Mangalore: The annual feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel was celebrated at Infant Jesus Shrine, Mangalore, on July 14, 2013. There were four masses during the day – at 6.00, 7:15 and 9:30 in the morning and the solemn Eucharistic celebration at 5:30 p.m.
Rev. Fr. Archiebald Gonsalves, Provincial Superior of the Carmelites of the Karnataka-Goa Province was the main celebrant at the evening festal mass and Fr. John Sequeira was the preacher.
In his inspiring homily, Fr. John enumerated the qualities of Mother Mary which make her an example for all Christians and especially the patroness of the Carmelites who try to imitate he life of prayer and contemplation on the holy word of God.
He also explained the significance of the scapular for each one, which represents the mantle of the Blessed Virgin and clothes the wearer with her protection, reminding them always of her virtues.
Many priests from surrounding parishes along with religious of various congregations joined for the celebration. Scapulars were distributed to the people after every Mass. The faithful were present in large numbers for the masses and received the blessings of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.
