Carmelites in Goa Open New Centre to Promote Human Wellbeing

By Bro. John Malvino Alfonso OCD –

Mapusa: “Emmaus Wellness Centre will strive its best to focus on holistic, all-inclusive approach on human health,” said Fr. Praveen D’Souza OCD, Director of the Emmaus Wellness Centre, Mapusa. He was speaking at the inauguration of  the newly-constructed building of Emmaus Wellness Centre of the Discalced Carmelites at Mapusa, Goa.

This centre which was formerly known as Emmaus Counselling Centre;. Its new building was inaugurated at the hands of Mr. Frank Carvalho, a donor of the property and the house and Fr. Praveen D’souza, Director of the Emmaus Wellness Centre, Mapusa in the presence of Fr. George Santhumayor, Provincial of the Karnatak-Goa province of the Discalced Carmelites, Fr. Ivo Dias, Superior of Carmelite Seminary, Peddem Mapusa, Fr. Alwyn Sequeira, Fathers and brothers of  the communities of Mapusa, Margao and Xellim and the invitees. Fr. George Santhumayor, conducted the prayer of Blessing.

Fr. Praveen D’Souza, Director of the centre, speaking further recalled the dream of the owner Frank Carvalho and his wife late Olga DaCosta Carvalho to use their property and house for the wellness of the people, especially, mental and spiritual wellness. “We had begun counselling and conducted some short courses on different themes related to psychology and spirituality in their Old house which was donated to us in the year 2007. Since the demand was growing and a bigger place was required. I approached Mr Frank with a new plan for Emmaus. He not only encouraged me, but assured his assistance,” said Fr. D’Souza, who holds Doctorate in Counselling Psychology (Clinical). “He helped us generously to realize this project,” Fr. D’Souza added.

Explaining the origin of the word Emmaus in the Bible, Fr. D’Souza said that the fear and anxiety of the disciples vanished when they recognized Jesus and they attained peace. So, Emmaus is a place to meet Jesus and bid goodbye to fear and anxiety and obtain peace. “Body, mind and spirit are three inseparable elements of the human person. Hence their unified and healthy functioning is essential for holistic human health,” said Fr. D’Souza, who is also a counsellor of the Goa Diocesan Family Service Centre, while explaining the purpose of the Centre.

Fr. George Santhumayor, Head of the Carmelites of Karnataka-Goa Province, appreciating Fr. Praveen D’Souza for the herculean task of completing this three storey  building of the Centre which has 23 residential rooms, recalled the efforts of the former superiors and the community members of the Carmelite Seminary, Peddem-Mapusa. He also appreciated Fr. Ivo Dias and the community members for their wholehearted support in completing this project. “All of us require wellbeing. When our body, mind and spirit are in harmony, then only we can have peace and wellbeing. Then our eyes will be opened, we will really enjoy living human life, the highest gift God has given to humanity,” said Fr. Provincial. Frank Carvalho expressed his sentiments.

Fr. Macson Dabre, animated the programme. The programme began with a prayer service led by Fr Walter Lobo, Br. Hilary Rodrigues and the aspirants of the Carmelite Seminary. Fr. Denis Fernandes, Parish Priest of St. Jerome’s Church, Mapusa release a planner of the activities of the Centre for the year 2022 and 2023. Frank Carvalho, Fr. Praveen D’Souza and the others who helped in completing this project were felicitated. Fr. Praveen D’Souza expressed words of gratitude.