During the Provincial Chapter of the Province of Australia and East Timor held on 22-26 April 2013 were elected:

• Prior Provincial:  Fr. Denis Andrew, O.Carm.
• First Councilor:  Fr. Paul Cahill, O.Carm.
• Second Councilor:  Fr. Hugh Brown, O.Carm.
• Third Councilor:  Br. Sean Keefe, O.Carm.
• Fourth Councilor:  Fr. James Des Lauriers, O.Carm.

News from the Province of Australia and East Timor

The Province of Australia and Timor Leste held its Chapter at Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre in Ormiston, Brisbane, from 22-26 April. With its modern facilities, extensive grounds and wonderful view of the bay, Santa Teresa provided an ideal setting for the Chapter.

During the Chapter Fr Denis Andrew was re-elected Prior Provincial. Fr Paul Cahill, Fr Hugh Brown, Br Sean Keefe and Fr Jim Des Lauriers were elected to the Provincial Council.

Fr Fernando Millán Romeral (Prior General) and Fr Albertus Herwanta (General Councillor) joined the twenty five members of the Chapter. Also present were Fr Augusto Da Costa Galhos, Br Angelino Dos Santos and Br Martinho Da Costa, members of the Timor Leste Region of the Province. Br Agostinho Exposto and Br Camilo Felix, two East Timorese Carmelites in simple vows, also attended the Chapter at the invitation of the Preparatory Commission.

Present for the first three days of the Chapter were seventeen invited guests from the Lay Carmelite National Council, the various Commissions and ministries of the Province and members of the Provincial Office staff.

One of the most significant decisions of the Chapter was to formulate a five year development plan for the Province. This plan will involve finance, facilities and strategies for the ongoing development of the Province through consultation with members of the Province, Provincial Commissions,   agencies and ministries.

The Opening Liturgy of the Chapter was held in the Chapel of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns, next door to the Spirituality Centre. The liturgy included a welcome from the Prioress of the Monastery, and prayer for the success of the Chapter. A special Chapter candle, a book of the Gospels, images of Our Lady and the Prophet Elijah, the Carmelite Rule, the Constitutions, Provincial Statutes and a Tais (traditional woven cloth from Timor Leste) led the procession of Chapter members and guests from the Chapel to the Chapter Hall.

You can download a copy of the Prior General's address here:  Prior Generals Address 2013 Provincial Chapter