Mangaluru: The Centenary Celebration of the Canonisation of St Thérèse of Lisieux brought together the entire Carmelite family for a memorable evening of faith, fellowship, and festivity at the St Agnes College Auditorium, Mangaluru. The event commemorated 100 years since Pope Pius XI canonised the beloved Little Flower of Jesus in 1925 — a saint whose “Little Way” of love and simplicity continues to inspire people around the world.

Four Carmelite congregations come together in unity

The celebration was jointly organised by the Carmelite Fathers (OCD), Apostolic Carmel Sisters (AC), Carmelite Sisters of St Teresa (CSST), and the Bethany Sisters (BS), symbolising the unity and shared heritage of the Carmelite spiritual tradition.

The evening began with a solemn Holy Eucharist presided over by Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, concelebrated by several priests.

Cultural evening celebrating the Theresian spirit

The cultural programme opened with a moving introduction by Rev. Fr Stifan Perera, OCD, Director of the Infant Jesus Shrine, Mangalore, whose narration captured the essence of St Thérèse’s childlike trust and deep spirituality. This was followed by a stirring Opening Chorus composed by Rev. Fr Alwyn Sequeira, OCD, and performed by the Centenary Choir, featuring singers from all four congregations.

A Welcome Dance by the students of St Raymond PU College, Vamanjoor, choreographed by Mr Charan Raj, beautifully reflected St Thérèse’s message of humility, joy, and love in simplicity.

Inspiring reflections and literary tributes

During the formal ceremony, heartfelt addresses were delivered by Rev. Fr Dominic Vas, OCD (Convenor of the Celebration), Sr Maria Naveena, AC (Provincial Superior of the Apostolic Carmel), Rev. Fr Joseph Silvestre D’Souza, OCD (Provincial Superior of the Karnataka–Goa Province), and Sr Rose Celine, BS (Superior General of the Bethany Sisters).

The Chief Guest, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha, shared his personal reflections from his pilgrimage to Lisieux, the hometown of St Thérèse, emphasising her enduring message of holiness through love in ordinary life.

A highlight of the evening was the release of four new books inspired by St Thérèse’s spirituality:

  • Hope Nurtures Life – Rev. Dr Gregory D’Souza
  • Beyond the Horizons of Love – Rev. Dr John Francis Sequeira
  • The Spiritual Elevator and Hope: Helmet of Salvation – Rev. Dr Richard Francis D’Souza
  • Carlo’s Highway to Heaven – Rev. Fr Jocy Siddakatte (inspired by St Carlo Acutis, canonised by Pope Leo XIV)

Faith, art, and fellowship

The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Sr Lathika, AC, followed by the much-anticipated Konkani drama “Mogacha Vaten” (Path of Love), written by Rev. Fr Nelson Pinto, OCD, directed by Mr Arun Raj Rodrigues, and performed by the talented artists of Mandd Sobhann’s Kala Kul.

The celebration ended with a fellowship meal, as the Carmelite community rejoiced in the enduring fragrance of St Thérèse’s life and legacy — a symbol of love, humility, and divine simplicity that continues to blossom within the Church today.