CITOC Archive (588)
Canonical Visitation by the Prior General in Africa III
With the visit to the two communities in Burkina Faso (Bobo-Dioulasso and Ougadougou), the visitation of the Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, O.Carm. and Fr. Desiré Unen Alimange, O.Carm. in Africa ended. There only remains the visit to the Commissariat of the Congo, which will take place after the Provincial Chapter of the Italian Province and the Assembly of the Commissariat.
In Burkina Faso, the Prior General met with the brothers, and with the postulants, novices and students, who in themselves represent a great hope for the burkinabé Carmel. The Prior General visited some of the communities of Donum Dei women, and saw in person the social projects that the Carmelites are carrying out in that country. He visited also the prison of Bobo-Dioulasso where the Carmelites have been chaplains for many years.
On his return to Rome from Africa, the Prior General took part in the 72nd General Assembly of the Union of Superiors General (USG). At the end of various discussions, the representatives of the USG for the forthcoming Assembly of the special Synod on Africa were elected. This Synod has been set by Pope Benedict XVI for October 2009 and will address the theme: The Church in Africa at the service of reconciliation, justice and peace.
125/2008-03-12
Community retreat of the General Curia
On Sunday 30th November 2008 the members of the General Curia gathered for a day of retreat at the beginning of Advent. Archbishop Luis Francisco Ladaria Ferrer, S.J, Secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, accepted the invitation to give the retreat. The vast experience of this noted theologian enriched the Curia community leaving a lasting impression, deepening their preparation for Christmas.
126/2008-05-12
Meeting of the International Formation Commission
A special meeting of the International Formation Commission of the Order took place in Rome, from the 18th to the 19th of November last. The purpose of this extraordinary meeting was to discuss the style, method and contents of the international courses on formation run by the International Commission. In the context of the Six-year Global Plan of the General Council and the recommendations of the General Chapter, the commission began its work by considering the theme of “mystagogy”. Also participating and assisting the Commission in this reflective process, were the Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral and Professor Donna Orsuto of the Gregorian University, Rome. Specific programmes were prepared for the next 5 years for formators, and those in initial and on-going formation. The Commission, led by the Councillor General for Formation, John Keating, also considered some of the work that needed to be done regarding the initial responses received from the provinces relating to the revision of the RIVC. The meeting ended with Evening Prayer, supper and discussion on the work of the Commission hosted by the Carmelite formation community of San Martino, Rome. Following the commission meeting in Rome, a detailed programme of the course for those in initial formation in the Holy Land next summer was prepared by Frs. John Keating, Mario Alfarano, Secretary General/Commission Secretary and Alexander Vella, Maltese Provincial. This sub-committee met in Malta on the 21st and 22nd of November.
127/2008-08-12
Inter-congregational Committee for the Emergency in the Congo
During the course of a meeting in November of the representatives of the orders and missionary congregations working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, at which the Carmelites also participated, an Inter-congregational Committee for the Emergency in the Congo (CIEG) was established. The meeting which took place at the headquarters of International Union of Superiors General ((UISG) and the Union of Superiors General (USG) was attended by about one hundred religious, among whom was Fr. Désiré Unen Alimange O.Carm., Councillor General for Africa, together with representatives of different groups and NGO's present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The CIEG is entrusted with the task of collecting and centralizing information, appeals, news, initiatives, and primarily to put in place a "single strategy and coordination" for the missionary institutes. Among the orders and missionary congregations united at the centre of the CIEG were the Dehonians, the Paulist Sisters, the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), the Comboniani, the Saverians, the White Fathers, Barnabites and Carmelites. The houses of our Order are not in the actual critical zone in the East of the Congo.
128/2008-12-12
New look for the Order’s website
At the beginning of the new liturgical year the Carmelite Order unveiled its newly revamped website at www.ocarm.org. This is the third time that the site has been completely updated. This revision is undertaken periodically so that the site meets the needs of its various visitors.
The Order’s site is in three languages: English, Spanish and Italian. The first page of the site appears in English for no other reason than that is the most widely spoken language in the world. Visitors can, of course, choose another language immediately, even while navigating.
The main logo is attractive and represents the shield and hills of Carmel. Navigation is made easy through three menus, a horizontal one for interactive options and two side bars. The left hand one for general information about the Order and the right hand one for news of current activities. In the centre of the page the latest issue of CITOC-on line appears with news of the Carmelite family. CITOC on line will continue to be sent separately as an email for those who wish to receive it directly. The site offers many interesting pages and one of the most popular is that dedicated to lectio divina, a daily reflection on the day’s gospel from the Mass.
Visitors will now find an attractive, elegant and easy-to-read site, where they can find a wealth of material to read. Since the previous site was made up of hundreds of pages and the process of transfer is ongoing, there are still some empty pages. We are also thinking of offering new services, such as access to the Carmelite Library catalogue.
Already in the first week of operation an impressive 111,500 pages have been visited and the webmaster has received many messages of support and congratulations. This shows how alive the Carmelite charism is in the hearts of many Christians and how many others desire to drink from this spiritual fountain.
The Carmelite website appeared on the internet for the first time on 28 February, 1997.It has been edited by Fr. Anthony Cilia O. Carm. from its inception, with the technical assistance of Mr. Donald Bagalà.
129/2008-14-12
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of Onteniente, Spain
The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Onteniente, Spain, was held 9th of November 2008. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. Ma. Magdalena Pla Tortosa, O.Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. Ma. Virtutes Jorda Abad, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. Ma. Margarita Medina Armas, O. Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. Ma. Magdalena Pla Tortosa, O. Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. Ma. Concepción Mico Guerola, O. Carm.
Sacristan: Sr. Ma. Lourdes Font Font, O.Carm.
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of Vilafranca del Penedés, Spain
The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Vilafranca del Penedés, Spain, was held 30th of October 2008. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. Ma. Josefina Amigó, O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. Anna Maria Xirinacs, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. Josepa Francesca Castells, O. Carm.
3rd Councilor Sr. Ma. Juliana Kanini, O.Carm.
4th Councilor Sr. Ma. Caterina Mwikali, O.Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. Anna Maria Xirinacs, O. Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. Ma. Caterina Mwikali, O. Carm.
Sacristan: Sr. Ma. Cristina Ngami, O. Carm.
130/2008-16-12
Titus Brandsma Memorial Project, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
During the last General Chapter, the Titus Brandsma Memorial Project (TBM) in Nijmegen was announced and shown on DVD. All the Provincial Superiors agreed to encourage their local Carmelite Communities to cooperate financially, putting their names on the memorial wall. Most of the Provinces and Commissariats have responded generously. Also the Carmelite Monasteries of cloistered nuns and many Congregations of Carmelite Sisters have given their donations and their names to be put on the memorial wall.
Donations received so far have reached the amount of 51,000 Euro. The Board of the TBM foundation expresses their heartfelt thanks to all members of the Carmelite Family who have responded so far and with such generosity.
Since then, the Bishop of the diocese of Den Bosch has transferred the property of the Titus Brandsma Memorial Church to the Dutch Carmelite Province.
The municipality of Nijmegen is cooperating in every way so that the project will have the necessary permits to get the construction of the project started early in 2009.
131/2008-18-12
Meeting of the Central Committee of the Institutum Carmelitanum
In the middle of November the new Central Committee of the Institutum Carmelitanum met in CISA in Rome. There were many items on the agenda, among which the need to relaunch research and publications about the spiritual and theological tradition of Carmel. The committee set out a programme of studies on contemplation and other themes. Among the new initiatives it was decided to open a web site for the Institutum Carmelitanum and the commencement of an on line Carmelite bio-bibliography. The committee is still working on a revised list of fellows and there is also a plan to institute various grants in order to stimulate research. Another essential topic that was dealt with was co-ordination with other research institutes of the Order around the world.
132/2008-19-12
Regional Meeting in Asia-Australia-Oceania
The regional meeting of superiors of Asia-Australia-Oceania was held at Saint Joseph Carmelite house in Bali, Indonesia, from November 21-25, 2008. Those who attended the meeting were: Wayne Stanhope and Bruce Clark (Australia), Mario Esposito (SEL-Vietnam), Artimeo Jusayan and Christian Buenafe (Philippines), Mathew Sojan Neendoor (St.Thomas, India), Jacob Robin (Indian Latin Rite), Augusto Sampaio (Timor Leste), Heribertus Heru Purwanto (Indonesia), Bernardus Teguh and Leonardus Djawa (Commissaries of Indonesia), and Albertus Magnus Herwanta (General Councilor for Asia-Australia-Oceania).
Having listened to the message of the Prior General, the meeting began. All participants were actively involved in dialogue and discussion on formation, JPIC, and the building up of a Carmelite family in and for the region, as well as for the whole Order. Our missions in Kenya, Vietnam, East Timor, and Papua New Guinea were also presented and discussed. The meeting agreed:
(1) to train Carmelite formators in guiding formandi to become prayers, vocational accompaniment, how to ground our formation programs in our Carmelite spirituality and biblical tradition, understanding a new generation of candidates, helping formators address the human agenda, (2) to build communication among the formators using media, especially a "chat" program to share, discuss, plan our formation materials, files, photos, and information, (3) to continue studying and exploring the possibilities of establishing a community in Singapore and Hong Kong. On November 23 all participants went sightseeing in Bali. The meeting was very positive, communicative, and constructive. Those attending were very grateful to the Saint Joseph community who hosted the meeting and to Ag. Paryono and Frans Sulistyo, the secretaries.
133/2008-21-12
Meeting of O. Carm. and OCD General Councils
On 18 December there was a meeting of the two General Councils (O. Carm and OCD) in Rome in the OCD Curia house. These meetings take place on a regular basis, twice a year, to discuss issues of common interest and to share ideas and concerns. This was the last meeting with the present OCD council since in April they will be celebrating their general chapter in Fatima.
Among the various topics raised, was the possible translation of the Dizionario Carmelitano into English and Spanish, various courses and congresses both branches are preparing and the next meeting of ALACAR (Latin American Association of Carmelites) in Colombia next October. As is the custom, both councils exchanged gifts and recent publications. The meeting ended with a fraternal lunch in an atmosphere of joy and sharing.
134/2008-23-12
Vitam coelo reddiderunt (R.I.P.)
03-12-08 P. Gerard Buijvoets (Neer)
07-12-08 P. Gregory Moore (Aust)
135/2008-24-12
“Ubi venit plenitudo temporis,
misit Deus Filium suum,
factum ex muliere, factum sub lege,
ut eos, qui sub lege erant, redimeret,
ut adoptionem filiorum reciperemus”
Gal 4,4-5
NATALE HILARE ET ANNUM FAUSTUM
25.XII.2008
FERNANDO PRIOR GENERALIS ET DOMUSQUE GENERALIS COMMUNITAS
136/2008-27-12
Closure of the Diocesan process for the canonization of the Servant of God, Asumción Soler Gimeno
Last Saturday, 20th December, the closing session of the Diocesan process for the process of canonization of the foundress of the Congregation of the Carmelite Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Servant of God Asumción Soler Gimeno took place. This solemn act was presided over by Mons. Fidel Herráez Vegas, Auxiliary Bishop of Madrid, delegate of the Cardinal Archbishop Antonio Mª Rouco Varela. The act of closure took place in the auditorium “Ángel Herrera Oria” of the Paul VI Foundation, part of the Pontifical University of Salamanca, based in Madrid. There were nunerous Carmelites present from all the provinces of the Iberian region, sisters of the Spanish Congregations and a fine represantation of Carmelite laity.
137/2008-31-12
Causa nostrae letitiae (November-December 2008)
Professio Temporanea
03-11-08: Esmeralda Awil Lasola (DUM)
08-12-08: Emily Mbinya Muthusi (ZAR)
Professio Sollemne
14-11-08: Francis Xavier Chinh Nguyen (SEL)
Ordinatio Sacerdotalis
29-11-08: Juracy Barbosa (Pern)
13-12-08: Cleidimar Vilela Roquim (GerS)
20-12-08: Christopher Iannizzotto (SEL)
21-12-08: Atanael Lima de Almeida (Flum)
27-12-08: Shiju George Njaralampuzha (Ind)
Vitam coelo reddiderunt (R.I.P.)
17-10-08: Sr. Judith Borges Espinheira (JAB)
23-10-08: Sr. Katharine Gerards (NUL)
109/2008-03-11
Changes in Edizioni Carmelitane
From December 1, 2008, the administrative and editorial management of Edizioni will be taken over by a commission made up of Frs. Christian Körner, Giovanni Grosso and Kevin Alban.
The General Council also decided to move the offices of Edizioni from CISA to the Curia in Via Giovanni Lanza, locating them on the ground floor of the building recently vacated by the Missionary Familiy 'Donum Dei', which used the premises for formation purposes.
110/2008-05-11
Colloquium of Carmelite Schools in the U.S.A.
111/2008-07-11
Meeting of the Carmelite Family of Catalonia
112/2008-10-11
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of Roxas, Philippines
Prioress: Sr. Mª Catalina Elum, O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. Mª Ana Abrogar, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. Mª Maravillas Magas, O. Carm.
3rd Councilor: Sr. Mª Saturnina Gacoscosim, O. Carm.
4th Councilor: Sr. Mª Rosalita Mendez, O. Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. Mª Ana Abrogar, O. Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. Mª Saturnina Gacoscosim, O.Carm.
Sacristan: Sr. Mª Linda Garcia, O.Carm.
113/2008-12-11
Causa nostrae letitiae (September - October 2008)
Initium Novitiatus
07-09-08: Charles Kambale Muke (Ita)
07-09-08: Gilbert Paluku Musungara (Ita)
07-09-08: David Kopa (Ita)
07-09-08: Innocent Djombu (Ita)
07-09-08: Aimé Ufoymungu Wathum (Ita)
07-09-08: Jean-Vianney Alipacu Ukerdogu (Ita)
07-09-08: Jean-Claude Isusi (Ita)
07-09-08: Edmond Lori Londjiringa (Ita)
30-09-08: Jiri Dolezalek (BM)
Professio Temporanea
06-09-08: Martin Gilloux (Gal)
08-09-08: Glenn Attard (Mel)
08-09-08: Aimé Dundji Dhessaba Mugisa (Ita)
08-09-08: André Tulengi-Biba-a-Kusangisa (Ita)
08-09-08: Jean-Louis Kambale Mwengesyali (Ita)
08-09-08: Alexandre Kabongo wa Kabongo (Ita)
14-09-08: Isaías Ramírez (Ita)
14-09-08: Rodolfo Chávez (Ita)
14-09-08: John Harold Castañeda (Ita)
15-10-08: Damaris Wairimu Mwangi (KAL)
15-10-08: Mary Kamene Muia (KAL)
15-10-08: Victoria Mwithi Kimeu (KAL)
15-10-08: Rosemay Wausi Nzioka (KAL)
16-10-08: Mary Clare Kalady Bomani (MAC)
16-10-08: Mary Angeline Kanini Muthini (MAC)
16-10-08: Mary Joseph Kaindi Nzau (MAC)
21-10-08: M. Alessandra Foti (CAR)
12-10-08: Tobias Kraus (GerS)
Professio Sollemne
08-09-08: Georges Kabuli Ndiya (Ita)
08-09-08: Jean-Pierre Wakung’a Unyuti (Ita)
23-09-08: Victor Paul Farrugia (Mel)
23-09-08: Daniel Galea (Mel)
11-10-08: Francesco Sciarelli (Ita)
11-10-08: Simeone Brovelli (Ita)
114/2008-14-11
Canonical visitation of the Prior General to Africa II
As well as these visits, they met with the Superior General of the Carmelite Sisters of Zimbabwe (Handmaids of Our Lady of Mount Carmel), Mother Evelyn Kadzere; and lastly they presided at the assembly of the students of Kriste Mambo College.
The Prior General then moved on to visit the Delegation in Cameroon, where he met the people of the two parishes belonging to the Carmelites as well as the brethren, students, novices and postulants.
Without doubt, Carmel in Africa is growing quickly, and this is a cause of joy for the whole Carmelite family.
115/2008-16-11
The Carmelite Third Order continues to grow in the Philippines
Vitamitam coelo reddiderunt (R.I.P.)
02-11-08: Fr. Teodoro Krucoski (GerS)
15-11-08: P. Eamon Carroll (PCM)
16-11-08: P. Hendrik (Benitius) Egberink, Neer Ex Consiliarius Generalis (1977-1983)
117/2008-18-11
General Chapter of the Carmelite missionary sisters St. Theresa of the Child Jesus
Superior General: Mother M. Madalena Tada
Vicar General and
1st Councilor: Sr. Mariassunta Colombo
2nd Councilor: Sr. M. Ronilse Mendes Da Silva
3rd Councilor: Sr. M. Corazon D. Lao
4th Councilor: Sr. M. Lilian G. Kapongo
118/2008-20-11
Meeting of the Carmelite (O.Carm.) and Discalced Carmelite (OCD) Provincials in Madrid
Matters considered at the the meeting were: the restructuring of the O.Carm. Provinces and what has been accomplished; the General Chapter of the OCD’s which will take place in April 2009 in Fatima and the preparations for the 5th centenary of the birth of St. Teresa of Jesus in 2015 - an event we are invited to celebrate together; the interprovincial vocations work of both brances; the joint publication of the Liturgy of the Hours and Carmelite Missal. Information was also given on the Canonization of Beato Nuno. The meeting was very productive and in a very relaxed atmosphere. It was the first meeting of the Provincials since the Provincial Chapters of 2008, most of whom were newly elected.
At the end of the meeting, there was a pleasant surprise with a visit from the Prior General who was in Madrid returning from Africa. He shared his very favourable impressions about the decisions taken during some recent Provincial Chapters on the restructuring of the Provinces. He also gave information of the youth pilgrimage in Europe and on other matters.
119/2008-22-11
First Solemn Profession in Vietnam
120/2008-24-11
Carmelite NGO Observes World Human Rights Day with a Day of Prayer
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said, “It is our duty to ensure that these rights are a living reality – that they are known, understood and enjoyed by everyone everywhere.”
The Carmelite NGO is inviting people to join in solidarity with the peoples of the world that are suffering violence in any form- be it from war, hunger, lack of education, lack of medical care or lack of a healthy environment.
A booklet entitled “A Day of Prayer” designed specifically for use on December 10th is being made available at no charge for anyone interested. The booklet is an instrument calling upon all to join in solidarity against violence in all it forms, especially as it occurs in Zimbabwe.
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 (www.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 and the Order’s ministries.
121/2008-24-11
Festschrift for a Carmelite scholar
On Friday 15th November 2008, a Festschrift was presented to Kees Waaijman O.Carm., at the Radboud University in the city of Nijmegen, The Netherlands. This Festschrift was compiled by the colleagues and confrères of Kees to mark his 65th birthday. It was presented to him at a spirituality symposium, which was attended by some 800 people. As the successor of the late prof. Otger Steggink o.carm. (Fr. Otger died on 20-11-08. R.I.P.), Kees Waaijman was Professor of the History and Systematics of Spirituality from 1989 to 2007 at the same Radboud University of Nijmegen. He continues to work as scientific director of the Titus Brandsma Institute, where he makes a wonderful contribution to the digital community ‘Spirituality International’ (SPIRIN). The title of the Festschrift is ‘Seeing the Seeker, Explorations in the Discipline of Spirituality’. It is edited by Hein Blommestijn O.Carm., Charles Caspers, Rijcklof Hofman, Frits Mertens, Peter Nissen and Huub Welzen O.Carm., with the help of Wendy Litjens, and it is published by Peeters Publishers, Leuven. There are 687 pages in this book where one finds a bibliographical sketch of Kees Waaijman and an extensive bibliography. There are also 42 explorations in the field of the scientific study of spirituality. Following the presentation of the book, Kees Waaijman expressed his gratitude to the authors both those present and those unable to be there.
50 years of the Carmelite Monastery at Dumaguete City, Philippines
On 16th of November 2008, the Carmelite Monastery of Our Lady of Maravillas and St. Joseph, Agan-an, Sibulan, Dumaguete City, Philippines, celebrated its Golden Jubilee of foundation, and simultaneously the Silver Jubilee of the Dedication of the Carmelite Church. The concelebrated Eucharist was presided over by the M. Rev. John F. Du, Bishop of Dumaguete. Before the celebration of the Eucharist, the M. Rev. Onesimo C. Gordoncillo, Archbishop of Capiz, blessed the images of St. Thérèse and Bl. Louis Martin located in the inner yard of the cloister. Among the five bishops, and more than a thousand participants, was the Very Rev. Artemio D. Jusayan, O.Carm., Commissary General, together with many Philippine Carmelites also present at the jubilee celebration.
After supper, there was the launch of the Golden Jubilee Book “El Sueño Dorado” (The Golden Dream), a history of Dumaguete Carmel, which was followed by a concert (Voces Doradas) given by the sisters, together with the orphans of the Casa Miani. As part of the concert, there was a video documentary of the nuns’ life in the monastery. Everything was shown on television and even repeated the following days.
The Monastery of Dumaguete is the first monastery of our Order in Asia and was founded in 1958 by the monastery of “N. Sra. De las Maravillas”, Madrid, Spain.
Vitam coelo reddiderunt (R.I.P.)
20-11-08: P. Otger Steggink (Neer)
26-11-08: P. Benedictus Soegiartono (Indo)
Annual Pilgrimage of the "Society of the Little Flower"
The annual pilgrimage of the "Society of the Little Flower" (the "Society of Saint Thérèse"), which very generously helps Carmelite missions throughout the world, took place at Aylesford, England on 28th September last. More than 400 people gathered in a festive atmosphere. In the morning, following an address of welcome by the Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, O.Carm., Fr. Joseph Chalmers, O.Carm. gave a conference on the spirituality of St. Thérèse and her response to the mystery of evil. In the evening, the Prior General presided at the Eucharist together with concelebrants Frs. Joseph Chalmers and Wilfrid McGreal, O.Carm., Provincial of the British Province. The Prior General in his homily pointed out how St. Thérèse revealed in her own life the centrality of love and developed it to the point of being missionary, even though she lived her life in a cloistered monastery. At the end of the Eucharist many roses were blessed and distributed to the participants.
Vitam coelo reddiderunt (R.I.P.)
17-09-08: P. Jean Marie Nzilamba Mughasa, Ita
28-09-08: P. Gerhard Hector, GerS
First place to the Carmelite College, Lima, Peru
At the IV Exhibition of Science, Culture and Technological Innovation of MERCOSUR, Associated and Invited Countries, held in Posadas, Argentina from the 8th to 12th September, first prize went to the Carmelite College in Lima, Peru. The College of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Lima, which is part of the Peruvian Commissariate, participated for the first time in this international educational event. Their contribution was a study entitled “The influence of Caral (the most ancient culture of the Americas, going back to the year 2500 B.C.) in the economic and cultural development of the first human settlements of the late pre-ceramic period in Peru.” After five days of presentation and demonstration of an adequate methodological study, they took first place from among all the other participants.
During the meeting, 70 different types of projects and work were exhibited from the educational institutes of countries such as Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela and Argentina. All of whom contributed to the realization of this fourth international event, which saw the participation of more than 300 students and teachers.
JPIC ministry of the TOC hailed as model for BEC
In the recently concluded Diocesan Month of Formation of the Diocese of Malolos (Philippines) last September, the JPIC ministry of the Regina Décor Carmeli TOC Community was hailed as a model program for BECs (Basic Ecclesial Community) in the diocese. This was started in 2007 as collaboration with the Parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Pulong Buhangin, Sta. Maria through its parish priest, Fr. Elmer Ignacio. This was started by organizing families in the depressed area of SIKAP undergoing Lectio Divina and bible study which was headed by Luz Villanueva, TOCarm. After months of formation, these families were given a livelihood seminar about rag-making from waste textiles conducted by the local social welfare office which was arranged by Estelita Libiran, TOCarm. The parish then supplied a revolving fund to start this livelihood program. As to date, the program has spread to two more depressed communities and the demands for the rags have steadily increased. The rags are sold in the local market and it is used as cleaning materials. Because of the success of the program, the lay Carmelites are represented by Lydia Bugtong, TOCarm, coordinator of the JPIC ministry, in the BEC core group of the diocese.
(From TOC National Secretariat Philippines: Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo.)
Presentation of a new collection of books in Madrid
On 2nd October last, in the conference room of our house in Ayala, Madrid, there was a presentation of a collection of books entitled “Textos para un Milenio”. Taking part were our Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, O.Carm., one of the founders of the collection together with Mrs, Henar Pizarro Llorente, professor at the Pontifical University Comillas and director of the new collection, also Mr. José Antonio Lizondo, Fr. Giovanni Grosso, O.Carm. President of the Institutum Carmelitanum in Rome and Sr. Ana Molina, President of the Equipo Mixto of the Iberian Region who sponsored the project.
The first three volumes were presented relating to St. Francis of Siena: the work of playwright Agustín Moreto, El lego del Carmen (1652), the Zarzuela (operetta) similar in form to Estremera and the Maestro Arrieta (1883), and the novel of Fr. Luis M.ª Llop, O.Carm., entitled El hijo de la Gracia (1911).
The object of this new collection is to recover various texts from the history of Carmel, either in Castillian or other languages, which will be published together with a fitting introductory study on the author, the work and its context, in order to make these texts available to the general public in the Castilian language.
General Finance Commission – October 2008
The General Finance Commission of the Order held its first meeting of the 2007-2013 sexenium in the Curia house from 6 to 8 October. Members were brought up to date on the Order’s financial state with a review of the Curia’s income and expenditure and presentations on the Society of the Little Flower and on the Domus Carmelitana. Two lay experts on the commission guided discussions on the impact of the current financial crisis on investments and fund raising. The commission examined the Curia budgets for the coming year and began planning for the Triennial Bursars’ Meeting which will be held in October 2009. The next meeting of the commission will be in March 2009, and will take the form of a joint meeting with the Domus Management Board for some of the time.
Carmelite cultural activity in Rome
On the occasion of the 12th General Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on "The Word of God in the life and mission of the Church", which is taking place in Rome these days, there was a round table on October 9th last directed by Fr. Bruno Secondin, O.Carm in the conference room of the Libereria Dehoniana on the Via della Conciliazione, Rome. The initiative was in relation to the experience of Lectio Divina which for many years has taken place very successfully in our church of S. Maria in Transpontina in Rome. Its many fruits are recorded in the Rotem collection, which already amounts to 15 published volumes. Among others participating at the round table were our Father General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, O.Carm. (who underlined the importance of the Word in the charism of Carmel since its origins), Mons. Benedetto Tuzia, Auxiliary Bishop of Rome, Professor Jean-Louis Ska, S.J., exegete of the Biblicum in Rome and Mons. Giuseppe Liberto, Director of the Sistine Chapel. All underlined the importance of the experience of Lectio Divina and its pastoral, spiritual and pedagogic value.
Almost at the same time and close-by, the new book of Fr. Aureliano Pacciolla, O.Carm. was launched in the Marconi Room of Vatican Radio, entitled La vulnerabilitá psichica e il pericolo delle sette (The psychic vulnerability and danger of sects). Participating were Cardinal Oscar Andrés Rodríguez Maradiaga who presided, Professor Eugenio Fizzotti, head of Psychology of Religion at the Universitá Pontificia Salesiana, Rome and Professor Giuseppe Costa, Director of L.E.V. (Libreria Editrice Vaticana). The Vice-General, Fr. Christian Körner, O.Carm. was present on behalf of the General Curia. Fr. Aureliano presented a detailed analysis of the relationship between the two concepts and underlined the present reality and importance of the topic especially in those parts of the world where various types of sects are growing in an extraordinary way.
Vitam coelo reddiderunt (R.I.P.)
07-10-08: P. Philip Gabriel O’Brien, Hib
09-10-08: P. Joseph Piet Vollering, Neer
Beatification of Zélie and Louis Martin
St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s parents, Zélie and Louis Martin, were beatified today, Sunday 19th October in Lisieux. Pope Benedict’s legate, Cardinal José Saraiva Martins, presided over the solemn Eucharistic celebration in the Basilica of St. Thérèse. Among the very many pilgrims from all over the world were a large group from the Carmelite Family and the General Curia of the Order was represented by Fr. John Keating, Councillor General for Europe.
This is the first time in the history of the Church that both parents of a saint have been beatified together.
Meeting of formators of Northern Europe
From 6 -10 October 2008 a meeting was held for the formators of Ireland, United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic and the Netherlands, in the formation house in Boxmeer (the Netherlands).
The topic was vocation and discernment, facilitated by Kees Waaijman, O.Carm. (Ner). The participants began by exploring their own inner framework, being open and forming themselves, by means of biblical vocation stories and the three kinds of calling of John Cassian. Afterwards Fr. Kees explored with the participants the four most important aspects of diakrisis in the history of discretio spirituum. He ended with an understanding of discernment in our Rule: our Rule is an active discerning, discerning is the virtue of the virtues. The chapter (capitulum) puts it at the centre in our Rule. Our Rule indicates that this goes beyond the Rule itself.
The last day the participants talked about the situation in the different provinces and made arrangements for meetings with novices and formators for next year. The group also visited the Titus Brandsma Institute and Titus Brandsma Memorial in Nijmegen.
However, the most important part of the meeting was perhaps that the participants were themselves an open learning community.
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of Fontiveros, Spain
The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Fontiveros, Spain, was held 6 October 2008. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. Maria del Pilar de la Trinidad Felipe García, O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. Rosa Mª de Jesús Pérez Arias, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. Fátima Mª de la Redención Luna Ceballos, O. Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. Fátima Mª de la Redención Luna Ceballos, O.Carm.
Honorary Chaplains of the Sanctuary of Lourdes
The recent Irish Province Pilgrimage to Lourdes for the Jubilee Year had two thousand participants. On the occasion of the Pilgrimage the Bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes, Monsignor Jacques Perrier, conferred the title Honorary Chaplain of the Sanctuary of Lourdes on Fr Martin Ryan, O.Carm., White Abbey Kildare, the chief organiser of the Annual Pilgrimage, and Fr. Eoin Moore, O.Carm., Terenure College.
Fathers Martin and Eoin were presented with the pectoral cross and diploma on October 1st during the evening celebration of the Eucharist in the Underground Basilica of St. Pius X.
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.
Philippine Carmelites - New Foundations
On 19 October a new Carmelite mission was officially inaugurated in the diocese of Beirina, Papua New Guinea. In its recent chapter, the General Commissariat of the Philippines decided to make the commitment to send three friars to this country in Oceania. This new mission is a sign of the missionary dimension of the Carmelite charism and of its vitality in the Philippines.
Last June four nuns from the monastery of Cabanatuan in the Philippines began a new foundation in Marmang in the diocese Malaybalay. This new house was begun in response to a request from the local bishop and is a way of sharing the Carmelite charism in the northern part of the island of Mindanao.
The Church of S. Maria in Traspontina in Rome hosts members of the Bishops’ Synod for a theatrical performance
On Thursday 23 October an evening of entertainment was offered to members of the Bishops’ Synod on the Word of God currently meeting in Rome. The Roman company “Jobel Theatre” presented GENESI, an artistic show inspired by the synod’s theme of the Word of God, and drawing particularly on the first book of the book of Genesis, where God’s creative word occupies a prominent place as that infinite love that generates creation.
Various artists from around the world took part in the performance: actors, singers, musicians, acrobats and dancers. The show took place in the round, without any separation between artist and audience, in a unique voyage of visual and audio effects. Members of the Traspontina community and representatives of the General Curia were present for the evening.
The Prior General’s Canonical Visitation to Africa
On October 13 the Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, began the first stage of his canonical visitation of Carmelites in Africa, accompanied by Fr. Desiré Unen Alimange, General Councillor for Africa. This visit is intended to give special attention to all the young Carmelite groups on this continent, in accordance with the wishes of the recent General Chapter in 2007.
The visit began in Nairobi, Kenya, in our community "Bustani ya Karmeli", whose members come from various provinces in the Order. During his time in Kenya, the Prior General received the profession of four nuns in the monastery of Juja Farm, and three nuns from Machakos. On November 2, Fr. Fernando will return to Kenya in order to preside at a celebration for lay groups that make up the Carmelite Family.
The second part of the visitation took part in Mozambique, where the General visited the Carmelite Sisters of the Sacred Heart who live in the area of Nampula and who offer an important service in difficult conditions. On Sunday 19 October in the parish of Khongolote, the members of the Pernambuco province celebrated ten years of their presence in Mozambique. The province was represented by Fr. José Roberval Mendes Pereira, O.Carm. Despite some trying times in the past, Carmel in Mozambique is growing and putting down good roots.
Meeting of Superiors from the Americas
The first meeting of superiors from the Americas was recently held in the retreat house ‘Flos Carmeli’ in Mairiporã, Brasil from 19 to 23 October. The meeting was chaired by the General Councillor for the Americas, Fr Raúl Maraví and those present included representatives of the eleven countries in the area, among whom provincials, commissaries and delegates of both friars and sisters. The meeting began with a brief reflection on the current state of the Order which has seen the unification of the Americas in one geographical area and on the great cultural and historical wealth of this continent.
The twenty four participants discussed and worked on the Order’s Global project 2007-2013 and its application in the Americas. The prayerful, family atmosphere of the group facilitated the planning of various activities and meetings to encourage mutual co-operation and the growth of the Order in the area.
The next meeting of Superiors from the Americas will take place in October 2010 in Caracas, Venezuela.
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of Sagrada Família, Torre de Moncorvo, Portugal
The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Sagrada Família, Torre de Moncorvo, Portugal, was held 25-28 of August 2008. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. Maria da Sagrada Família Costa , O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. Maria Imaculada Conceição Nevado , O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. Maria Imaculado Coração Martins , O. Carm.
3rd Councilor: Sr. Maria da Navidade Gomes, O. Carm
4th Councilor: Sr. Maria de Cristo Rei Valdigem, O.Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. Maria Imaculada Conceição Nevado , O. Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. Maria Imaculada Conceição Nevado , O.Carm.
Sacristan: Sr. Maria Margarete do S.C. Jesus, O.Carm.
Vitam coelo reddiderunt (R.I.P.)
09-08-08: P. Jesús Gomez Hernandez, Cast
26-08-08: P. John Long, PCM
01-09-08: P. Liborius van Bergenhenegouwen, Ner
02-09-08: P. Ignacio Oyarzabal Macaya, Arag
Formation Course of the Federation "Mater et Décor Carmeli", Spain
On 25th August, 2008, the Federation of the Carmelite Nuns "Mater et Decor Carmeli" (Betica Province, Portugal), began their course of initial formation for the year 2008 with a celebration of the Eucharist, celebrated by Very Rev. Rafael Leiva, O.Carm. Fr. Alfonso Moreno González, O.Carm. concelebrated. The course is open to all the solemnly professed nuns of the thirteen federated monasteries wishing to participate.
This year 11 temporary professed nuns from the monasteries of Aracena, Estepona, Osuna and Seville will take part. The main theme of the nine-week course is "The life of God in us". It will be divided in different parts: 1) Liturgy and song; 2) Manual work: painting; 3) Scripture: The Letters of St. John; 4) Moral Theology: the commandments; 5) Carmelite Spirituality: St. Teresa of the Child Jesus; 6) History of the Order: Origin of the nuns; 7) Theological anthropology; 8) Spiritual theology: Prayer.
As envisaged by the new Ratio of the nuns (n. 132), on the nature and objective of the juniorate, it is the desire of the Federation that the young nuns become aware of and learn a single science, that of faith and the Gospel.
Activities of the Prior General to France
On 4th September last, accompanied by Fr. John Keating, O.Carm., Councillor General for Europe, Fr. Fernando Millán Romerál, O.Carm. met with the members of the Carmelite NGO who were participating in an international meeting of the United Nations in Paris.
On 5th September, together with Renée Prieur, Delegate for formation for the male branch of the Missionary Family of Donum Dei, they met the young students from this group in Lisieux. The same day they were welcomed by the Rector of the Basilica Mons. Bernard Lagoutte, who brought them to see the relics of Louis and Zélie Martin, recently exhumed in preparation for their forthcoming Beatification. It was a moving and prayerful moment.
They moved on to participate in the General Assembly of the French Delegation in France and met with the two communities (Nantes and Angers), seeing personally the wonderful work being done by the brothers in the cultural, liturgical and pastoral fields. During this visit the Prior General received the Simple Profession of our novice, Brother Martin de la Croix.
Meeting of the General Commission and Secretariat for the Laity,Rome, 1-4 September 2008
The first meeting of the new General Commission and Secretariat for the Laity took place under the presidency of the General Delegate, P. Josef Jancár, from the 1st to the 4th September 2008. The Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral welcomed the participants as guests of the General Curia, which is at the "centre of life of the Order". In his presentation he underlined some of the tasks of the Commission in the coming six years, for example in the fields of formation and communication, and also the deepening of the awareness of the laity regarding their identity as members of the Carmelite Family.
The Commission examined the Global Plan of the General Council for the laity for the coming six years, and Fr. Josef Jancár informed the members of the Commission and the Secretariat of their main responsibilities.
During the meeting various topics were addressed, among these were the planning of the International Congress of Carmelite laity, to take place in 2012, and a meeting of the Provincial Delegates for the laity. The meeting went on to discuss the apostolate and formation, which has been chosen as the theme of the congress. Other points addressed were: communications – either at national level between individual groups or at international level by means of the bulletin "Isidoro Bakanja"; the drawing up of a handbook for formation, that might serve all the communities but especially in those countries where one does not exist; the updating of the Directory of Carmelite Laity with a classification of the lay movements which do not form part of the Third Order. Much attention was also given to the topic of the financing of the permanent Secretariat for the Laity.
The next meeting of the General Commission and the Secretariat will take place in November 2009, in order to continue the preparation for the meeting of the Provincial Delegates and the preparation of the universal handbook for formation, and to plan the international congress of the laity.
First meeting of the International Commission for Justice and Peace, and Integrity of Creation of the Order
The first meeting of the JPIC commission was held in Sassone, Italy, from September 1-5, 2008. All members of the commission (Cees Bartels (Ner), David Scott Blanchard (PCM), Eduardo Agosta Scarel (Cast), Gilbert Sabado (Phil), Boniface Makau Kimondolo (Cat), Michael Agung Christiputra (Indo), and the General Councillor Albertus Magnus Herwanta) were present. Boby Sebastian (James) Tharakunnel of the St. Thomas Province (India), who has been appointed as an executive secretary of the commission, was also present. The Most Rev. Fr. General, Fernando Millan Romeral presided the opening Mass and gave an encouraging message. The commission members shared their experiences in the fields of their ministries. After listening to these the commission arrived at certain conclusions especially the need of JPIC commitment in the Order, and made a detailed presentation about strategic planning. The meeting discussed future plans and formulated an action-plan for the year 2008-2011. This action-plan will be presented at the plenary meeting in the General Council this month. After approved by the General Council, it will be disseminated to the whole Order.
Meeting for Lay Carmelites in Latin America
From August 17 through 24 thirty Carmelite friars, sisters and lay people from different countries of Latin America, gathered in Lurin, Peru, to discuss and develop several projects related to the formation of Lay Carmelites in the region.
Present at these meetings were the Prior General, Fernando Millán Romeral, O. Carm., and the Councillor for the Americas, Raúl Maraví, O. Carm. Father Fernando´s contributions greatly enriched the work of the group.
During this week many subjects were discussed: the identity of the Lay Carmelites, the locations and makeup of formation programs, the Secretariat and the Commission of the Lay Carmelites. Furthermore, the participants decided to organize a series of congresses for Lay Carmelites over the next few years. The first of these will be a Course of Formation for Formators of Lay Carmelites, which will be held in November 2009 in Recife, Brazil.
New Church and Priory in Almelo, The Netherlands
On Saturday 6 September the Dutch province celebrated the opening of a brand new priory and parish church in Almelo. Led by Prior Provincial, Ben Wolbers, the local community and members of the province blessed the priory building. This was followed later in the day by the consecration of the church by Mons. Willem Eijk, archbishop of Utrecht. The parish is dedicated to the Prophet Elisha and was created out of three former parishes in the town of Almelo. For more details and a photo album of the day, see www.elisapaz.nl
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of Jesi, Italy
The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Jesi, Italy, was held 3 September 2008. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. Maria Chiara Sabbatini, O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. Maria Rosanna Piras, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. Maria Paola Colletta, O. Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. Maria Paola Colletta, O. Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. Alma Maria J. Sponziello, O.Carm.
Sacristan: Sr. Maria Rosanna Piras, O.Carm.
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of Osuna, Spain
The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Osuna, Spain, was held 13 September 2008. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. Maria del Amor Gómez, O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. Maria de San José Luque Moreno, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. Bernardita Vioque Ramos, O. Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. Maria Victoria Escamilla Martín, O. Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. Bernardita Vioque Ramos, O.Carm.
Sacristan: Sr. Maria del Rosario León Gómez, O.Carm.
General Chapter of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm
The General Chapter of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm was held 6-17 September 2008 at Germantown, NY, USA. The following were elected:
Superior General: Mother M. Mark Louis Anne Randell, O. Carm.
Viçar General and 1st Councilor: Sr. Ann Elizabeth Brown , O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. M. Anthony de Lourdes Veilleux, O. Carm.
3nd Councilor: Sr. M. Michelle Anne Reho, O.Carm.
4nd Councilor: Sr. Patricia Margaret Rawdon, O.Carm.
Secretary General: Sr. Marie Richard Carmel Brusca, O.Carm.
Treasurer General: Sr. M. Veronica Robert Bien, O.Carm.
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of Asunción, Huesca, Spain
The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Asunción, Huesca, Spain, was held 2-3 September 2008. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. Mª Carmen Ibarra Lorea, O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. Mª Inés Nthenya Nzyuko, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. Mª Annastacia Kavuu Kiswili, O. Carm.
3rd Councilor: Sr. Mª Concepción Durán Bestué, O. Carm.
4th Councilor: Sr. Mª Regina Mumbua Musyoka, O. Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. Mª Annastacia Kavuu Kiswili, O. Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. Mª Inés Nthenya Nzyuko, O.Carm.
Sacristan: Sr. Mª Benedicta Mutwiwa Nzuve, O.Carm.
Days of retreat and study by the General Council
For the past few days, from 18th to 21st of September, having completed one year since the General Chapter of 2007, the General Council met in Sassone for some days of study, retreat and fraternal sharing. During these days the members of the Council examined together the Instruction: Faciem tuam, Domine, requiram (The service of the authority and obedience) published months ago by the Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life. They also reflected on the experience of the Council during this past year and looked forward to the next Council of the Provinces.
Developments in Lithuania
With the blessing of Cardinal Audrys J. Backis, archbishop of Vilnius, Elena Stulgiené, Danuté Kasubiené and Violeta Cecilija Tumasioniené made their simple profession within the Third Order of Carmel. The profession took place in the All Saints Church, the former Carmelite church in Vilnius. Mgr. Juozas Tunaitis, auxiliary-bishop of the archdiocese Vilnius was presiding in the Eucharist. The profession rite itself was led by Tjeu Timmermans O.Carm., coordinator of the Dutch Province for the Lithuania project. Míceál O’Neill O.Carm. (Hib), Felix Schandl O.Carm. (GerS) and Johan Hettinga O.Carm. (Ner) were also present at this profession ceremony. They were involved in the building up of a Carmel in Lithuania from the beginning.
In August Edvinas Reinys from Lithuania visited the house of formation of the Dutch Province in Boxmeer for some weeks. Edvinas is seriously considering entering the Order after finishing his studies as a teacher of religion. In October Roma Steckyté and Vida Jocyté will be accepted as candidates for the Third Order of Carmel. After their acceptance they will start a process of intensive formation.
Inauguration of the Carmelite Institute Malta
On Saturday, 4th October 2008, at 10.00 a.m., the Carmelite Church at Mdina, Malta, will be the venue of the inauguration of the CARMELITE INSTITUTE MALTA. The Prior General Fr Fernando Millán Romeral O.Carm. will be present for this occasion. The inauguration programme includes two lectures, one by Kees Waaijman O.Carm. (Ner) on “Carmel: An Empty Space for God”, and another by Eugene McCaffrey OCD on “Carmel: A Lover’s Quest”.
The Carmelite Institute Malta 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. In fact, starting October of this year, the Institute will be cooperating with the Faculty of Theology of the University of Malta to offer an MA programme in Spirituality. Students enrolled in this programme may opt to specialize in Carmelite Spirituality. As from next year, the Institute will also offer a non-academic programme in Carmelite Spirituality. The Carmelite Institute Malta has its seat at the Carmelite Priory, Mdina.
Fr Giovanni Grosso O.Carm., Preside of the Institutum Carmelitanum, is accompanying the Prior General on this visit, which is Fr Fernando’s first visit to Malta. The Prior General will also celebrate the Eucharist at the national shrine of Our Lady of Mt Carmel in Valletta, meet with young people from various Carmelite parishes and preside over the annual general meeting of the Third Order.
New Publication of “Edizioni Carmelitane”
The Carmelite Rule (1207-2007). Proceedings of the Lisieux Conference, Edizioni Carmelitane, Roma 2008. ISBN 978-88-7288-102-6. ISSN: 0394-7793. 40 Euro.
The Rule of Carmel continues today to inspire thousands of men and women around the world and throughout the Church in their lives of allegiance to Jesus Christ even has it has inspired Carmelites over the centuries. This collection of papers by some of the best scholars in the Carmelite family is a landmark in our developing appreciation for this sacred text. The work of these men and women clearly demonstrates that the wisdom of Saint Albert of Jerusalem continues to speak in new times and new places of which those first hermits could never have dreamed. The Rule of Saint Albert is now ready to propel us into a future marked by all the glorious sanctity of our past eight centuries. (P. Patrick Thomas McMahon O.Carm.)
Reopening of “Santa Teresita del Niño Jesús” Seminary, San Juan de Puerto Rico (Arag)
It is with pleasure that we would like to communicate a small sign of hope for the future life of the Order. On Sunday 3rd August last, with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Jorge Ma. Rivera, O.Carm., the Carmelite Seminary of “Santa Teresita del Niño Jesús” belonging to Commissariate of Antilles of the Arago-Valentina Province, was reopened.
The seminary is located in the house of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The entry of four young men from the town of Ciales, Puerto Rico, has made this reopening possible after having been closed for a long time.
Activities of the Prior General in Brazil
From 2nd to 9th August last, Fr. Fernando Millán Romerál, O.Carm. participated in many different events in Brazil. In Curitiba he met those in formation (seminarians, postulants, novices and students) to whom he outlined the different projects of the Order for the coming six years. He then had a very fraternal meeting in that city with our Discalced brethren and with the Carmelite laity. He also visited the “Casas do Servo Sofredor” (for men and women) where the Carmelites of the Commissariate of Paraná (GerS) are engaged in great work with drug addicts.
From there, Father General moved on to the inter-provincial novitiate of “São Cristovão” (Sergipe) where he gave a course to the novices on the life and thought of Blessed Titus Brandsma. There are 15 novices belonging to the provinces of Pernambuco, San Elías (Rio de Janeiro), Italy (Colombia) and Malta (Bolivia). Fr. Fernando also visited various communities nearby and presided at a solemn celebration of the Eucharist with the members of the Carmelite Family of “São Cristovão”.
A year dedicated to Isidore Bakanja
On 12th August we celebrated the Memorial of Blessed Isidore Bakanja, born between 1880 and 1890 in Mbilankamba in the Congo (Zaire). He was baptized on the 6th May 1906 and received the scapular as a sign of his dignity as God’s child, together with the rosary a sign of his continuous prayer. He began to work for a Belgian colonial company and was whipped by his atheistic manager who ordered him to remove his scapular. Isidore died some days later, either on the 8th or 15th of August 1909, pardoning his tormentor.
The Catholic laity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo have decided to dedicate a whole year to the memory of Isidore Bakanja. The year will run from August 2008 to August 2009 and will serve as an "awakening of the laity" according to Don Ambroise Mutshembe, secretary of the Episcopal Commission for the Apostolate of the Laity. For canonization a miracle through Blessed Isidore’s intercession is necessary, but above all it is important to make known the witness of this young apostle and martyr, who took seriously his Baptismal vocation.
First Electoral Chapter of the Monastery N.S. de America y San José, Monción, Dominican Republic
The first Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery N.S. de America y San José, Monción, Dominican Republic, was held 28 of June 2008. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. Maria Consuelo Rivera, O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. Maria Josefina Luna, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. Maria Assunta Mura, O. Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. Maria Josefina Luna, O. Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. Maria Rosanna Serrata, O.Carm.
10-08-08: P. Miguel Mindeguía Aríztegui, Arag
14-08-08: P. Morris Wells, PCM
General Chapter of the Corpus Christi Carmelites
The Congregation of Corpus Christi Carmelite Sisters held elections for Prioress General and Council today at St. Paul's Spirituality Center in Georgetown, Guyana, South America. Here are the results:
Mother General: Sr. Petronilla Joseph, O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. Katrina Charles, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. Helena Profeiro, O. Carm.
3rd Councilor: Sr. Janice Romero, O.Carm.
4th Councilor: Sr. Antoinette Fahey, O.Carm.
First Councilor is also Assistant General.
Promulgation of the Decree of the Congregation for Causes of Saints concerning Blessed Nuno
This morning, 3rd July 2008, the Holy Father, Benedict XVI, received in a private audience Cardinal José Saraiva Martins, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. During the course of the audience the Holy Father authorized the Congregation to promulgate the Decree concerning the heroic virtues and the miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Nuno of Saint Mary Álvares Pereira (1360-1431), Portuguese national and Professed Layman of our Order.
The Holy See will set the date for the Canonization.
Vitam coelo reddiderunt (R.I.P.)
03-07-08: P. Nuno Alves Correia, Flum
First Meeting of the International Commission for Carmelite Schools and Youth
From 26 to 29 June 2008, the new International Commission for Carmelite Schools and Youth held its first meeting in the General Curia house in Rome. Together with the Councillor General Fr. Raúl Maraví, there were representatives from Europe, North and South America and Oceania.
The Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, and the Vice Prior General, Fr. Christian Körner, greeted the members of the Commission. During the meeting various aspects of Carmelite education were discussed, as were the presence of Carmelite laity and the new challenges that we are facing in our school centres today. After exchanging views on a number of topics, the group discussed the preparations for an International Conference on Carmelite Schools, which had been suggested by the 2007 General Chapter. The meeting will be held from 8 to 14 April 2010 in Dublin, Ireland, to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Irish province school, Terenure College. It was also decided to send a questionnaire to all Carmelite schools, which will serve as a basis for the participants’ work in the congress.
The Commission will meet again in 2009 to continue preparations for the International Congress and to promote other events linked to it.
XV Meeting of the Iberian Region
From 29 June to 2 July the fifteenth meeting of the Iberian Region was held in Pozuelo del Alarcón (Madrid). One hundred and ten members of the Carmelite Family took part: friars, nuns, sisters and laity from the provinces of Arago-Valentina, Betica, Castilla, Catalonia, the General Commissariat of Portugal and from the Congregations of the Sisters of the Virgin Mary and of the Carmelite Sisters of the Sacred Heart, who prepared the topic of this year’s meeting. The subject was “Silence, mysticism, prophecy in allegiance to Jesus Christ” and conferences were led by Fr. Hugo Canavan O. Carm., member of the General Delegation of Titus Brandsma in Colombia. At the end of the meeting three participants spoke: M. Magdalena Carretero O. Carm. from the monastery of Madrid, secondly, a lay woman, Blanca Frediani and finally, Fr. Augustín Rodríguez Teso, a priest from a suburb on the edge of Madrid.
The superiors of the Iberian Region, male and female, took advantage of the occasion in order to have a meeting of their own, as did the Iberian provincials.
Vitam coelo reddiderunt (R.I.P.)
05-07-08: P. Conal Collier, Hib
05-07-08: P. Floribert Schwering, GerI
Beatification of the parents of Saint Therese of Lisieux on 19th of October 2008
The parents of Thérèse of Lisieux, Zélie and Louis Martin, will be beatified on 19th of October 2008 at Lisieux. Cardinal José Saraiva Martins announced the news last Saturday when he presided the Eucharist celebration in honour of the 150th anniversary of their wedding at Alençon.
In solemnitate B.V. Mariae de Monte Carmeli
Flos Carmeli, vitis florigera, splendor caeli, Virgo puerpera singularis.
Mater mitis, sed viri nescia, Carmelitis esto propitia, stella maris.
Fernando Prior Generalis et Consilium Generale
16.VII.2008
Five Hundred Years of the Presence of the Carmelite Nuns in Granada, Spain
The celebration of the 500 years of the Presence of the Carmelite Nuns in Granada (Spain) took place on the 16th of July in the Monastery of the Incarnation. Founded in 1508, it is one of the first monasteries established there after Granada was reconquered in 1492. During these 500 years of history, the monastery has gone through many hardships, but many nuns of outstanding spiritual and intellectual level have lived in it, and among them several Blesseds.
To celebrate this occasion, a History of the Monastery written by Fr. Ismael Martínez Carretero, O. Carm., was presented in a solemn act presided by the Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, O. Carm., who was accompanied by Fr. Rafael Leiva Sánchez, Prior Provincial of the Betica Province. Many people participated in the ceremony. Likewise, the Prior General presided the Eucharist on the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and unveiled a glazed ceramic tile commemorating the 500 years of the presence of the Carmelite nuns in the city of Alhambra.
Br. Pedro Murciano, O. Carm. completes his service in the General Curia and returns to his Province
After almost 25 years of continuous service to the General Curia in Rome, Br. Pedro Murciano, O. Carm. will return to the Arago-Valentina Province in September. Br. Pedro was exemplary in his spirit of service and availability toward the members of the different general councils he worked with in Rome.
The General Council expresses its gratitude to Br. Pedro for his many years of service to the General Curia and wishes him years of fruitful service as he returns to his home province.
Restored Carmelite Library at Straubing, Germany (GerS), Reopens
After two years of hard work, on 6th June 2008, the Straubing community was able to enjoy the fruits of this labour as the library was reopened. The main hall is famous for its dazzling frescoes completed in 1715 and now restored to its former glory. In 1806 the convent had been suppressed, but now the contents of the library will be put back in their rightful place.
In the course of the evening, Prior Fr. Elias Steffen O.Carm. thanked the benefactors and special guests present, the curator Alfons Huber delivered a lecture, published in Straubinger Tagblatt, and Provincial Fr. Dieter Lankes O.Carm. stressed the place of the library as one of formation and study. Greetings were also received from the mayor of Straubing, the local member of parliament in Bavaria and the head of the restoration project. The restoration has cost € 450,000 and will be financed by public institutions and private businesses, as well as fundraising.
The frescos in the library are the work of an unknown artist who was deeply imbued with the tradition of Carmel and of Mary. Eight half-portraits depict scholarly Carmelites, who were devoted to the defence of Faith and to the study of Divine Wisdom, such as Thomas Netter of Walden, Francisco Suarez and John Baconthorpe.
The day after the inauguration, many visitors took the opportunity to see the frescos for themselves and on 9th June the conference between the French and German Defence and Foreign Ministers took place in the library as part of the summit between President Nicolas Sarkozy and Chancellor Angela Merkel.
http://www.karmelitenorden.de/straubing/bibliothek/restaurierung.html
Our Lady of Doncaster
In the middle ages there was a prominent Carmelite Church in the town of Doncaster, England, with a Shrine to Our Lady. Though nothing remains of the original church and friary, there has been a revival of the Shrine of Our Lady of Doncaster in the local Catholic Church. At the Reformation the statue of Our Lady was one of five ‘significant statues’ that were taken to London to be burnt. The Prior of Doncaster was one of the few Carmelites to be executed at that time.
Some of the Carmelite Third Order have been involved in promoting the restoration of the Shrine and the garden outside the shrine is being landscaped with stones from other shrines.
On Friday 27th June at the 12 noon Mass at Aylesford, there was a handing over of one of the medieval stones from the original church to the Guardians of the Doncaster Shrine.
Corpus Christi Carmelite Sisters mark the centenary of their foundation
On 16th July, the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the Corpus Christi Carmelite Sisters marked 100 years of their foundation with a Centenary Mass in the English city of Leicester. It was in Leicester that Mother Mary Ellerker of the Blessed Sacrament formed a community of women devoted to contemplative living through prayer and social outreach. The Congregation was affiliated to the Carmelite Order in 1927 and today has communities in England, the Caribbean, North America and Liberia, many of which were represented at the Eucharist. During the celebrations the sisters made a presentation to the Prior Provincial of the British Province, Fr. Wilfrid McGreal, O.Carm., thanking the friars for their support and formation. The Mass was attended by Sister Antoinette Dickie, O.Carm. (Prioress General of the Congregation), the Lord Mayor of Leicester, many lay Carmelites, and Robert Rivas, O.P., the Archbishop of Castries. The sisters are concluding their centenary celebrations with a tour of places in Britain associated with their founder. The paperwork for her beatification cause will be finalised during the Congregation's General Chapter, to be held in Guyana from 11th to 25th August, which will reflect on the theme "With the Eucharist, centred in Carmel, let us serve the Lord with gladness". A full account of the Centenary Mass can be read online at: http://www.carmelite.org/jnbba/corpusxti.pdf
Vitam coelo reddiderunt (R.I.P.)
28-06-08: Sr. M. Giuseppina Orrù, Rav
16-07-2008: Fr. Robertus Hanenberg, Neer
Seventy-first biannual Assembly of the USG
From 28 to 30 May, the Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral O.Carm., attended the 71st biannual assembly of the Union of General Superiors (USG) in Rome. On the first day, together with the members of the International Union of General Superiors (the female counterpart of UISG), an Instruction entitled Faciem tuam Domine, requiram. The Service of Authority and Obedience was presented. This document was prepared by the Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life, and introduced by the Prefect, Cardinal Franc Rodé and the Secretary, Archbishop Gianfranco Agostino Gardin. Various general superiors from all over the world gave their impressions of the document, which was also examined in language groups. One of the sessions was moderated by Fr. Fernando and the lectio divina the following day was guided by Fr. Bruno Secondin (Ita). The general impression of the document was positive and given that the subject matter is a difficult topic, this Instruction might be a useful tool for personal and community reflection.
Vitam coelo reddiderunt (R.I.P.)
13-05-08: Sr. M. Paolina Basta, VET
20-05-08: Sr. Eufrasia Bockting, BOX
20-05-08: P. Bertin Smith, PCM
01-06-08: Fr. Eugene McKenna, Brit
01-06-08: P. Adalbert Deckert, GerS
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of Burgos, Philippines
The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Burgos, Philippines, was held 19th of May 2008. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. Ma. Elena Z. Tolentino O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. Ana Maria D. Bernardo O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. Ma. Barbara C. Pulido O. Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. Ana Maria D. Bernardo O. Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. Janet Marie D. Espinosa O. Carm.
Sacristan: Sr. Ma. Lourdes I. Siozon O.Carm.
Congratulations from the Spanish Ambassador
The Spanish Ambassador to the Holy See, Don Francisco Vázquez y Vázquez, has sent a friendly letter of congratulations to the Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millan Romeral, for his message to the Carmelite Family entitled Perseverantes in caritate on the subject of the Carmelite martyrs from Catalonia beatified on October 28, 2007. In his letter, the ambassador indicated his complete agreement with the spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness that martyrs exemplify to us, and his hope that this same spirit would be widespread in Spain today.
Carmelite activity during the World Youth Day 2008
The World Youth Day 2008 will be held in Sydney, Australia, from15th to 20th of July 2008. On July 16 (Our Lady of Mount Carmel Feastday), the Australian Carmelites would like to offer an invitation to anyone associated with Carmelite ministries from around the world who is in Sydney at the time, to a gathering at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Wentworthville. There will be an hour of prayer in the spirit of Taizé in the church from 6 pm - 7 pm followed by a BBQ organised by the parish.
It would be helpful if those who are interested in attending could contact the Parish in order for them to get some idea of numbers:
Address: 4 Bennett Street, Wentworthville, Sydney
Tel: (+61 2) 9631 8302
e-mail: Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo.
Parish Priest: Fr Denis Andrew O.Carm.
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of Valls, Spain
The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Valls, Spain, was held in May 2008. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. M. Montserrat Xirinacs Damians O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. M. Mercè Mauri Gallifa O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. M. Agnes Kavesa Mutuku O. Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. M. Josefina Llaurado Prats O. Carm.
Procurator: Sr. M. Àngela Kithei Mutisya O.Carm.
Sacristan: Sr. Maria del Carme Syombua Mbatha O.Carm.
The Institute of Spirituality in Asia (ISA), Philippines, produces its first Ph.D graduate
Sr. Joy Carmel L. Jumawan, Carm. O.L., (Carmelite Sisters of Our Lady) is the Institute of Spirituality in Asia’s first graduate to obtain a Ph.D. in “Organization Development major in Transformative Spirituality” with a specialization in Carmelite Spirituality.
Sr. Joy Carmel L. Jumawan, Carm. O.L. together with three other graduates in Southeast Asia Interdisciplinary Development Institute received their diplomas during graduation exercises held at Manila in April 2008. Fr. Rico Ponce, O. Carm., Ph.D., the Academic Director represented the ISA at the graduation ceremony. A large number of Carmelite Sisters of Our Lady, Carmelite friars and ISA staff also attended this joyful occasion. The guest speaker was Bishop Angel Lagdameo, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines. In her address, Sr. Joy focused on the marriage between organization development or management and spirituality.
The following day in gratitude to the people who continually support the Institute, and to congratulate Sr. Joy, the ISA organized a Post Graduation Ceremony at the Titus Brandsma Center, New Manila, Quezon City, Philippines. Fr. Gabriel D. Dolotina, O. Carm., delivered the address of welcome which was followed by the presentation of the candidate by Fr. Martin Pierik, O. Carm., Ph. D. After Sr. Joy’s graduation speech, Fr. Rico P. Ponce, O. Carm., Ph. D. confirmed her as the first ISA graduate.
Apart from the research and publication program, there is now a lot of academic activity going on in ISA.
For further information about the Institute see:
http://www.isa.org.ph/index.htm
XXI Meeting of the Carmelite Family of the Province of Betica
The 21st meeting of the Carmelite Family of the Betica Province took place on Saturday, 7 June 2008. Some 427 members of the Family (religious from the province, the local pastor, diocesan priests, religious sisters and lay Carmelites, as well as civil authorities) took part in the assembly which had been organised by Fr. Manuel Jurado Perea O.Carm., the Councilor for Pastoral Activities. This year’s meeting took place in Paradas (Seville) to celebrate the first centenary of the foundation of the Sisters of the Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel in that town. The Carmelite sisters received the title of ‘adopted daughters of the town’ from the local municipality and the naming of a street after them, in view of their simple and humble service to the population in these last 100 years, both in their school and also in their Home for Old People. During the homily in the Mass, the Prior provincial, Fr. Rafael Leiva Sánchez O.Carm., invited the Carmelite laity in the province to follow this example of simplicity and humility. The meeting ended with a festive meal.
Provincial Chapter of the Neapolitan Province
During the Provincial Chapter of the Neapolitan Province, Italy, held on 9-12 June 2008 were elected:
Prior Provincial: Fr. Enrico Ronzini O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Paolo Lagioia O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Fr. Lorenzo Sansevero O.Carm.
Third Councilor: Fr. Giovanni Cimmino O.Carm.
Fourth Councilor: Fr. Domenico Fiore O.Carm.
Vitam coelo reddiderunt (R.I.P.)
03-06-08: Fr. Alban Brügel, GerS
14-06-08: P. Gerard Benson, PCM
Provincial Chapter of the PCM Province
Prior Provincial: Fr. John Welch O.Carm.
Eastern Commissary Provincial: Fr. Leo McCarthy O.Carm.
Midwest Commissary Provincial: Fr. David Simpson O.Carm.
Western Commissary Provincial: Fr. William Harry O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Ronald Oakham O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Fr. Bernhard Bauerle O.Carm.
Third Councilor: Fr. Gregory Houck O.Carm.
Fourth Councilor: Fr. Quinn Conners O.Carm.
7th annual meeting of the Carmelite Librarians’ Association in Malta
The 7th annual meeting of the Carmelite Librarians’ Association will be held in Malta, from 2nd to 5th July, 2008. It was convened by Fr. Mark Attard O.Carm, (Mel) the Delegate for Studies in the Order, who is also responsible for the Carmelite Librarians’ Association. The principal theme of the meeting, with about 30 participants coming from all over the world, will be Formation and the service of the Association and the Carmelite libraries throughout the world to all levels of Formation. With this in mind, Fr. John Keating O.Carm., Councilor for Europe and responsible for Formation in the Order will be present. Also participating will be Fr. Giovanni Grosso O.Carm., President of the Carmelite Institute, Rome, and the General Bursar Fr. Kevin Alban O.Carm. Apart from the working sessions the participants will have the opportunity to visit some of the more important places in Malta and enjoy the hospitality of the Maltese Carmelites.
Diocesan process for the Beatification of Mother Maria Maddelena Mazzoni finishes its work.
On 7th June 2008, in the chapel of Carmelite Sisters of Grace in Bologna, Cardinal Carlo Caffara concluded the diocesan phase of the process for the Beatification of the Servant of God, Mother Maria Maddalena Mazzoni (1683-1749) foundress of the Carmelites Sisters of Grace. Fr. Giovanni Grosso, O.Carm., Postulator General was also present. Now the process will be introduced in Rome for the Apostolic phase.
The Congregation of the Carmelite Sisters of Grace was the first institute of women to be joined to the Order. The affiliation of the Congregation was granted in 1735 and then renewed in 1900.
First meeting of the new International Formation Commisssion
From the 27th to 29 May 2008, the first meeting of the International Commission for Formation took place at the General Curia in Rome. Present were: John Keating, General Councillor, Mario Alfarano, Secretary, Quinn Conners (PCM), Günter Benker (GerS), Desiderio García Martínez (Arag), Giampiero Molinari (Ita), Dionisius Kosasih (Indo), Vitalis Benza (Hib-Zimb) and Romualdo Borges de Macedo (GerS-Par). Present also was Kevin Alban (Bursar General) for helping with the translation.
The Commission was welcomed by the Prior General, Fernando Millán Romerál and the Vice General, Christian Körner. The members of the commission began their work with a reflection on the key issues facing formation in different parts of the world. It then examined the proposals and recommendations emanating from the General Chapter, the future programmes for initial and on-going formation, the question of vocations to the Order, revision of the RIVC in conformity with CON 129, the necessity of a pre-novitiate programme in the provinces and some specific issues. The commission met with Christian Körner (Communications Commission) regarding formation and the use of the Order’s website, and with Mark Attard (Delegate for Studies) regarding the meeting in Malta of the Carmelite Libraries Association. Three sub-committees were set up – one to prepare future meetings, another to plan for a gathering of those in initial formation on Mount Carmel, and the third to research a methodology for all future formation courses run by the Formation Commission. A special meeting of the new commission will take place in November to deal specifically with this topic.
Appointments made by the Prior General and his Council
Next September, Fr Wilmar Santin (GerS-Par) will complete his first three year term of office as Prior of CISA. At the conclusion of this period of generous service to the community and to the Order, the Commissary Provincial of Paraná, to which Fr Wilmar belongs, has asked that Fr Wilmar be allowed to return to Brazil, where his presence is now necessary.
The Prior General and his Council have appointed Fr. Manuel Bonilla Gutiérrez from the Province of Catalonia as the new Prior of CISA. Fr Manuel has served the Order in the past as Prior Provincial of his province.
Annual Meeting of the Prioresses of Italian Monasteries
From 21st to 23rd April at the Institute "Il Carmelo", Sassone, the annual meeting of the prioresses of the Italian monasteries took place. There were 18 prioresses present together with Fr. Claudio Bellotti, O.Carm., Provincial of the Italian Province. The theme of the meeting was: THE BEAUTY OF FACING DIFFERENCE, what are the fears and the obstacles to be overcome in welcoming a diversity of people and generations. Presentations were given by Rev. Alessandro Ravaglioli of the Gregorian University. Present also for some of the meeting were Fr. Josef Jancar, O.Carm., General Delegate for the Nuns and Fr. Christian Körner, O.Carm., Vice Prior General.
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of Saint Anna, Seville, Spain
The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Seville, Spain, was held 22-23 April 2008. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. Maria de Cristo Rey Mora Pérez O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. Reinhild Maschke O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. Mª Teresa Molina Sánchez O. Carm.
3rd Councilor: Sr. Mª Isabel Moreno de la Torre O.Carm.
4th Councilor: Sr. Milagros Cabrilla Aranda O.Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. Reinhild Maschke O. Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. Mª del Dolor Herrera Cuesta O. Carm.
Sacristan: Sr. Mª Isabel Moreno de la Torre O. Carm.
Meeting of the General Councils O.Carm. - OCD
Last Friday, 2nd May, the meeting of the General Council with the Discalced Council, which meets twice a year, took place at our Curia. Following lectio divina together, the meeting itself took place in which various subjects were discussed in an open and fraternal atmosphere. On this occasion, each member of the Council (O.Carm.) presented his plan relating to their geographic area, together with the plan for the area of responsibility entrusted to him, following the six-year plan that has been published and is presently being sent to the communities world-wide. Fr. Luis Aróstegui O.C.D. informed us of the forthcoming activity of his Council and invited Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, O.Carm. to participate in their next General Chapter which will take place in Fatima in April of next year. Finally, both Councils joined the Curia community for lunch.
These meetings are a wonderful occasion to share experiences and plans, and to create a joyful moment of brotherhood and mutual enrichment.
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of the Encarnación, Zaragoza, Spain
The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of the Encarnación, Zaragoza, Spain, was held 2nd of May 2008. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. Ma. Pilar Bort Rubert O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. Elena Ma. Samper O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. Ma. Sagrario Armendariz O. Carm.
3rd Councilor: Sr. Elena Marco O.Carm.
4th Councilor: Sr. Ma. Nieves Garcia O.Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. Elena Ma. Samper O. Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. Elena Marco O. Carm.
First Provincial Chapter of the Province of St. Thomas of the Syro-Malabar Rite in India
During the first Provincial Chapter of the Province of St. Thomas, India, held on 4-9 May 2008 were elected:
Prior Provincial: Fr. Mathew Neendoor O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Bosco Njaliath O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Fr. Wilson Varikatt O.Carm.
Third Councilor: Fr. George Myladoor O.Carm.
Fourth Councilor: Fr. Thomas Thalachirayil O.Carm.
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of Allentown, USA
The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Allentown, USA, was held 9th of May 2008. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. Ma. Therese Raubuch O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. Marie Charlette Ott O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. Joseph Marie Schouten O. Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. Ma. Gertrude Schrey O. Carm.
Chapter of the Dutch Province
During the Chapter of the Dutch Province held on 21-24 May 2008 were elected:
Prior Provincial: Ben Wolbers O.Carm.
Council: Jan Brouns O.Carm.
Tom Buitendijk O.Carm.
Jos Huls O.Carm.
Tjeu Timmermans O.Carm.
Eef van Vilsteren O.Carm.
Kees Waaijman O.Carm.
Opening of the Silver Jubilee of the Novitiate house in Kartikulam, India
On 14th of May 2008 at Karmel Nikethan, Kartikulam, in the presence of the Councilor for Asia, Australia and Oceania, Fr. Albertus Herwanta O.Carm.and the Prior Provincial of the recently erected Province of St. Thomas in India, Fr. Mathew Neendoor O.Carm., and many other Carmelites, the Prior General Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral O.Carm. received the Simple Profession of seven novices and the Solemn Profession of three Carmelite brothers.
At the end of the celebration, the Prior General opened the Silver Jubilee of this foundation in the Diocese of Mananthavady, India, by the Upper German Province in the year 1983. During the last 25 years the formation process of 84 young Indian Carmelites took place at the Novitiate House Karmel Nikethan.
Blessing of the Foundation Stone of the new priory of the Latin Rite Carmelites in India
Last May 10 a moving ceremony took place in Paravoor, Kerala, India, during which the foundation stone of the new priory of the Latin rite Carmelites was blessed. The Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral O.Carm. presided, assisted by the Councillor for Asia-Australia-Oceania, Fr Albertus Herwanta O.Carm., and the Bursar General, Fr Kevin Alban O.Carm. Father Fernando pointed out that the opening of a new Carmelite house meant the creation of a place of meeting, of spirituality, of culture and of humanity. Father Kevin noted that the land has always had a symbolic meaning as the gift of God to his people. Almost all the members of the new community were present, as were some Carmelite sisters from the Institute of Our Lady of Carmel and a few lay people. The celebration was simple, but nonetheless full of meaning for this new reality of Carmel in India.
Carmelite NGO celebrates World Environment Day with a Faith Reflection on Water
Written byThe Carmelite NGO is inviting people around the world to celebrate World Environment Day, June 5, 2010, with a faith reflection on water. The ever more precious commodity of water is not only the basis of life on earth but it also plays a central role in the practices and beliefs of many of the world's religions.
A booklet, created by the Carmelite NGO for this celebration of water, provides a series of reflections. It can be downloaded at http://carmelitengo.org, the website of the Carmelite NGO or copies may be requested from: The Carmelite NGO, Attn: Jane Remson, O. Carm., 1725 General Taylor Street, New Orleans, LA 70115.
22/2008-08-04
Chapter of the Arago-Valentina Province
During the Chapter of the Arago-Valentina Province held on 1-3 April 2008 were elected:
Prior Provincial: Fr. Carmelo Gómez Gálvez O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Luis Gallardo Ganuza O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Fr. Desiderio García Martínez O.Carm.
Third Councilor: Fr. David Oliver Felipo O.Carm.
Fourth Councilor: Fr. Vicente Aranda Guillén O.Carm.
23/2008-09-04
Meeting of Lay Carmelites of the Iberian Region
From 5 to 7 April there was a meeting of Lay Carmelites of the Iberian region in our guesthouse "Beato Nuno", in Fatima, Portugal. This festive occasion saw around 230 people from various Spanish and Portuguese Carmelite groups come together: tertiaries, members of Carmelite Youth (JUCAR), friars, members of prayer groups, ex students, etc. The Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral chaired the meeting, together with Fr. John Keating, General Councillor for Europe. Also present was Carmelite bishop Mons. Vitalino Dantas of Beja who presided at the Eucharist on 6 April.
The participants joined other pilgrims at the shrine for the torchlight procession on Saturday night and for the solemn Mass on Sunday morning at which the Patriarch of Lisbon, Cardinal José da Cruz Policarpo presided.
The lay people at the meeting reflected on their identity as Carmelites and on the theme of Mary, mother and sister, guided by Sr. Carmen Galera (HHVMMC) and by Fr. Desiderio García, O. Carm., of the Arago-Valentina province. The evaluation of the meeting was extremely positive and all the participants expressed a desire that the Carmelite Family should continue to grow and become stronger in the Iberian region.
24/2008-11-04
Chapter of the Castilian Province
During the Chapter of the Castilian Province held on 7-9 April 2008 were elected:
Prior Provincial: Fr. Miguel Angel Perez Gutierrez O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Federico Miguel Gallego O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Fr. Matías Tejerina Espeso O.Carm.
Third Councilor: Fr. Alfonso María Herrera Serrano O.Carm.
Fourth Councilor: Fr. Marín Antonio Lozano Moreno O.Carm.
25/2008-14-04
Assembly of the Provincial Commissariat of Bolivia
During the Assembly of the Provincial Commissariat of Bolivia (Mel) held on 11 April 2008 were elected:
First Councilor: Fr. Albert Brincat O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Fr. Milton Murillo Ortiz O.Carm.
26/2008-16-04
Chapter of the Catalonian Province
During the Chapter of the Catalonian Province held on 14-16 April 2008 were elected:
Prior Provincial: Fr. Raül V. Masana i Peiró O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Javier D. Garmón i Calvo O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Fr. Jordi Ma. Gil i Costa O.Carm.
Third Councilor: Fr. Joan Güell i Casademont O.Carm.
Fourth Councilor: Fr. Carles Ma. Lloig i Rodó O.Carm.
27/2008-17-04
“…Searching, testing, doing” – Forty years of the Titus Brandsma Institute
On 12 April a symposium took place in Nijmegen (Netherlands) to mark forty years of the Titus Brandsma Insitute in that city. The conferences were held in the local concert hall under the title “Spirituality: searching testing and doing”. Among others, the participants included the Bishop of Rotterdam, Mons. Adrianus van Luyn, who is also the president of COMCE (the Episcopal Commission of the European Union), prof. Bas Kortmann, Rector of the “Radboud Universiteit” of Nijmegen, of which the Titus Brandsma Institute is a part, as well as Fr Kees Waijman O. Carm., the current president of the Institute who gave the keynote conference on the famous speech of Bl. Titus when he was invested as Rector of the Catholic University of Nijmegen, entitled “Godsbegrip” (“the concept of God”), which enjoyed great success at the time.
The academic proceedings also included an interesting musical performance based on texts from St. Teresa and St. John of the Cross, as well as a theatrical representation based on the “Dialogue between the Soul and Scripture” of the 16th century Belgian Carmelite, Franciscus Amelry.
The Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, in his speech singled out the wonderful work of the Institute in developing a spirituality of dialogue, following the inspiration of Bl. Titus, a man of encounter and an apostle of reconciliation. He also emphasised that true spirituality is always humanising, and he congratulated the Institute and the Dutch Carmelites, wishing them many years fruitful service in this task.
28/2008-19-04
Assembly of the Federation “Mater et Decor Carmeli”, Spain
The Assembly of the Federation “Mater et Decor Carmeli” (10 monasteries in Andalusia, one on Canary Islands and two in Portugal), was held 8-14 April 2008 at Cordoba, Spain. The following were elected for the sexennium 2008-2014 :
President: M. Ma. del Mar Domínguez Castizo, O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. Ma. Belén Garrido Garrido, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. Ma. del Amor Gómez Martín, O. Carm.
3rd Councilor: Sr. Liliana Campos Rosa, O.Carm.
4th Councilor: Sr. Ma. Dolores Garrido Garrido, O.Carm.
5th Councilor: Sr. Ma. Lourdes Santos Álvarez, O.Carm.
29/2008-23-04
Appointments
Appointment of the Representatives of the General Council and the General Commission for Justice and Peace to the Carmelite NGO
The General Council has appointed Fr. Joseph Chalmers O.Carm. (Brit), Prior General of the Order from 1995 to 2007, as the representative of the General Council to the Carmelite NGO. The present Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral O.Carm., and his Council are very grateful to Fr. Joseph that after his immense contribution as Prior General of the Order he has accepted to carry out this service for the whole Carmelite Family. Fr. Joseph will enrich the Carmelite NGO with his huge experience of the Order.
The General Council has also appointed the Philippine Carmelite Fr. Gilbert Sabodo O.Carm. (Phil) to represent the Order’s General Commission for Justice and Peace on the Carmelite NGO and to facilitate communications between the Carmelite NGO and the commission members.
Both representatives will work with the Carmelite NGO to strengthen the Order’s participation in this important initiative, in cooperation with other groups within the Carmelite Family.
For more information on the Carmelite NGO see: www.carmelitengo.org
30/2008-23-04
Chapter of the General Commissariat of Portugal
During the Chapter of the General Commissariat of Portugal held on 21-23 April 2008 were elected:
Commissary General: Fr. Agostinho Marques de Castro O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Francisco José Rodrigues O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Fr. Ricardo dos Reis Rainho O.Carm.
Third Councilor: Fr. Henrique Martins O.Carm.
Fourth Councilor: Fr. Ismael Pereira Teixeira O.Carm.
31/2008-26-04
Vitam coelo reddiderunt (R.I.P.)
30-03-08: P. Patrick Burke, Hib
12-04-08: P. Gerard Schiphorst, Neer
22-04-08: Sr. Ma. Angelica Giaquinto, FIS
32/2008-27-04
Beatification of Mother Candelaria
Mother Candelaria de San Jose (born Susana Paz Castillo Ramirez), virgin and founder of the Congregation of the Carmelite Sisters of the Third Order Regular of Venezuela, will be beatified today, April 27 in the stadium of the Central University of Caracas, Venezuela. The ceremony will take place in Caracas, and will be presided over by Cardinal José Saraiva Martins, prefect of the Congregation for Saints' Causes, who will be the papal legate for the occasion. Also present will be the Prior General Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, the Councillor for America Fr. Raul Maravi and the Postulator of the cause Fr. Felip Amenos Bonet.
She was born Susana Paz-Castillo Ramírez in 1863. She enthusiastically welcomed the call of God to holiness, and since her youth, stood out in practicing living and effective charity, with which she cared for, consoled and healed the sick and wounded that strife had left on the streets of her birth city. Encouraged by Father Sixto Sosa, later bishop of Cumana, she consecrated herself to the service of the sick of San Antonio Hospital, founded in 1903.
Later, she began the foundation of a new religious congregation, dedicated to serving the poor. The congregation was definitively established in 1910 with the name "Congregation of the Sisters of the Poor of Altagracia de Orituco." Afterward, the congregation was affiliated to the Carmelite Order, and was called the Third Order of Regular Carmelites. Today they are known as the Venezuelan Carmelite Sisters or Carmelites of Mother Candelaria.
With great tenacity and enthusiasm, in spite of the economic straits of the congregation, and the general scarcity of resources, Mother Candelaria performed a widespread, attentive labour to those wounded by wars and the poorest sick people, showing a great trust in Divine Providence, and an intense love for the most needy.
Because of her ardent love for God and her generous and selfless surrender to the poor, under the direction of the bishops and in the company of the religious of her congregation, this new Venezuelan blessed is today an example of virtues, standing out among them, her living and intense faith in Jesus Christ, our only saviour; her union with and love for the Church, particularly the Venezuelan bishops, and her lively charity for the poorest.
33/2008-29-04
Beatification of Mother Candelaria of St. Joseph
As was already mentioned in a previous CITOC-on line, last Sunday, April 27, the beatification of Mother Candelaria of St. Joseph, foundress of the Carmelite sisters in Venezuela, took place in the Central University Stadium in Caracas. There was a huge crowd of more than 40,000 people in the stadium, and another 20,000 in another one nearby, who followed the ceremony on giant TV screens in thoroughly festive spirit.
Cardinal Saraiva Martins, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints and Papal Legate, presided at the Eucharist and in an emotional atmosphere read the decree of beatification, as a large portrait of Mother Candelaria was uncovered. The Cardinal was joined by numerous bishops from Venezuela, among whom the Archbishop of Caracas, Cardinal Jorge Urosa and the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Giacinto Berlocco. Also present were the Prior General, Fernando Millán Romeral, the General Councillor for the Americas, Raul Maraví, the provincials of Betica and Catalonia, the two provincial commissaries in Venezuela, Fr. Felip Amenos Bonet, until recently Postulator General of the Order, as well as numerous priests and religious, including the Venezuelan Carmelite Sisters with their Mother General, Sr. Evelin González, and a number of Discalced Carmelites.
The ceremony was transmitted live on all Venezuelan TV channels and news of it was on the front page of all the newspapers. At the end of the Mass, the bishops and representatives of the Carmelite Order were invited to a meal in honour of Cardinal Saraiva Martins which was held in the Venezuelan Bishops’ Conference premises.
We congratulate the Venezuelan Carmelite Sisters and the whole Carmelite Family for this truly memorable celebration.
14/2008-02-03
Carmelite Schools in the USA
The Secondary Schools Commission of the USA was held from February 21st through 24th at Salpointe Catholic High School in Tucson, Arizona. The meeting was attended by the presidents and principals of all five Carmelite high schools in the country. Also present were Raúl Maraví, O. Carm., General Councilor for the Americas; and Joseph Atcher, O. Carm., who is the Executive Director Office of Life Long Formation and Education in the Archdiocese of Louisville, Kentucky. During those days the group shared and discussed different joint projects for their institutions, and listened to an interesting lecture given by Fr. Atcher titled "A History of Sponsorship for Religious Communities, for Schools, and other Ministries". Likewise, this gathering was an opportunity to learn more about the International Carmelite Schools Commission recently created by the General Council, and the International Congress for Carmelites Schools that will take place in 2010.
15/2008-03-03
Nominations by the General Council
The General Council has nominated as Secretary General Fr. Mario Alfarano, O.Carm. (Neap): the nomination will become effective from June next, after the Provincial Chapter of the Neapolitan Province. In the past six years Fr. Mario was provincial of his province and has participated in various international commissions. Until June, Fr. Kevin Alban, O.Carm. (Brit), presently Bursar General – and Secretary General during the past six years – will continue to fulfil this role as acting Secretary General. The General Council would like to express its gratitude to Fr. Kevin for this service to the Order, which he fulfilled with great efficiency together with many other responsibilities.
Also, the General Council has nominated Fr. Ivan Hrusa, O.Carm. (BM) as General Archivist. Fr. Ivan is presently finishing his doctoral thesis at the University of Heidelberg and will combine his work for the Order with teaching at the Prontifical Biblical Institute in Rome.
The General Council has nominated Fr. Mark Attard, O.Carm. (Mel) Delegate for Studies within the Order. This office will replace that of the Delegate for Culture. His main task (besides that of coordinating the Carmelite libraries, which he already does) will consist in animating and giving direction in further studies, suggesting topics and places of study for tesine and theses in the universities and Roman faculties, putting the students of the whole Order in contact with specialists in Carmelite material. Moreover, he will evaluate and control, in dialogue with the respective provincials, the length of study time required for a licence or doctorate in Rome. Shortly, a letter will be sent to all provincials with a more detailed description of the role of the “Delegate for Studies”. The General Council wishes to thank Fr. Mark for his availability in accepting this service to the Order.
16/2008-06-03
General Curia Lenten Retreat
On Sunday 2nd March 2008 the members of the General Curia gathered for a Lenten day of retreat. Cardinal Tomás Spidlík, S.J. accepted the invitation to give the retreat. The vast experience and wisdom of this noted author of many books on spirituality enriched the Curia community leaving a lasting impression, deepening their preparation for Easter.
17/2008-08-03
Appointments: General Commissions
INSTITUTUM CARMELITANUM
Praeses: Giovanni Grosso
Librarian: Edison Tinambunan
Archivist: Emanuele Boaga
Resident researcher: Paul Chandler
CENTRAL COMMITTEE
Michael Plattig (GerS)
Jos Huls (Neer)
Paul Chandler (Aus)
Simon Nolan (Hib)
Salvador Villota (Arag)
Leopold Glueckert (PCM)
Emanuele Boaga (Archivist)
Edison Tinambunan (Librarian)
Joachim Smet (PCM) emeritus
GENERAL THEOLOGICAL
Giovanni Grosso (praeses)
Mark Attard (Mel)
Carlo Cicconetti (Ita)
Giuseppe Midili (Ita)
Conrad Mutizamhepo (Hib-Zim)
Christopher O’Donnell (Hib)
Aureliano Pacciolla (Neap)
Henricus Pidyarto (Indo)
Christian Körner (Communications)
Miguel Norbert (Carmelite Laity))
Raul Maraví (Schools and Youth)
Desiderio Garcia Martinez (Formation))
FINANCE
Kevin Alban (praeses)
Fintan Burke (Hib)
Jeffrey Cull (laico)
James Des Lauriers (Aus)
Cerineo Jaranilla (Phil)
Michael Kissane (SEL)
Mark McBride (TOR)
Gian Domenico Meloni (Ita)
Antonio Monteiro (Port)
Wilmar Santin (GerS-Para.)
Pierluigi Simoncelli (laico)
JUSTICE AND PEACE
Albertus Herwanta (praeses)
Eduardo Agosta Scarel (Cast-Arg)
Michael Agung (Indo)
David Blanchard (PCM)
Cees Bartels (Neer)
Boniface Makau Kimondolo (Cat-Kenya)
Gilbert Sabado (Phil)
EVANGELISATION
Desire Unen Alimange (praeses)
Antonio Silvio da Costa Jr. (Flum)
Francisco Daza Valverde (Baet)
Christopher Exala (Phil)
Cleophas Kakule (Ita-RDC)
Wilfrid McGreal (Brit)
Ronald Oakham (PCM)
Matteo Palumbo (Ita)
FORMATION
John Keating (praeses)
Mario Alfarano (Neap)
Günter Benker (GerS)
Quinn Conners (PCM)
Desiderio Garcia Martinez (Arag)
Dionysius Kosasih (Indo)
Giampiero Molinari (Ita)
Vitalis Benza (Hib-Zim)
Romualdo Borges de Macedo (GerS-Par)
COMMUNICATIONS
Christian Körner (praeses)
Sebastian Benchea (Ita)
Anthony Cilia (Mel)
Regionals members
CARMELITE LAITY
Josef Jancár (praeses)
Giovanni Grosso (Ita)
Manuel Bonilla (Cat)
Francis Amodio (SEL)
Miguel Norbert Ubarri (TOC-Caraibi)
John Sugianto (TOC-Indo)
Sylvia Lucas (TOC-Brit)
Jennifer Wanjiku John (TOC-Kenya)
Renée Prieur (FMDD)
Daniele Pieri (La Famiglia)
Executive Secretary: Vladimira Polišenská (TOC-CZ)
Communications: Anita Renehan (TOC-Aus)
Formation: Rose Mary Lancellotti (TOC-SEL)
Apostolate: Amanda Rodrigues Jordão (TOC-Pern)
LITURGICAL ‘TASK FORCE’
Kevin Alban (Congresses)
James Boyce (PCM)
Giovanni Grosso (Istitutum Carmelitanum)
Giuseppe Midili (Ita)
John Keating (Formation)
SCHOOLS AND YOUTH
Raul Maraví (praeses)
Paul Cahill (Aus)
Carl Markelz (PCM)
David Oliver (Arag)
César Santamaria (Peru-laico)
Michael Troy (Hib)
Miguel Ángel Díaz Moreno (Baet)
ONLINE SECRETARIAT FOR THE NUNS
sr Marianna Caprio (VET)
sr Liliana de la R. Campos Rosa (ANT)
sr M. Elena Tolentino Zarzuela (BUR)
18/2008-13-03
Chapter of the Lower German Province
During the Chapter of the Lower German Province held on 9-14 March 2008 were elected:
Prior Provincial: Fr. Wilfried Wanjek O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Viktor Heger O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Fr. Andreas Scholten O.Carm.
Third Councilor: Fr. Pankraz Ribbert O.Carm.
Fourth Councilor: Fr. Josef Kemper O.Carm.
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of the Sacred Heart, Hudson, USA
The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of the Sacred Heart, Hudson, USA, was held 21-22 February 2008. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. Lucia LaMontagne, O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. Mary O’Neill, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. Gemma Angelo, O. Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. Mary O’Neill O. Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. Mary O’Neill O. Carm.
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of the Encarnación, Huesca, Spain
The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of the Encarnación, Huesca, Spain, was held 17-29 February 2008. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. Ma. Luisa Sanagustin Esperanza, O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. Carmen Ortiz Lorente, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. Ma. Blanca Barril Vicente, O. Carm.
3rd Councilor: Sr. Ma. Pilar Calvo Grasa, O.Carm.
4th Councilor: Sr. Ma. Pilar Ereza Monesma, O.Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. Ma. Blanca Barril Vicente, O. Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. Carmen Ortiz Lorente, O. Carm.
Sacristan: Sr. Ma. Immaculada Ma. Avellana Gilabert, O. Carm.
19/2008-16-03
Lectio Divina Online
The official webpage of the Order (www.ocarm.org) turned eleven last month, after going through many different stages and developments, with hundreds of pages in three languages: English, Spanish, and Italian. The Webmaster of the page, Fr. Anthony Cilia, O.Carm. (Mel) is currently working on a new presentation of the page, this with the cooperation of Fr. Christian Körner, O.Carm (GerS), and Br. Sebastian Benchea, O.Carm. (Ita). They are all three members of the General Commission for Communications.
Among the services provided, the strongest area of our webpage is Lectio Divina. In fact, our indicators point out that every week about 4.000 users from around the world visit our page to pray or to download the Lectio in their own languages:
English [www.ocarm.org/lectio/lecteng2.php]
Spanish [www.ocarm.org/lectio/lectesp2.php]
Italian [www.ocarm.org/lectio/lectita2.php]
to use it privately or with groups. In reality, it is not possible to know where exactly our Lectio reaches and how many people make use of it, because the Word of God travels swiftly on the Internet, with no borderlines and in silence…
The Project of Lectio Divina Online began in 2001 with the cooperation of several Caremelites, then the texts of the Gospel for each Sunday were used. Last year, with the collaboration of Fr. Carlos Mesters, O.Carm. (Flum), among other Carmelites, the daily Lectio Divina Online was begun, commenting on the Gospel of the day. The great response that this initiative has met is very encouraging. This response has been expressed both through the many messages left in the guestbook of the webpage, and through personal messages passed on to the Carmelite in charge. We hope that the practice of our daily Lectio Divina will continue to spread not only among us the Carmelites, but also in every place where the Spirit wills.
20/2008-24-03
Chapter of the Betica Province
During the Chapter of the Betica Province held on 17-19 March 2008 were elected:
Prior Provincial: Fr. Rafael Leiva Sánchez O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Manuel Jurado Perea O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Fr. Pablo Herrasti Barbancho O.Carm.
Third Councilor: Fr. José Ramón Medina Madueño O.Carm.
Fourth Councilor: Fr. Francisco Daza Valverde O.Carm.
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of the Encarnación del Verbo Divino, Valencia, Spain
The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of the Encarnación del Verbo Divino, Valencia, Spain, was held 14th of March 2008. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. Ma. Sagrario Lorite Beltrán, O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. Ma. Auxiliadora Muñoz Lopez, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. Ma. Socorro Padin de la Vega, O. Carm.
3rd Councilor: Sr. Ma. Sacramento Callejo Marinero, O.Carm.
4th Councilor: Sr. Ma. Margarita Benítez Sequiel O.Carm.
21/2008-31-03
Vitam coelo reddiderunt (R.I.P.)
21-03-2008: P. Bernhard Hümmer, GerS
26-03-2008: Fr. Manuel Hurtado Ortíz, Baet (1959-1991 CISA, Roma)
29-03-2008: Sr. M. Sebastiana Pisu, Vet
01/2008-16-01
Council of Provinces
The General Council has decided that the XVIth Council of provinces will be held in S. Felice del Benaco from 4 to 12 September 2009.
The theme of the meeting will be decided in one of the next plenary sessions of the Council.
05/2008-01-02
News from the Provinces
During the Electoral Assembly at Aylesford on January 29th and 30th, the British Province elected:
Prior Provincial: Fr. Wilfrid McGreal
First Councilor: Fr. Joseph Chalmers
Second Councilor: Fr. Brendan Grady
Third Councilor: Fr. Antony Lester
Fourth Councilor: Fr. Francis Kemsley
The Provincial Chapter will be celebrated from 25 to 28 March 2008.
06-2008-05-02
Meetings of the General Council 2008
The Council has decided to hold plenary sessions on the following dates in 2008:
4 – 9 February
27 February – 8 March
2 – 7 June
10 – 26 September
1 – 19 December
07/2008-08-02
Grants from the General Council
In the course of its recent meetings, the General Council has examined several requests for financial help. Thanks to the generosity of the Society of the Little Flower, fundraising in Great Britain and Ireland, the Council is able to make grants totalling £ 450,000 (€ 622,000) in 2008 to the following provinces, commissariats and delegations:
Cameroon
Mozambique
India – Community of St. Thérèse
Pernambuco -
Colombia Delegation
Colombia Italian Province
Philippines General Commissariat
Democratic Republic of Congo
Zimbabwe Provincial Commissariat
Indonesian Province
Indian Province
08/2008-12-02
Celebration St. Andrew Corsini
Once again this year on the 4th February last, the Feast of St. Andrew Corsini was celebrated in the chapel dedicated to him in the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran. The Eucharist was presided over by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, and the music provided by the choir of the basilica. Besides the Chapter of the basilica and other priests, many of the faithful participated including Prince Corsini and various members of the family.
As in previous years, the Corsini family and the Corsini chaplain Mons. Franco Camaldo invited the Prior General, who was unable to attend, but delegated Fr. Giovanni Grosso, Postulator General, to represent the Order. Also present was Bro. Giovanni Frusteri of the Italian Province.
In his homily Cardinal Sandri considered the Carmelite saint, bishop of Fiesole, within an historical and religious context, using interesting references to the search for God typical of Carmelite spirituality.
09/2008-13-02
Carmelite Dictionary
Present at the launch of the "Dizionario Carmelitano" were the Prior General Fernando Millán Romeral O.Carm. and the Superior General, Luis Aróstegui Gamboa OCD. The academic presentation took place on 11th February at the Teresianum in Rome. Other presentations were by Fr. Camillo Maccise, OCD, who during his time as General together with former General, Fr. Joseph Chalmers O.Carm., encouraged and promoted this enterprise, also present the Director of the Editioral House "Città Nuova", Dr. Falmi, and the directors of the project Frs. Emanuele Boaga, O.Carm. and Luigi Borriello, OCD.
This is a unique work of its kind, aimed at those wishing to have information on the themes and persons of the world of Carmelite spirituality and culture in both branches of the Carmelite Family (Carmelites and Discalced Carmelites).
The publication is the result of much colaboration with contributions from 121 scholars from the Orders. Many of the articules are, in fact, written from both perspectives. The Dictionary comprises 323 articles (each one with bibliographical reference and often notes relating to the text). A helpful way to read these articles (pp XVII-XXII) is to see them within four larger contexts: 1. Juridic and institutional, in which are gathred all the articles of a legal and institutional nature and the various ways they apply; 2. History and Biographies; 3, Theology, Spirituality, Pastoral and Liturgical; 4, Various topics mainly those relating to the arts and culture. Furthermore, reading and research is helped by an analytical index set out so that each subject takes one on to other articles were the same subject is dealth with.
The Dictionary is a fine example of colaboration between the two religious families who have come together to illustrate their common patrimony. As such, this is an extensive work that has the merit of a clear style and language common to all the contributors. In fact, it is a text of remarkable usefulness not only for study but also for catechesis and pastoral work.
Those wishing to obtain a copy, at present only in its Italian version, should contact: Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo.
10/2008-17-02
Historic Ordination in France
On 2nd February last Yves de Sainte Marie Beaupere, O.Carm. was ordained at the Carmelite church of Notre Dame des Lumières, Nantes, France. It was an historic moment for many reasons. Yves was the first French Carmelite to be ordained to the priesthood, in France, for the Order since the French Revolution. The ordaining prelate was the Bishop of Nantes, Mons. Georges Soubrier.
Klaus Schenkelberger, O.Carm., General Delegate for France welcomed Yves’s parents and other members of the Beaupere family, also a very large congregation, including many local and religious clergy, the Abbot of Melleray and the Councilor General for Europe, John Keating, O.Carm. representing the Prior General.
This was a special moment not just for the new foundation in France, but very especially for the members of the two Carmelite communities at Nantes and Angers.
11/2008-24-02
Chapter of the Philippine General Commissariat
During the Chapter of the Philippine General Commissariat held on 14-18 February 2008 were elected:
Commissary General: Fr. Artemio D. Jusayan O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Christian B. Buenafe O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Fr. Modesto Malandac O.Carm.
Third Councilor: Fr. Rico Palaca Ponce O.Carm.
Fourth Councilor: Fr. Pedro M. Manilag O.Carm.
Electoral Chapter of Carmel of “Mary, Star of the Sea”, Tanay, Philippines
The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Carmel of Mary, Star of the Sea, di Tanay (Rizal), Carmel of Mary, Star of the Sea, Tanay (Rizal), Philippines, was held on January 15, 2008. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. Maria de los Angeles de Jesus, O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. Ma. Esperanza Cecilio, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. Maria de Jesus Hervas, O. Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. Silvana Cristina Gameiro, O. Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. Mary Grace Bruno, O. Carm.
Sacristan: Sr. Ma. Carmela Necodino, O. Carm.
12/2008-27-02
Translation of the remains of Fr. Engelbert van Visteren
On Tuesday 19 February the remains of Fr. Engelbert van Visteren were moved from the cemetery of San Francisco in Agusan del Sur, Mindanao, Philippines, to a chapel constructed in his memory by the local group of the Knights of Columbus. Fr Engelbert was killed in the Philippines in 1973 by a group of radicals while he was helping an ambulance to take away the body of a teacher who had been killed by the same group. The people of San Francisco remember Fr. Engelbert with much affection and respect. The General Commissariat “Titus Brandsma” of the Philippines is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the first Carmelites and this ceremony was a sign of gratitude to the Dutch Carmelites who began this mission in 1957.
The transfer of Fr Engelbert’s remains was an emotion-filled occasion: some of his Dutch confereres spoke, as well as a layman who survived the massacre. There were present: the Prior General, Most Rev. Fernando Millán Romeral, the Councillor General for Asia, Australia and Oceania, Very Rev. Albertus Herwanta, as well the recently reelected Commissary General, Very. Rev. Artemio Jusayan, many members of the Commissariat and various Carmelite Family groups in the Philippines.
13/2008-29-02
Vitam coelo reddiderunt (R.I.P.)
12-02-08: P. Leander Troy, PCM
13-02-08: Sr. M. Eucaristía Bueno Ramírez, CAN
17-02-08: P. William Smith, PCM
18-02-08: P. Anton Haarhuis, GerI
02/2008-20-01
News from the Provinces
In the Betica province, Fr. Rafael Leiva Sánchez was recently elected prior provincial. He was Councilor General from 2001 to 2007. The provincial chapter will be celebrated from 17 to 19 March 2008.
On 14 December, the chapter of the Upper German province elected Fr. Dieter Lankes to be prior provincial, to replace Fr. Christian Körner who was elected Vice Prior General at the General Chapter held last September in Sassone. Later the provincial council appointed Fr. Michael Plattig to be 4° councilor and Bro. Günter Benker to be assistant provincial.
On January 9th, the Province of Pernambuco elected a new Provincial Council:
Prior Provincial: Fr. Francisco de Sales Alencar Batista (reelected)
First Councilor: Fr. José Roberval Mendes Pereira
Second Councilor: Fr. João José Costa
Third Councilor: Fr. Sormani José Barbosa Lima
Fourth Councilor: Fr. Paulo Fernando de Moura
On January 15th, the Provincial Commissariat of Paraná, Brazil, elected:
Commissary Provincial: Fr. Francisco Manoel de Oliveira
First Councilor: Fr. Ivani Ribeiro
Second Councilor: Fr. Vilson Rech
Third Councilor: Fr. Edmilson Borges de Carvalho
Fourth Councilor: Fr. Güerino Mendonça
03/2008-22-01
Vitam coelo reddiderunt (R.I.P.)
21-12-2007: Sr. Agnes van den Hoek, BOX
23-12-2007: Sr. Anna Habermann, ERL
29-12-2007: P. Venanzio Orrù, ITA
04-01-2008: P. Brocard Connors, SEL
11-01-08: P. John Larkin, PCM
15-01-08: P. Frans Bos, Neer
15-01-08: P. Martin Farragher, HIB
04/2008-28-01
News from the Provinces
In the Catalonian Province, Fr. Raül V. Masana i Peiró was recently reelected Prior Provincial. The Provincial Chapter will be celebrated from 14 to 16 April 2008.
During the Provincial Chapter on January 24th, the Province of Rio de Janeiro elected at Belo Horizonte, Brazil, a new Provincial Council:
Prior Provincial: Fr. Felizberto Caldeira de Oliveira
First Councilor: Fr. Geraldo d´Abadia Pires Maciel
Second Councilor: Fr. Carlos Mesters
Third Councilor: Fr. Alberto Fernandes
Fourth Councilor: Fr. Alonso Gustavo Malaquias
New Statutes for the International Centre of St. Albert's (CISA)
Written by
The new statutes for the International Centre of St. Albert's (CISA) have just been published. They substitute the previous ones approved in 1989, which were based on the 1971 Constitutions. They are result of the work of an "ad hoc" commission and were reviewed by the community of CISA and the General Council. The General Council approved them during their 134th session on 15th October 2009. Very shortly the prior of CISA will send them to all Provincials, Commissaries and Delegates.
The Prior General says in his introduction that this Statutes will offer a profitable and useful help so that CISA continues to be a centre of reflection faced with the challenges of the modern world, an environment of culture and spirituality, and undoubtedly, the intellectual centre of our beloved Order.
The construction work on the new square in front of the Titus Brandsma Memorial Church, Nijmegen, began this April. The building work for the Titus Brandsma Monument together with the memorial wall was designed by the artist Arie Trum. It will bear the names of all the Carmelite communities from around the world. Located in front of the Monument will be the World Peace flame. The work on the construction will take two months.
The Dutch Province is happy that after many years of preparation they have now arrived at this point. Although the necessary funds are not fully to hand, a number of good friends have given a low interest loan in order to start the construction now. So help with the funding would be most welcome in order pay off the debt.
Beatification of the Ven. Angelo Paoli, Rome, S. John Lateran, 25th April 2010
Written byFor more information see:
More...
Provincial Chapter of the Province of Australia and East Timor
Written byDuring the Provincial Chapter of the Province of Australia and East Timor held on 25-30 April 2010 were elected:
- Prior Provincial: Fr. Denis Andrew, O.Carm.
- First Councilor: Fr. David Hofman, O.Carm.
- Second Councilor: Fr. Paul Cahill, O.Carm.
- Third Councilor: Fr. Bruce Clark, O.Carm.
- Fourth Councilor: Fr. Sean Keefe, O.Carm.
The words of Pope Benedict XVI follow the recitation of the Regina Caeli on 25th April 2010
Written by"This morning, respectively in Rome and Barcelona, two priests were beatified: Carmelite Angelo Paoli and Capuchin José Tous y Soler ...
Regarding Blessed Angelo Paoli, originally from Lunigiana who lived through the 17th and 18th centuries, I am happy to recall that he was the apostle of charity in Rome, given the title "Father of the poor." He dedicated himself especially to the sick in the hospital of San Giovanni, taking care also of convalescents. His apostolate drew its strength from the Eucharist and from devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, together with an intense life of penance. In the Year of the Priesthood, I warmly propose his example to all priests, and in a particular way to those who belong to institutes of active religious life."
Carmel is celebrating and thanking God for the gift of the Beatification of Fr. Angelo Paoli. This morning, 25th April 2010 during a solemn Eucharist in the Papal Arch-basilica of St. John Latern in Rome presided over by the Vicar of His Holiness, Cardinal Agostino Vallini, the representative of the Holy Father and Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Archbishop Angelo Amato, presided at the rite of Beatification.
Many members of the Carmelite Family fittingly represented many other sisters and brothers who were unable to come to Rome. Together with the bishops, concelebrating were the Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, O.Carm., the Councillor General for Europe, Fr. John Keating, O.Carm, the Prior Provincial of the Italian Province, Fr. Giandomenico Meloni, O.Carm. and a large number of Carmelite friars. Also present was the Carmelite bishop, Mons. Filippo Iannone, bishop of Sora-Aquino-Pontecorvo and Fr. Joseph Chalmers, O.Carm., former Prior General.
Ceremonies began with a prayer vigil for the Carmelite Family and numerous pilgrims from the birthplace of Blessed Angelo and from the Diocese of Massa Carrara-Pontremoli. Blessed Angelo, who in his service of God, the poor and the sick gave us an example of love, help us to grow in love for those in greatest need.
http://www.radiovaticana.org/en1/Articolo.asp?c=374950
The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Madrid, Spain, was held 14 April 2010. The following were elected:
- Prioress: Sr. M. Inmaculada Ochoa, O.Carm.
- 1st Councilor: Sr. M. Magdalena Carretero, O.Carm.
- 2nd Councilor: Sr. M. Pilar Augusto, O.Carm.
- 3rd Councilor: Sr. M. Brunilda Rodríguez, O.Carm.
- 4th Councilor: Sr. M. del Carmen Ruiz, O.Carm.
- Director of Novices: Sr. M. Brunilda Rodríguez, O.Carm.
- Treasurer: Sr. M. del Carmen Ruiz, O.Carm.
- Sacristan: Sr. M. Antonia Domínguez, O.Carm.
