- 29 November, 2025
Old Goa, November 29, 2025: The Discalced Carmelites in Goa marked the feast of Blesseds Dionysius (Denis of the Nativity) and Redemptus of the Cross with a solemn Eucharistic celebration at the historic ruins of their first monastery, Convento do Carmo, Old Goa. The annual celebration, held at the site where both martyrs once lived and formed their Carmelite vocation, brought together Carmelite friars, nuns, and members of the Secular Carmel from across Goa.
The feast Mass was presided over by Fr. Fantino Pereira OCD. Fr. Marlon Rodrigues OCD, Superior of the Carmelite Monastery, Margao; Fr. Ronald D’Souza OCD, Superior of the Carmelite Seminary, Mapusa; Fr. Jason Coutinho OCD and other priests concelebrated the Eucharistic Celebration.
Delivering a homily, Fr. Jason Coutinho, OCD, reminded the faithful that everything in this world passes, but faith, hope and love endure forever, urging them to remain steadfast in their vocation and to draw inspiration from the heroic fidelity of Blesseds Denis and Redemptus.
Inviting the congregation to contemplate the historic surroundings, he said that if the ancient trees and stones could speak, “they would tell us of more than four hundred years of prayer, sacrifice, and Carmelite presence.” These stones, he added, “watched the Carmelites gather for prayer, chant the psalms, and celebrate the Holy Eucharist,” and may even have been touched by the martyrs themselves.
Standing on the ground where Carmelites lived and formed missionaries since 1619, Fr. Coutinho spoke of the spiritual continuity linking past and present. “Their feet once walked where our feet now rest… what unites them and us is the same faith, hope and love.”
Reflecting on St Paul's words, he reminded the faithful that only these three virtues, Faith , Hope and Love endure, while earthly structures fade. “This monastery stood tall and strong—today it lies in ruins. But what will endure? Faith, hope, and love,” he said, noting that the martyrs’ courage and zeal flowed from these virtues.
Connecting the Jubilee theme, he recalled: “Hope does not disappoint… we are all pilgrims of hope.”
Hope, he said, is more than optimism. It is the capacity to remain firm even when life seems to crumble.
“A monastery may fall, a missionary may die, but the seed of the Gospel continues to grow,” he affirmed.
Standing amid the ruins, the faithful were reminded that Christian hope transforms ruins into reminders of resurrection.
In conclusion, he returned to the natural surroundings, saying, “If these elements could speak, they would whisper: Seek what endures. Let go of what passes.” He invited all to welcome Jesus in the Eucharist: “The same Jesus who strengthened the martyrs now desires to enter your heart,” urging them to ask for renewed faith, deeper hope, and a love inflamed by the Holy Spirit.
Historic Roots of Carmel in Old Goa
The commemoration took place at the very site where the Carmelites first laid their foundation in India in 1619. Under the leadership of Fr. Leander da Anunciação, the first group of Carmelites arrived in Goa after serving on the Persian mission. By 1620, they established Convento do Carmo as a novitiate house, and in 1630, a theologate was added.
Blesseds Dionysius and Redemptus were among the early members of this flourishing Carmelite community. Their presence at Convento do Carmo forms an important chapter in the history of the Teresian Reform in India.
In 2019, Discalced Carmelites celebrated 400 years of its presence in India, with an Extra-ordinary General Definitary held in Goa.
Blesseds Dionysius and Redemptus: Proto-Martyrs of the Teresian Reform
Blessed Denis of the Nativity, born Pierre Berthelot, was a renowned cartographer and naval captain serving the kings of France and Portugal. While in Goa in 1635, under the guidance of Fr. Philip of the Most Trinity, he discerned a call to religious life and joined the Discalced Carmelites. He made his profession on December 25, 1636, took the name Dionysius of the Nativity, and was ordained a priest in 1638. His confreres regarded him as a model of virtue.
Blessed Redemptus of the Cross, born Thomas Rodrigues de Cunha in Portugal in 1598, entered the Carmelite novitiate in Goa in 1615 as a lay brother. A former soldier in India, he first encountered Carmelites in Tatta (Sind), which awakened his desire for religious life.
In 1638, Dionysius and Redemptus accompanied a Portuguese delegation to Sumatra (now Indonesia), where they were captured and martyred. Their heroic witness led to their beatification by Pope Leo XIII in 1900, earning them the title of proto-martyrs of the Discalced Carmelite Order.
By Br. Malvino Alfonso OCD
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