Flos Carmeli Ashram, Lakurdi, is the Aspirancy House of the Regional Vicariate of West Bengal and North-East India under the South Kerala Province of St. Joseph, Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCD).

The origins of the mission date back to *28 January 2002, when **Rev. Fr. Xavier Jayaraj OCD, the then Provincial, entrusted **Fr. Joseph Livera OCD* with the task of exploring the possibilities of establishing a Carmelite mission in the Diocese of Asansol. Fr. Joseph spent several months in Bolpur, the birthplace of Rabindranath Tagore, learning the Santali language and studying the pastoral needs of the region. His report highlighted the urgent need for a Carmelite presence characterized by prayer, fraternity, and missionary outreach.

Recognizing the value of the proposed mission, the Diocese of Asansol generously offered approximately twenty bighas of land at Lakurdi, Burdwan. The land itself bore a unique history. Once occupied by refugees from Bangladesh, it was later abandoned after severe flooding. For some time, it served as a burial ground and eventually became a dumping site for municipal waste and industrial husks. When the Carmelite missionaries arrived, they found a deserted and neglected property. Their first act was to bless the land and entrust it to the maternal protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Inspired by the simplicity of the first Carmelite foundations, the new community began on *29 June 2003* in a humble bamboo hut with three friars—*Fr. Joseph Livera OCD, Fr. Thaddeus OCD, and Br. Albert Joseph OCD—together with seventeen aspirants. The community was canonically erected on **20 February 2005*.

The pioneers endured numerous hardships, including floods, extreme weather conditions, poisonous snakes, theft, and difficult living circumstances. Nevertheless, sustained by their love for the Church and the Carmelite vocation, they persevered with courage and faith.

Under the leadership of *Rev. Fr. Bernardine M. Louis OCD, then Provincial, plans were initiated for a permanent monastery building. Within a short period, the new structure was completed and dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel under the title **Flos Carmeli. The monastery was officially inaugurated by **Very Rev. Fr. Wilfred Miranda OCD, the n ewly elected Provincial, and blessed by **Rt. Rev. Cyprian Monis, Bishop of Asansol, on **28 July 2005*.

On *2 September 2005, **Fr. Thaddeus OCD* was appointed Superior and Director of Aspirants. During his tenure, the community experienced both growth and challenges, including the painful loss of *Bro. Ashok Xalxo*, whose memory remains cherished by the community.

Subsequently, *Fr. Augustine Stanly OCD* assumed leadership of the Ashram. Through his vision and dedication, strong relationships were established with the local community and civil authorities. Together with *Fr. Paul OCD*, he transformed the once barren land into a flourishing campus filled with trees, gardens, and cultivation. During this period, the Missionary Sisters of Mother Teresa also began their ministry on the premises, further enriching the apostolic presence of the Church in the area.

On *6 August 2006, the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, the community launched an educational outreach initiative known as **Kabiguru Rabindranath Shikshan Kendra*, a tuition center for underprivileged children of the locality. The program was warmly welcomed by the people and initially served around 150 children, reflecting the community’s commitment to the integral development of society.

Over the years, Flos Carmeli Ashram has become an important center for vocational promotion and formation. Numerous young men from West Bengal and the North-East have begun their journey of Carmelite formation here. The community also offers spiritual assistance to priests, religious, and lay faithful through retreats, recollections, spiritual direction, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Today, Flos Carmeli Ashram continues to serve as a vibrant center of formation, prayer, and evangelization, faithfully carrying forward the Carmelite mission in Eastern India.

## Mission

* Promotion of priestly and religious vocations
* Initial formation of aspirants and brothers
* Spiritual accompaniment and retreats
* Promotion of Carmelite spirituality
* Educational and social outreach
* Service to the Church in West Bengal and North-East India

*Motto:* “Zelo zelatus sum pro Domino Deo exercituum”
“With zeal I have been zealous for the Lord God of Hosts.” (1 Kings 19:10)

Read more : https://southkeralaprovinceocd.com/burdwan/