Karnataka Goa Carmelite Province, Bangalore : Sadbhavana

Cloistered Carmels

The Bunda Carmel, Tanzania

Founded : 2001
Patroness : Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Diocese : Bunda

Address:
The Cloistered Carmel
Post Box – 38
Bunda – Mara
Tanzania
Tel: 00255 – 28 – 262 – 1041
Mobile: +255 787 214 690 / +255 759 004 176
E-mail: monastcarmel@gmail.com

Community:
1. Sr. Lisbeth of the Trinity (Prioress)
2. Sr. Terese Margaret of the Incarnation
3. Sr. Gabriela of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary
4. Sr. Nirmala Terese of the Blessed Trinity
5. Sr. Celine of Jesus
6. Sr. Eliza of St. John of the Cross

It may look strange but true that the Carmelite friars from the Karnataka Goa Province have been missionaries of Africa almost coterminous with the foundation of the Province itself. Perhaps it was the worthy tribute to St. Teresa who sent a batch of missionaries to Africa in her lifetime itself. The nuns too felt they should not lag behind. Since it was a first oversees foundation venture it was agreed to garner the participation of as many Carmels in SW regional association. The letter of the bishop of Musoma, on Lake Victoria in Tanzania received a positive response of Indian Carmel to the 2000 jubilee year of salvation.

Mother Gemma who was the association president along with Mother Teresa Margaret and Mother Rosemira embarked on a fact-finding mission to spy out the land and enter into a deeper dialogue with the bishop. The visit was fruitful and optimism dawned for a foundation with Sr. Rosmira as leader of the group. Eight sisters volunteered and on the suggestion of the then Superior General a live in experience period was agreed upon and the volunteers gathered in Hassan Carmel to live as a quasi-autonomous community. However, Sr. Rosmira had to back out due to serious illness and Sr.Agnes of Mary from Pune Carmel stepped in to fill the breach.

After taking sufficient time to be acclimatized to the culture, language, food habits and the marauding illnesses, the pioneers unanimously decided to build the first Cloistered Carmel on the soil of Tanzania at Bunda in the vicinity of Serengeti national park known as the cradle of humanity in 2001. But soon the Pune community recalled Mother Agnes as her services were indispensable. Mother Margaret was elected in her place and the reduced group courageously went ahead against all odds.

The land was received by the Bishop from the government for a parish church earlier and later for this Carmel. The community settled down in an abandoned parish house nearby, with very limited facilities. The Sisters adjusted heroically and braced themselves for the challenges ahead as true daughters of St. Teresa. The intense efforts to find the finances and ensure right persons to handle the work went through even with some painful events as well as joyful surprises. The Indian, Christian and non-Christian friends around were of great help and the building work progressed smoothly to be completed by 16th July 2005. This Carmel has been dedicated to our Lady of Mt. Carmel.

This Carmel being within the province's pastoral jurisdiction is entrusted with the pastoral care of the Regional Vicar of Tanzania. Though the community there counts only 7 there are good signs that Carmels in India would send more volunteers, while the community in Bunda will work strenuously for the native vocations without delay.