CITOC Archive

CITOC Archive (588)

Martes, 27 Julio 2010 07:44

The blessing of the Chapel of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Carmelaram Priory, Parur, India

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No:

64/2010-07-27

On 20th July, on the feast of day of St. Elijah, our Father, the newly constructed chapel, dedicated to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary was blessed by His Grace Most. Rev. Dr. Francis Kallarakkal, the Archbishop of Verapoly and the Apostolic Administrator of Kottappuram diocese. Very Rev. Fr. Albertus Herwanta, the General Councilor for Asia-Australia and Oceania and the Very. Rev. Fr. Sojan Neendoor, the Prior Provincial of the St. Thomas province and many priests and religious and people from the locality were present for the Eucharist and the celebration.
It was a joyous occasion for the all members of the Latin delegation of St. Thérèse and St. Albert. On 21st of July an assembly with all the members present of the delegation was held and Fr. Albertus presided over the meeting.

Published in CITOC Archive

Sábado, 17 Julio 2010 23:22

Honorary Chaplain of the Sanctuary of Lourdes

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No:

62/1010-18-07

A friar of the British Province of Carmelites, Fr. Tony Lester, O.Carm., has been appointed a "Chaplain of Honour" by the Bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes, Mons. Jacques Perrier, in recognition of his promotion of the "Message of Lourdes and pilgrimage to the Grotto". The announcement was made on 12th July by the President of the Catholic Association Hospitalité.
The first Honorary Chaplains were appointed on the 50th Anniversary of the Apparitions and the use of the pectoral cross was granted by Pius X in 1909. The conferral of this honour is an expression of gratitude for the enthusiasm and generosity of the recipients in the service of the pilgrims and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Fr. Tony will receive the pectoral cross at a celebration of the Eucharist at the Grotto on 23rd August.

Published in CITOC Archive

Viernes, 16 Julio 2010 08:00

IN SOLLEMNITATE B.V. MARIAE DE MONTE CARMELO

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No:

61/2010-01-16

Flos Carmeli, vitis florigera,

splendor caeli, Virgo puerpera singularis.

Mater mitis, sed viri nescia,

Carmelitis esto propitia,

stella maris.

Fernando Prior Generalis

Domusque Generalis Communitas

16.VII.2010

Artist: Ariel Agemian

Published in CITOC Archive

Jueves, 08 Julio 2010 17:13

A Call for Solidarity for a Carmelite Bishop

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No:

58/2010-08-07

Don Antonio Muniz Fernandes, O.Carm., metropolitan archbishop of Maceió, has sent an urgent letter in order to publicize the grave situation that has arisen from the floods in the State of Algoas in the north east of Brazil. The Carmelite Archbishop who recently visited the General Curia in Rome and has informed us of the dreadful situation that has arisen as a result of these floods that have caused hundreds of deaths, numerous people missing and left thousands homeless. Many churches and other buildings are now serving as diocesan centres. The archdiocese has set up a solidarity fund to which various international religious organizations are contributing. At this dramatic moment in time, we are united in fraternal support and spirit with Don Antonio and with the people of the State of Algoas.

Published in CITOC Archive

Martes, 06 Julio 2010 16:47

Recognition of the martyrdom of Fr. Carmelo Maria Moyano Linares and 9 companions

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No:

57/2010-06-07

Riconosciuto il martirio di p. Carmelo M. Moyano Linares e 9 compagni Another group of Carmelite martyrs from the time of the religious persecution in Spain in 1936 will now join those of the Catalonian Province who have already been beatified. Pope Benedict XVI during an audience granted to His Excellency, Archbishop Angelo Amato, SDB, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints on 1st July, authorized the Congregation to promulgate, together with a number of others, the decree of martyrdom of the Servants of God, Carmelo Maria Moyano Linares and 9 Companions of the Order Carmelite. They belonged to the monasteries of Hinojosa del Duque and Montoro, in the Betica Province.
Fr. Carmelo Maria Moyano Linares, who had been provincial of the Betica Province, was killed on September 23rd, 1936, and prior to him, Fr. José Mª González Delgado was martyred on the July 27th 1936. On 14th August 1936, Brothers Eliseo Mª Carmargo Montes, José Luis Mª Ruíz Cardeñosa, Antonio Mª Martín Povea and a postulant Pedro Velasco Narbona were killed.
At Montoro on July 22nd 1936, Fr. José María Mateos Carbadillo, Fr. Eliseo Mª Durán Cintas, Brother Jaime Maria Carretero Rojas and Brother Ramón Mª Pérez Sousa were killed.
Regarding the beatification ceremony, the advice of the Spanish Episcopal Conference and the Congregation for the Causes of Saints will be followed.
The judgment on two other groups of presumed martyrs are pending and are presently with the congregation: namely, those of Castile, which is in the hands of the General Postulator of the Brothers of Christian Schools, and those of Arago-Valentina Province, who form part of a larger group of martyrs of the Diocese of Segorbe-Castellón. Our Postulator General is presently completing this Positio.

Published in CITOC Archive

Sábado, 26 Junio 2010 07:45

Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of Guiguinto, Philippines

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No:

54/2020-26-06

The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Guiguinto, Philippines, was held 21 June 2010.

The following were elected:

Prioress: Sr. M. Rescelia S. Garcia, O.Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. M. de Cristo Rey Cruz, O.Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. M. Josephine Faustino, O.Carm.
3rd Councilor: Sr. M. Geraldine Hilario, O.Carm.
4th Councilor: Sr. Benedicta M. Jenifer Navales, O.Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. M. Theresita A’Jose, O.Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. M. Carmeli Hilario, O.Carm.
Sacristan: Sr. M. Fatima Faustino, O.Carm.

Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of Dumaguete, Philippines

The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Dumaguete, Philippines, was held 22-23 June 2010. The following were elected:

Prioress: Sr. M. del Rosario C. Somoza, O.Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. M. Angelica G. Verdugo, O.Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. M. Victorina C. Olmoguez, O.Carm.
3rd Councilor: Sr. M. Melba P. Bruno, O.Carm.
4th Councilor: Sr. M. Agripina M. Pacaña, O.Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. M. Melba P. Bruno, O.Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. M. Concepcion E. Adanza, O.Carm.

Published in CITOC Archive

Viernes, 25 Junio 2010 06:45

25th Anniversary of the Carmelite Forum

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No:

53/2010-25-06

The annual Carmelite Forum, with the theme “Carmel’s Quest for the Living God,” took place on June 16-20 at St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana (USA). The theme was inspired by the popular book, Quest for the Living God, by Sr. Elizabeth Johnson. Some 250 people from the various branches of Carmel in North America (priests, brothers, cloistered nuns, sisters of the various congregations, Third Order, and laity from various groups) participated in the conference.

The three principle conferences were given by Camilo Maccise, OCD, who dealt with the theme from the biblical perspective; Ms. Dolores Leckey, who approached the theme from the lay point of view; and Fernando Millán Romeral, O. Carm., who spoke on Titus Brandsma and Edith Stein as examples of the quest for the living God in dramatic and dark times. These three addresses will be published in full in the next issue of The Sword, the journal published by the Carmelites of the Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary (PCM). In addition there were workshops on various themes in Carmelite spirituality and two roundtable discussions with representatives of the various participating groups.

This Carmelite conference marked the 25th anniversary of the North American Carmelite Forum’s annual seminars at St. Mary’s College. We congratulate Keith Egan and those who organized the congress for its valuable contribution to the growth of Carmel in North America.

Published in CITOC Archive

Viernes, 18 Junio 2010 06:43

Titus Brandsma Award 2010

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No:

52/2010-18-06

Professor Andres Canizales The International Catholic Union of Press (UCIP) has announced the winner of the 2010 Titus Brandsma Award. The laureate is the Journalist and Professor Andres Cañizalez who has worked for more than a decade to defend human rights, especially the freedom of expression, in Venezuela.

The Titus Brandsma Award honours journalists, publishers, professors of communication, publications or institutes who have suffered threats or persecution because of their engagement in the media on behalf of an important human or Christian issue. The award also recognises initiatives for promoting dialogue and human dignity through the media. The Titus Brandsma Award is bestowed by three groups working in partnership: the Dutch Province of Carmelites, the Dutch Catholic Bishops' Conference; and the International Catholic Union of the Press (UCIP).

For more information see: www.ucip.ch

Published in CITOC Archive

Martes, 25 Mayo 2010 21:25

November - December 2009

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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.

120/2009-28-11 120/2009-28-11
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.

119/2009-26-11
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.

118/2009-25-11
VITAM COELO REDDIDERUNT (R.I.P.)

18-11-09 P. Leo McCarthy, PCM
23-11-09 P. Joel Moelter, PCM

117/2009-24-11
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.

116/2009-23-11
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.

115/2009-21-11
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.

114/2009-18-11
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

113/2009-16-11
Vitam coelo reddiderunt (R.I.P.)

06-11-09 P. Laetantius Morskieft, GerI
08-11-09 P. Franklin Tasker, PCM

112/2009-03-11
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.

http://www.carmelite.org/index.php?nuc=news&func=view&item=114

111/2009-01-11
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.

Published in CITOC Archive

Martes, 25 Mayo 2010 21:23

September - October 2009

Written by

110/2009-31-10
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of Beja, Portugal

The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Beja, Portugal, was held 28 October 2009. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. M. Inês Ferreira de Viveiros, O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. Lúcia Natal Barreiros, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. Maria Oliveira Figueiredo, O. Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. Lúcia Natal Barreiros, O. Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. Maria Oliveira Figueiredo, O. Carm.
Sacristan: Sr. Maria da Eucaristia Pires, O. Carm.

109/2009-30-10

CAUSA NOSTRAE LETITIAE
October 2009

Initium Novitiatus
10-07-09 Trymore Clever Gwengwe (Hib-Zim), Rusape
10-07-09 Itai Davis Siziba (Hib-Zim), Rusape
10-07-09 Thomas Wellington Hweta (Hib-Zim), Rusape
10-07-09 Rangarirai Mutanga (Hib-Zim), Rusape
10-07-09 Tafadzwa Muchabaiwa (Hib-Zim), Rusape
10-07-09 Aldrine Muchenje (Hib-Zim), Rusape
08-09-09 Romain Zangue Voufou (GerI-Cam)
08-09-09 Ignace Jonathan Eyelezoa (GerI-Cam)
08-09-09 Louis Marie Grignon Manga Ottou (GerI-Cam)
08-09-09 Alain Claude Mani Bihina (GerI-Cam)
08-09-09 Charles Dieudonné Mboudou (GerI-Cam)
08-09-09 Joseph Patrick Okolama Odi (GerI-Cam)
08-09-09 Christian Sandjo Ghomsi (GerI-Cam)
08-09-09 Aurel Dongmo Chouna (GerI-Cam)

Professio Solemnis
01-10-09 Maria Teresa Sisto (OST), Ostuni
15-10-09 M. Benedetta Succu (VET), Vetralla
22-10-09 Rinson George Manjala (Ind), Chettupuzha
22-10-09 Deepak Jose Aracka (Ind), Chettupuzha
22-10-09 Jinto Jose Pynadath (Ind), Chettupuzha

Ordinatio Sacerdotalis
15-10-09 F.X Hariawan Adji (Indo), Malang
15-10-09 Yohanes Radik Suryawan (Indo), Malang
15-10-09 Marselinus Monang Sijabat (Indo), Malang
15-10-09 Andreas Novem Munjil Wahyono (Indo), Malang

24-10-09 Joseph Matare (Hib-Zim), Rusape
24-10-09 Wiseman Msemwa (Hib-Zim), Rusape

108/2009-28-10
Meeting of ALACAR (Association of Carmelites in Latin America)

The second ALACAR congress was held from 20 to 24 October in Villa de Leyva in Colombia. The theme was "Mysticism and prophecy in Carmel". Around 150 people took part from both branches of Carmel (friars, nuns, sisters and laypeople.

The speakers were the two Superiors General, Fernando Millan Romeral O. Carm. and Saverio Cannistrà OCD, together with Camilo Maccise OCD and Carlos Mesters O. Carm. and they were joined by Abraham Maximiliano Camino (lay Carmelite) and Sr. Virginia Rosales, Carmelite missionary. The speakers approached the subject from various perspectives and the participants discussed the conferences in groups where they not only analysed what had been said, but made proposals with a view to putting into practice these two essential dimensions of the Carmelite charism.
During the meeting there was also a pilgrimmage to the shrine of the Virgin of Chiquinquirá where the Prior General presided at a Eucharist.

The next meeting of ALACAR will be in 2012 and will be organised by the executive members of the association, Raúl Maraví, O.Carm., Francisco de Sales Alencar, O.Carm., Marcos Juchem, OCD. and Milton Moulthon, OCD.
Without doubt these meetings represent an iniziative at the forefront of developments in Carmelite life and help in achieving a better understanding of the various elements of the Carmelite Family.

107/2009-26-10
International Triennial Bursars Meeting 19 -24 October, 2009

From 19 to 24 October 2009, provincial bursars, finance directors and business managers, Carmelite and lay, gathered from all over the world in Sassone, Italy, to take part in their triennial meeting under the chairmanship of the Bursar General, Kevin Alban.

The meeting had two components: information and formation. There were several useful discussions regarding financial reporting from the provinces to the Curia and many issues were clarified regarding the definition of accounting terms and how to compile the returns. Secondly, several outside speakers made presentations to the group. Frs John Keating and Desiré Unen Alimange, Councillors General for Europe and Africa respectively, informed the group about recent developments in their areas. Fr Helmut Rakowski OFM Cap. spoke about the fraternal economy of solidarity, participation and transparency.

Avv. Massimo Merlini outlined the expected changes in law across Europe regarding religious orders and a team from the IOR (the so-called “Vatican Bank”) presented a panorama of the current economic crisis. Finally Jeff Cull, a member of the General Finance Commission, gave a presentation on fund raising in the present environment.
For photos of the meeting follow the link: www.tinyurl.com/carmelite-bursars2009

106/2009-26-10
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of Zenderen, The Netherlands

The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Zenderen, The Netherlands, was held 14 October 2009. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. Thérèse Neppelenbroek, O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. Josphine de Jong, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. Pauline Meijer, O. Carm.
3rd Councilor: Sr. Jacintha Stoolhuis, O. Carm

105/2009-21-10

VITAM COELO REDDIDERUNT (R.I.P.)

06-10-09 P. John Canning, SEL
07-10-09 Sr. Purificación Jimenez Conejero, CAU
15-10-09 Jo Goossens, Ner
17-10-09 P. Jan van Loon, Ner
19-10-09 P. Fernando Beltran Mallol, Arag

104/2009-18-10
40th anniversary of Provincial Commissariat of Eastern Indonesia

On October 4th 2009 the Provincial Commissariat of Eastern Indonesia celebrated its 40th anniversary. The Carmelite mission began on October 4th 1969 when the Indonesian Province sent three Carmelites (Fr. Frans Sarjono, Fr. Ignazio Widodo, and Br. Jacob Suraji) to take over the very poor parish of “Holy Cross” in Mauloo, Flores. This parish was chosen as a preferential option for the poor. The parish has now grown to six parishes.
Since 28 September 2006 this mission is known as the Commissariat of Eastern Indonesia. At this present time it has a pre-novitiate house (St. Paul), a novitiate house (St. Therese Lisieux), two student houses (St. Dionysius and St. Redemptus), and two retreat houses: St. Elia (in Flores) and St. Yoseph (Bali), and a hermitage on the hill of Kelikeo, Flores.
In Flores our Carmelites are also running schools at Alvarez: a kindergarten, a secondary school, and a high school. 48 Carmelite priests have come from the commissariat, 20 of them are working in the commissariat. Presently there are 2 solemnly professed students, 42 simply professed students, 35 novices, and some postulants. Vocations in this commissariat seem to be flourishing, offering great hope to our Order.

103/2009-16-10
Visit of the Relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux to Aylesford, UK

The relics of St. Thérèse have been touring around England and Wales from 16 September and from 9 to 11 October the relics of the “Little Flower” came to Aylesford in England, the historic priory founded in 1242 by hermits from Mount Carmel.

On 9 October at about 2pm the relics arrived from the Discalced Carmelite parish of Gerrards Cross and were greeted by a substantial crowd, led by the Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, the Prior Provincial of the British Province, Fr. Wilfrid McGreal, the Prior of Aylesford, Fr. Brendan Grady, and a large number of friars. The following day, 10 October, the Archbishop of Southwark, Most Rev. Kevin McDonald presided at an open air Mass at the shrine for some 9,000 people. The Councillor General for Europe, Fr. John Keating, preached at the Mass. During the day it is estimated that some 13,000 people were present to venerate the relics. On Sunday 11 October, the Prior General presided at a Mass with some 5,000 people and in the afternoon the relics departed for the Discalced parish of Kensington in London. At the same time the relics were present, there was also a retreat led by Fr. Robert Colaresi, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, Fr. Joseph Chalmers and Fr. Kevin Alban for some 70 people who wished to find out about St Thérèse and reflect on her message.
For further information and photos see: www.flickr.com/photos/catholicism

102/2009-14-10
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of Paranavaí, Brazil

The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Paranavaí, Brazil, was held 10 October 2009. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. Derly de Paula Moreira, O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. Marisel Teresita Negrón, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. Adalgiza dos Santos, O. Carm.
3rd Councilor: Sr. Natalina Grande, O. Carm
4th Councilor: Sr. Maria Alice Pereira Lopes, O. Carm.

101/2009-13-10
Inauguration of the new formation house of Missionary Family Donum Dei

On the 8th of October last the new house of formation for the Missionary Family of Donum Dei was inaugurated at Grâce-Dieu, in the Archdiocese of Besançon (France), thus transferring it from the house of the General Curia (Rome) which had become too small for the numerous vocations of the Missionary Family. Apart from the local bishop Mons. André Lacrampe and the General responsible for the FMDD, Mlle. Clémentine Paré, T.M. who took part in the ceremony, there were also two other bishops, numerous priests and laity present. Representing the General Curia and taking part in the occasion was Fr. Josef Jancar, O.Carm., General Delegate for the Laity. In his address he underlined the importance of formation in the growth of candidates in their missionary and Carmelite vocation. He also expressed the gratitude of the Order to Mons. Lacrampe, promoter and great supporter of the new foundation and of the “School of Formation of the Missionary Workers”, which was inaugurated prior to the celebration of Mass. The School is also aided by the involvement of priests and laity, to whom Fr. Josef expressed his deep gratitude. During the inauguration ceremony, the General responsible for the Missionary Workers and those responsible for the formation outlined the scope of each stage of formation and the lecturers outlined the content of each of the courses.

100/2009-10-10
First students graduate from Carmelite Institute of Britain and Ireland (CIBI)

On 6th October 2009 the first graduations of students enrolled in the Carmelite Institute of Britain and Ireland (CIBI) took place in Dublin, Ireland.
CIBI began offering distance-learning courses in Carmelite Studies in 2006, as a joint initiative of the Carmelites of the Ancient and Discalced Observances. The courses, which have the status of Pontifical Awards, are accredited by the Milltown Institute in Dublin.
The first students to complete the Adult Education Diploma in Carmelite Studies were at Milltown to receive their diplomas in person. Two of the students are Lay Carmelites from Britain: Patricia Bradburn, a member of the Third Order Secular (TOC) and Ann Hardman, a member of the Discalced Carmelite Secular Order (OCDS). The third student is 84 year-old Sister Mary-Cecilia Lee, a Discalced Carmelite nun from the monastery in Delgany, Ireland.
Not content to rest on their laurels, all three students have already opted to continue their studies, progressing to the more advanced CIBI Diploma in Carmelite Studies.

99/2009-08-10
Meeting on the Theme: “Protection and conservation of the environment: ethical and civic responsibility”

The Domus Carmelitana Siculorum (Sicily) together with the Third Order of the Italian Province of Carmelites, and in collaboration with the Study Centre “J. Maritain” of Catania and the Agency “Parco dell’Etna” organized a conference on the theme: “Protection and conservation of the environment: ethical and civic responsibility” from the 26th to 27th September 2009 at Zafferana, Etnea, Italy. Michele Bonanno (President of the Third Order of Carmelites of the Italian Province) introduced the proceedings. The speakers were: Andrea Ventimiglia (The social doctrine of the Church and the protection of creation: extracts from the encyclicals of John Paul II and Benedict XVI), Ettore Foti (Lay institutions and the environmental issue); Professor Francesco Patania (Concrete hypotheses possible interventions for the protection of the environment); General Councillor. Fr. Albertus Herwanta, O.Carm. (Carmelite initiatives and proposals for the care of creation). Fr. Mimmo Meloni, O.Carm., Prior Provincial of the Italian Province, presided at the Eucharist ending the meeting. Among the objectives of the meeting was the approval of a prepared document to present to the Carmelite NGO for the International Congress of the UNO, which will take place in December 2009 next in Copenhagen.

98/2009-06-10
Prayer request from India

The Prior Provincial of the St. Thomas Province, India, Fr. Mathew Neendoor O.Carm. has written: "All of you have might have heard, the people of South India are really suffering form heavy rains and floods in these days. Our villages, where we are doing our pastoral ministry in Andhra Mission, have also been severely affected by the floods. Ramapuram village in the Kurnool district is completely destroyed. All the houses in these villages are washed away in the floods. The Shawthappilli village is partially destroyed. We give rehabilitation facilities for the people of both the villages. In this difficult situation of suffering, I earnestly request your prayers and support. Please remember in your prayers our confreres who are working in the Andhra Mission. Let us remember and pray for all the people who are suffering because of heavy rain and floods and all those who have lost their homes."

97/2009-30-09
CAUSA NOSTRAE LETITIAE
September 2009

Initium Novitiatus
23-08-09 Arnaldo Osuna (Bet-Ven), Merida
23-08-09 Julio César Materano (Bet-Ven), Merida
01-09-09 Arur Skórzewski (Pol), Obory
01-09-09 Wojciech Jan Krywcun (Pol), Obory
08-09-09 Andrew Joyce (Brit), Aylesford

Professio Temporanea
02-09-09 Paul Jenkins (Brit), Aylesford
08-09-09 Charles Kambale Muke (Ita-Con), Bunia
08-09-09 Innocent Djombu Dz'djo (Ita-Con), Bunia
08-09-09 Jean Claude Isusi Mumbanza (Ita-Con), Bunia
08-09-09 Gilbert Paluku Musongora (Ita-Con), Bunia
08-09-09 Aimé Ufoymungu Wathum (Ita-Con), Bunia
08-09-09 Jean Vianney Ukerdogu Alipacu (Ita-Con), Bunia
13-09-09 Paul Malewa (Brun-Tan), Napoli
13-09-09 Paschal Shirima (Brun-Tan), Napoli
13-09-09 Victor Biramata (Brun-Tan), Napoli
19-09-09 Rodrigue Parfait Ndonfou Fifen (GerI-Cam)
19-09-09 Guy Jacques Akono (GerI-Cam)
19-09-09 Karim Théodore Bertin Njoya Eyebe (GerI-Cam)
19-09-09 Jean Jacques Bazam (Bet-Bur)

Professio Solemnis
19-09-09 Joseph Armand Ongono (GerI-Cam),
19-09-09 Benjamin Kengne (GerI-Cam)
19-09-09 Francois-M. Manga (GerI-Cam)
19-09-09 Marie-Jérome Messi (GerI-Cam)

Ordinatio Sacerdotalis
19-09-09 David del Carpio Horcajo (Bet), Madrid

96/2009-29-09
Emergency Appeal for Assistance
for Storm Ondoy victims in the Philippines

Typhoon Ondoy (International name: Ketsana) entered the Philippines territory on September 26, 2009 and has caused flashfloods and landslides in Luzon, including Metro Manila.

Rivers and creeks overflowed and walls weakened by floodwaters collapsed. Floodwaters forced people, especially those in low-lying areas to seek higher ground. Most are on the roofs of their houses to avoid being taken in by flashfloods. Floodwaters caused packed traffic jams and people who left early from their homes were stranded.Over 100 have died and the figure is rising. Our Carmelite parishes, the Parish of San Isidro Labrador in Barangay Bagong Silangan, and the Sagrada Familia Parish both located in Quezon City are greatly affected. In the Parish of San Isidro Labrador alone, more than 50 persons have died and 100 are missing, while in Sagrada Familia parish, there are more than 500 families who are totally affected by the flash flood. Many of their houses are partially and totally damaged or washed out due to the flash flood. They are now temporarily housed in the Parish Church and in the different Centers.

The number of families affected across Luzon has swelled to 69,513 (about 337,216 people). The number of evacuees has also reached 11,967 families (about 59,920 people) who are staying in 118 evacuation centers, NDCC data showed.
Families affected need our help. Donations may be sent through the Order of Carmelites. You can call us at the procurator’s office Tel No. (02) 726-77-65 look for Fr. Aris Escobal, O. Carm. or Email: Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo..

95/2009-29-09
Vitam coelo reddiderunt (R.I.P.)

28-09-09 P. Carmelo Gómez Gálvez, Prior Provincialis Arago-Valentinae
21-09-09 P. Brian Murphy, SEL

94/2009-28-09
Beginning of Tanzanian Mission

For several years the General Commissariat of “La Bruna” has been committed to opening a house for friars in Tanzania. In this period, a number of young men have been formed in Naples.
After the last trip of Fr. Thomas Mtey in Africa to make contact with the local ordinary regarding this mission, Cardinal Pengo assigned to the Carmelites the parish of Bunju with the idea that it will become a Marian centre for the diocese of Dar-es-Salam. Work began on a house for the community in January 2006 and finished some months ago.
On Wednesday 30 September, Fr. Thomas Mtey, Bros. Dominic Somola, Paul Malewa, Victor Biramata, Paschal Shirima and a postulant, Richard Phocas, will leave Italy to begin this wonderful adventure in Africa.
We entrust to the maternal heart of Mary, our Mother and Sister, this young mission and especially these young Tanzanians.

93/2009-23-09
XVI Council of Provinces - Final Message

The 16th Council of Provinces took place at Il Carmine, San Felice del Benaco, from September 3rd to 12th 2009. The theme of the meeting was Embracing his Gospel: Carmelite community in faith, hope and love. The Prior General and members of the General Council gathered with the Priors Provincial, Commissaries General, Commissaries Provincial and Delegates General from all continents, reminding us once again of the continuing growth of the Carmelite presence throughout the world. The participants wanted to share their experience through the final message, which is attached at this citoc-online.

92/2009-19-09
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of Ravenna, Italy

The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Ravenna, Italy, was held 14-17 September 2009. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. M. Anastasia Cucca, O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. M. Barbara Stella, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. M. Pia Malmesi, O. Carm.
3rd Councilor: Sr. M. Elena Pasca, O. Carm
4th Councilor: Sr. M. Elisabetta Mambelli, O. Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. M. Elisabetta Mambelli, O. Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. M. Pia Malmesi, O. Carm.
Sacristan: Sr. M. Barbara Stella, O. Carm.

91/2009-17-09
VITAM COELO REDDIDERUNT (R.I.P.)

14-08-09 P. Bento Caspers, Flum
27-08-09 P. Paul Hoban, PCM
01-09-09 Sr. M. Dolores Moya Guarino, UTR
02-09-09 P. Pedro Caxito, Flum
09-09-09 P. Ambrosius Molenbroek, GerI

90/2009-16-09
CAUSA NOSTRAE LETITIAE - Augustus 2009

Initium Novitiatus
10-07-09 Manuel Hornay (Aust-Tim), Hera
10-07-09 Joel Alfonso da Silva (Aus-Tim), Hera
10-07-09 Fabio Paulo Gama (Aust-Tim), Hera
10-07-09 Salvador Bere da Silva Barreto (Aust-Tim), Hera
13-08-09 Felix Bernardus Sanga (Indo), Flores
13-08-09 Viktorius Sesarius Gebo (Indo), Flores
13-08-09 Aloysius Dói (Indo), Flores
13-08-09 Jeremias Du'e (Indo), Flores
13-08-09 Fabianus Dabi Dede (Indo), Flores
13-08-09 Yoseph Ferdinandus Rasi (Indo), Flores
13-08-09 Fransiskus Radho (Indo), Flores
13-08-09 Mario De Liguori Boleng (Indo), Flores
13-08-09 Apolinaris Edit Rowa (Indo), Flores
13-08-09 Fransiskus Pati Koten (Indo), Flores
13-08-09 Irenius Vinsensius Ngaku (Indo), Flores
13-08-09 Petrus Senodius (Indo), Flores
13-08-09 Metodius Wilhelmus Sola (Indo), Flores
13-08-09 Priskus Lise Ware (Indo), Flores
13-08-09 Frederikus Meze Tai (Indo), Flores
13-08-09 Vinsensius Ndua Woa (Indo), Flores
13-08-09 Fransiskus Xaverius Nenga (Indo), Flores
13-08-09 Fransisco Vincenzo Franky Gare Yoseph (Indo), Flores

Professio Temporanea
11-07-09 Position Chikuruwo (Hib-Zim), Kriste Mambo
11-07-09 Webster Chibvongodze (Hib-Zim), Kriste Mambo
11-07-09 Francis Lefani Mwanza (Hib-Zim), Kriste Mambo
11-07-09 Wellington Muzenda (Hib-Zim), Kriste Mambo
19-07-09 Januario Pinto (Aust-Tim), Hera
19-07-09 Constancio Monteiro (Aust-Tim), Hera
19-07-09 Adao Hornay (Aust-Tim), Hera
19-07-09 Rui Pinto (Aust-Tim), Hera
19-07-09 Zito de Sousa (Aust-Tim), Hera
19-07-09 Yohanes da Silva (Aust-Tim), Hera
19-07-09 Carlito da Silva (Aust-Tim), Hera
19-07-09 Camilo Felix (Aust-Tim), Hera
15-08-09 Juliana Napura Fermano (Rox), Roxas City
28-08-09 Fe Leonie L. Yabo (DUM), Dumaguete City

Professio Solemnis
16-05-09 M. Victorina Olomoguez (DUM), Dumaguete City
01-08-09 Elsy Arackal Inasu (ARA), Aracena
09-08-09 Hermianus Yoseph Sugi (Indo), Maumere, Flores
09-08-09 Simon Petrus Ta'a (Indo), Maumere, Flores
09-08-09 Stanislaus Jenambur (Indo), Maumere, Flores
09-08-09 Emanuel Ewaldus Krowa (Indo), Maumere, Flores
15-08-09 Jonathan Suescún Camacho (Cat-Ven), Caracas
15-08-09 Alexandre Cortez (Flum), Belo Horizonte
15-08-09 Wilson da Mota Fernandes (Flum), Belo Horizonte
15-08-09 Adailson Quintino (Flum), Belo Horizonte
15-08-09 Damião do Nascimento Souza (Pern), Recife
15-08-09 Fábio Rodrigues da Silva (Pern), Recife
15-08-09 José Leandro Alencar da Silva (Pern), Recife
15-08-09 Leonardo Ferreira Botelho (Pern), Recife
15-08-09 Ricardo de Vasconcelos Barbosa (Pern), Recife
15-08-09 Maria Josephine de Jong (ZEN), Zenderen
22-08-09 Marcelo de Jesus (Flum), São Paulo
27-08-09 Erik Wahyu Tjahjana (Indo), Malang
27-08-09 Ignatius Abadi (Indo), Malang
27-08-09 Samuel Anton Situmorang (Indo), Malang
27-08-09 Patricius Marianus Simanjuntak (Indo), Malang
27-08-09 Alfonsus Arpol Manik (Indo), Malang

Ordinatio Sacerdotalis
03-07-09 Victor Paul Farrugia (Mel), Valletta
03-07-09 Daniel Galea (Mel), Valletta
12-08-09 Paskalis Patut (Indo), Ruteng, Flores
20-08-09 Konradus Bata Laki (Indo), Mbay, Ende, Flores
20-08-09 Yanto Yohanes Ndona (Indo), Mbay, Ende, Flores
20-08-09 Sefrinus Nuwa (Indo), Mbay, Ende, Flores

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Martes, 25 Mayo 2010 21:21

July - August 2009

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89/2009-31-08
16th Council of Provinces is beginning

The 16th Council of Provinces, which gathers the General Council, Prior Provincials, Commissaries General and Provincial, General Delegates and Presidents of the Regions will take place in the retreat house “Il Carmine”, San Felice del Benaco, Italy, from 3rd to 12th September 2009. The theme of the meeting will be:

Embracing his Gospel:
Carmelite community in faith, hope and love

The principal speakers will be Archbishop Mons. Jean Louis Bruguès OP, Secretary of the Congregation of Catholic Education and ex bishop of Angers, France, Jean Vanier, community of L’Arche (France/Canada) and Fr. Danilo Castello MCCJ, Limone, Italia, professor of Dogma and ex president of the Missionary Institute, London

This theme has been chosen for two reasons: Firstly, “Embracing his Gospel” is taken from Article 2 of our Constitutions, words taken from the phrase: “Living in allegiance to Jesus Christ and embracing his Gospel as the supreme norm of our lives….”, and secondly, the General Chapter reflected on the topics of “Following Christ”, “prayer and prophecy in a changing world” but perhaps did not concentrate sufficiently on the issue of “community”. At this present moment in time, Pope Benedict has already written on the subject of Love and Hope, and there is an expectation of a letter on Faith. It is hoped that this Council of Provinces will address not just the theory of these virtues, but what a Carmelite community in faith, hope and love might realistically look like at the beginning of a new millennium. In the context of our own Constitutions, living in the midst of the people of today, “our communities will be authentic expressions of faith, hope and charity, and will be places conducive to full human development.” (CON 32)

88/2009-31-08
Fiftieth Anniversary of Crespi Carmelite High School, Los Angeles (USA)

Last 21 and 22 August a series of events took place in our high school in Los Angeles at Crespi High School to mark its 50th anniversary. The main celebration was a solemn Eucharist in the Cathedral of Los Angeles at which the Prior General presided abd was assisted by Fr. Raul Maraví, Councillor General for the Americas, Fr. John Welch, Prior Provincial of the PCM province, Fr William Harry, Commissary Provincial for the West, Frs Thomas Schrader and Paul Henson, President and Principal respectively, as well as many other Carmelites. The auxiliary bishop of Los Angeles, Mons Gerald Wilkerson was also present and congratulated the Carmelites when he spoke to congregation.
In his homily and subsequently in an article for the weekly paper The Tidings, the Prior General stressed the Order’s commitment to education and the importance of this work for Carmelites. After the Mass, there was a celebratory meal with co-workers and benefactors of the high school in the “Getty Villa”. After lunch there was a game of American football, a game at which Crespi has always excelled.

87/2009-28-08
Seminar and Workshop on environment, Malang, Indonesia

The Justice and Peace Commission of the Carmelite Order in cooperation with the Indonesian Carmelite NGO held a seminar and workshop on the environment in Malang 1-2 August 2009. The main speakers were: Suryo Wardoyo, an activist in environmental movements and schools, Eka Budianta, an outstanding environmental thinker and motivator, and Fr. Piet Go Twan An O.Carm., (Indo), a moral theologian. Other speakers were Fr. Albert Herwanta O.Carm., Councilor General and chairman of the JPIC Commission of the Carmelite Order as the keynote speaker and Mr. Andrea Ventimiglia, a Sicilian Lay Carmelite, as the guest speaker. One hundred and twenty members of the Carmelite Family (religious and lay), religious (sisters) from other congregations, environmental practitioners and students from various universities participated.

This seminar was born out of the awareness that every human being is called to be a co-creator and invited by the Lord Himself to take care of and look after the environment. As a co-creator, every human being has the responsibility to keep and to renew the environment, so that it may remain healthy and friendly for following generations. This awareness drives Carmelites, especially the Indonesian Carmelites, to increase people’s awareness so that they may be interested in all kinds of environmental movements to make this world better.
It is expected that after attending this seminar and workshop the participants will have acquired a strong awareness of environmental problems and they will be able to appreciate a global plan to save the earth. The committee expects that at the end of this program there will be at least 10% of the total participants who would like to be the trainers on environmental matters. A follow-up program is being designed by the committee at the present and hopefully it will take place at the end of this year.

86/2009-27-08
VITAM COELO REDDIDERUNT (R.I.P.)

19-08-09 P. Lorenzo Cubero Blázquez, Bet
24-08-09 Br. James Andrews, SEL

85/2009-26-08
Exhibition on Saint Nuno of Santa Maria

On the 14th August last in the Portugese city of Mafra, near Lisbon, a very interesting exhibition opened concerning St. Nuno of Saint Mary, in which various aspects of his life were on show. The exhibition was held in the infantry school of the Portuguese army, as Saint Nuno is patron of this branch of the army. The exhibition was opened by Major General José Luis Pinto Ramalho, head of the army. Present were the Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, O.Carm. and Fr. Agostinho Castro, O.Carm, Commissary General of Portugal who also presided at the Eucharistic celebration. Also present were Fr. Ricardo Rainho, O.Carm and several civil and military authorities.
Various sections of the exhibition deal with the battle of liberation, with virtual reproductions of the Constable, with the foundation of sanctuaries and convents, with miniature reproduction figures, with the Portuguese Scout Movement of which Saint Nuno is patron, and with his Carmelite life. The last section was prepared by the Carmelites of our General Commissariat.

84/2009-24-08
Initial Formation Programme in the Holy Land

The International Formation Commission of the Order organized a two-week experiential programme, entitled “In the footsteps of our forebears”, in the Holy Land for those in initial formation from 22nd July to 7th August, 2009. Thirty-six students from around the world took part in the programme, together with three members of the Formation Commission. Also present were Fr. Raúl Maraví, O.Carm. Councillor General for the Americas and Fr. Alexander Vella, O.Carm. (Mel) who directed and guided the group throughout the visit. The programme included talks on various Carmelite themes and visits to the important sites.

In each of the places visited there was a presentation, a reading from the appropriate Biblical or Order text, and time for personal prayer and reflection. The first week took place on Mount Carmel with the Discalced at Stella Maris. A marked feature of this first week was the warm hospitality of the Discalced friars, nuns and sisters. The second week was based in Jerusalem concluding with Mass celebrated by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem (see CITOC-online 81/2009). The Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, O.Carm. joined the programme for the second week contributing to the presentations, and participating in the wonderful fraternity generated by the group.

83/2009-13-08
Titus Brandsma Awardees Philippines 2009 for Press Freedom and Journalism

Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist Patricia Evangelista and broadcast journalist Howie Severino have been named recipients of the Titus Brandsma Award-Philippines for journalism, while slain journalists Edgar Damalerio and Marlene Esperat were honored posthumously by the same body for their fearless fight for press freedom.
Titus Brandsma Award-Philippines is the country’s version of the international Titus Brandsma Award given by the "Union Catholique Internationale de la Presse", the world forum of professionals in secular and religious media.
During the awarding ceremony, held at the Titus Brandsma Center, Quezon City, Philippines, on 29th of July 2009, the address of welcome was given by the Commissary General Fr. Artemio D. Jusayan, O.Carm. and the keynote address "Titus Brandsma: Martyr of Press Freedom" by Fr. Richard Copsey, O.Carm. (Brit).

82/2009-11-08
International Meeting of the Donum Dei Fraternity

The Missionary Family Donum Dei has held an international meeting at Sassone (Rome) of their associate members called "La Fraternità Donum Dei". It began on the evening of 16th July last, the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with a Eucharistic celebration led by Fr. Terence Cyr, O.Carm. (Gal), who was their spiritual guide. Present were the Vice-General Fr. Christian Körner, O.Carm. and the Councillor General, Fr. John Keating, O.Carm.
The 166 participants, who comprised adults, young people, and children from France, Italy, Burkina Faso, Peru, Argentina, Nouméa, Wallis and Fortuna, sought to deepen their understanding of the specific charism of Donum Dei within the Carmelite Third Order. They were very pleased also to be able to visit the tomb of their founder, Fr. Marcel Roussel-Galle in the Basilica of S. Martino ai Monti, whose remains had been transferred there on 22nd of December 2008.

81/2009-09-08
Symbolic presentation of the Carmelite Rule at Jerusalem

At the conclusion of the formation course in the Holy Land (information on the course will be in a future CITOC-Online), the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Mons. Fouad Twal, solemnly presented the Carmelite Rule to the Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, O.Carm., and to each of the more than 40 Carmelite participants gathered for a moving Eucharistic celebration in the concathedral of the Holy City on the 6th of August. The Prior General, addressing the Patriarch asked him to symbolically present the Rule, with these words:

“Your Excellency, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Mons. Fouad, 800 years ago your predecessor, Albert Avogadro, Saint Albert of Jerusalem, gave the hermits and penitents on Mount Carmel a Formula Vitae, the Rule of Carmel, and for 800 years it has inspired the Carmelite Family constantly generating groups, congregations and diverse experiences. It is a short text, simple, but profoundly rich, life-giving and inspirational. Today, 800 years later, this group of young Carmelites from around the world, in communion with the Church of Rome and with the Mother Church of Jerusalem, humbly asks that once again you symbolically present the Rule of Carmel in order to renew our fidelity to the Carmelite charism and our communion with the universal Church.”

The Patriarch presented the Rule to the Prior General with these words from the Prologue: Fouad, Dei gratia Jerosolimitanae Ecclesiae vocatus Patriarcha, dilectis in Christo filiis Fernando, et ceteris heremitis…
During this moving ceremony, the Patriarch asked the Carmelites not to forget the Holy Land, their birthplace, which today is so wounded by violence and division.

80/2009-07-08
CAUSA NOSTRAE LETITIAE
Iulius 2009

Professio Temporanea
16-05-09 Mary Jill Recososa Boholi (GUI), Guiguinto
09-07-09 Angelus Marius More (Indo), Flores
09-07-09 Fidelis Nili (Indo), Flores
09-07-09 Adrianus Katan Daton (Indo), Flores
09-07-09 Yohanes Didinong Lange (Indo), Flores
09-07-09 Desideramus Bitan (Indo), Flores
09-07-09 Yeremias Dolu (Indo), Flores
09-07-09 Kristoforus Buga Ledor (Indo), Flores
09-07-09 Kornelis Siprianus Kaju (Indo), Flores
09-07-09 Oktavianus Tiwu Setu (Indo), Flores
09-07-09 Ronaldus Don Piran (Indo), Flores
09-07-09 Ignatius Azevedo Japi Joao (Indo), Flores
09-07-09 Atanasius Mariyanto Eka (Indo), Flores
16-07-09 Oscar Geoffroy Sondo (Bet), Bobo Dioulasso

Professio Sollemne
24-05-09 Maria da Cruz Cunha (MON), Moncorvo
06-06.09 M Jesusa Rosacay Buendia (BUR), Burgos
26-07-09 M. Anna Visalli (OST); Ostuni

Ordinatio Sacerdotalis
11-07-09 José Manuel Granados Rivera (Bet), Málaga

79/2009-05-08
VITAM COELO REDDIDERUNT (R.I.P.)

17-06-09 P. Bernard Panek, Pol
21-07-09 Sr. M. Inés López Rodriguez, FON
29-07-09 P. Lukasz Semik, Pol

78/2009-25-07
Provincial Chapter of the Province of Indonesia

During the Provincial Chapter of the Province of Indonesia held on 20-27 July 2009 were elected:
Prior Provincial: Fr. Ignatius Joko Purnomo, O.Carm.
Vice Prior Provincial: Fr. Dionysius Kosasih, O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Henricus Suwaji, O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Fr. Antonius Kristiyanto Gunawan, O.Carm.
Third Councilor: Fr. Hugo Susdiyanto, O.Carm.
Fourth Councilor: Fr. Stefanus Florianus Buyung, O.Carm.

77/2009-21-07
Preparing to Celebrate the Seven Hundredth Anniversary of the Ordinal of Sibert di Beka

From 6 to 9 July a group of liturgists and historians met in the Curia to examine the impact and significance of Sibert de Beka’s Ordinal which was issued in 1312 to ensure liturgical uniformity in the Order as a whole. This work is considered to be of great importance in establishing Carmelite liturgical identity at a time when the Order was emerging from a difficult period of debate and discussion. Dr Arie Kallenberg, Fr James Boyce and Dr Cristina Dondi gave the main papers, while Fr. Paul Chandler and Fr. Chris O’Donnell helped the group to think about future plans. It was decided to recommend to the General Council that a Pastoral Congress on Carmelite liturgy today should be held in 2012 with a view to giving our liturgy a more Carmelite tone and content. Other participants included Frs Giovanni Grosso, Giuseppe Midili, Désiré Unen, Edmund Caruana, John Keating and Kevin Alban.

76/2009-20-07
Cardinal’s visit to the Carmelite Priory in Mdina, Malta

On Tuesday June 30, 2009, Cardinal Ennio Antonelli, the Pope’s Special Envoy to Malta for the closure of the Pauline Year, visited the Carmelite church and museum in Mdina, Malta. The Cardinal was accompanied by the Apostolic Nuncio in Malta and members from his Delegation. Card. Antonelli was welcomed at the Priory by the Prior Provincial Fr Michael Farrugia O.Carm., the Prior of the Mdina community Fr Alexander Vella O.Carm., the members of the same community, and by Fr Charlò Camilleri on behalf of the Carmelite Institute – Malta.

75/2009-18-07
VITAM COELO REDDIDERUNT (R.I.P.)

02-07-09 Sr. Teresita López Serrano, UTR
17-07-09 P. Joseph Linus Ryan, Hib

74/2009-15-07

Flos Carmeli,

vitis florigera,

splendor caeli,

Virgo puerpera singularis.
Mater mitis, sed viri nescia,

Carmelitis esto propitia, stella maris.

IN SOLLEMNITATE B.V. MARIAE DE MONTE CARMELI

Fernando Prior Generalis et Consilium Generale
16.VII.2009

73/2009-12-07
Activities of the Prior General

Apart from attending the Provincial Chapters of Italy, Saint Elias (New York) and Ireland, accompanied by the respective Councillors General, the Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, O.Carm. gave the concluding conference of CIBI (Carmelite Institute of Britain and Ireland) in Dublin at “Avila” the house of the Discalced Carmelites, on 20th June, and also on 21st June in the parish of the English Martyrs, Walworth, London. The theme of the conference was: “The Carmelite Community of the Rule, a reconciled and reconciling community.”
In Paris, from 27th to 30th June, he participated in a meeting organized by “Casa Sefarad” of Madrid, in which various bishops, rabbis, representatives of various other Christian confessions, politicians of different parties and experts in Judeo-Christian relations participated. The meeting concluded with a reception given by the Auxiliary Bishop of Paris and with an inter-confessional ceremony at the Shoah Memorial.
From 1st to 4th July he participated at the sixteenth meeting of the Carmelite Family of the Iberian Region, which took place at Tales (Castellón) Spain. This year the meeting was organized by the Hermanas de la Virgen María del Monte Carmelo (HVMMC) on the theme. “Prophets and witnesses in our world”. The Prior General gave a conference on Titus Brandsma as Carmelite model (for religious and laity) for the twenty-first century. More than 140 people participated. Lastly, on the 6th July, marking the 50th Anniversary of the death of Mother Asunción Soler founder of “Carmelitas del Sagrado Corazón”, he concelebrated at a Eucharist with the bishop of Malaga. In his homily the Prior General underlined the importance of the modern women’s congregations in the spread of our charism and of the Carmelite Family throughout the world. The Eucharist was the culmination of the first international gathering of Carmelite laity of Mother Asunción, with participants from Mozambique, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Portugal, Spain and Venezuela, and was celebrated in the chapel of Limonar di Malaga College, where Mother Asunción is buried.

72/2009-11-07
Fr. Anthony Cilia O. Carm. finishes his period of service in the Curia and returns to his province

During the Maltese Provincial Chapter celebrated last April, Father Anthony Cilia was named Provincial Secretary and Assistant to the newly-elected prior provincial. Father Anthony is well known to a large number of members of the Carmelite Family for his 22 years of service to the Order in the field of communications (including 14 years as director of CITOC and 13 as webmaster).
Fr. Anthony arrived in Rome at the Curia house Easter 1987 with the principal task of publishing CITOC in the three official languages of the Order. In 1996 the General Council entrusted him with the running of the Order’s new web site which was launched on 28 February 1998. In 1999 the CITOC bulletin was published for the first time on the internet.
In 2001 after many years’ work in these two fields, Fr. Anthony left CITOC in order to work full time on the Order’s web site, www. ocarm.org which he updated and recently completely renewed. As well as organising the transfer from the old site to the new one, Fr Anthony had been working on making the catalogue of the Carmelite Library available on-line.
During his time in Rome, Fr. Anthony was a member of the Commission for Ongoing Formation (1986-1995) and of the Commission for Communication (2001-2009). He represented the Order on PCN (Peace Communication Network) from 1996 to 2009 and a member of the Administrative Council from 2003 to 2008.
On 20 July Fr Anthony will return to his native Province to begin a new period of service as Provincial Secretary, Assistant Provincial and Prior of the community of Sliema.
We offer him our gratitude for his long and assiduous service to the Carmelite Family and we wish him every success in his new duties in Malta.

71/2009-03-07
Promulgation of the Decree of the Congregation for Causes of Saints concerning the miracle attributed to Venerable Angelo Paoli

This morning, 3rd July 2009, the Holy Father, Benedict XVI, received in a private audience the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, the Archbishop Angelo Amato, SDB. During the course of the audience the Holy Father authorized the Congregation to promulgate the Decree concerning a miracle attributed to the intercession of Venerable Angelo Paoli, (1642-1720), Italian national and Professed Priest of our Order.
The Holy See, in consultation with the Order and the Bishops concerned, will set a date and a place for the Beatification.

70/2009-01-07
CAUSA NOSTRAE LETITIAE
Iunius 2009

Initium Novitiatus
07-06-09 John Howell (PCM), Middletown
07-06-09 Edgar Varela (PCM), Middletown
07-06-09 Joseph Vinh Quang Nguyen (SEL), Middletown
07-06-09 Francis Xavier Khoa Van Nguyen (SEL), Middletown
07-06-09 Dominic Hung Duc Nguyen (SEL), Middletown
07-06-09 Paul Hung Van Tran (SEL), MIddletown

Professio Temporanea
08-06-09 Marc Bell (PCM), Middletown
08-06-09 Allen Martin (PCM), Middletown
08-06-09 Raphael Nhat Quoc Tran (SEL), Middletown

Professio Sollemne
14-06-09 Luca Sciarelli (Ita), Roma
27-06-09 Wilma Custodio Galang (CAB), Cabanatuan City
29-06-09 M. Fiamma Piola (VET), Vetralla

Ordinatio Diaconalis
11-06-09 Honoré Kamathe Kombi (Ita), Mulo
11-06-09 Jean-Paul Wakunga (Ita), Mulo
20-06-09 Anil John Kaiprampadan (Ind), Karukutty

Ordinatio Sacerdotalis
11-06-09 Edouard Ucim Afuru (Ita), Mulo
27-06-09 Rubén Darío Rodríguez Ramos (Arag), Santo Domingo
27-06-09 Pedro María Rodríguez Rodríguez (Arag), Santo Domingo

Published in CITOC Archive

Martes, 25 Mayo 2010 21:19

May - June 2009

Written by

55/2009-25-06
Meeting of the European section of the Carmelite NGO

From 2-3 May 2009 a meeting of the European section of the Carmelite NGO took place at Aylesford, Great Britain. The participants came from the Carmelite provinces of Great Britain, Ireland, Germany, Spain and The Netherlands. Also present was Sr. Jane Remson (COLMC), the main representative of the Carmelite NGO, and Sr. Anna Theresa Nyadombo (HOLMC) from Zimbabwe. After the reports of their different activities and assistances in various countries of the world, the participants in the meeting focused on the two main issues of the Carmelite NGO’s attention: Human Trafficking and Climate Change. In relation to climate change the NGO in Europe plans to conduct a pilot test in The Netherlands and Germany to see how ecological the Carmelite communities are. Depending on the success of this survey/inquiry the test may be conducted in other provinces in Europe.
The European section of the Carmelite NGO would like to have the representation and participation of all the provinces of Europe. Fr. Arie Kuil O.Carm (Neer), the European representative on the Carmelite NGO committee, will make contact with the provinces as time goes on to provide information and encourage participation.
The Carmelite NGO presents Carmelite Spirituality in the UN and mediates UN ideals to the Carmelite Family. It is a way to remain loyal to our tradition and to put faith into action.

56/2009-26-05
Venerable Angelo Paoli on the way to beatification

Today, 26 May 2009, the Ordinary Congregation of Cardinals and Bishops gave their positive opinion on the miracle brought about through the intercession of Ven. Angelo Paoli. The is a key step towards beatification. Now Archbishop Angelo Amato, will present the results of all the investigations to his Holiness and ask that a decree be prepared and published. Only after papal assent and decision is the whole process finished and can the beatification be organised.
Ven. Angelo Paoli (b. Argigliano 1642, d. Rome 1720) he became a Carmelite in 1660 and was ordained in 1667. After living in various houses in the Tuscan Province he was called in 1687 to Rome by the Prior General Paul of St Ignatius and lived there until his death in the house of S. Martino ai Monti, where he is buried. He was a man with an intense spiritual life and enamoured of the Virgin, wherever he was, he committed himself to serving the poor and the sick, organising for them service which were innovative and efficient. Let us hope that soon we will able to celebrate another great example of Carmelite holiness, who may have lived a long time ago, but whose message is relevant for today. May it help us to be as ready as Angelo Paoli to recognize Christ in those on the edges of society and to serve them with dedication and love.

57/2009-28-05
First Meeting of the General Theological Commission

The General Theological Commission of the Order held its first meeting from 18 to 20 May in the Curia House in Rome. Under the guidance of its chairman, Fr Giovanni Grosso, representatives of the various general commissions of the Order, as well as members nominated directly by the General Council, worked together. The Commission began by reading the objectives contained in the “Global Plan 2007 – 2013”. After an initial discussion of the work of the Commission, the reports from the individual commissions were considered from the point of view of the work of coordination and cooperation which they create. Some criteria for their work were also given. The Theological Commission agreed to continue along the lines indicated by the 2007 General Chapter which has its theme “In obsequio Jesu Christi, praying and prophetic communities in a changing world”, as well as other themes such as crisis –kairos, justice and peace, prophecy, mystagogy and so on.

58/2009-04-06
Letter of Protest from the Prior General to the Spanish Authorities

The Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millan Romeral O. Carm, has sent the Spanish authorities a vigorous letter of protest for the unjustified detention in Madrid of Fr. Francisco Manoel de Oliveira O. Carm., the Commissary Provincial of Parana in Brazil. Frei Francisco was on his way to the provincial chapter of the Upper German province of which the commissariat is a part. His flight stopped off in Madrid – Barajas where he was detained for more than thirty hours on the grounds that he did not have the necessary documents to proceed to Germany. Despite various attempts to intervene on the part of the Prior General, and despite the fact these documents had never been required before on other visits to Europe nor had anyone in Brazil advised Fr. Francisco that he needed them, he was sent back to Brazil. The Upper German Chapter has also sent a letter of protest to the Spanish Embassy in Germany.

59/2009-05-06
Meeting of the organizing committee of the European “Pilgrimage of Hope”

The committee organizing the Carmelite Youth “Pilgrimage of Hope” to Rome in July 2010 met in Rome for the first time on the 29th and 30th May 2009. The pilgrimage for young people between the ages of 18 and 25, who are associated with the communities of Carmelite friars across Europe, will take place at “Il Carmelo” in Sassone just outside of Rome, from 19th to 25th July 2010. The members of the committee are the Councillors General, John Keating, O.Carm. for Europe and Raúl Maraví, O.Carm. for Youth, David Oliver, O.Carm. (Arag) is the chairperson, also Thomas Feiten, O.Carm. (GerS), Luca Sciarelli, O.Carm. (Ita), Dave Twohig O.Carm. (Hib), and Ms Maria José Varela and Mr. Juan José Seva (both from Spain). The idea of a pilgrimage to the Christian and Carmelite sites of Rome was first presented in a letter to the European provincials in October 2008, and following a positive response from them, this committee was established. The pilgrimage is the first stage of a new European involvement of young people in the life of the Order, and the next stage will be to work towards the World Youth Day in Madrid in 2011. As the committee continues its work, further information will be posted on the Order’s website in the coming months.

60/2009-06-06

Provincial Chapter of the Upper German Province

During the Provincial Chapter of the Upper German Province held on 1-6 June 2009 were elected:
Prior Provincial: Fr. Dieter Lankes, O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Roland Hinzer, O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Br. Günter Benker, O.Carm.
Third Councilor: Fr. Wolfgang Schumacher, O.Carm.
Fourth Councilor: Fr. Michael Plattig, O.Carm.

Provincial Chapter of the Italian Province
During the Provincial Chapter of the Italian Province held on 1-6 June 2009 were elected:
Prior Provincial: Fr. Gian Domenico Meloni, O.Carm.
Vice Prior Provincial: Fr. Luca Cau O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Roberto Toni, O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Fr. Chelo Dhebbi Telesphore, O.Carm.
Third Councilor: Fr. Lucio M. Zappatore, O.Carm.
Fourth Councilor: Fr. Agostino Gelli, O.Carm.

61/2009-08-06
CAUSA NOSTRAE LETITIAE

Maius 2009

Initium Novitiatus
01-05-09 Riebo Rietema (Neer), Boxmeer

Professio Temporanea
14-05-09 Lijo Jose Kavanukattil (Ind), Kartikulam
23-05-09 Keth V. Arriba (Phil), Quezon City
23-05-09 Irvin S. Mangmang (Phil), Quezon City
23-05-09 Gibson Albert (CSTSA), Quezon City

Professio Sollemne
23-04-09 Antonio Ruiz Perez (Arag), Vila-Real
02-05-09 Antonio Mascali (Ita), Castellina
02-05-09 Albeiro Romero Martinez (Ita), Castellina
02-05-09 Nestor Alfredo Franco Franco (Ita), Castellina
14-05-09 Anil John Kaipranpadan (Ind), Kartikulam
23-05-09 Jonathan Serofia (Phil), Quezon City

Ordinatio Diaconalis
02-05-09 Marlon Mateo (PCM) Washington
16-05-09 Mateusz Otreba (Pol), Krakow
24-05-09 Jonathan Serofia (Phil), Quezon City

Ordinatio Sacerdotalis
03-05-09 Emmanuel Lukengadio Medina (Ital), Kinshasa
16-05-09 Jakub Walczak (Pol), Krakow
22-05-09 Peter Hoang Nguyen (SEL), Washington
22-05-09 Jesus Larios Avila (PCM), Colima, Mexico
24-05-09 Joseph Thien Nguyen, (SEL) Philippines
30-05-09 Tony Mazurkiewicz (PCM), Chicago

62/2009-14-06
Provincial Chapter of the American Province of Saint Elias

During the Provincial Chapter of the American Province of Saint Elias held on 9-12 June 2009 were elected:
Prior Provincial: Fr. Mario Esposito, O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Paul Denault, O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Fr. Lucian Beltzner, O.Carm.
Third Councilor: Fr. John Horan , O.Carm.
Fourth Councilor: Fr. Timothy Ennis, O.Carm.

63/2009-15-06
USG Assembly and Vatican Radio

From 27 to 29 May the Prior General took part in the 72nd General Assembly of the Union of Superiors General (USG) held in the “Salesianum”, Rome. The meeting dealt with the topic of interculturality in the religious life. Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez Maradiaga, archbishop of Tegucigalpa (Honduras) gave the keynote address in which he underlined the need to recognize the multi-cultural nature of the Church which is developing ever more strongly in cultures outside Europe. This will bring about a paradigm shift and an ever more radical application of the concept of “inculturation”. Other speakers developed ideas relating to this one which is so important for the future of religious life ands the Church itself.
The Prior General also dealt with this and other topic regarding Carmel today in a long interview with the journalist Patricia Jáuregui of the Spanish section of Vatican Radio. The interview can be heard on the Vatican Radio web page (Spanish section, consecrated life) or directly following this link:
http://www.radiovaticana.org/spagnolo/vida%20consagrada.html

64/2009-16-06
Provincial Chapter of the Irish Province

During the Provincial Chapter of the Irish Province held on 14-18 June 2009 following earlier elections were confirmed:
Prior Provincial: Fr. Martin Kilmurray, O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Richard Byrne, O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Fr. Joseph Mothersill, O.Carm.
Third Councilor: Fr. Michael Troy, O.Carm.
Fourth Councilor: Br. Patrick Mullins, O.Carm.

65/2009-18-06
Launch of Festschrift in honour of Fr. Emanuele Boaga

On Saturday 30 May in the main hall of the Teresianum in Rome, a volume of essays edited in honour of Fr. Emanuele Boaga, General Archivist was launched to mark his 50th anniversary of priestly ordination. The tome of 741 pages was edited by Frs. Giovanni Grosso and Wilmar Santin and is entitled Memoriam fecit mirabilium Dei (Edizioni Carmelitane, Roma 2009. [Textus et Studia Historica Carmelitana, 31]). It brings together work from 36 specialists from various countries and also contains a bibliography of Fr. Boaga’s writings up to 2008. During the launch, which was introduced by Fr. Aniano Álvarez Suárez, OCD, principal of the Teresianum faculty, apart from the editors, Fr Luis Boriello and the Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral also spoke and Fr Boaga thanked everyone for their participation. There were some 90 people present, from both branches of the Family, as well as Fr Boaga’s relatives and friends, and all took place in a pleasant family atmosphere whose simplicity took nothing away from the depth of the subject matter covered.

66/2009-20-06
8th annual meeting of the Carmelite Librarians’ Association in Madrid

The 8th annual meeting of the Carmelite Librarians’ Association will be held in Madrid, Spain, from 30th to 3rd July, 2009.
The aim of the Association is basically to encourage the promotion of the cultural level of the Order. Libraries, and Carmelite libraries in particular, are essential structures in the cultural life of the Order, especially in the area of formation. The Association attempts to coordinate, share and distribute library material and is giving special importance to digitizing catalogues, putting them on line, sharing informatics, etc. It is a long-range aspiration that the whole Carmelite Order will eventually be networked and thus able to share all library and Carmelite material.
Also participating at the meeting in Madrid will Fr. Raúl Maraví, O.Carm., General Councillor for the Americas, and Fr. Giovanni Grosso O.Carm., President of the Carmelite Institute, Rome. Apart from the working sessions the participants will have the opportunity to visit some of the more important places and especially some important libraries of the Spanish Capital.

67/2009-20-06
Mons. Filippo Iannone O. Carm. appointed bishop of Sora-Aquino-Pontecorvo (Italy)

On 19 June 2009, Pope Benedict XVI appointed bishop of Sora-Aquino-Pontecorvo (Italy) Mons. Filippo Iannone O.Carm. (Brun.) translating him from the titular see of Nebbi which he had occupied as auxiliary bishop of Naples. He was appointed as auxiliary on 12 April 2001 and ordained bishop on 26 May.
Currently Mons. Iannone is consultor at the Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, member of the Council for Juridical Affairs and President of the Committee for Church Buildings of the Italian Bishops’ Conference.
To Mons. Filippo Iannone we offer our warmest congratulations on behalf of the whole Carmelite Family.

68/2009-25-06
VITAM COELO REDDIDERUNT (R.I.P.)

31-05-09 P. Miquel Basagañas i Figueras, Cat
24-06-09 P. Sebastian Meyer, PCM

69/2009-27-06
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of Mayagüez, Puerto Rico

The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, was held 22 June 2009. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. M. Antonia Acevedo Lorenzo, O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. M. de la Trinidad Rodríguez Barbosa, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. Lourdes M. Avilés Calderon, O. Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. Lourdes M. Avilés Calderon, O. Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. M. de la Trinidad Rodríguez Barbosa, O. Carm.
Sacristan: Sr. Sarah María Cedano, O. Carm.

46/2009-05-05
Meetings of European Provincials

To coincide with the canonization of Saint Nuño of Saint Mary (26th April), the Councillor General for Europe, John Keating, O.Carm. organized a meeting of the provincials of the Southern European area in Rome on the 28th April 2009. Present were provincials from Italy, the Iberian Region, Malta and the General Delegate for France. The Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, O.Carm. greeted the provincials at the start of the meeting, which was chaired by Fr. Raúl Maraví, O.Carm., Councillor General for the Americas.
In the light of the decision of the 2007 General Chapter to unite Europe into one geographical area, this meeting discussed the future structure of the southern area of Europe, the current issues effecting these provinces, formation, and especially the question of a common novitiate for the provinces bordering the Mediterranean. The meeting was a very positive one and it was decided to hold further meetings on a regular basis and to establish closer links with the Northern European Region.
The Roman meeting followed on from a meeting in Springiersbach, Germany from the 20th to 22nd April of the provincials of the Northern European Region, which was attended by the Councillor General for Europe. He also attended a meeting of the provincials of the Iberian Region on 10th March last in Madrid. Many issues were discussed at these meetings including those of declining numbers, vocations, dialogue with the secular culture of today, and the European Youth Pilgrimage of Hope planned for Rome in 2010.

47/2009-10-05
Meeting of the International Formation Commission

The International Formation Commission of the Order met in Rome on the 5th, 6th and 7th May 2009. Under the presidency of the Councillor General for Formation, John Keating, O.Carm., the commission heard reports from the Councillors General, Frs. Albertus Herwanta, Raúl Maraví and Désiré Unen Alimange and John Keating, on the state of formation in the Order around the world. The Commission prepared a strategic response to the issues presented by the Councillors General which will be submitted to the next meeting of the General Council. The commission also analyzed the responses from the provinces concerning the updating of the Ratio Institutionis Vitae Carmelitanae (RIVC). A draft text of the modifications to the Ratio will now be undertaken in preparation for the international meeting of formators to be held in the summer of 2010. Fr. Giovanni Grosso, O.Carm., President of Institutum Carmelitanum, also spoke to the commission about formation for future Carmelite studies and roles within the Order. The work of the commission concluded with a review of the updating work that had been done on the formation section of the Order’s website.

48/2009-11-05
Workshop of the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission

From April 14th to April 17th in the Retreat House of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, El Salvador, the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission sponsored a workshop as part of its general preparation for the International Symposium on Peace and Justice to be held in 2011. During this process each region of the Order will be invited to reflect on the topic of environmental degradation and how our Carmelite Charism of simplicity of lifestyle and contemplation addresses this problem. This theme was organized by Fr. Eduardo Agosta Scarel (Cast) from Argentina.
In Latin America the issue of the marginalization of women is an important justice issue. The president of the Organization of Women Entrepreneurs (OEF), Mrs. Ildiko Tesak gave an impassioned plea for justice for women and specifically through access to credit. The NGO created by the Carmelites in El Salvador, The New Horizons for the Poor Foundation, gave a day of instruction on how the region can organize for common action on behalf of justice, peace and the integrity of creation. The main speakers from the foundation were Elmer Mendosa and David Blanchard (PCM).
The final day of the workshop included a dialogue between members of the Order, the Third Order and Carmelite sisters. The sisters shared their experiences as collaborators in the ministry of Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero and the years since, working alongside of the poor in often dangerous circumstances being voices for the voiceless and prophets in our times.
The participants were friars, members of the Third Order and representatives of four sisters communities.

49/2009-12-05
Annual Gathering of Prioresses of the Italian Monasteries

The annual gathering of the prioresses of the Italian monasteries was held from 4 to 6 May at "Il Carmelo", Sassone. There were fifteen nuns present, along with Fr. Christian Körner, Vice Prior General, Fr. Josef Jancar, the General Delegate for Nuns, Fr. Claudio Bellotti, prior provincial of the Italian province, and Fr. Alfredo Di Cerbo, Commissary General of the "La Bruna" commissariat. On the first evening, the Prior General joined the group to celebrate Mass and to greet the assembly. During the meeting the under secretary of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Institutes of Apostolic Life, Fr. Sebastiano Paciolla O. Cist., gave a conference on the concept of autonomy, its criteria and influence on life in monasteries. He also answered questions from the nuns, especially on a future federation in Italy, the observance of the cloister, and both initial and ongoing formation. Encouraged by these discussions, the prioresses expressed their willingness to begin in a concrete way a process which would lead to cooperation, which has already been practiced for some years, to a more official form in a federation.

50/2009-14-05
Provincial Chapter of the Province of Poland

During the Provincial Chapter of the Province of Poland held on 11-15 May 2009 were elected:
Prior Provincial: Fr. Dariusz Borek, O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Tadeusz Popiela, O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Fr. Stanisław Wysocki, O.Carm.
Third Councilor: Fr. Piotr Meczynski, O.Carm.
Fourth Councilor: Fr. Roman Dabrowski, O.Carm.

51/2009-17-05
VITAM COELO REDDIDERUNT (R.I.P.)

05-05-09 Sr. M. Carmen Luzón López, ANT
16-05-09 Sr. M. Gerarda Granatello, FIS
16-05-09 P. Joachim Snyder, SEL

52/2009-20-05
Chapter of the General Commissariat of S. Maria “La Bruna”

During the Chapter of the General Commissariat of S. Maria “La Bruna” held on 18-21 May 2009 were elected:
Commissary General: Fr. Alfredo Di Cerbo, O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Michele Leccisotti, O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Fr. Luciano Di Cerbo, O.Carm.

53/2009-21-05
Carmelite NGO Promotes a Faith Reflection on Climate Change

The Carmelite NGO announces a Faith Reflection on Climate Change in observance of World Environment Day, June 5, 2009. The focus of the Day of Prayer, with the methodology of a Faith Reflection on Climate Change, is to call attention to the spiritual challenge of the ecological crisis.
The Carmelite NGO is inviting people to join together in prayerful reflection on World Environment Day in June. According to “Earth and Faith: A Book of Reflection for Action,” a publication of the UN environment program, the ecological turmoil of our time draws us back to our religious traditions, to reflect on and celebrate the natural world in its most profound sense of mystery as a manifestation and experience of the sacred.
A booklet entitled “A Day of Prayer - A Faith Reflection on Climate Change” designed specifically for use on June 5th is being made available at no charge for anyone interested. The booklet provides a series of short reflections and suggested action plans.
To obtain a copy of the “A Day of Prayer” booklet, email Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo. with your name and mailing address. Copies can also be downloaded from the website of the Carmelite NGO (carmelitengo.org).
The Carmelite NGO was affiliated to the Department of Public Information of the United Nations in December 2001. It is the representative body to the United Nations for the men and women around the world who are members of the Carmelite Order of the Catholic Church and the Order’s ministries.

54/2009-23-05
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of Aracena, Spain

The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Aracena (Huelva), Spain, was held 21 May 2009. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. M. Remedios Álvarez Soriano, O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. M. Mercedes García Ontiveros, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. M. Leonor Parrilla de la Cruz, O. Carm.
3rd Councilor: Sr. M. Rosario Galindo García, O. Carm
4th Councilor: Sr. M. Dolores Domínguez Pérez, O. Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. M. Dolores Domínguez Pérez, O. Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. M. Beatriz Prados Toledano, O. Carm.
Sacristan: Sr. M. Leonor Parrilla de la Cruz, O. Carm.

Published in CITOC Archive

Martes, 25 Mayo 2010 21:18

March - April 2009

Written by

32/2009-01-04
Return of the Carmelites to Manaus, Brazil

On 22 March 2009 Mons. Luiz Soares Vieira, archbishop of Manaus presided at a solemn Eucharist to celebrate the return of the Carmelites to Manaus in Amazonia after an absence of 157 years. Present were Raúl Maraví, O.Carm., General Councillor for the Americas, Francisco de Oliveira, O.Carm., Commissary Provincial of Paraná (GerS), the two members of the new community, Wilmar Santin, O.Carm. and Marcos Alencar, O.Carm., as well as many other religious and the faithful.
The Carmelites feel a certain historic debt to the people of Manaus, having worked there coincidentally for exactly 157 years and having left a profound mark of their presence among the people, who to this day, have a remarkable devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, S. Albert of Trapani and S. Teresa of Avila.

33/2009-03-04
Electoral Chapter of the Carmelite Hermits of Monteluro, Italy

The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Hermits of Monteluro, Italy, was held 30 March 2009. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. Teresa Lonardoni, O. Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. M. Morena Ciullo, O. Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. Maria Faroldi, O. Carm.

34/2009-04-04
New Director of Studies of the Titus Brandsma Institute, Nijmegen, Holland

The council of the Titus Brandsma Institute, Nijmegen, Holland, has appointed Fr. Michael Plattig O. Carm., (GerS) as the new director of studies. At the moment, Fr. Michael is the director of the Spirituality Institute in Münster, Germany, a professor of Spiritual Theology in the Higher Institute of Philosophy and Theology in the same city, as well as visiting professor at the Pontifical Gregorian University and the Pontifical Athenaeum ‘Antonianum’, both in Rome. Fr. Michael is a prolific author of publication s on spirituality and mysticism and a member of the Central Committee of the Carmelite Institute. This new appointment in Nijmegen is in addition to Fr. Michael’s existing responsibilities.
Fr. Michael succeeds Fr. Kees Waaijman O. Carm. (Neer.), who was director of the Titus Brandsma Institute for many years.

35/2009-06-04
First Meeting of Carmelite Confraternities in Murcia (Spain)

On March 15, the first meeting of Carmelite Confraternities in the Murcia region of Spain was celebrated in the town of Beniaján. There were about 300 participants from the confraternity of Beniaján itself which played host to the encounter, from the city of Murcia, Mula and San Pedro del Piantar, all with their various directors and presidents. The participants shared their experiences and activities in a fraternal climate. The aim of the meeting was to create closer ties of friendship and to take a first step towards future meetings and cooperation among the laity of the region, centering on devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
A film on popular Carmelite religion in the confraternities of Murcia was shown and a votive Mass was celebrated in the Shrine Chapel of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Pastoral messages were read from the Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, and from the Prior Provincial of Arago-Valentina, Fr. Carmelo Gómez. The success of this first meeting has opened the way to other encounters in the future, which will be organized on an annual basis by one of the confraternities.

36/2009-11-04

Si conresurrexistis Christo,
quae sursum sunt quaerite,
ubi Christus est in dextera Dei sedens;
quae sursum sunt sapite,
non quae supra terram.
(Col 3,1)

IN PASCHA DOMINI
A.D. 2009

FERNANDO PRIOR GENERALIS
DOMUSQUE GENERALIS COMMUNITAS

37/2009-14-04
Provincial Chapter of the Province of Malta

During the Provincial Chapter of the Province of Malta held on 13-17 April 2009 were elected:
Prior Provincial: Fr. Michael Farrugia, O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Alexander Vella, O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Fr. Martin Schembri, O.Carm.
Third Councilor: Fr. Joseph Saliba, O.Carm.
Fourth Councilor: Fr. Raymond Calleja, O.Carm.

38/2009-16-04
VITAM COELO REDDIDERUNT (R.I.P.)

25-03-09 Patrick Ammerlaan (Neer)
10-04-09 José Ten Bokum (Neer)

39/2009-21-04
Letter of the Prior General “Clothed with the breastplate of Justice …“

The letter of the Prior General P. Fernando Millán Romeral, O.Carm. to the Carmelite Family on the occasion of the canonization of Blessed Nuño de Santa Maria Álvares Pereira “Clothed with the breastplate of Justice …“ is available online.

40/2009-22-04
Meeting of Carmelite Nuns in the Antilles

From 13 to 19 April in the monastery of Santa Teresa of Jesus in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, a meeting of Carmelite nuns in the Antilles was held. The 43 nuns were greeted by the prioress, Mother Maria José Bernal. The Delegate for the Nuns, Fr. Rogelio Mur (Arag.) also took part.
Fr. Desiderio García (Arag.) spoke about the various topics contained in the Ratio Institutionis Vitae Carmelitanae Monialium. Contemplation is central and prayer its doorway, this document speaks of the lifestyle proper to nuns which is different from that of the friars: cloister and heavenly marriage. These are themes which run through the entire document and which offer a path to the transformation of the heart, a way which brings union with God, through Jesus Christ.
The nuns who took part, besides sharing their own experiences, evaluated the experience of community life in the light of the teaching of the Ratio Institutionis Vitae Carmelitanae Monialium and all that the document asks of them.

41/2009-24-04
The Prior General visits the General Chapter of the Discalced Carmelites

On April 23 last the Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral O.Carm. attended the General Chapter of the Discalced Carmelites at Fatima, Portugal, in order greet the members of the Chapter and to engage in dialogue with them. Fr Fernando said it was an honour for him to participate in the General Chapter of our Discalced Carmelite brothers and a joy for him personally. He also expressed his gratitude to Fr. Luis Aróstegui OCD for the invitation to attend and to engage in an informal exchange of ideas, together with news of mutual interest to our lives.
Following the meeting, the Prior General presided at the celebration of the Eucharist in the chapel of the “Domus Carmeli” in Fatima. During the Eucharist, celebrated in Spanish with Easter music and songs from the writing of Saint John of the Cross and Saint Teresa of Jesus, the General Prior gave thanks to God for the bonds we share in the Carmelite family.

42/2009-26-04
Festivity in Carmel for Saint Nuño

The Carmelite Order is celebrating and giving thanks to God for the canonization of Saint Nuño de Santa María Alvares Pereira. This morning 26th April 2009, during a solemn ceremony in Saint Peter's Square, the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI added his name to the list of saints together with four other Blesseds. Numerous members of the Carmelite family were present representing many other sisters and brothers who were unable to come to Rome. Concelebrating with the Pope, among the cardinals and bishops were various other Portuguese like our Carmelite Bishop Vitalino Dantas - also concelebrating were the Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, O. Carm., the Councillor General for Europe, Fr. John Keating, O. Carm., and the Commissary General for Portugal, Fr. Agostinho Castro, O. Carm. Present also was Carmelite Bishop Filippo Iannone, Auxiliary Bishop of Naples. The ceremony was preceeded the night before by a Prayer Vigil for the Carmelite Family in the church of Santa Maria in Transpontina and by another organized by the Portuguese Episcopal Conference in the Roman National Church of S. Antonio dei Portoghesi. May the example of Saint Nuño, who abandoned all human power in the service of God and the poor, help us to grow in love and in commitment to peace.

43/2009-27-04
The Prior General’s Activities

Last 28 February the Prior General gave a conference to 150 teachers from the schools of our “Sisters of the Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel” (HVMMC) on the figure of Blessed Titus Brandsma as a model of a Christian educator. On 10th March, together with the Councillor General for Europe, Fr John Keating, the Prior General took part in the meeting of the provincials of the Iberian Region during which the topics of formation and the future of the region were discussed. On 14th March both joined in the celebrations for the 650th anniversary of the Carmelite presence in Seville (citoc-online 29/2009). Taking advantage of their proximity, Frs Millán and Keating also visited the nuns’ monasteries of Seville, Utrera, Villalba del Alcor and Aracena.
On 19th March, together with Fr Raúl Maraví, the General Councillor for the Americas, the Prior General took part in the episcopal ordination of João Costa, O.Carm. (citoc-online 30/2009) in Lagarto (Sergipe, Brasil). There was also an opportunity to speak with the novices in Aracaju about various projects in the Order, especially in Latin America.
In the context of the national meetings for juniors and those in formation organized by the Centre for the Religious Life (Regina Apostolorum) on 22nd March the Prior General gave a lecture on “The Sacrament of Penance in the process of formation for the religious life.”
Finally, accompanied again by the Councillor General for Europe, Fr Fernando carried out a canonical visitation of the General Commissariat of Portugal (from 23 to 29 March) and the province of Castille (30 March to 4 April). The Protugal visit concluded in Fatima with a conference on the “Various Forms of Carmelite Laity” given to Carmelite alumni who were celebrating their annual meeting. The General also visited the monasteries of Beja and Torre di Moncorvo in Portugal and Piedrahita, Fontiveros and Las Maravillas (Madrid) in Spain.

44/2009-28-04
VITAM COELO REDDIDERUNT (R.I.P.)

23-04-09 P. Matthäus Hösler (GerS)
27-04-09 Sr. M. Gabriella Ricci (SAR)

45/2009-30-04
CAUSA NOSTRAE LETITIAE

Martius - Aprilis 2009

Professio Temporanea
15-03-09 Thomas Feiten (GerS), Mainz
19-04-09 Margarette Mary Artillero Anisco (ROX), Roxas City
Ordinatio Diaconalis
19-04-09 Konradus Bata Laki (Indo), Maumere (Flores)
19-04-09 Paskalis Patut (Indo), Maumere (Flores)
19-04-09 Severinus Nuwa (Indo), Maumere (Flores)
19-04-09 Yanto Yohanes Ndona (Indo), Maumere (Flores)

21/2009-02-03
Causa Nostrae Letitiae - Februarius 2009

Initium Novitiatus
08-01-09 Luc Janssens (Neer)
Professio Temporanea
02-02-09 Elizabeth Mutheu (MAC)
02-02-09 Florence Kanini (MAC)
02-02-09 Juliet Wavinya (MAC)
14-02-09 Alexandre Ferreira (GerS)

Ordinatio Diaconalis
05-02-09 Rubén Dario Rodríguez Ramos (Arag)
05-02-09 Pedro Maria Rodríguez (Arag)
19-02-09 Marselinus Monang Sijabat (Indo)
19-02-09 Andreas Novem Munjil Wahyono (Indo)
19-02-09 Franciscus X. Hariawan Adji (Indo)
19-02-09 Yohanes Radik Suryawan (Indo)
21-02-09 Joseph Matare (Hib)
21-02-09 Wiseman Musemwa (Hib)

22/2009-05-03
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of Caudete, Spain

The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Caudete (Albacete), Spain, was held 2-3 March 2009. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. Estela Santos Torres, O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. Elena Ballester Ballester, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. Gloria Iborra Lledó, O. Carm.
3rd Councilor: Sr. Rosario Sivó Medina, O. Carm
4th Councilor: Sr. Cristina Conejero Rodríguez, O. Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. Josefina Marco Navarro, O. Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. Elena Ballester Ballester, O. Carm.
Sacristan: Sr. Cristina Conejero Rodríguez, O. Carm.

23/2009-09-03
Portuguese Bishops publish a pastoral communication on Blessed Nuño

To mark the announcement of the canonization of Blessed Nuño which will take place on 26 April, the Conference of Portuguese Bishops published on 6 March a pastoral communication entitled An heroic example in a time of crisis.
In their message the Portuguese bishops express their joy and gratitude for the canonization of the ‘son of our land’.
The communication emphasizes that Blessed Nuño is not only a national hero, but above all a model for holiness. He followed Jesus in a radical way taking up “the spiritual arms of which the letter to the Ephesians (cf Eph 6, 10-20) and the Carmelite Rule both speak: the breastplate of justice, the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God), the shield of faith, prayer, the spirit of service in order to announce the Gospel of peace, perseverance in practicing good.”
The bishops indicate in their document the heroic qualities of the new saint while taking account also of the present world crisis. His example can “help us to respond to the challenges of the present time.” They continue “in this context the witness of the life of Blessed Nuño will constitute a force for change in favour of justice and fraternity which will promote a life style which is more sober and displays solidarity and initiatives for the sharing of goods.”
“The Portuguese bishops, therefore, propose the example of Blessed Nuño Álvares Pereira to the men and women of today which is points to gospel values, to the greater good of all, willing to fight for interests above those of individual nations, keen to serve the defenseless and the poor. In this way we will all become an active part in the construction of a more just and fraternal society which we all desire.”
The full English / Portuguese texts

24/2009-11-03
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of Ostuni, Italy

The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Ostuni, Italy, was held 3-7 March 2009. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. M. Daniela de Nitto, O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. M. Giuseppina Cardone, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. Maria Andrisani, O. Carm.
3rd Councilor: Sr. M. Agnese Menolascina, O. Carm
4th Councilor: Sr. M. Bernardetta Spagnuolo, O. Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. Maria Andrisani, O. Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. M. Giuseppina Cardone, O. Carm.
Sacristan: Sr. M. Carmela Conserva, O. Carm.

25/2009-12-03
General Finance Commission, 3 – 5 March 2009

A meeting of the General Finance Commission of the Order was held in Rome from 3 to 5 March under the chairmanship of Kevin Alban (Brit.), the Bursar-General. The first day was devoted to a meeting with the Domus Board of Management to exchange ideas about the performance of the Domus in the short term economic crisis and to share views on the long term place of the Domus in the overall scheme of the Order’s finances. On 4 March the Commission reviewed the accounts for the Curia and its works for 2008, which showed a modest surplus in line with the approved budget. The Commission also revisited the budget for 2009 and urged the Bursar General to ensure that it was adhered to as faithfully as possible. Finally, the Commission considered the Triennial Bursars’ Meeting due to be held in October 2009 and whether in the present climate it should be postponed. The Commission decided to go ahead with the meeting, but with a reduced number of participants, in order to alleviate the financial burden on provinces sending delegates.

26/2009-16-03
Vitam Coelo Reddiderunt (R.I.P.)

24-02-09 Sr. M. Assumpta Colomer i Pagés (VIL)
07-03-09 Madre Clemens Pezzini (INSC)
07-03-09 Sr. M. Carmela Závodská (VOL)
09-03-09 P. José Luis Herreros Carralcazar (Arag)

27/2009-17-03
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of Camaná, Peru

The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Camaná, Peru, was held 15 March 2009. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. M. Eucaristía Solsona Granel, O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. M. Máxima Ranilla Huamaní, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. M. Hilda Condori Marca, O. Carm.
3rd Councilor: Sr. M. Trinidad Huamaní Condo, O. Carm
4th Councilor: Sr. Ana María Quispe Castro, O. Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. M. Máxima Ranilla Huamaní, O. Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. M. Trinidad Huamaní Condo, O. Carm.
Sacristan: Sr. Carmen Teresa de la Cruz Cruces Montoya, O. Carm.

28/2009-18-03
Planned programme for the Canonization of Blessed Nuno
Rome – St. Peter’s, 26th April 2009

25th April
19.30 Church of S. Maria in Transpontina: Prayer Vigil led by the Prior General.
21.00 Church of S. Antonio dei Portoghesi: Prayer Vigil in Portuguese led by His Eminence the Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon.
26th April
10.00 Solemn Canonization (entrance to St. Peter’s Square 8.30)
27th April
17.00 Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls: Mass of Thanksgiving in Portuguese presided over by the Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon.
28th April
18.30 Church of S. Maria in Transpontina: Mass of Thanksgiving presided over by the Prior General.
Requests for tickets for the Canonization should be addressed to:
nuno @ ocarm.org

29/2009-20-03
650th Anniversary of Carmelite presence in Seville, Spain

On the 14th March last, in our church Buen Suceso in Seville, Spain, the 650th Anniversary of the Carmelite presence since 1358 in the city was celebrated. The Eucharistic celebration for the occasion was presided over by the Archbishop, Cardinal Don Carlos Amigo Vallejo. Concelebrating were the Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, O.Carm., the Councilor General for Europe, Fr. John Keating, O.Carm., the Prior Provincial of Betica, Fr. Rafael Leiva Sánchez, O.Carm. and numerous other Carmelites from the Betica Province and from other provinces, including the Discalced Carmelites from the city. Following the Eucharist, there was the launch of an extensive volume entitled “Los Carmelitas en Sevilla. 650 años de presentia” written by Fr. Ismael Martínez Carretero, O.Carm. The launch began with an introduction from Fr. Leiva, who underlined the importance of the celebration and expressed his gratitude to all present. The Prior General then formally launched the book of Fr. Ismael stressing that anniversaries such as these were important not just for reflecting on the past with gratitude, but also enabled one to look to the future with hope and courage. Finally, the author himself gave a synthesis of the key moments in the history of the Carmelites in Seville. The celebration ended with a formal luncheon.

30/2009-26-03
Episcopal Ordination of P. João José Costa, O.Carm.

On 19 March the episcopal ordination of Fr. João José Costa, O.Carm. was celebrated in the presence of over 4,000 people in the stadium of the Brasilian city of Lagarto, in the state of Sergipe. Fr Costa is a member of the Pernambuco province of the Order and was recently appointed bishop of Iguatú, Ceará.
The three consecrating bishops were the Archbishop of Aracaju, Dom José Palmeira Lessa, the bishop of Petrolina Dom Paulo Cardoso, O.Carm., who by a happy coincidence that day was celebrating the 24th anniversary of his episcopal ordination and continuous service in the diocese of Petrolina, and Dom Mario Rino Siviere bishop of Própria, and former parish priest where Bishop Costa was an altar server. In addition, many other bishops concelebrated, including Carmelites Dom José Cardoso and Dom Antonio

Muniz, as well as many members of the provinces of Pernambuco, Rio and the commissariat of Paraná, and numerous diocesan priests. The Prior General, Fr Fernando Millán Romeral, who concelebrated as assistant to the new bishop, and the Prior Provincial of Pernambuco, Fr. Francisco de Sales Alencar, O.Carm., both addressed the bishop at the end of the celebration, encouraging him to live his ministry with the gospel spirit of service and with the simplicity of the Carmelite charism.
The whole celebration took place in a most joyous atmosphere with a significant participation on the part of many lay groups from the various parishes where Bishop Costa had worked in the past.

31/2009-28-03
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of Erlangen, Germany

The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Erlangen, Germany, was held 24 March 2009. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. Thoma Müller, O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. Theresia Kretschmann, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. Bernadette Krämer, O. Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. Thoma Müller, O. Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. Pia Janko, O. Carm.

32/2009-01-04
Return of the Carmelites to Manaus, Brazil

33/2009-03-04
Electoral Chapter of the Carmelite Hermits of Monteluro, Italy

Published in CITOC Archive

Martes, 25 Mayo 2010 21:16

January - February 2009

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9/2009-01-02
Causa Nostrae Letitiae - Ianuarius 2009

Initium Novitiatus
07-01-09 Julio Cesar Materano Peroto (Bet)
07-01-09 Pedro Javier Ramírez Ibáñez (Bet)
07-01-09 Luis Fernando Diaz García (Bet),
13-01-09 Paulo César Acosta Nisperuza (Ita)
13-01-09 Devis Orosco Jimenez (Ita)
13-01-09 Carlos Alberto Lagos Alfonso (Ita )
13-01-09 Janer Fernando Gòmez Torres (Ita)
13-01-09 Andrès Enrique Trujillo Herrera (Ita)
13-01-09 Jerrry de Sousa Fonseca (Flum)
13-01-09 Donizete Aparecido Ferreira Lima (Flum)
13-01-09 Joberlânio Martins de Lima (Pern)
13-01-09 Romero Ferreira De Lima (Pern)
13-01-09 Josivaldo Nivaldo de Souza (Pern)
13-01-09 Costa José Jambo (Pern)
13-01-09 Sérgio Estefane Simone (Pern
17-01-09 Caio Augusto Lima de Castro (GerS)
17-01-09 Danilo Garcia Lopes (GerS)
17-01-09 Devanir da Silva (GerS)
17-01-09 Jhonatan Diógenes de Oliveira Alves (GerS)

Professio Temporanea
11-01-09 Antonio Farias (Pern)
11-01-09 Antonio Rock (Pern)
11-01-09 Cícero Valter (Pern)
11-01-09 Gilmar Alves (Pern)
11-01-09 Jorge Costa (Pern)
11-01-09 Jose Adriano (Pern)
11-01-09 Marcilio Lira (Pern)
11-01-09 Rubens Brito (Pern)
11-01-09 Janicio Dias (Flum)
11-01-09 Rogerio Ribeiro (Flum)
18-01-09 Emilio Augusto Ferraciolli da Silva (GerS)
18-01-09 João Nilson Dantas Barbosa (GerS)
18-01-09 Marcelo Silveira Siqueira (GerS)
18-01-09 Rogério Sebastião Tedesco (GerS)
18-01-09 Luis Felipe Castro Cabarcas (Ita)
19-01-09 Félix Andrés Rojas Rodríguez (Mel)
21-01-09 Carmen Aurelina González (LAV)
28-01-09 Praveen Lawrence (CSTSA)

Professio Sollemne
18-12-08 Rinaldo Francisco da Silva (Pern)
04-01-09 Fredy Márquez (Ita)
04-01-09 Rubén Dario Silva (Ita)
14-01-09 Dominic John Somola (Brun)

Ordinatio Diaconalis
31-01-09 José Manuel Granados Rivera (Bet)
31-01-09 David del Carpio Horcajo (Bet)

Ordinatio Sacerdotalis
07-01-09 Linto Paul Thekkekunnel (Ind)

10/2009-05-02
Convocation of the 16th Council of Provinces

With his letter of the 2nd February, 2009, the Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, O.Carm. convoked the 16th Council of Provinces. It will take place in the retreat house “Il Carmine”, San Felice del Benaco, Italy, from 3rd (arrivals) to 12th (departures) September 2009. The theme of the meeting will be:
"Embracing his Gospel: Carmelite community in faith, hope and love"
This theme has been chosen for two reasons: Firstly, “Embracing his Gospel” is taken from Article 2 of our Constitutions, words taken from the phrase: “Living in allegiance to Jesus Christ and embracing his Gospel as the supreme norm of our lives….”, and secondly, the General Chapter reflected on the topics of “Following Christ”, “prayer and prophecy in a changing world” but perhaps did not concentrate sufficiently on the issue of “community”. At this present moment in time, Pope Benedict has already written on the subject of Love and Hope, and there is an expectation of a letter on Faith. It is hoped that this Council of Provinces will address not just the theory of these virtues, but what a Carmelite community in faith, hope and love might realistically look like at the beginning of a new millennium. In the context of our own Constitutions, living in the midst of the people of today, “our communities will be authentic expressions of faith, hope and charity, and will be places conducive to full human development.” (CON 32)
In preparation for the Council of Provinces, a programme of reflections and prayers around the theme of the meeting have been prepared for four gatherings of communities. This programme of reflections will be sent to all the communities of the Order. It is hoped that these meditations will contribute to the reflections that will take place during the Council of Provinces.
Shortly, Fr. Mario Alfarano, Secretary General, will send to Priors Provincial, Commissaries General and Provincial, Delegates General and Presidents of the Regions a more detailed programme, Further information can be found on the website of the Order: www. ocarm.org

11/2009-07-02
Officia Generalia - E-mail adresses

Procurator Gen. Josef Jancar - jjancar @ ocarm.org
Oeconomus Gen. Kevin Alban - kalban @ ocarm.org
Secretarius Gen. Mario Alfarano - seggen @ ocarm.org
Archivista Gen. Ivan Hrusa - ihrusa @ ocarm.org
Postulator Gen. Giovanni Grosso - postulazione @ ocarm.org
Webmaster Anthony Cilia - acilia @ ocarm.org
Citoc-online Christian Körner - citoc.info @ ocarm.org

12/2009-11-02
Activities of the Prior General in Latin America

The Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, O.Carm. accompanied by Fr. Raúl Maravi, Councilor General for the Americas, took part in the Assembly of the Titus Brandsma General Delegation in Bogotá, Columbia from 5th to 9th of January last. In an atmosphere of reflection and discernment a future outline for the development of this Delegation was drawn up and an evaluation of the high level of involvement with the so-called “Pequeños Carmelos” undertaken. The Prior General also visited the property at La Vega where the Delegation has build a small house for the elderly and for other activities.
On Sunday 11th January, they participated in the inauguration of the new Carmelite parish of the Italian Province at Aguachica, also in Columbia. The Archbishop of Ocaña, Mons. Jorge Enrique Lozano Zafra, presided at the celebration. Also present were the Provincial of the Italian Province, Fr. Claudio Bellotti, O.Carm. together with Columbian and Italian Carmelites and other religious and laity.
From Columbia the Prior General and Councilor General moved on to Peru, where from 13th to 16th January they participated in the Assembly of the Commissariat in Lurín (CITOC-on line 3/2009). They held various meetings with our communities and met with representatives of groups of laity of the Carmelite parish of Miraflores in Lima. They also visited the Carmelite Sisters (HVMMC) at José Gálvez.
Finally, they took part in the Assembly of the Commissariat of Bolivia at Tarija from 19th to 22nd January (CITOC-on line 4/2009), where the Prior General received the first profession of Brother Félix Rojas Rodrígues, who had just finished his novitiate in Brazil. The Prior General then opened the new parochial centre “El Encuentro- Profeta Elías” which offers a fine religious and social service. He also visited the Sisters of Mother Candelaria (HCMC) where the Sisters have opened a food centre and place for children with problems. Returning via La Paz, before returning to Europe, he celebrated the Eucharist with the laity of the Carmelite parish in the city.
Without doubt, this was a very fruitful visit, during which the Prior General and the Councilor General were able to witness with joy the development of Carmel in Latin America.

13/2009-13-02
Vitam Coelo Reddiderunt (R.I.P.)

19-01-09 Sr. Juana Mª Pérez Díaz (HUE)
25-01-09 Sr. Bertholda Huizendveld (ECH)
06-02-09 P. Timothy Donohue (SEL)

14/2009-15-02

International Social Justice Day

We are forwarding to you an invitation from the “Commission for Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation” of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) and the Union of Superiors General (USG), Rome: “February 20, 2009 is an important day for all persons in our global village but especially for those of us committed to living the Good News of peace and justice. The World Day of Social Justice is being observed for the first time following its unanimous adoption by the 192 member States of the United Nations during their November 2007 General Assembly. You are invited and asked to share with your members the enclosed prayer for this day. It was developed by members of the USG/UISG Secretariat Commission for Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation in Rome.”
For a copy of the prayer go to: http://jpicformation.wikispaces.com/EN_prayer

15/2009-18-02
Publication in Italian of the Order's website Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina B

Lectio Divina, the method of daily prayer recommended by the Carmelite Rule (no.10), which is found in this volume, makes available to everyone today the Charism and spiritual heritage of the Carmelite Order.
This prayerful approach to the Word of God, this journey, which springs from the very beginnings of the history and the spirituality of Carmel - may now be found on the web (www. ocarm.org), so that the Gospel texts of Sunday can be shared with all who wish to reflect on and live by the Word of God and the Liturgy of the Hours in a more committed way. This is a project that has been welcomed and followed with great enthusiasm by numerous people around the whole world, and from many different states of the Christian life: laity, religious - men and women - priests and bishops.
Many Carmelites, various religious men and women, have collaborated in the writing of the text which was coordinated by Fr. Anthony Cilia (Mel): Fr. Carlos Mesters (Flum), Fr. Cosimo Pagliara (Neap), Sr. Maria Anastasia di Gerusalemme (Ravenna), Fr. Charlò Camilleri (Mel), Fr. Tiberio Scorrano (Ita), Sr. Maria Teresa della Croce Boschi (Cerreto), Fr. Bruno Secondin (Ita), Fr. Roberto Toni (Ita), Sr. Marianerina De Simone (SCMSTBG), Fr. Alexander Vella (Mel), and of no less importance has been the work of translators (for the website texts only): the late Fr. Manuel Anguiano, (Baet) for the Spanish version and Fr. Anthony Scerri (Aust) for the English version of the Lectio.
The publication Lectio Divina sui Vangeli festivi per l'anno liturgico B, (Edited by Anthony Cilia, O.Carm.), Elledici, Torino, 2009, pp.720, ISBN 978-88-01-04157-6. Euro 20.00" is in Italian. In a few months the Italian texts will be published for the Liturgical Year A and C.
It is hoped that this book will become a useful instrument for sharing this prayerful approach to the Word.

16/2009-19-02
General Chapter of the Congregation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

The General Chapter of the Carmelite Sisters of the Congregation of Mount Carmel (COLMC) was held 15-19 January 2009 at the “Carmelite Spirituality Center” in Lacombe, LA., USA. The following were elected:
Superior General: Sr. Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, O.Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. Andrée Bindewald, O.Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. Donna Girard, O. Carm.
3rd Councilor: Sr. Barbara Nell Laperouse, O.Carm.
4th Councilor: Sr. Janet LeBlanc, O.Carm.

17/2009-21-02
Blessed Nuno Will Be Canonized On The 26th April

Blessed Nuno di Santa Maria Álvares Pereira

On the 26th of April next, Blessed Nuno di Santa Maria Álvares Pereira will be canonized by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter's, in the Vatican.
The Holy Father made the announcement during the solemn public Ordinary Consistory for the canonization of ten blesseds', which took place in the Sala Clementina of the Vatican Apostolic Palace, during the celebration of the Liturgical Hour of Sext.
Blessed Nuno lived in Portugal from 1360 to 1431 and was widowed in 1423. Following this he decided to enter the Carmelite convent in Lisbon, which he had himself founded. This was the culmination of years of service to the King, who had named him commander, that is, in charge of the army. In the convent he put on spiritual armour, at last fully able to live out his devotion to Mary, humility and above all charity, which filled his life from that moment on.
In the year 2000, the intercession of Blessed Nuno was made by Signora Guilhermina de Jesus and by her family following an accident involving boiling oil, that resulted in the loss of sight in one eye. After medical treatment without results, intercessory prayer was made through Blessed Nuno, which resulted in a recognized miraculous cure.
The Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, O.Carm. and members of the General Curia were present in the Sala Clementina on Saturday 21st February, to hear the Holy Father make the announcement.
Blessed Nuno is the first saint of our Order to be canonized since St. Mary Magdalene de' Pazzi on 28th April, 1669.

18/2009-24-02
Meeting with the students of CISA

With the joyful experience of the announcement of the date of the canonization of Blessed Nuno Alvarez Pereira received only hours earlier, there was a meeting the same afternoon of Saturday 21st February with the students of the Centro Internazionale Sant'Alberto (CISA), which is directly under the General Curia. The meeting organized by the General Councilor for formation, Fr. John Keating, O.Carm., was for all those in higher studies for a licentiate or doctorate.

Participating in the meeting was the Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, O.Carm., who encouraged the students to study in the context of the mission and service of the Church and the Carmelite Family. Pontifical Gregorian University Professor Donna Orsuto (who on other occasions has participated in Carmelite meetings) presented a series of very helpful and practical tips regarding the work involved in writing a doctoral thesis. The Regent of Studies, Fr. Mark Attard, O.Carm., underlined the importance of higher studies for the life of the Order. The President of the Institutum Carmelitanum, Fr. Giovanni Grosso, O.Carm. emphasized the necessity of studies on Carmelite topics and of the openness of the Institutum to collaborate in these projects. Following these interventions, each of the students gave a brief presentation of the work of their thesis or thesina. The meeting proved to be a very good experience with a fine sharing on the academic level regarding their topics, and on the preoccupations of the Carmelite students within the context of the scientific and ecclesial research of those at the Centro Internazionale Sant'Alberto. The meeting ended fraternally with supper together with members of the Curia community.

19/2009-26-02
Booklet for communities in preparation for the XVI Council of Provinces

The General Curia has sent to the Provincials, Commissaries and Delegates copies of a booklet in preparation for the XVI Council of Provinces on the theme: “Embracing His Gospel: the Carmelite community in faith, hope, and charity”. This booklet contains four guidelines for reflection and prayer, based on the Sacred Scripture and the Rule to use in all the communities, relating to the title of the Council of Province. It offers a way of working together during these coming months, through profound reflection and sharing beginning with our own actual situation, and at the same time helping the communities to grow in fraternal life.
The General Council has encouraged the superiors to gather the different reflections of the communities and of their Councils, as preparation for the Council of Provinces, thus mutually enriched by other parts of the Order, the work of this international Assembly will be enhanced.
You can also find the text of the document on the website of the Order: www. ocarm.org

20/2009-28-02-09
Vitam Coelo Reddiderunt (R.I.P.)

09-01-09 Sr. M. Purificación Calvo Belda (ONT)
23-01-09 P. Martín Laurnagaray Iriarte (Arag)
17-02-09 Sr. Mariet Wellenberg (BOX)
17-02-09 P. Fidel Juan Basta Romano (Cat)
24-02-09 Fr. Vincent Destro (PCM)

1/2009-07-01
Fr. Joao José Da Costa O.Carm.: New Carmelite Bishop

The Carmelite Order is delighted to announce today, 7th January 2009, that the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI has nominated bishop of Iguatu, in Brazil, Fr. João José da Costa O.Carm., of the Province of Pernambuco. Fr. João was born at Lagarto in Brazil, on 24th June 1958. Following his profession in the Order on 19th January 1986, he was ordained priest on 12th December 1992. Among his many responsibilities in his province, from 1995 to 2005 he served as Prior Provincial. During these past few years he has worked in the formation of candidates to the Carmelite life. To Fr. João we offer our warmest congratulations on behalf of the whole Carmelite Family.

2/2009-13-01
Vitam coelo reddiderunt (R.I.P.)

29-12-08 P. Charles Countie (PCM)
02-01-09 P. Roy Ontiveros (PCM)

3/2009-17-01
Assembly of the Provincial Commissariat of Peru (PCM)

During the Assembly of the Provincial Commissariat of Peru (PCM) at Villa Carmelitas, Lurín, Peru, held 13-16 January 2009 were elected:
Commissary Provincial: Fr. Enrique Laguna Vargas O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Michael Sgarioto O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Fr. Miguel Bacigalupo O.Carm.

4/2009-20-01
Assembly of the Provincial Commissariat of Bolivia (Mel)

During the Assembly of the Provincial Commissariat of Bolivia (Mel) at Tarija, Bolivia, held 13-21 January 2009 were elected:
Commissary Provincial: Fr. Garvin Grech O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Albert Brincat O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Fr. Milton Murillo Ortiz O.Carm.

5/2009-21-01
Relics of the Parents of St. Therese of Lisieux at the Carmelite Monastery of Vetralla

In the afternoon of Friday 9 January 2009 the relics of St Therese's parents were joyfully welcomed into the chapel of the nuns' monastery of Vetralla, Italy. Louis and Zelie Martin were beatified in Lisieux last 19 October.
The nuns provided the lead in the devotions of the many faithful present with prayers, hymns and readings from the biographies of the two blesseds so that the full value of their married witness could be appreciated. The highpoint of the event was undoubtedly the solemn eucharist at which Cardinal Achille Silvestrini presided, together with the Bishop of Viterbo, Mons. Lorenzo Chiarinelli,
In their respective remarks, both the Cardinal and the Bishop underlined the relevance and the urgency of the parents' witness for families today. They also pointed out that it was possible to direct the sacrament of matrimony to the perfection of charity by accepting the grace which came with the married state.
Many prayers for intercession were directed to the two blesseds for the mission of couples, fathers and mothers, educators and formators in the life of faith. The faithful continued to visit the relics in the chapel without interruption well into the evening.
The following day, 10 January, the reliquary urn arrived in Rome in St. Peter's Basilica, one of the last sites in Italy where they will rest. Before some 4,000 people at Wednesday's General Audience, Pope Benedict XVI referred to the couple as profound interpreters of the mystery of Christ's love.

6/2009-23-01
Promulgation of the decree on the heroic virtues of the Lay Carmelite Liberata Ferrarons y Vives

Liberata Ferrarons y Vives

On 17 January 2009 the Holy Father, Benedict XVI, received in private audience His Excellency Mons. Angelo Amato SDB pro-Prefect of the Congregation of the Causes of Saints. In the course of the audience, the Holy Father authorised the Congregation to promulgate the decree regarding the heroic virtues of the Servant of God, Liberata Ferrarons y Vivés, Lay member of the Third Order of Carmel, born in Olot (Catalonia, Spain) on 19 April 1803, and died on 21 June 1842 also in Olot.
This is the first important step on the road to beatification. It is now necessary to ask for a miracle through the intercession of the Venerable Liberata in order for her to be declared a blessed.

7/2009-25-01
First meeting of the General Commission for Evangelisation

From the 19th to 26th January 2009, the first meeting of the General Commission for Evangelisation took place at the General Curia in Rome. Present were: Desiré Unen Alimange, General Councillor, Wilfrid McGreal (Brit), Matteo Palumbo (Ita), Ronald Oakham (PCM), Antonio Silvio da Costa (Flum), Francisco Daza Valverde (Bet) and Christopher Exala (Phil).
General Commission for Evangelisation

The main thrust of the meeting focused on how to follow Jesus Christ in a changing world; how to communicate the Carmelite identity and charism in various parts of the world; how in the present the complex changing reality of our world so as to live as prophets, praying communities, living in allegiance to Jesus Christ. The meeting took as its starting point a reflection on Luke 4:16-21 where Jesus in the synagogue at Nazareth proclaims his manifesto for the coming of the Kingdom.
Each of the commission members shared something of the work of their province or region pointing up the ways our Carmelite Charism impacts on the local situation. In the world of the 21st century, with serious global issues especially the economic crisis, it was clear that Carmelites have a spirituality of substance to offer to their contemporaries. Notable in sharing the charism is: collaboration with the Carmelite Family, empowering lay people and fostering effective collaboration, sharing in positive interfaith and ecumenical activity and being involved in humanitarian work.
Some negatives were pointed out such as clericalism, individualism and a lack of openness to the signs of the times. Remembering to be praying communities, urged on by a love to serve the people, is necessary.
A morning was given over in order to visit Vatican Radio where the commission members were interviewed for the various languages programmes. This visit emphasised the need to use the new technology to facilitate communication with young people. The next meeting of the Commission will be in Recife, Brazil, November 10-15 2009.

8/2009-26-01
Developments in Lithuania

Developments in the establishment of a Carmelite presence in Lithuania continue to take place. Tjeu Timmermans and Johan Hettinga of the Dutch Province were in Lithuania November last, staying two days in Vilnius. They met in the Church of All Saints (Vilnius) to celebrate the Eucharist and share some thoughts with the Flos Carmeli Group. It is envisaged that this group will organize an introductory meeting to Carmelite Spirituality each year and the Carmelites will also make their contribution to these gatherings. Frs Tjeu and Johan also spent two days at the residence of the Bishop of Siauliai, Mons. Eugenius, were they held meetings there on the theme of “God builds community.” A group of 35 young people traveled to the International Taizé Meeting in Brussels after Christmas and on their way stayed overnight in Boxmeer, where they had a very fruitful discussion and question session. Frs Tjeu and Johan will return to Lithuania shortly where two new members of the Third Order will be accepted as candidates in Vilnius. In the city of Kaunas they will have an interview on television about the Carmelite Order in general and the Order in Lithuania. Next July they will celebrate the feast of our Lady of Mount Carmel once again in Linkuva and also the usual Summer Camp will take place.

Published in CITOC Archive