We had the profound blessing of meeting Father Prasad at the recent OCDS (Secular Carmelites) Retreat held June 2-4, 2024 at the Impiana Roxy Hotel.
June 17, 2024
Father Prasad (R-4 seated) and OCDS at the retreat on June 2-4, 2024.
Jerome Lim, OCDS
We had the profound blessing of meeting Father Prasad at the recent OCDS (Secular Carmelite) Retreat held at the Impiana Roxy Hotel from June 2-4, 2024. His words and spiritual guidance resonated deeply with us and left a lasting impact on our vocational journey as Secular Carmelite friars.
Father Prasad is a Carmelite monk and priest, a professor of philosophy, a retreat preacher, an author, an interreligious interlocutor and an ecumenist. His diverse background enriched our retreat experience, bringing a depth of wisdom and understanding that was both enlightening and transformative.
Father Prasad’s teachings on Carmelite spirituality delved into the rich heritage of our tradition and stressed the importance of a deep contemplative prayer life, as exemplified by St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross. His reflections on the inner castle and the dark night of the soul offered new insights into the mystical path of union with God.
What is unique about Father Prasad’s teaching is his emphasis on the importance of Spiritual Quotient (SQ). He explained that nurturing SQ through Carmelite spirituality is essential to treating others with compassion and understanding. Father Prasad described SQ as a measure of our ability to live spiritual values in our daily interactions, practice empathy, and bring God’s presence into our relationships. Incorporating SQ into our lives makes us more sensitive to the needs of those around us and enables us to offer them the love and light of Christ through our actions and words.
“Father Prasad’s ability to communicate complex spiritual concepts succinctly and clearly makes his teachings easy to understand and impactful. Father Prasad reminded us that the true Carmelite spirit is to seek God in the silence of the heart and embrace His presence in the ordinary moments of daily life. His words encouraged us to cultivate the habit of introspection and to foster a continuous dialogue with God amidst our worldly responsibilities.
What impressed us most about Father Prasad was his profound humility and warmth. He possessed deep spiritual wisdom, yet was very approachable and friendly. His personal anecdotes and practical advice brought the Carmelite mystical teachings to life, making them relatable and applicable to our everyday experiences. This combination of deep insight and personal connection made our interactions very meaningful.
Our vocational journey as Secular Carmelites is one of constant growth and deeper immersion in the contemplative spirit of our Order. Meeting Fr. Prasad at this retreat marked an important milestone for us. His inspiration rekindled our commitment to the Carmelite way of life and prompted us to seek God with greater fervor and devotion.
In essence, our encounter with Father Prasad was more than an inspiring experience; it was a transformative one. His words continue to resonate within us and guide our journey as we strive to live the Carmelite charism. We are deeply grateful for his influence and hope to incorporate his teachings into our daily lives and strengthen our journey as secular Carmelite friars. This retreat not only deepened our understanding of Carmelite spirituality, but also renewed our enthusiasm to live a life of prayer, humility and love in the true Carmelite spirit. Father Prasad’s teachings on spiritual exponents have given us the tools to reach out to others more effectively while embodying the compassion and mercy that are at the heart of the Carmelite mission.–Catholicism Today
