus Crucified.