Donum Dei Becomes Society of Apostolic Life and Aggregated to the Order

As of December 8, 2020, Travailleuses Missionaire de l'Immaculée (TMI) – popularly known as Donum Dei – have had a new canonical status which has now resulted in them formally being erected as a Society of Apostolic Life under the Diocese of Marseilles in France.

This has been a long journey which goes back to 2014, when work began on studying and discussing the steps to be taken to find a new canonical form for what was then called the Famille Missionnaire Donum Dei (FMDD). After several consultations with the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (DIVCSVA), the General Curia, the leadership of FMDD, and the French Bishops, with the decree of 10 July 2015, Fr. Michael Farrugia, O. Carm., the procurator general, was appointed as apostolic visitor and head of the visitation in collaboration with other visitors. 

During the apostolic visitation, carried out together with three other persons, there were many meetings with the bishops and with all the members of the FMDD, residing in different parts of the world.

After considering the report of the visitators, on February 9, 2017, the DIVCSVA appointed Fr Farrugia and Ms Françoise Laplane of the Institut Notre-Dame-de Vie as apostolic assistants. Their task was to accompany the Travailleuses Missionaire de l'Immaculée in order to identify a new canonical form of consecrated life with which they would continue to be present within the Church. 

In the course of this accompaniment, work had to be done on a new text of the Constitutions, with a view to adopting a new form of consecrated life: that of a Society of Apostolic Life. In agreement with the DIVCSVA, other religious, resident in France, experts in this form of consecrated life, were appointed to provide adequate assistance in the course of the work, which required several stages and many meetings.

In this context, it should be emphasised that throughout the process fraternal collaboration was received both from the General Council of TMI and the Commission appointed specifically to draft the text of the Constitutions, as well as from all the members of the Travailleuses Missionaire de l'Immaculée. 

Following the drafting of the Constitutions, the Constitutive Chapter presided over by the apostolic assistants was held from January 12-27, 2019 in Grace Dieu, France. During this Chapter, the text of the Constitutions, later presented to the DIVCSVA, was approved, and the new government of the new Society of Apostolic Life was elected. On the last day, the Archbishop of Marseilles, France, was present. Following the indication of DIVCSVA, the Donum Dei Society of Apostolic Life, named Travailleuses Missionaire de l'Immaculée, will for the first years be a Society of diocesan right under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Marseille. On 8 December 2020, there was the decree of erection as a Society of Apostolic Life by the Archbishop of Marseille. 

In response to their request, the Donum Dei Society of Apostolic Life, was then aggregated to the Carmelite Order on 21^st June 2021.

Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic prevented any possibility of celebrating their new status and affiliation to the Carmelite Family. However, on 29th May 2022, the prior general, along with all the members of the General Council and Curia present in Rome at that time, celebrated Sunday Eucharist together with the members of Donum Dei in the Basilica di Sant Eustachio in Campo Marzio (Rome) to mark both their new canonical status and their affiliation to the Carmelite Family. Afterwards, everyone went to the nearby restaurant of Donum Dei, L'Eau Vive, for a celebratory lunch.

Towards a love beyond labels
(Luke 10:25-37)

Pope Francis says society creates “an adjective culture” that prefers to immediately label people as good or bad. Jesus, he says, breaks the mentality that separates, excludes, isolates and belittles the person.
A good example of what the pope says is found in the parable in today’s Gospel. The very fact that we know the story as, ‘The Good Samaritan’ seems to imply that he is the exception, that most Samaritans are ‘bad’. That’s certainly how Jesus’ audience would have viewed Samaritans.
Ideas of hospitality, welcoming the stranger and caring for those in need held a very high place in Jewish scriptures, spirituality and practice. The practise of these virtues was long recognised as responding to the Word (God’s Law) placed in the believer’s heart.
That is, acting after God’s own heart.
Asking who is my neighbour (who is ’in’ or ‘out’) is the wrong question according to Jesus. Rather, one should ask, “How should a member of God’s chosen people act?” In the parable it is not a member of the Chosen People who acts after God’s heart, but an outsider, a Samaritan. It is he who shows how a member of God’s people should act towards those in need. He does not
ask, “Who is my neighbour”; he shows himself to be a neighbour and a person after God’s own heart by the lavish way he helps the man in need.
This is ‘loving with all one’s heart’. Can we go and do the same?

This encounter of mercy
between a Samaritan and a Jew
is highly provocative;
it leaves no room for ideological
manipulation
and challenges us to expand
our frontiers.

Fratelli tutti n. 83

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From the Ashes, New Flames

By the second half of the 18th century, religious life had been hollowed out by the continual interference of Catholic monarchs in the Order’s internal affairs. Joachim Smet, in his monumental history of the Order, writes “the frontal attack of the French Revolution, Napoleon, and the liberal governments left only ruins.”

He continues “The enemies of the Church failed to realize that they were robbing religious not only of their material possessions but also that pearl of great price for which they had sole their all: a life of intimacy with God in prayer in the goodly company of brothers. The destruction of their life of prayer in community was the severest deprivation religious suffered. Also, by being unjustly deprived of their right to exist as corporate bodies, religious could no longer live the life of evangelical poverty to which they were committed in conscience by the most solemn promises.”

The secretary of the Congregation of the State of Religious Orders, in a preliminary report to Pope Pius IX (1847) painted a dark picture of the state to which religious life had been reduced. Yet for the Carmelite Order, now on the point of extinction, this period saw an increasing number of its members being recognized by the Church as “blesseds.” In addition to Jane Scopelli, the 15th century Carmelite nun, in 1771, the Church honored Angelus Augustine Mazzinghi (1761), Aloysius Rabata (1841), Avertanus and Romaeus (1842), Louis Morbioli (1843), Jacobinus (1845), Frances d’Amboise (1863), Archangela Girlani (1864), John Soreth (1866), and Baptist of Mantua (1885).

Read more about Blessed Jane Scopelli here

A reflection by Bill Bayci

As a junior high student at the Cathedral of St. Raymond’s in Joliet, Illinois I was given the opportunity to attend a journalism class at Joliet Catholic High School, run by the Carmelites. I jumped at the chance. It was titled the “Titus Brandsma Journalism Class.”

As an eighth grader. I had no idea who Titus Brandsma was. I would soon find out. Our instructor, Father Kevin Shanley, O. Carm., made Titus’ life story required reading.  It was a compelling read. I was struck by how one man dared to stand up to the Nazis, their ideology and their inhumane treatment of those who stood in their way.

Most impressive to me, was the fact that those persecuted shared little in common with Titus other than their humanity. He needed no other reason to stand up for them, those without a voice. Given multiple opportunities to walk away, he chose to stand by his beliefs.

Father Kevin focused our attention to Titus the journalist. Even while founding the Catholic University of Nijmegen, he still edited a newspaper. He championed freedom of the press and freedom of educational well before the start of World War II. He hailed his heroic efforts to bring a letter, written of his urging, from the Council of Bishops of Holland to the editors of 17 Catholic publications. It detailed how they were to deny the Nazi efforts to add content to and censor their publications. These letters were hand delivered by Titus.

His continued ministry while imprisoned in Dachau has been well documented, as have his mistreatment and murder. His life and death as a martyr for the freedom of the press led to his beatification and canonization.

All of the above are well documented facts but what impact did this have on me? What impact should this have on all of us.

Personally, I witness daily those in need, the homeless, the hungry, those battling substance abuse and personal demons, they too need a voice. I have found numerous agencies in my area to work with such as Habitat for Humanity and the Northern Illinois Foodbank. I hope to provide a voice for my neighbors in need. I do not pretend to have the personal courage of Titus; I am not sure if I have the conviction of faith to give my life for a cause. That does not mean that, inspired by Titus and others, I cannot make a difference in the lives of others. The impact may not be as significant, the results as momentous, but nonetheless an impact.

All of us can benefit from the inspiration of Titus, whether it be in our community, nationally or internationally, life presents us with limitless opportunities to follow his lead.

This leads us to the legacy of Titus. We need to tell his story to our children. We live in a world where the truth can, at times, seem elusive. Our young students would be well served hearing the story of one man. Committed to the truth, compelled to share that truth and show the conviction of his principles.

The lesson of the true costs of freedom and what one man was willing to sacrifice need to be shared with future generations. If not for Father Kevin, I can truthfully say that I would know little of Titus’ legacy. His veneration to sainthood would have gone almost unnoticed. All in spite of receiving my high school education at a Carmelite high school.

While we have all read of the heroic efforts of soldiers on D Day and at the Battle of the Bulge, little time is spent passing along the narrative of lives such as Titus. It was no less heroic than the afore mentioned. He also provides an example of how all us can and should resist crimes against humanity. He provides a wonderful narrative of a human being who was willing to fight for those who shared neither a common faith, ethnic origin or national roots. Most Importantly, they shared humanity and needed to be protected and their story needed to be heard.

If we hope to find a Titus in among us, his story needs to be told, unedited. It is easy to ignore crimes against humanity when we are not personally affected. History, specifically Titus’ story, shows us this is not a good idea.

As we celebrate the legacy of Titus at occasion of his canonization, there is no better way to do so than by telling his story.

Zelo zelatus sum pro domino deo exercituum.

Bill Bayci

“Joliet Catholic High School - Class of 1974"

From June 30 to July 2, 2022, a course for archivists and secretaries was held at the auditorium of the Marianum Pontifical Theological Faculty entitled "The Current Archives of a Religious Institute." The course, provided by the Servite Historical Institute (OSM), with the collaboration of the Institutum Carmelitanum, was organized and directed by both the OSM and OCARM General Archives.

Initially the course was designed for members of the OSM and OCARM religious families. It was later opened to all and number of participants, in person and online, surpassed 100.

The course was conducted in Italian and was structured with both theoretical and practical components. The introduction to archives and documents was covered by Amalraj Arockiasamy, osm. Simona Serci presented the history of archives and the example of the archives of the Carmelites while Odir J. Dias provided the example of the Servants of Mary archives. Mario Alfarano, O. Carm., described the life of the archive in its articulations, while Alessandro Decupis spoke on Archiveconomics and Alessandro Alfier on the electronic document and archive. Finally, Emanuele Atzori presented some basic tools of the current archives such as the titular, protocol, preservation plan and a management manual.

It is hoped to continue providing such courses to assist and promote collaboration with those working in the archives of the religious institutes.

On February 13, the Confraternity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel celebrated its 4th Centenary by enrolling a number of new members and by inaugurating the restored seventeenth century statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The statue is now attributed to Pietro Paolo Troisi.

The celebration took place in the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel  in Valletta,  Malta.

The Ceremonies were attended by the President of the Republic of Malta, Dr. George Vella and his wife as well as the Prime Minister Emeritus, Lawrence Gonzi.

Also participating was the Archbishop of Malta, Archbishop Charles Scicluna and the Carmelite prior provincial,  Joseph Saliba, O. Carm.

From June 10-12, 2022, people from various parts of the Italian Province came together at ll Camelo, the Carmelite guest house in Sassone, Italy. This was the first celebration of the Feast of the Carmelite Family after the two-year pandemic. The day was a time to celebrate and to reflect on God's presence and action in our lives. 

The theme proposed by the committee was: "Guarding Relationships.” The group was assisted in their reflections by Fr. Roberto Toni, prior provincial of the Italian Province, Fr. Míceál O'Neill, prior general of the Order, and Fr. Luigi Maria Epicoco. 

The various sessions were enriched by the testimonies of a married couple, Sister Anastasia from the monastery in Ravenna, and the community of families living in Salaiole (Florence). They illustrated in practical terms how the guardianship of relationships can find fulfillment when we entrust ourselves to God's love and walk with Him, taking an example from what the first Christian communities handed down to us. 

To conclude the day, the enthronement of an icon of St. Titus Brandsma that the Third Order Carmelites wanted to create to commemorate Brandsma’s canonization by Pope Francis on May 15, 2022, in St. Peter's Square.

Missionaries of the Kingdom
(Luke 10:1-12)

On the road to Jerusalem, Jesus teaches the disciples the meaning of ‘following’ him. Part of that following is the proclamation of the Kingdom - drawing attention to the reign of God in the world and in its peoples.
There is a sense of simplicity and urgency as Jesus commissions the seventy-two to spread the Good News of God’s involvement in human life. The Gospel, of course, is not about an historical 72 people being sent out. It is about the mission of every disciple of Jesus. Spreading the message of the Gospel is always to be done in a non-threatening way – by winning over hearts and minds through good example and good living. It is best accomplished by making oneself vulnerable and keeping oneself focussed on the mission rather than on comfort. Real rejoicing is not to be had in the conversion of great numbers of people, but in knowing that one has done the word and the will of God.
Disciples can’t afford to be weighed down by too many things or lost in idle conversation (gossip). They are to be bearers of the peace of God - a peace which heals, strengthens, soothes, frees and restores. Difficulties will be encountered, but the disciples will not be overcome.
That is the cause for the rejoicing sung about in the first reading from the prophet Isaiah. God is at work among his people like a nurturing mother and a flowing river bringing nourishment, peace, comfort and delight. People flourish when the presence of God is recognised and welcomed.
May that presence be always seen and felt in us.

A committed missionary
knows the joy of being a spring
which overflows and refreshes others...
Only the person who feels happiness
in seeking the good of others,
in desiring their happiness,
can be a missionary.

The Joy of the Gospel n. 272

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The 30th Chapter of North American Province of St. Elias was held June 21-24, 2022 en Middletown, New York. During the Chapter the following were elected to leadership:

Prior Provincial | Prior Provincial | Priore Provinciale: 
Fr. Mario Esposito, O. Carm.

1^st Councilor | 1er Consejero | 1° Consigliere: 
Fr. Mark C. Zittle, O. Carm.

2^nd Councilor | 2do Consejero | 2° Consigliere: 
Fr. Francis M. Amadio, O. Carm.

3^rd Councilor | 3er Consejero | 3° Consigliere: 
Fr. Anthony Trung Nguyen, O. Carm.

4^th Councilor | 4to Consejero | 4° Consigliere: 
Br. Robert Chiulli, O. Carm.

The Triennial Chapter of the Carmelite community of the Monastery of the Holy Family in Guiguinto, Philippines. The Chapter took place on June 21, 2022 with Bishop Dennis C. Villarojo, the bishop of Malalos as president.

The results of the elective chapter were as follows:

Prioress | Priora | Priora:  
Sr. Pamela Isabel Maria F. Cruz, O. Carm.

1st Councilor  | 1ª Consejera | 1ª Consigliera:
Sr. Ma. Rescelia S. Garcia, O. Carm.

2nd Councilor | 2ª Consejera  | 2ª Consigliera: 
Sr. Ma. Fatima B. Faustino, O. Carm.

3rd Councilor | 3ª Consejera | 3^a Consigliera: 
Sr. Mary Ruth Alethea C. Clavio, O. Carm.

4th Councilor | 4ª Consejera | 4^a Consigliera: 
Sr. Mary Jenicca L. Mariano, O. Carm.

Director of Novices | Maestra de Novicias | Maestra delle Novizie
Sr. Ma. Jenicca L. Mariano, O. Carm.

Treasurer | Ecónoma  | Economa: 
Sr. Ma. Rescelia S. Garcia, O. Carm.

Sacristan | Sacristán | Sacrestana:
Sr. Ma. Fatima B. Faustino, O. Carm.