[From L to R] Fr Kausik Parmar OCD, Fr Sandeep Goveas OCD, Fr Nitesh Rodrigues OCD, Fr Cannio Cardozo OCD, Fr Silvestre D’Souza OCD, Fr Marlon Rodrigues OCD, Fr John Pinto OCD and Fr Daniel Christian OCD.
PANAJI
‘A Needle of Forgiveness’, a novel written by Fr Cannio Cardozo OCD, a Carmelite priest based at a parish in Vancouver-Canada, was released at the Carmelite Monastery in Margao on January 18.
The book was released by Fr Silvestre D’Souza OCD, Provincial Superior of the Karnataka–Goa Province of the Order of Discalced Carmelites.
Speaking at the release of the novel, Fr Silvestre reflected on the unexpected yet profound literary journey of its author, Fr Cannio. He emphasised that the book is far from superficial, recalling an experience in Canada where a reader remarked that Fr Cannio’s writing was “something different.”
Citing American writer Robert Benchley, Fr Silvestre noted that Fr Cannio discovered his talent for writing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Referring to an interview with Radio Veritas Asia, Fr Silvestre recalled the author’s belief that “killing time is the murder of creativity.” Though he explored other interests, writing emerged as Fr Cannio’s true calling, rooted in Carmelite silence—“not emptiness, but encounter.”
The journey has borne three books, widely read in Canada. The latest, rooted in Goa, was launched locally, with another novel planned in a Canadian context.
‘Needle of Forgiveness’ is a blend of romance and adventure set against the nostalgic backdrop of 1980s Goa, a land still echoing with the charm of its Portuguese past. The novel explores themes of love, loss, redemption, and forgiveness, highlighting how forgiveness has the power to heal even the deepest wounds.
Addressing the gathering, Fr Cannio expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all those who supported and encouraged him in his literary journey.
He shared that he began writing the novel alongside his first book ‘All I Have Is I’ in 2019. While ‘All I Have Is I’ was completed and published in 2021, suggestions from few priests and friends inspired him to write ‘All I Have Is You’ in 2024, eventually leading to a trilogy, ‘All I Have Is Them (flora and fauna)’ (2025).
Fr Cannio explained that his intention was to maintain a thematic and emotional link between the books rather than shift into a completely different genre.
He further noted that the novel is deeply rooted in Goa, reflecting its traditions, cultural nuances, and lived experiences—many of which are slowly fading from memory. He described the book as both a reminder for the elderly and a source of insight and learning for the younger generation.
Fr Marlon Rodrigues OCD, Superior of the Carmelite Monastery at Margao, anchored the book releasing ceremony.
Fr Cannio Cardozo is a Carmelite priest and writer from Camurlim (Ambora) Goa, currently residing in Canada. He holds an MA in English Literature, along with degrees in BSc, BPhil, and BTh.
