Recognizing the significant existence of the Nav Sadhana Kala Kendra, Post Graduate College of Music and Dance, Varanasi, Rev.Fr. James, OCD, First Councellor of OCD Delhi Province along with the Provincial, Rev.Fr. Augustine, OCD, enquired the possibility of staging a dance-drama on the life of St.Teresa of Avila, on the occasion of her 500^th birth anniversary (1515 – 2015). A contract was made between the OCD Fathers and the Director, Nav Sadhana in March 2015. The work began in April 2015 preparing the script on her life by Fr.C.R.Justy. The recording of the voice-text and music was over by August 2015. In September 2015 the practices started for both drama and dance. Once the Delhi Provincial of OCD and his team of counselors visited Nav Sadhana to see the progress of the dance – drama.

St. Teresa of Avila, the Mystical Doctor and Mother of Spirituality, is commonly considered as the greatest authority in prayer and interior life even today though she lived 5 centuries ago. On the occasion of her fifth Birth Centenary Celelbrations the Carmelite Family has been keen on enlightening the present generation about the unfathomable depth and the insurmountable heights of her lofty and sublime spiritual doctrine. It is indeed more Providence than coincidence that the Centenary celebration of the doyenne of spirituality which spans from October 2014 to October 2015 concurs with the Church’s observance of the Year of Consecrated life.

The dance – drama troupe consisting of 50 student-artists and 9 staff members left Varanasi on Oct. 8, 2015 to Hoshiarpur. All arrived at Hoshiarpur on Oct. 9, 2015 at 3.00 p.m. A rehearsal was held at 8.30 p.m. on the same day. On the following day  (Oct. 10, 2015) the Fifth Centenary of the Birth of St.Teresa of Avila was celebrated beginning with the Eucharistic celebration at 2.30 p.m. The main celebrant was Most Rev. Dr. Franco Mulackal, Bishop of Jalandhar along with other dignitaries. It was followed by a discourse on St.Teresa of Avila by Dr.Fr. Peter Chakiath, OCD. The dance – drama titled AVILA KI VIRANGANA was performed with zeal and enthusiasm by the students of Nav Sadhana Kala Kendra, Varanasi directed by Rev.Fr. Justy C. Choreography by Mr.A.Robin and Mr.Vengadesh Prabhu. It was a continuous play for three hours without any interruption, break or delay, as three stages were prepared: main in the centre, right and left side of the main stage. The play had continuous flow, sequential order, intellectually graspable contents, enthralling, stupendous show. It was highly appreciated by all, especially by the Bishop of Jalandhar, Most Rev. Francis Kalist, Bishop of Meerut, Most Rev.Ivan Pereira, Bishop of Jammu-Srinagar, Rev.Fr.Augustine, OCD, Delhi Provincial, Rev.Fr. James, OCD and others. The lyrics, music and dances were very scintillating the mind and heart. The portrayal of life St.Teresa of Avila had impinged everyone, who watched carefully. Many realized the sacrifice, struggles, agony and pains of the religious life as well as commitment, courage, conviction of the consecrated life. In short the objectives were achieved. The first day performance was for the priests and religious, who were around 1000 in number and the second day (Oct.11, 2015) was for the laity and religious, who were all together 2500 in number.

All of us experienced a warm welcome at the inception from OCD community. We highly appreciate their cordiality and hospitality, availability and willingness to help us in our need as well as their patient guidance to see the Amritsar Golden Temple and Jalian Wala Bagh. Their team work is commendable, the relationship and communication were amiable and amicable. All of us have returned with happy memories to Nav Sadhana on Oct. 14, 2015, though the journey had its own ordeal because of the cancellation of the Amritsar Express.