Carmelites celebrate the memory of Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of Mary, today. Very early in the history of the Order feast days for both Joachim and Anne were added to the Carmelite Liturgical Calendar.
Early Christian and Carmelite traditions saw in Anne one who helped form in Mary a heart open to God. Joachim is portrayed as a just man more interested in helping the poor than in amassing a fortune for himself.
The tradition presents Joachim and Anne as ideal parents of Mary, preparing her for the part she was to play in our salvation. They are honoured in the Carmelite tradition as protectors of the Order.
Today Carmelites throughout the world celebrate the Solemnity of the Old Testament Prophet, Elijah. In the Carmelite tradition Elijah is regarded as the spiritual father of and a source of inspiration for Carmelites.
From Elijah, Carmelites learn to be people who stand before God
with undivided heart, entirely dedicated to his service,
and aflame with a passionate love for God and others.
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Our lady of Mount Carmel. From the earliest days of the Order's beginnings, Mary has held a special place in the lives of Carmelites.
Mary embodies everything that we hope for - to enter into an intimate relationship with Christ, being totally open to God's will and having our lives transformed by the Word of God. Like Mary, we too want to listen so deeply to the Word of God that he becomes flesh in us.
Happy feast day to all members of our Carmelite Family!
Fr Fernando Millán Romeral, Prior General, has written his final message to the Carmelite Family. Fr Fernando will finish his 12 year term as Prior General in September. His message for the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel reflects on leadership, the coming General Chapter in September and various celebrations and anniversaries for the Carmelite Family in the coming year. Fr Fernando has also recorded a short video message to the Carmelite Family.
Brs Agostinho Dos Santos, José Natalino Freitas and Anacleto Guterres Da Costa recently completed their first semester English language studies at the English Language School for Pastoral Ministry.
We congratulate them and wish them well for the next phase of their studies.
The Christchurch tragedy is an event which we will never forget, least of all the people of New Zealand who were intimately scarred by such senseless violence in their normally peaceful country. In our newsletter this month we share with gratitude a very sensitive reflection from the Sisters at the OCD Monastery Christchurch, reminding us that the presence of our God shines in the midst of chaos and that we all have a part to play in healing broken wounds.
You are warmly invited to join us in celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on Sunday 14 July at 10.30am at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (cnr Richardson & Wright Sts, Middle Park, Vic). You can also join with us in the Novena of Prayer on the 9 days before the Feast.
During the Novena of Prayer Carmelites offer their prayers for the members of the Carmelite Family and for those in need.
On the final day of the Chapter Fr Paul Cahill was elected Prior Provincial and Frs Hugh Brown, Bruce Clark, Martinho Da Costa and Denis Andrew to the Provincial Council for the next 3 years. The day began with Mass led by Fr Fernando Millán (Prior General).
We congratulate these brothers and wish them well in their ministry for the Province. See more Chapter photos here.
The Carmelite Centre and Carmelite Library hosted three days of spiritual workshops last week 23-25 May on ‘Ways of Seeing’. Over the days 46 people attended workshops of their choosing on topics such as calligraphy, art journaling, the body and spirituality, creative expression in spiritual practice, iconography, visual art as contemplation, poetry, mandala making, aboriginal art form, Christian faith as mode of seeing and chant and scripture. The library and meeting rooms were a buzz with energy and creativity with people actively participating in these opportunities.
Fr Paul Sireh received his Master of Theological Studies from Australian Catholic University recently. The Graduation ceremony was held at Rosehill Gardens, Sydney and Carmelites, Paul Cahill (Prior Provincial) and Leo Richmond were among those present. Liturgy was the particular focus of Paul’s two-year course of studies – an important part of Paul’s ministry as chaplain to Whitefriars College, Donvale (VIC).
Congratulations, Paul! More photos here
