138/2009-31-12
New Prior Provincial of the Arago-Valentina Province
The Prior General has confirmed the recent election of Fr. Luis Gallardo Ganuza, O.Carm. as new Prior Provincial of the Arago Valentina Province. Appointments of the Prior General with his Council
During the year 2009 the Prior General with his Council has appointed:General Delegation of France
General Delegate: Fr. Klaus Schenkelberger, O.Carm.
1st Councilor: Fr. Terence Cyr, O.Carm.
2nd Councilor: Fr. Gianfranco Tuveri, O.Carm. General Delegation of the Czech Republic
General Delegate: Fr. Vojtech Kodet, O.Carm.
1st Councilor: Fr. Gorazd Cetkovsky, O.Carm.
2nd Councilor: Fr. Benedikt Krizan, O.Carm. General Delegation Titus Brandsma Colombia
General Delegate: Fr. Juan Evangelista Quiroga Castañeda, O.Carm. Webmaster: Fr. Joseph Hung Tran, O.Carm. (SEL)
137/2009-28-12
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of Carpineto Romano, Italy
The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Carpineto Romano, Italy, was held 23 December 2009. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. M. Noemi Malagesi, O.Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. M. Elvira Calenne, O.Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. M. Emanuela Migliore, O.Carm.
3rd Councilor: Sr. M. Paola Ricci, O.Carm.
4th Councilor: Sr. M. Agnese Talano, O.Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. M. Elvira Calenne, O.Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. M. Agnese Talano, O.Carm.
Sacristan: Sr. M. Carla Zinno, O.Carm.
136/2009-26-12
Activities of the General Council
On 17th December last, the regular joint meeting of the General Councils, O.Carm.-O.C.D., took place during the final plenary session this year of our General Council (9-22 December). The meeting took place in the General Curia of our Discalced brethren here in Rome and many items of common interest, past events and future common projects were discussed. It was the first meeting together with the new OCD General Council, presided over by the new General Superior, Fr. Saverio Cannistrá. The meeting took place in a joyful and fraternal atmosphere, with the hope of a growing common understanding and the realization of projects in common. These meetings have taken place regularly over the years in alternative General Curia houses twice a year: the next one will take place in our Curia in May 2010.
From 18th to 20th December the General Council spent some days of study and reflection in the Spirituality Centre "Maria Madre del Carmelo" of the Carmelite Missionary Sisters of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus (SCMTBG) in Focene, Italy. During the meeting the Council reflected on the theme of vocations, starting from selected articles of the Ratio (RIVC), in the hope that this reflection can help vocational animation in different parts of the Order.
135/2009-24-12
VITAM COELO REDDIDERUNT (R.I.P.) 24-12-09 P. Gaspar Mondejar Albaladejo, Arag
Vices Generalis 1995-2001
134/2009-24-12
CHRISTUS NATUS EST NOBIS! VENITE ADOREMUS!
NATALE HILARE ET ANNUM FAUSTUM
25.XII.2009
FERNANDO PRIOR GENERALIS ET DOMUSQUE GENERALIS COMMUNITAS
IMAGE: Jörg Ratgeb (1480-1526), Karmeliterkloster Frankfurt, Germania
133/2009-21-12VITAM COELO REDDIDERUNT (R.I.P.)
06-12-09 Br. Thomas Groot-Zwaaftink, Neer
14-12-09 P. Joel Schevers, PCM
132/2009-17-12
Carmelite Priory Restoration in Mdina, Malta, wins prestigious award
The 17th century Carmelite Priory in Mdina, Malta, that offers insights into the life of the Carmelite friars, as well as access to a selection of objets d'art, has emerged as the overall winning project in the 2009 Din L-Art Helwa Architectural Heritage Awards. The project, steered by Paul Muscat, won the Prix d'Honneur and also the overall Silver Medal for 2009, in the category for conservation and restoration. The award was presented by President Emeritus Guide de Marco last Friday, 11th December 2009.
The Carmelite Priory is the only priory in Malta to be open to the public. It is also a functioning Church and Priory.
The first floor of the priory houses the Carmelite Institute Malta. It is a collaborative effort of the Maltese Carmelite Province and of the Maltese Province of Discalced Carmelites to promote in Malta the study of Carmelite spirituality and tradition. Its main goal is to offer courses in Carmelite spirituality and Mariology on various levels.
131/2009-15-12
Meeting of European Youth "Pilgrimage of Hope" Committee in Rome
The committee preparing for the "Pilgrimage of Hope" for the Carmelite European youth, which will take place in Rome in 2010, met at the Curia from the 4th to 7th December 2009. The meeting was chaired by Fr. David Oliver, O.Carm. (Arag.). The group prepared detailed plans for the programme of the pilgrimage and this information will be sent to the European provincial contacts shortly. Information about the pilgrimage and the prayer composed for the pilgrimage icon can found on the Order's website at Pilgrimage of Hope
On Sunday 6th December the committee visited Carmine Maggiore in Naples, where they participated in Mass at the Basilica. Fr. Raúl Maraví, O.Carm., Councillor General for schools and youth presided. They brought with them to Naples the icon of "Our Lady of Hope" which is presently traveling around Europe at gatherings of young people in preparation for the pilgrimage. On Tuesday 1st December, the Vatican's Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, while on a visit to our Carmelite parish in Albano Laziale outside of Rome, heard about the pilgrimage and prayed with the icon.
130/2009-14-12
Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of “Eau Vive” in Rome
On 6th December 2009 the Missionary Family of Donum Dei celebrated the 40th Anniversary of its presence in Rome with friends and benefactors. The auxiliary bishop for the centre of Rome, Mons. Ernesto Mandara, assisted by the Apostolic Nuncio in Ghana, Mons. Léon Kalenga Badikebele, presided at the Eucharist in the Church of St. Eustachio. Among the many concelebrants were the Vice-Prior General, Fr. Christian Körner, O.Carm., the Delegate for the Carmelite Family, Fr. Josef Jancar, O.Carm. and members of the General Curia. The celebrations concluded with a reception in the “Eau Vive” restaurant.
The restaurant, staffed entirely by the Missionary Workers, opened on 8th December 1969 and is situated right in the heart of Rome, between the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.
129/2009-11-12
Carmelites join the Wave for Climate Justice in London
Carmelite religious and laity were among those who took part in the "Wave for Climate Justice" event in London on Saturday 5th December 2009. Held in anticipation of the United Nations Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen, "The Wave" was the biggest ever demonstration against climate change seen in Britain. The peaceful march was organised by the Stop Climate Chaos coalition to show the general public's concern about global warming and climate change, particularly how environmental damage caused by humans is impacting upon the world's poorest communities.
For thousands of Christians among the protesters, the day began with an ecumenical prayer service. Among the Roman Catholic hierarchy present were Mons. Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster.
Members of the British Province of Carmelites were led by the Prior Provincial, Fr. Wilfrid McGreal, O.Carm. Also among the Carmelites praying and marching were members of the Third Order.
The two-week long summit on Climate Change (COP15) begins at the Danish capital of Copenhagen on 7th December. The NGO of the Carmelite Order will be praying for and lobbying political leaders for the duration of the gathering.
See: http://www.carmelite.org/index.php?nuc=news&func=view&item=137
128/2009-09-12
Carmelite Parishes, Monasteries, and Ministries Worldwide Encouraged to Join Global Bell-Ringing for the Environment
As a way of participating in the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, Carmelite parishes, monasteries, and other ministries worldwide are being asked to show their support by taking part in a global bell-ringing action that will take place at 3 PM local time on Sunday, December 13, 2009. Everyone is asked to ring their bells 350 times symbolizing the 350 parts per million that mark the safe upper limit for CO2 (carbon dioxide) in the atmosphere according to many scientists.
The Carmelite NGO is present in Copenhagen and participating in the conference, popularly known as COP15, which is being held December 7-18, 2009.
Because of the impact this conference will have upon people around the globe for many years to come, it is hoped that Carmelites in every part of the world will take the opportunity to participate.
The bell-ringing is part of an international ecumenical service in Copenhagen's Lutheran Cathedral, the Church or Our Lady on Sunday, December 13, 2009, beginning at 2 PM. To show hope and resolve on behalf of believers in protecting God's creation, church bells will ring out at 3 PM across the globe through all time zones, starting in Fiji in the South Pacific, where the day begins, and continuing around the world.
Besides the Carmelite NGO, a number of Church organizations will be participating.
127/2009-09-12
Carmel at the Parliament of the World's Religions
The Parliament of the World's Religions is meeting in Melbourne Australia 3-9 of December 2009. The theme of the Parliament is making a difference through hearing one another and "healing the earth". Fr Ken Petersen, O.Carm. (Aust) and Sr. Kathleen Murphy OP from the Sancta Sophia Meditation Community situated at "Karith" the Carmelite House of Prayer in Warburton will be presenting the history and Spirituality of the Community under the title of "Sancta Sophia Meditation Community promoting Peace through Inter Religious Dialogue." They will be accompanied by Bri Nivedita Chaitanya a Hindu Nun and Chi Kwang Sunim a Buddhist Nun in the Korean tradition.
Over the past 14 years the Community has been promoting Peace through weekend programs retreats and meditation days with an emphasis on dialogue and collaboration among the religions of the world. The Community has also been a catalyst for the promotion of Inter Religious Dialogue in the wider community.
126-07-12
VITAM COELO REDDIDERUNT (R.I.P.)
27-11-09 Fr. Ángel Montero Izquierdo, Bet
28-11-09 P. Renato Valente, Mel
30-11-09 Sr. M. Consuelo Velasco Bayon, FON
01-12-09 P. Floribertus Wignyaprasetya, Indo
125/2009-05-12
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of San Giovanni La Punta, Italy
The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of San Giovanni La Punta, Italy, was held 30 November 2009. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. M. Rosalia Mangiarotti, O.Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. M. Simona Nicita, O.Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. M. Teresa Dreoni, O.Carm.
3rd Councilor: Sr. M. Celina Atzei, O.Carm.
4th Councilor: Sr. M. Gesualda Morreale, O.Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. M. Simona Nicita, O.Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. M. Celina Atzei, O.Carm.
Sacristan: Sr. M. Angelica Panebianco, O.Carm.
124/2009-04-12
Workshop on environment education in Indonesia
On Sunday, 29 November 2009 the commission of JPIC of our Order together with the Indonesian Carmelite NGO held a seminar and workshop on environment education. Seventy Catholic teachers from “formal schools” (kindergarten to senior high school) and “non-formal schools” (including Sunday schools) attended the program. They discussed how to implement environment education in the subjects they teach in their schools.
Hariawan Adji O.Carm., the head of the committee, said that the seminar was intended for teachers because they are the agents of change. He added that the environmental problems could only be solved if people want to change their consumptive life-style into an environmentally friendly life-style. This can only be done through education. He also explained that the teachers invited to this program taught different subjects since environment education can be inserted in any subject.
The seminar was led by Albertus Herwanta O.Carm, head of JPIC of our Order. He explained about the theological background of environment education and the responsibility of Catholic teachers to help in solving this environmental problem.
The seminar was followed by a workshop given by Suryo Wardoyo, an expert in environmental studies. He guided the teachers in making educational programs. At the end of the program the participants asked if there would be a follow-up to this program.
123/2009-03-12-09
Venerable Angelo Paoli will be beatified in Rome on 18th April 2010
Venerable Angelo Paoli will be beatified in the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome on 18th April next. This date has been recently confirmed by the Roman Vicariate.
Angelo Paoli (b. Argigliano 1642, d. Rome 1720) became a Carmelite in 1660 and was ordained in 1667. After living in various houses in the Tuscan Province he was called to Rome in 1687 by the then Prior General, Paul of St Ignatius, and he lived at our house of St. Martino ai Monti until his death. He is now buried there. He was a man with an intense spiritual life and love of the Virgin. Wherever he was he committed himself to serving the poor and the sick, organising help for them, which was both innovative and effective. We are all invited to prepare for this solemn beatification with initiatives that help to make this figure of holiness in Carmel better known. Although distant in time, his message is still relevant. The beatification is an encouragement to us to be equally ready to recognize Christ in the most needy and to serve them with dedication and love.
122/2009-02-12
Carmelite NGO Observes World Human Rights Day with a Day of Prayer for Human Trafficking
The Carmelite NGO is inviting people around the world to celebrate World Human Rights Day, December 10, 2009, by focusing on the plague of Human Trafficking. People are asked to reflect on what is happening, to pray for all the people involved, and to make some concrete commitment that will help improve the situation.
A booklet, created by the Carmelite NGO for this celebration, offers a series of reflections 1) helping to create and deepen in each one of us a spirituality of commitment to the defense of life and the recovery of the human dignity of so many sisters and brothers that suffer all the time from exclusion, purchase, prostitution, murder, and human trafficking; 2) getting people to think about more effective and extensive ways to overcome these problems and to build a more human way of living together, and; 3) offering material that is simple and practical to those who wish to use it in the meetings of people who are committed to this cause.
A booklet designed specifically for this day can be downloaded at carmelitengo.org, the website of the Carmelite NGO.
121/2009-30-11 121/2009-30-11
General Assembly of the Donum Dei Missionary Family
During the General Assembly of the Donum Dei Missionary Family held at Sassone, Italy, on 17th November to 5th December 2009 the following were elected:
General Responsible: Agnès Brethomé, T.M.
Vice General Responsible: Marie Michèle Manukula, T.M.
First Councilor: Albertine Ouédraogo, T.M.
Second Councilor: Magali Gaussen, T.M.
Third Councilor: Anna Hong, T.M.
Fourth Councilor: Angelina Zongo, T.M.
Fifth Councilor: Therese Marie Nguyen Chiet, T.M.
Blessing of the icon “Our Lady of Hope” in Ravenna, Italy
On Sunday 22nd November 2009, the Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, O.Carm., blessed a new icon entitled Madonna della Speranza (Our Lady of Hope) in the Carmelite monastery of Ravenna in Italy.
The image depicts Mary seated and presenting Christ, the wisdom of God, to young people gathered at her feet. The icon is the work and gift of the Carmelite nuns in Ravenna to the European Carmelite Youth Pilgrimage of Hope, which will take place in Rome in July 2010 (see CITOC 59/2009). It will now travel, throughout the Carmelite provinces of Europe at gatherings of young people in preparation for the pilgrimage in 2010.The icon was presented to Fr. General by the Prioress, Sr. M. Anastasia Cucca, O.Carm, and then entrusted to Bro. Luca Sciarelli, O.Carm. (Ita) a member of the Pilgrimage Committee. The Prior General was accompanied by the Councillor General for Europe, Fr. John Keating, O.Carm, and Fr. Mario Alfarano, O.Carm.. Secretary General. While in this region, the Prior General, Frs. Keating and Alfarano took the opportunity to visit the Carmelite nuns in Sogliano al Rubicone.
The icon is presently being taken to gatherings of young people in Italy. On Monday 23rd November, the first meeting with the youth of the Florence area took place in Prato, where some 70 young people were present. Contact regional committee members are: Fr. David Oliver, O.Carm. (Arag) for the Iberian Region, Brothers Thomas Feiten, O.Carm. (GerS) for Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Luca Sciarelli, O.Carm.(Ita) for Italy and Malta, and Dave Twohig O.Carm. (Hib) for France, Britain and Ireland.
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of Barcelona, Spain
The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Barcelona, Spain, was held 21-24 November 2009. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. M. Pilar Simón, O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. M. Carmen Izquierdo, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. M. Amàlia Rosàs, O. Carm.
3rd Councilor: Sr. M. Jacinta Mutio, O. Carm
4th Councilor: Sr. M. Carmen Ribas, O. Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. M. Amàlia Rosàs, O. Carm.
Treasurers: Sr. M. Roser Ferrer, O. Carm. and Sr. M. Carmen Izquierdo, O. Carm.
Sacristan: Sr. M. Roser Ferrer, O. Carm.
VITAM COELO REDDIDERUNT (R.I.P.)
18-11-09 P. Leo McCarthy, PCM
23-11-09 P. Joel Moelter, PCM
Meeting of the Commission and Secretariat for the Laity, Rome 10 - 13 November 2009
From the 10th to the 13th of November 2009 the Commission and Secretariat for the Laity met at the Curia in Rome for the second time, presided over by the General Delegate for the laity, Fr Josef Jancár, O.Carm. The programme proposed and prepared by the Secretariat regarding the next International Congress of lay Carmelites, which will take place at Sassone in September of 2012 was approved. During the discussions on the formation of lay Carmelites, the necessity to set out a Commentary on the Guidelines for formation emerged, in order to offer a more detailed help on an international level. Also discussed was the issue of the various responsibilities both of the lay members and the Carmelite friars regarding laity. They discussed the proposed meeting for the provincial delegates for the laity, which the General Delegate intends to convene at the end of next year so as to further collaboration and discussion of themes of common interest. At the conclusion of the meeting, Av. Mr. Andrea Ventimiglia, Third Order Carmelite, presented a proposal to give greater significance to Third Order International (TOCI), which already exists, in a way that contributes to the revitalization and promotion of the work and the role of lay Carmelites in the different provinces, supporting and coordinating initiatives.
60th anniversary of the Carmelite Secular Institute The Leaven
On 21st November the Carmelite Secular Institute known as The Leaven (The Institute of Our Lady of Mount Carmel) has celebrated its Diamond Jubilee at Aylesford Priory in Kent, Great Britain. Aylesford is the spiritual home of The Leaven, which was originally established there as a Lay community when the friars returned to their ancient priory in November 1949.
Today the Institute is made up of single women who wish to live a consecrated life in their own homes and workplaces. Dozens of members are found across Britain, sharing their experience of Carmel's rich spirituality with people of all walks of life. The celebration in Aylesford is an opportunity to look back over the past 60 years and thank God for all that the Holy Spirit has done in the Church and in the World through the presence of these consecrated Lay Carmelites.
The leader of The Leaven, Rosemary Kinman, said: "The Leaven's story is one of courage, difficulties, the daring to change amidst opposition, of prayer and discernment, and above all a great love of Carmel. Doubtless the future will hold many challenges for us. Consecrated life in any form is not easy, and those of us called to such a life in The Leaven need to go forth valiantly as the founder members did, reading the signs of the times, and building up God's kingdom by adapting ourselves when it is necessary and prudent."
For more information about The Leaven please visit www.theleaven.org.uk and the Lay Carmel section of www.carmelite.org.
Activities of the Prior General in Latin America
Following the ALACAR Congress, which took place at the Villa de Leiva, Columbia (see CITOC no. 108/2009), the Prior General Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, O.Carm., who was accompanied by Fr. Raúl Maraví. O.Carm., Councillor General for the Americas, visited the communities of Medellin and Arjona. There they met with various lay groups and also saw the wonderful work the brothers of the General Delegation Titus Brandsma are doing in the parish barrio quarter of 12 de Octubre at Medellin and saw also what was being done by the brothers of the Italian Province in the parish of San José Obrero in Arjona. Both groups are developing diverse social projects.
They moved on to El Salvador, where they participated in the official inauguration of Centro de Reflexión Teológica Barteolomé Xiberta, O.Carm. Fr. John Welch, O.Carm., Prior Provincial of the Most Pure Heart of Mary Province also participated. There they met various lay groups. They visited the offices of the NGO Nuevos Horizontes and The Central University of America (UCA), with which the Prior General had academic links. He also received the vows of the first eleven members of the Third Order from that Central American country. To end with, on the liturgical Commemoration of the Dead, accompanied by numerous lay Carmelites, he celebrated the Eucharist in the crypt of the cathedral near to the tomb of Archbishop Oscar Romero. The Prior General recalled for them the famous homily of Mons. Romero on the Scapular of Carmel.
Finally, from 5th to 9th November he visited the Carmelite communities of the Province of Castile in Argentina. Having visited the various parishes and schools they run in Lanús Este, Banfield and Lomas de Zamora, he visited UCA (Catholic University of Argentina), the community of Donum Dei at Luján and the Irmãs Carmelitas da Divina Providência at Almirante Brown. While there they celebrated the tenth anniversary of Biblioteca Popular Tito Brandsma. This brings to five the libraries in Latin America that carry this name, Lomas de Zamora in Argentina, Tarija in Bolivia, José Gálvez in Perú, Ciudad Delegado in El Salvador and Medellín in Columbia.
Carmelite NGO brings Prayer and Reflection to Copenhagen Summit on the Environment
Acknowledging the moral imperative to protect the environment, members of the Carmelite NGO will travel to Copenhagen, Denmark to participate in the global event “The United Nations Climate Change Conference” December 7 – 18, 2009. There amidst the gathering of world leaders, scientists and other non-governmental organizations, members of the Carmelite NGO will invite those present to reflect and pray on our shared responsibility as care takers of creation.
“Climate change is a serious concern and an inescapable responsibility for each member of society without exception,” said Sister Jane Remson, O.Carm., main representative of the Carmelite NGO to the United Nations. Caring for the earth requires that all governments act collectively to protect the environment, safeguard precious resources and respect the dignity and worth of all creation. No nation alone can solve the enormous problems associated with climate change; however, by acting together and overcoming self-interest attitudes towards consumption and exploitation of natural resources, we can reverse the adverse consequences of climate change. Sister Remson reiterated the words of Pope Benedict XVI when he said, “The natural environment is given by God to everyone, and so our use of it entails a personal responsibility towards humanity as a whole, particularly towards the poor and towards future generations.”
The Carmelite NGO will sponsor “A Time of Prayer ~ The Natural World, Manifestation and Experience of the Sacred: A Further Reflection to Climate Change” each day during the Conference in Copenhagen. Everyone is invited to download a copy of “A Time of Prayer” from www.carmelitengo.org
Vitam coelo reddiderunt (R.I.P.)
06-11-09 P. Laetantius Morskieft, GerI
08-11-09 P. Franklin Tasker, PCM
60th anniversary of the return of the Carmelites to Aylesford
On 31st October 1949 a good number of Carmelite friars from all over the world walked across the 13th century bridge into the village of Aylesford and on to the house which has borne the name “The Friars” for many years. This was one of the first Carmelite foundations in Europe in 1242. The monasteries in England were dissolved at the order of King Henry VIII in 1538 and the Carmelites had to leave their ancient home. The return to Aylesford had long been sought and it was accomplished in 1949.
On 31st October 2009, the 60th anniversary of this return was celebrated. Those who had given their time to the mission of “The Friars” throughout the year, and especially for the visit of the relics of St. Therese from 9th-11th October, were invited to celebrate this anniversary with the Carmelite community. The day began with an inventive gathering service in which various people expressed their feelings for Aylesford and then the principal celebrant at the Mass was Fr. Christian Kőrner, Vice Prior General, assisted by the General Councillor for Europe Fr. John Keating and the Bursar General Fr. Kevin Alban. Recalling the story of Aylesford the Prior Provincial of the British Province, Fr. Wilfrid McGreal, during his homily expressed his gratitude to all those who were involved during these past sixty years.
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of Antequera, Spain
The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Antequera, Spain, was held 29 October 2009. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. Liliana M. Campos Rosa, O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. Juliana Kavithe Mwololo, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. Teresa Ngusye Mbuvi, O. Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. Angelina Ngina Muli, O. Carm.
Sacristan: Sr. Juliana Kavithe Mwololo, O. Carm.
