Apostolic Carmel Eastern Province Marks Province Day with Call to Belonging and Communion

KOLKATA, October 7, 2026: A call to deeper belonging, attentive listening and communion marked Province Day 2026 of the Apostolic Carmel (AC) Congregation’s Eastern Province, held in Kolkata from October 2 to 4 under the theme “Embracing the Sacred Thread of Life.”

The three-day gathering brought together sisters from different stages of religious life and cultural backgrounds for prayer, reflection, dialogue, creative expression and fellowship.

Sr. Nirmalini, Superior General of the Apostolic Carmel Congregation and a member of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, joined the celebration and urged the sisters to remain attentive to the “heartbeat of God” and sensitive to the realities around them.

She emphasised that genuine listening goes beyond words and involves recognising the silent cries and needs of others. Her reflections encouraged the sisters to cultivate greater openness and compassion in community life and mission.

The programme opened with reflections on the Chapter Transmission, followed by a panel discussion in which six sisters shared their experiences. Representatives from different cultural backgrounds also joined the discussions, highlighting the Province’s call to journey together in diversity and unity.

The theme of the “sacred thread” was explored through reflections on community life, listening with the heart, mission, care for creation and personal transformation. Group discussions and creative presentations helped the sisters connect these themes with their own lives and mission.

The gathering also provided an opportunity to reflect on the future of the Province. The sisters shared their hopes and aspirations for a vibrant, united and mission-oriented community.

A panel comprising a teacher, former student, parishioner, Apostolic Carmel Association member and parent offered an external perspective on the congregation’s mission. The panellists shared how Carmel had influenced their lives and offered suggestions for its continued mission.

The Province also honoured Sr. Nirmalini with a greeting song and cake-cutting ceremony to mark her birthday and feast day and celebrate her re-election as Superior General.

The Eucharistic celebrations were presided over by Fr. Michael Biswas, parish priest of St. Thomas’ Church, and Bishop Nirmol Vincent Gomes of Krishnagar, with priests from neighbouring communities concelebrating.

Fr. Michael reflected on the theme of “embrace”, calling on the sisters to welcome others with love and acceptance, without discrimination. Bishop Gomes highlighted the strength and beauty of coming together and expressed his joy at celebrating with the Apostolic Carmel sisters.

Sr. Diksha, who welcomed the participants, expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the gathering.

The Province Day brought together the themes of belonging, listening, embracing and communion, reaffirming the Eastern Province’s commitment to a shared journey of faith, community and mission.

By Sr. Maria Diksha, AC