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Celebrating At Home - Fourth Sunday of Easter
Jesus, true Shepherd
The Fourth Sunday of Easter is often called “Good Shepherd Sunday” because no matter what reading cycle we are in, the Gospel always focusses on the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd.
This year, the Gospel reading talks about Jesus as a true shepherd prepared to lay down his life for his sheep. He is not like the hired man who runs away when danger appears. He knows his sheep and one day will gather them all into one flock.
Jesus acts towards us like a good shepherd: feeding, nurturing, defending and even laying down his life for us. Our Good Shepherd is deeply concerned about us, the flock and there is a deep sense of warmth and intimacy in the realisation that Jesus knows each one of us. Like a good shepherd Jesus is the source of life, nourishment, and safety for the sheep.
Any reflection about Jesus as the Good Shepherd also serves as a reminder that shepherding each other in Jesus’ name is part of the vocation of every disciple. We are very used to thinking about Jesus as the Good Shepherd, but we also need to think about being/becoming good shepherds to each other.
One of the very encouraging things about these difficult days is the number of people who have become good shepherds to others, providing safety and security to vulnerable people, supporting health workers, providing meals and companionship.
That is what it means to lay down our lives for each other.
- pdf Celebrating At Home - Fourth Sunday of Easter [PDF] (366 KB)
- default Celebrating At Home - Fourth Sunday of Easter [ePub] (884 KB)
- pdf Celebrando en Familia - Cuarto Domingo de Pascua (288 KB)
- pdf Celebrando in Casa - Quarta Domenica di Pasqua (298 KB)
- pdf Celebrando em Familia - Quarto Domingo da Páscoa [Português] (332 KB)
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Celebrating at Home is a Liturgy of the Word centred around the Gospel reading for each Sunday. It includes a reflection on the Gospel and prayers.
It can be used personally or with your family. Parts for all to pray are given in bold print and all the other parts can be shared among those present.
We hope that Celebrating at Home will be a source of nourishment and strength for all who use it.
In the room you decide to use for this prayer you could have a lighted candle, a crucifix and the Bible. These symbols help keep us mindful of the sacredness of our time of prayer and can help us feel connected with our local worshipping communities.
Celebrating At Home - Third Sunday of Easter
Peace be with you
“Peace be with you” - so important are these words of Jesus that we hear them three times in the Gospel. Last week we heard St John’s account of one of Jesus’ appearances to the disciples in the days after his death and resurrection. “Peace be with you,” Jesus said as he breathed the strength of the Holy Spirit on his fearful and doubting followers. In doing this, Jesus echoed what he had said to the disciples at the Last Supper after he had washed their feet: “The Holy Spirit will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid” (Jn.14:26-7). But Thomas still doubted and needed to place his hands on the wounded body of Jesus before he could believe.
St Luke’s account of the appearance of Jesus starts on the third day after the crucifixion, the day when his tomb was found empty.
On the road to Emmaus a stranger walks with two of the disciples and finally they recognise Jesus “in the breaking of the bread” (Lk.24:35). This week’s Gospel tells what followed. Jesus appears amongst all the disciples, again greeting them with: “Peace be with you.” He reassures them he is not a ghost, is still with them in the flesh. And as they stand dumfounded, Jesus asks the very human question: “Have you anything here to eat?” Once again he shares a meal with his followers. And as they share the food, he opens their hearts and minds to understand what they have seen and heard.
As we share the food of our Eucharistic meal each time we gather at mass, we recall that whenever Jesus shared a meal with his followers he opened their hearts and minds. Jesus said: “Touch me and see for yourselves.” We may not be there in
Jerusalem in that room with the disciples reaching out to touch Jesus, but we can touch and see Jesus in all the good things around us in our world: in the food that nourishes us, the water that revives us and washes us clean, in the love of God, family and friends that sustains us. All these are part of the Peace that we have been given and in these words we feel our call to be Peace in our families, communities, workplaces and world.
- pdf Celebrating At Home - Third Sunday of Easter [PDF] (371 KB)
- default Celebrating At Home - Third Sunday of Easter [ePub] (868 KB)
- pdf Celebrando En Familia - Tercer Domingo De Pascua (267 KB)
- pdf Celebrando In Casa - Terza Domenica Di Pasqua (266 KB)
- pdf Celebrando Em Família - Terceiro Domingo Da Páscoa [Português] (293 KB)
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Celebrating at Home is a Liturgy of the Word centred around the Gospel reading for each Sunday. It includes a reflection on the Gospel and prayers.
It can be used personally or with your family. Parts for all to pray are given in bold print and all the other parts can be shared among those present.
We hope that Celebrating at Home will be a source of nourishment and strength for all who use it.
In the room you decide to use for this prayer you could have a lighted candle, a crucifix and the Bible. These symbols help keep us mindful of the sacredness of our time of prayer and can help us feel connected with our local worshipping communities.
Celebrating At Home - Second Sunday of Easter
Two stories of transformation
The great Easter feast of last Sunday began the Church’s fifty-day celebration of the Resurrection which concludes with the feast of Pentecost in six weeks.
The Gospel of each Sunday is a meditation on Jesus as: the resurrected Christ, made known in the scriptures and the breaking of the bread, the bearer of life in all its fullness, our way, truth and life, pledge of God’s love.
In today’s Gospel reading there are two stories of transformation through encounter with the risen Jesus.
Firstly, Jesus appears to a group of frightened and bewildered disciples hiding in a room. His first words are, ‘Peace be with you’. Fear and bewilderment turn into joy as the disciples recognise the presence of the Risen Jesus with them. But that’s not all. He then sends them out to be missionaries of peace and forgiveness. In receiving the Holy Spirit they are transformed from a group of frightened people, hiding in a room to bold proclaimers of God’s love and mercy.
We already know that fear breeds isolation and loneliness. We are living with that each day.
While taking necessary steps to keep ourselves and each other safe, we are trying not to let our hearts go into lockdown, too. There is something inherently good in human nature. People are finding new ways to care for each other. Like top- class restaurants turning out hundreds of meals for poor, elderly or isolated people. There are many other examples of people transforming fear and bewilderment into moments of hope and joy. Do we not also recognise the presence of the risen Jesus in these saving actions?
The second story in today’s Gospel is the one we all know as doubting Thomas, though, really, it should be known as believing Thomas - doubt is only the beginning of the story.
Jesus doesn’t scold or rebuke Thomas. If Thomas is looking for proof, he has only to touch Jesus to see he is real. But Thomas doesn’t do that. It is his personal encounter with Jesus which transforms him from doubter to believer.
It is yet another Gospel reminder that faith is not about believing with our minds or in looking for proof. It is found only in our living relationship with Jesus.
Perhaps these extraordinary days give us a bit more time just to sit and chat with Jesus, to recognise him already present in our hearts, to allow our fears and doubts to be overcome by love, to find new, creative ways of transforming the darkness of these days into light, peace and joy for others.
May the new life we celebrate over the next fifty days bring us the creativity of Spirit we need to be the living heart of God in our world today.
- pdf Celebrating At Home - Second Sunday of Easter [PDF] (249 KB)
- default Celebrating At Home - Second Sunday of Easter [ePub] (789 KB)
- pdf Celebrando En Familia - El Domingo De Pascua (214 KB)
- pdf Celebrando In Casa - Seconda Domenica Di Pasqua (209 KB)
- pdf Celebrando em Familia - Segundo Domingo Da Páscoa [Português] (238 KB)
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Celebrating at Home is a Liturgy of the Word centred around the Gospel reading for each Sunday. It includes a reflection on the Gospel and prayers.
It can be used personally or with your family. Parts for all to pray are given in bold print and all the other parts can be shared among those present.
We hope that Celebrating at Home will be a source of nourishment and strength for all who use it.
In the room you decide to use for this prayer you could have a lighted candle, a crucifix and the Bible. These symbols help keep us mindful of the sacredness of our time of prayer and can help us feel connected with our local worshipping communities.
Carmelite Basilica Celebrates 500 Years
This year the people of the Shrine Basilica Vergine SS del Carmelo in Mesagne, Italy are celebrating 500 years of ministry to the people of the area.
Between 1520 and 1521 the foundations were laid for the arrival of the Carmelites in Mesagne. In fact, on August 16, 1520, Abbot Antonio Russo had renounced all the benefits, both ecclesiastical and economic, that he had on the church of S. Michele Arcangelo in Mesagne, and had decided to donate them to the Carmelites, in the person of the Prior of the Province. Carmelite of Puglia, friar Giovanni Battista de Marenonibus from Milan.
On March 22 of this year 2021 the parish planned to announce the beginning of religious, historical and cultural celebrations, to commemorate the 500 years of presence of Carmelite Religious in Mesagne, with a press conference of the Historical-Scientific Committee, in the presence of the civil and religious authorities.
Because the Puglia Region of Italy is a red zone due to the Covid pandemic, the Carmelites were forced to postpone the celebrations until conditions are more favorable. CITOC will have more news about the celebration of this important milestone in the life of the Church and the Carmelites when the pandemic permits.
In the meantime, to learn more about the basilica and its history, go to: http://www.vitacarmelitana.org/
General Commissions of the Order
Our Carmelite Constitutions call for the establishment of that several General Commissions be established by the Prior General and General Council during each six-year term.
Each Commission consists of a group of people (both Carmelites and others) who are entrusted with a set of responsibilities in a given area, flowing from the Order's Six Year Global Plan, about which they advise the General Council. The president of each Commission is normally a member of the General Curia. In this way, they assist in the ministry of discernment and guidance for the Order.
These commissions have proven to be valuable as groups of dedicated people reflect on a particular area of the life of the Order and strategize ways in which that aspect of Carmel might be strengthened and renewed.
From time to time, the General Council also establishes various task forces with a view to undertaking some specific projects on their behalf.
Formation Commission
Fosters formation programs on all levels -initial, novitiate, post-novitiate and ongoing in the provinces and Order. Also examines the issue of vocations, formation of formation personnel & criteria for formation in newly emerging entities.
President: Benny Phang Khong Wing, O. Carm.
Formation Commission (Six-Year Plan and Membership)
Gen Z Carmelite International Course 2021
Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission
Promotes the integration of prayer, reflection and action inspired by God’s commitment to human wellbeing, especially through transformative action. The Commission promotes greater awareness, clear analysis, and effective action in matters of justice, peace, and integrity of creation.
President: Conrad Mutizamhepo, O. Carm.
Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission (Six-Year Plan and Membership)
Carmelite Youth Commission
Has a mission of accompaniment, animation and empowerment of collaborative ministry with young people through the Order.
President: Robert Thomas Puthussery, O. Carm.
Carmelite Youth Commission (Six-Year Plan and Membership)
Finance Commission
Various responsibilities associated with the financial administration of the Order.
President: Christian Körner, O. Carm.
Finance Commission (Six-Year Plan and Membership)
Liturgy and Prayer Commission
Oversees the production of liturgical materials and promotes the liturgical and prayer life of the Order.
President: Richard Byrne, O. Carm.
Liturgy and Prayer Commission (Six-Year Plan and Membership)
General Secretariat for the Laity
Foster and support the vocation and mission of lay Carmelites.
President: Luis José Maza Subero, O. Carm.
General Secretariate for the Laity (Six-Year Plan and Membership)
General Secretariat for the Affiliated Congregations
Foster the participation of the Affiliated Congregations in the life of the Carmelite Family.
President: Luis José Maza Subero, O. Carm.
General Secretariate for the Affiliated Congregations (Six-Year Plan and Membership)
General Coordination of New Foundations Commission
Supports the work of new foundations within the Order through various means.
President: Luis José Maza Subero, O.Carm.
General Coordination of New Foundations Commission (Six-Year Plan and Membership)
Task Force for the reform of the Institutum Carmelitanum
To evaluate and propose an updated structure for the Institutum Carmelitanum.
President: Michael Farrugia, O. Carm.
Communications Commission
The Commission proposes the communications plan to the General Council and supports the development of communications throughout the Order.
President: Richard Byrne, O. Carm.
Communications Commission (Six-Year Plan and Membership)
Libraries, Archives & Museums
ARCHIVES OF THE ORDER
The principal archives of the Carmelite Order are located in Rome at St Albert’s International Centre (CISA). This preserves the documentation of the General Curia and is open to scholars of local and international religious history and promotes various research activities and events.
It was established in 1593 by the Prior General Giovanni Stefano Chizzola. Before that date, Priors General normally resided in the Province from which they came and the archive moved around without a permanent home. Of the material prior to 1593, there are parchments dating from the 12th century, as well as a small group of documents ascribable to the 13th. However, a large part of the material resulting from the activity of the Prior General and his Council before 1593 has been lost.
For the documents before 1935 please contact the archivist of the historical section of the General Archive, Father Mario Alfarano, OCarm (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). The archivist of the General Curia is Father Alexander Vella OCarm.
Archivum Generale Ordinis Carmelitarum (Rome)
via Sforza Pallavicini 10, Roma
CARMELITE RESEARCH LIBRARIES
While each Carmelite house has its own library, there are several major research libraries with Carmelite material throughout the Order. Some of these have online catalogues.
The principal library of the Carmelite Order is located in Rome. It is situated at in St Albert’s International Centre (CISA) and contains over 22,000 titles and over 400 periodical titles from both the Ancient Observance and the Teresian (Discalced) branches of Carmelites. A research library of Carmelite printed material dating from the late 15th century to the present. There is also a selection of microfilms and microfiches. The library is available for scholars of the Carmelite history and spirituality. Access is by previous appointment with the librarian.
Rome (Italy)
Carmelite Library
Centro Internazionale Sant’ Alberto (CISA), Via Sforza Pallavicini, 10
Details of these the other major research libraries in the Carmelite Order can be found below.
Melbourne (Australia)
214 Richardson Street, Middle Park, Victoria.
- https://www.carmelitelibrary.org/
(Online catalogue available)
Aylesford (Britain)
The Friars, Maidstone, Aylesford, Kent.
Nantes (France)
Notre Dame de Lumières, Allèe Titus Brandsma, Nantes.
Mainz (Germany)
Bibliothek, Karmeliterstraße 7, Mainz.
- https://karmeliten.de/angebote/bibliothek_und_archiv/index.html
(Online catalogue available)
Malang (Indonesia)
Indonesian Carmelite Library, Jl. Talang 3, Malang 65112
- http://www.perpustakaankarmelindo.org/index.php?p=libinfo
(Online catalogue available)
Dublin (Ireland)
Gort Muire Centre, Ballinteer, Dublin 16.
- http://www.carmelites.ie/carmelitelibrary.html
(Online catalogue available)
Boxmeer (Netherlands)
Karmel, Steenstraat 39, Boxmeer
- http://www.carmeliteinstitute.nl/
(Online catalogue available)
Quezon City (Philippines)
Institute of Spirituality in Asia, 28 Acacia St., New Manila, 1112 Quezon City.
Krakow (Poland)
Klasztor OO. Karmelitów, ul. Karmelicka, 19, 31-131 Kraków.
Washington, District of Columbia (USA)
“Carmelitana Collection”, Whitefriars Hall, 1600 Webster Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017
MUSEUMS
Carmelites have several museums around the Order in which objects of artistic and cultural significance for Carmel are displayed for public viewing. These help visitors to grow in an understanding of our Carmelite heritage and tradition in order to encourage reflection and personal growth. They assist in keeping our Carmelite cultural and spiritual traditions alive and nourished.
Information on some of the major Carmelite museums around the Order can be found below.
Krakow (Poland)
Klasztor OO. Karmelitów, ul. Karmelicka, 19, 31-131 Kraków.
Darien, Illinois (USA)
National Shrine & Museum of St. Therese
8501 Bailey Road, Darien, IL 60561
Higher Institutes of Learning
Carmelites are committed to sharing our spirituality in different ways throughout the world. This includes work at an academic level. As a result, many Carmelite Institutes that have been formally recognised can be found in all the geographical areas of the Order. They normally have official accreditation for the academic awards they offer to their students.
These undertake in-depth studies of Carmelite spirituality and of the history of our Order. They also work to promote the internationality of our Order.
The Institutum Carmelitanum, located at St Albert’s International Centre, has the task of making known the spiritual heritage of Carmel throughout the Order and throughout the modern world. It was established in 1951 by the then Prior General, Kilian Lynch, to promote studies especially in the areas of Carmelite history, Mariology, and spirituality and is now developing into other areas. It produces several publications through the years including an academic journal: Carmelus.
St Albert’s International Centre in Rome is also the home to those Carmelite friars who are undertaking postgraduate studies in Rome. It publishes an annual review called: Stella Maris.
For more information on some of our Carmelite Institutes, please use the links below:
Instituto de Espiritualidade Tito Brandsma – IETB (Recife, Brazil)
An institute providing educational and pastoral services to Latin America through retreat weeks, courses, and assistance to Lay Carmelite groups as well as publications.
Carmelite Institute of Britain and Ireland – CIBI (Britain and Ireland)
The Carmelite Institute of Britain and Ireland (CIBI) is a collaborative initiative of the British and Irish Provinces of Carmelites and the Anglo-Irish Province of Discalced Carmelites. Through the provision of online courses (distance learning) the rich heritage of the Carmelite tradition can be shared world-wide through courses offered at different levels of interest and academic pursuit, from the Certificate in Spirituality course to a Masters in Theology.
Institut Karmel Indonesia – IKI (Malang, Indonesia)
The Carmelite Institute in Indonesia is a centre for research and development of Christian and Carmelite spirituality in the context of Asian religions. The Institute also publishes spiritual books and articles. The Institute also gives retreats, days of recollection, and courses on spirituality.
Titus Brandsma Institute (Nijmegen, Netherlands)
The Titus Brandsma Institute is a scholarly institute established to promote the scholarly study of the guidelines for religious experience and spiritual. While it is located at on the campus of Radboud University, it is an independent research institute founded jointly the Dutch Province of the Carmelite Order and the Catholic University of Nijmegen.
- http://wp.titusbrandsmainstituut.nl/nl/
- Writings of Titus Brandsma: https://titusbrandsmateksten.nl/
The Carmelite Institute of North America (Washington DC, USA)
A cooperative project of the two OCARM provinces and the three OCD provinces of North America.
The Centre for Carmelite Studies at Catholic University of America (Washington DC, USA)
The Centre for Carmelite Studies makes the resources of Carmelite heritage available to the contemporary church and world, by fostering scholarly study and research in the history, culture, and spirituality of the Carmelites, and promoting the effective pastoral application of the results. Among their activities is the development of graduate courses, the promotion of scholarly publications and the organisation of conferences. The endowed Chair of Carmelite Studies and Center for Carmelite Studies are sponsored by the Carmelite Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary (PCM).
Institute of Spirituality in Asia – ISA (Quezon City, Philippines)
The Institute of Spirituality in Asia promotes the scientific and systematic study of Spirituality in the Philippines and throughout Asia. It offers courses ranging from Certificate short courses on spirituality to Masters and Doctorate programs.
Carmelite Institute (Mdina, Malta)
The Carmelite Institute Malta offers courses in Carmelite Spirituality, Mariology and the study of Mysticism on various levels. The Institute cooperates with the Faculty of Theology of the University of Malta to offer an MA programme in Spirituality and Spiritual Companionship. Students enrolled in this programme may opt to specialize in Carmelite Spirituality.
Carmelite Schools
Carmelites have a strong commitment to the education of children and young adults in various parts of the world in schools at primary and secondary level. In some places these are often called elementary, middle and high schools and they fit into the educational requirements of each country.
While all Catholic schools have a similar ethos, Carmelite schools are marked by their sharing of the values of the Carmelite tradition through attention to the spiritual life of students, attention to liturgy, devotion to Mary, knowledge of the Scriptures and a solid education in the area of social engagement in favour of peace and justice. Students are encouraged to become seekers of God: able to listen to the still small voice of God amidst the thunder of this age.
Carmelite schools tend to be marked by a family and welcoming atmosphere reflecting the Carmelite approach to community. In partnership with parents, Carmelite schools facilitate a holistic development (spiritual, academic, social, physical, aesthetic and emotional) of all students.
In short, Carmelite schools are centres of learning and communities of faith, founded on Jesus Christ.
For more information on some of our Carmelite schools, please use the links below:
SCHOOLS AFRICA
Lycée Butembo (D R Congo)
Butembo, D. R. Congo
Opened since: 1998
École Primaire Carmel (D R Congo)
Bunia, D. R. Congo
Opened since: 2007
Collège Saint Élie (D R Congo)
Mahagi, D. R. Congo
Opened since: 2007
Kriste Mambo (Zimbabwe)
Rusape, Zimbabwe
www.kristemambo.co.zw
Opened since: 1964
SCHOOLS AMERICA
Nossa Senhora do Carmo (Brazil)
Paranavaí, Paraná, Brazil
www.colegioparoquial.com.br
Opened since: 1952
Escola Maria Montessori (Brazil)
Brasilia, Brazil
www.escolamontessori.com.br
Opened since: 1970
Nuestra Señora del Carmen (Peru)
Lima, Peru
www.carmelitas.edu.pe
Opened since: 1956
Nuestro Salvador (Peru)
Lima, Peru
www.facebook.com/nuestrosalvadorofficial
Opened since: 1967
Mount Carmel High School (USA)
Chicago, IL, U.S.A.
www.mchs.org
Opened since: 1900
Salpointe Catholic High School (USA)
Tucson, AZ, U.S.A.
www.salpointe.org
Opened since: 1950
Carmel Catholic High School (USA)
Mundelein, IL, U.S.A.
www.carmelhs.org
Opened since: 1962
Crespi Carmelite High School (USA)
Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A.
www.crespi.org
Opened since: 1959
Joliet Catholic Academy (USA)
Joleit, IL, U.S.A.
www.jca-online.org
Opened since: 1933
SCHOOLS ASIA, AUSTRALIA, OCEANIA
Mount Carmel High School (India)
Kosigi, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India
http://mountcarmelschool.in/
Opened since: 2001
Santo Albertus (Indonesia)
Malang, Indonesia
www.st-albertus.sch.id
Opened since: 1936
Santo Paulus (Indonesia)
Djember, Indonesia
www.saintpauljember.sch.id
Opened since: 1951
Smak Alvarez Paga (Indonesia)
Paga-Flores , Indonesia
www.smakalv.sch.id
Opened since: 1956
Mount Carmel College (Philippines)
Escalante City, Philippines
https://mountcarmelcollege.edu.ph/
Opened since: 1961
Mount Carmel College (Philippines)
San Francisco, A.S., Philippines
Opened since: 1957
Mount Carmel High School (Philippines)
Rosario, A.S., Philippines
https://www.facebook.com/mchsrosario1968/
Opened since: 1968
Mount Carmel College (Father Urios High School) (Philippines)
Prosperidad, A.S., Philippines
https://www.facebook.com
Whitefriars College (Australia)
Melbourne, Australia
www.whitefriars.vic.edu.au
Opened since: 1961
SCHOOLS EUROPE
Terenure College (Ireland)
Dublin, Ireland
www.terenurecollege.ie
Opened since: 1860
Saint Elias College (Malta)
Saint Venera, Malta
http://steliascollege.edu.mt/
Opened since: 1944
Virgen del Carmen (Spain)
Onda, Castellón, Spain
http://www.carmelitasonda.org/
Virgen del Carmen (Spain)
Villarreal, Castellón, Spain
www.carmelitasvillarreal.org
Nuestra Señora del Carmen (Spain)
Antequera, Málaga, Spain
www.colegiocarmelitas.net
Opened since: 1939-40
San José de Begoña (Spain)
Madrid, Spain
www.sanjosedebegona.es
Opened since: 1968
Santa María del Carmen (Spain)
Madrid, Spain
http://www.colegiosantamariadelcarmen.es
Opened since: 1966
Mare de Déu del Carme (Spain)
Terrassa, Spain
www.carmelitans.org
Opened since: 1942
Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation
‘I was hungry and you gave me to eat;
I was thirsty and you gave me to drink;
I was a stranger and you welcomed me;
I was naked and you clothed me;
I was sick and you visited me;
I was in prison and you visited me’
Matthew 25:35-36
Carmelites are called to live a life of allegiance to Jesus Christ. This life is lived in a contemplative attitude exercised in a life of prayer, fraternity and service in the midst of the people. When authentically lived, our contemplative life allows Carmelites to enter into the lives of people and share their joys and hopes, their sorrows and distress.
Sadly, the world is full of injustice. Carmelites have a duty to help understanding the causes of these injustices, to be in solidarity with the sufferings of those who are marginalised and to share in their struggle for justice and peace. We cannot turn a deaf ear to the cry of the oppressed who plead for justice. Carmelites see the Gospel as good news, and Jesus Christ as the liberator from all forms of oppression.
Our Elijan inspiration, which our prophetic charism is founded on, calls us to walk with the “little ones” along the paths the prophet travelled in his time; along the path of justice, opposing false ideologies and moving towards a concrete experience of the true living God;
along the path of solidarity, defending the victims of injustice and taking their part; along the path of mysticism, struggling to restore to the poor faith in themselves by renewing their awareness that God is on their side (cf. 1 Kings 21).
From Mary we learn to look again at the events of history and everyday life, confronting them with the Word of God (Lk 2:19, 51), and allowing ourselves to be guided by the Spirit to be placed at the service of those in need (Cf. Luke 1:39, 56; Jn 2:1-10).
Carmelites recognise that we all have a shared responsibility for others and the world. Creation is entrusted to us to care for it lovingly (Gen 2:15), and we are called to promote
the well-being of all of creation and the environment in which we live. The great questions of caring for the integrity of creation, by environmental disasters caused by neglect or the uncontrolled thirst for profit, and also the recurrent tragedies due to natural disasters demand our attention and urge us to seek and to put into effect adequate responses.
Carmelites seek to develop an awareness of our care for our common home leading to development of new convictions, attitudes and lifestyles and the building of an integral ecology.
Reflecting Carmel’s commitment to justice, peace and integrity of creation issues, Carmelites are recognised as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) within the United Nations. The Carmelite NGO is a project of the members of the Carmelite Family around the world. Its four areas of major interest are sustainable development and climate change; human rights; freedom of religion; and, education. It cooperates with many NGOs at the United Nations as part of the Economic and Social Commission (ECOSOC) since 2009.
Carmelite NGOS
Carmelite NGO
Apart from our presence at the United Nations, Carmelites have established other organisations working for justice, peace and integrity of creation issues throughout the world.
For more information: http://carmelitengo.org
Indonesian Carmelite NGO
On 15 October 2012, Indonesian Carmelite NGO is legally registered as a formal institution according Indonesian legal system. Since that time the NGO takes a new name of Perkumpulan Darma Laksana. ‘Perkumpulan’ is an Indonesian word which means association, while ‘Darma Laksana’ is the name. ‘Darma’ is an old Javanese word which means ‘service/vocation’ and ‘Laksana’ is a Javanese word which means ‘justice/goodness’. We do not use any words referring to Catholic or Carmel in the name to make it more general.
For more information: http://carmelitengo.id
Karit, Solidarios por la Paz
Karit, Solidarios por la Paz is recognised as a Spanish Public Utility Entity since 30th September 2008.
We are registered in the Register of NGOs of the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation (AECID) of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 27th May 2009.
For more information: https://www.karitsolidarios.es/
Parishes
Carmelites undertake various forms of apostolate and service requested by the Church. While Carmelites are members of an international Order, they normally work within a local Church and play their part in the pastoral plan of the Diocese. Sometimes, the Order undertakes responsibility for parish work on behalf of a Diocese.
A parish is often defined legally as being a community of the Christian faithful formally constituted in a particular church, whose pastoral care is entrusted to a pastor under the authority of the diocesan bishop.
https://ocarm.org/en/itemlist/user/641-superuser?limit=10&start=40#sigProId28f4869f37
Carmelites have accepted parishes starting from the Thirteenth Century (as in Ferrara, Bologna and Rome). While following the pastoral plan of the Diocese, Carmelites will also contribute our charism to the parishes we have responsibility for. Inevitably, a Carmelite parish will have a different flavour from other parishes. This is because we offer Carmelite spirituality to those members of the parish who are interested in it and because those who work in the parish are Carmelites and our approach will be different to that of others.
Ideally in a parish that is in the care of the Carmelite Order for a long time, we may expect to find a love for the Eucharist and for Scripture, a love for Mary, the Mother of God, and a way of welcoming people and walking with people that is simple uncomplicated and respectful of each one’s spiritual journey. The approach to ministry will be marked by collaboration.
