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The Secular Carmel Konkani Convention was held on the 5th & 6th of October, 2019 at Jyothi Nivas, Bajjodi, Mangaluru. 85 members from five units, namely, Mira Road, Honnavar, Koteshwar, Bikarnakatta and Bajjodi participated in this convention.

The inaugural function started at 9.30am with a prayer song. Rev. Fr. Ivan D'souza welcomed the gathering. Keeping in mind our Holy Father Pope Francis' message ' Laudate Si', the convention was inaugurated with planting of a Sapling by Rev Fr. Ivan D'souza. Soil was added by Fr. Rovel D'souza- Delegate Provincial KG province, Mr. Rodo Pereira - OCDS President KG province, Mrs Felcy D'souza and Spiritual Directors of all units. Rev. Fr. Patrick Lobo watered the sapling after which Fr. Rovel D'souza in his message wished the hosts - Bajjodi unit and the convention every success. Mrs. Gretta Lobo compered the programme.

The inaugural session was followed by an Ice breaking session with group dynamics conducted by Ms. Sharel D'souza. The first talk was by Fr. Deep Fernandes on St. John of the Cross. He beautifully explained the ways through which we can unite with God in prayer. The members then gathered in the chapel for Holy Mass celebrated by Rev Fr. Rovel D'souza and concelebrated by spiritual directors present.

After the lunch the second talk was by Provincial Rev. Fr. Charles Serrao who first gave the statistical information of the order and then stressed on the three main qualities - Humility, Detachment and Love that we as Carmelites need to follow. In the evening at 7 pm prayer of the church was conducted by the Bajjodi unit after which dinner was served.

On the second day - 6th October, 2019, the members gathered at Infant Mary Church Bajjodi at 8.30 am for morning prayers followed by a photo session. The Holy mass at 9.15am was celebrated by Provincial Rev. Fr. Charles Serrao and con celebrated by Fr. Ivan D'souza, Fr. Patrick Lobo, Fr. Rajesh D'souza, Fr. Deep Fernandes and Fr. Lawrence D'cunha.

The third talk was given by Fr. Rovel Dsouza. In his message he stressed that OCDS member should live in the family and society. The afternoon session began with the cultural programme at 2.30pm. All the five units displayed their talents so beautifully which brought the audience into total involvement and cheer. The groups dispersed at 4.30pm for tea and gathered back for an evaluation.

Rev Fr. Rovel D'souza in his message appreciated and thanked Spiritual Director Fr. Ivan D'souza, President Mrs. Gracy Fernandes and all the members of Bajjodi Unit, for organising the convention. He congratulated everyone on the success of the convention. Prizes were distributed by Fr. Rovel D'souza and the Spiritual Directors.

President of Bajjodi unit - Mrs. Gracy Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks. The Secular Carmel Konkani Convention, 2019 was a grand success. Each and every member of all units participated positively and enthusiastically and thereby gained a lot of inputs from this convention.