Feast of Saint Mary of Jesus Crucified Celebrated with Faith and Fellowship at Ryshivana
The Feast of Saint Mary of Jesus Crucified, also known as Saint Mariam Baouardy, the Patroness of Ryshivana, Ranipura, was celebrated with deep faith, devotion and joyful fellowship at Ryshivana Chapel on Sunday, August 23.
Bishop Emeritus of Mangalore Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul Dsouza, was the main celebrant of the festive Eucharistic celebration. Around 30 priests, including Very Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza, Vicar Forane; Very Rev. Fr Rajesh Melwyn Rosario, Rector of Saint Joseph’s Seminary; Very Rev. Fr Joe Tauro, Episcopal Vicar of Udupi Diocese; along with several diocesan, religious and Carmelite Priests, participated in the celebration. More than 50 religious sisters and around 200 neighbouring lay faithful, friends and well-wishers also joined the feast.
Rev. Fr Wilfred Rodrigues, OCD, Superior of Fatima Retreat Centre, Xellim, Goa, delivered a spiritually enriching homily. Reflecting on the life, spirituality and message of Saint Mariam Baouardy, popularly known as “The Little Arab,” he highlighted her profound humility, deep faith and extraordinary spiritual journey.
Saint Mariam Baouardy (1846–1878) was a Palestinian Discalced Carmelite nun, mystic and stigmatist born in Galilee. Orphaned at a young age, she experienced profound spiritual phenomena and played an important role in the establishment of Carmelite monasteries in Kankanady, Mangaluru, and Bethlehem. She experienced mystical graces including ecstasies, levitation, prophecies and stigmata. She died at the age of 32 on August 26, 1878, and was canonized by Pope Francis in 2015.
Following the Holy Eucharist, a felicitation and thanksgiving programme was held. Rev. Fr Dominic Vas, Director of Ryshivana, and Rev. Fr Archibald Gonsalves, Assistant Director, expressed their gratitude to all those who participated in the celebration and introduced Ryshivana as a centre dedicated to spirituality and holistic well-being.
The name “Ryshivana” reflects its unique vision: R stands for Religion, Y for Yoga, S for Spirituality, H for Health and I for Integration. Thus, Ryshivana is envisioned as a centre that integrates religion, yoga, spirituality and holistic health. Located at Ranipura on a picturesque hill, the centre offers a serene view of the lush green valley, the flowing Netravathi River and the Arabian Sea.
Ryshivana can accommodate around 120 people and has 80 rooms with attached bathrooms. The centre also has two large halls, two spacious chapels and a refectory that can accommodate around 150 people. Retreats, seminars and spiritual courses for Priests, religious and lay people are conducted in English and Konkani. The centre also welcomes individuals and groups seeking a peaceful place for relaxation, as well as picnic and excursion groups, with lodging and boarding facilities.
For enquiries, Ryshivana can be contacted at 9449083880 (Office) or 90086033889 (Director).
The celebration concluded with a fellowship dinner, bringing the day to a warm and joyful close. Participants appreciated the spirit of fraternity, faith and togetherness experienced throughout the feast celebration.
