Zumalai is situated in one of the most remote and mountainous parts of Timor-Leste. During the wet season roads become dangerously slippery, covered in thick mud, and sometimes impacted by landslides or floods.
To provide spiritual and pastoral support to over 13,000 people, many of them in remote and isolated villages, requires a sturdy all-terrain ute. Thanks to the Loyola Foundation and Mission Office of the Pure Heart of Mary Province (USA) the Carmelites now have a brand-new 4-wheel drive so they can continue to serve people near and far.
Welcome to the May edition of our JPIC newsletter. This month Peter Thomas of our JPIC Team explores the questions which confront us all in our contemporary world of communication:
How do we discern the truth about social justice issues such as wealth inequality, asylum seekers and refugees, climate science, obligations to the disabled, senior citizens and a thousand-and-one other issues demanding our attention?
The Carmelite Family Retreat was recently held on the weekend 12-14 April 2019 at the beautiful seaside Retreat Centre ‘Santa Casa ‘ located at Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsular in Victoria. It was attended by 21 members of the Carmelite Family, including representatives from the Lay Carmelite community Melbourne and regular participants of the Carmelite Centre programs. The Retreat was led by Fr Matthew McPhee who was assisted by fellow Carmelite Friar Paul Sireh. Paul led us in some very meditative and creative liturgies.
The theme of this silent Retreat was ‘Vacare Deo’ – making room for God.
The Carmelites of Australia and Timor-Leste wish you a very Happy Easter as we celebrate the Resurrection.
Throughout the Easter Season we will remember you and your family in the masses and prayers celebrated in the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel at Middle Park (VIC).
May the power of the Risen Christ continue to heal us and make us his Body.
Br Sean Keefe, Chaplain at Whitefriars College has written a meditation on the Stations of the Cross. The reflection takes each Station and explores its meaning in the lives of everday people. The images used in the meditation are the work of Graeme Law (College Chapel Architect) and present the way of the Cross through the eyes of Jesus.
The three ceremonies on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil are really one great liturgy, celebrated in 3 parts, over 3 days.
Click 'read more' for a short reflection about each of these ceremonies.
You are invited to three days of spiritual workshops at the Carmelite Symposium 23-25 May 2019. Held at the Carmelite Centre Melbourne, these workshops engage the inner journey and how it can be manifested outwardly. It’s about how each one of us uses art forms - painting, drawing, journaling, writing, music, movement – as means to spiritual exploration and expression. The workshops are an invitation to creative involvement and taking time out; about personal growth, experience, and relationship.
In Luke’s portrayal of the Passion Jesus remains a simple, humble, peaceful man despite all that happens. The hallmarks of innocence, righteousness, suffering servant are his and even in his suffering he refuses temptation, is the cause of conversion and reconciliation, the giver of mercy and ultimately, of life itself. Jesus acts with dignity and complete faith in God.
As we follow the story, the crowd, the good thief and the centurion are won over (converted) by what they ‘see’ happening before their eyes.
This issue of Carmel Contact is filled with uplifting and heart-warming stories of people who bring the hope of a new life to those in need. The children in Zumalai very much appreciated the messages of greetings and support our donors sent last Christmas. There is news about the Youth Engagement Program in Zumalai, our new Carmelite novices and candidates, Fr Laurie Timms' memories of his Novitiate in 1966, our Donors' Mass and High Tea and an invitation to share in our Easter Vigil Mass, and much more.
Fr Fausto Tilman De Araújo, one of the formators in our community in Hera, Timor-Leste, has been experimenting. A keen gardener, Fausto has been trying to grow the highly sought after dragon fruit. If successful, Fausto hopes not only to supply the large Carmelite community at Hera (36 Carmelites) but to grow enough for sale to local supermarkets where it fetches a good price. Good luck, Fausto!
