Fr. John F. Sequeira Elected Provincial of Karnataka-Goa Carmelites

Mysuru, April 19, 2026 — The Karnataka-Goa Province of the Order of Discalced Carmelites has elected Fr. John F. Sequeira as its new Provincial for a three-year term. The election took place during the XVI Provincial Chapter held at Dhyanasadhana, the Carmelite Institute of Spirituality in Mysuru.

Fr. Sequeira succeeds Fr. Silvestre D’Souza, who has been elected First Councillor. The newly constituted council also includes Fr. Oswald Crasta as Second Councillor, Fr. Richard Menezes as Third Councillor, and Fr. Prakash Tauro as Fourth Councillor.

A native of Agrar Parish in the Diocese of Mangalore, Fr. Sequeira is widely regarded as a scholar, spiritual director, and writer. He holds a Master’s degree in Philosophy from Karnataka University and pursued advanced studies at the University of Vienna, where he specialised in German Linguistics. He later earned a Doctorate in Philosophy from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, focusing on hermeneutics.

Over the years, Fr. Sequeira has served as a visiting professor at various institutions and contributed to programmes in human resource development. Deeply rooted in Carmelite spirituality, he is known for his emphasis on “inner silence and divine intimacy” in the spiritual life.

A prolific author and editor, he founded and edited journals such as Dhyana and Jeeva Jala, and has written extensively on spirituality, formation, and contemporary issues. His recent works include reflections on contemplative prayer and the Carmelite tradition.

His election is seen as ushering in a new phase of leadership for the Karnataka-Goa Carmelites, with a continued focus on spiritual depth, intellectual engagement, and pastoral renewal.

By Br. Malvino Alfonso

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