Needle of Forgiveness, novel by Carmelite priest, released in Goa

Goa, January 18, 2025: Needle of Forgiveness, a novel by Carmelite priest Fr. Cannio Cardozo OCD, was formally released at the Carmelite Monastery, Margao, on Sunday, January 18, following the Holy Mass. The book was released by Fr. Silvestre D’Souza OCD, Provincial Superior of the Karnataka–Goa Province of the Order of Discalced Carmelites.

Addressing the gathering, Fr. Silvestre reflected on what he described as the author’s unexpected yet deeply meaningful literary journey. He stressed that Needle of Forgiveness is far from superficial, recalling an encounter in Canada where a reader remarked that Fr. Cannio’s writing was “something different.” Citing American writer Robert Benchley, he noted that Fr. Cannio discovered his gift for writing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Referring to an interview with Radio Veritas Asia, he recalled the author’s conviction that “killing time is the murder of creativity.” While Fr. Cannio explored other interests, writing emerged as his true calling, rooted in Carmelite silence—“not emptiness, but encounter.” This journey has already produced three books, widely read in Canada. The latest novel, set in Goa, was launched locally, with another novel planned in a Canadian context.

Set against the nostalgic backdrop of 1980s Goa, Needle of Forgiveness blends romance and adventure while evoking a land still marked by its Portuguese past. The novel explores love, loss, redemption and forgiveness, underscoring the power of forgiveness to heal deep wounds. The story centres on Maria, also known as Xammai, an elderly woman firmly grounded in Catholic faith who longs for forgiveness, and Kia, a 12-year-old girl yearning to be reunited with her father. Symbolised as a “needle,” Kia stitches together her parents’ fractured relationship, while Xammai struggles with the belief that she caused their separation. Kia’s painful search for her father, guided and protected by her dog Leader, ultimately leads to reconciliation and the restoration of family bonds.

Speaking at the release, Fr. Cannio Cardozo expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who supported and encouraged his literary work. He shared that he began writing the novel alongside his first book, All I Have Is I, in 2019. Although that book was completed and published first, suggestions from priests and friends inspired him to write All I Have Is You, eventually leading to a trilogy. He explained that the books are thematically and emotionally connected rather than belonging to different genres.

Fr. Cannio added that the novel is deeply rooted in Goa, reflecting traditions, cultural nuances and lived experiences that are slowly fading from memory. He described the book as a reminder for the elderly and a source of learning for younger readers.

The book release ceremony was anchored by Fr. Marlon Rodrigues OCD, Superior of the Carmelite Monastery, Margao.

Fr. Cannio Cardozo, a Carmelite priest and writer from Camurlim (Ambora), Goa, currently resides in Canada. He holds an MA in English Literature, along with degrees in BSc, BPhil and BTh. His earlier works include All I Have Is I (2021) and All I Have Is You (2024), published by WestBow Press, USA. His most recent book, All I Have Is Them, was released in 2025 by AuthorHouse, USA. Needle of Forgiveness is published by BlueRoseOne.

Needle of Forgiveness, novel by Carmelite priest, released in Goa

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