O.Carm
Carmelite Sisters Celebrate 100 Years of Affiliation
An Irishman signed the decree, 100 years later, another Irishman confirms it
Altagracia de Orituco, Guárico State, Venezuela, was the scene for the celebration of the centenary of the affiliation of the Congregation Hermanas Carmelitas de Madre Candelaria, to the Order of Carmel on February 1, 2025. The Congregation was founded by Mother Candelaria de San José in November 1903 and affiliated to the Order on March 25, 1925. In an historical coincidence, the Irishman Elias Magennis, as prior general, received the affiliation while 100 years later, another Irish prior general, Míceál O'Neill, O. Carm., confirmed the affiliation.
The fraternal, cultural, and religious sharing was not long in coming; in the “De la Cumaná” field the stage was set to achieve a real celebration. The faithful of the town came to be part of the celebration. With songs of praise, dynamics and dance presentations, the festive day began.
It should be noted that before starting the liturgical celebration, those present were able to learn a little more about the life of the second Venezuelan Blessed and the Carmelite family, thanks to the presentation of Fr. Luis Maza, O. Carm, General Councilor for the Americas. He highlighted the heroic virtues developed in Mother Candelaria.
“She had the infused Charism of Carmel from her beginning, since she took the name of St. Joseph who is the patron saint of the Carmelite Order.” He continued with great emotion, “She was an affable woman who listened to the voice of God in her interior; and also, the voice of the brothers and sisters in need.”
He added: “Carmel is a large family comprised of: friars, nuns, congregations of active sisters, hermits, and apostolic groups. We all live under the Rule of St. Albert as a “Gift of Jesus,” embracing the Gospel, being contemplatives in prayer, fraternity and service in the midst of the people. We strive to be a prophetic sign of justice and solidarity.”
Finally, he emphasized that: “An Irishman [Prior General Elias Magennis] signed the decree of the annexation of the Congregation to the Carmelite Order in 1925; and 100 years later another Irishman confirms it.” At the conclusion, the group moved into the celebration of the Eucharist.
Celebrating At Home - 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Blessings & Woes
(Luke 6:17, 20-26)
Over the next three Sundays we will listen to almost the whole of Luke’s Sermon on the Plain.
Luke has used Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount but changed and shortened it significantly. It is important to realise that both Sermons are more than only the Beatitudes which begin them.
In Luke, Jesus’ words are addressed to the disciples, not to the gathered crowd, so we might think of the sermon as a teaching about discipleship.
The whole of the Sermon is quite confronting and challenging, especially those verses which form today’s Gospel reading. The Sermon begins with four blessings and four woes.
At first glance it is very odd to call people who are poor, hungry, weeping and hated blessed, fortunate or happy. But we have to hear the words of Jesus in the context of the religious teaching and general thinking which belonged to his time. Then, it was generally thought that those who suffered these things were experiencing the effects of either their own personal sinfulness or that of an ancestor. Similarly, those with wealth, plenty of food and high status were considered blessed and rewarded by God.
In the beatitudes Jesus reverses this way of thinking and effectively says that the opposite is true: God is, in fact, on the side of the poor and suffering. They experience suffering through no fault of their own (e.g., sin), it is simply the situation in which they find themselves. As the woes (‘Alas for you…’) make clear, the rich have a great deal to lose. The poor and suffering are fortunate in Jesus’ view because they have a need which the overflowing generosity of God can fill.
They are in situations which attract God’s impulse to save. The Kingdom of God is already among them.
All things being equal, being wealthy, well-fed, happy and enjoying a good reputation are perfectly desirable. But in Jesus’ view all things are not equal. Often the poor are poor precisely because the rich are rich. The powerless suffer at the hands of those who have power and influence. ‘The rich get richer, and the poor get poorer’ is a saying that endures even to this day.
Throughout his Gospel, Luke has Jesus insist repeatedly on the need for his followers to embrace poverty and to be under no illusions about the danger of wealth. Those who remain possessed by their possessions and the privileges they bring are unable to receive the gift of salvation, but even they can join the blessed through their care of the poor.
- pdf Celebrating At Home - 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time [PDF](2.84 MB)
- default Celebrating At Home - 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time [ePub](2.19 MB)
- pdf Celebrando en Familia - VI Domingo del Tiempo ordinario(488 KB)
- pdf Celebrando in Casa - VI Domenica del Tempo ordinario(497 KB)
- pdf Celebrando em família - Sexto Domingo Do Tempo Comum(495 KB)
Leadership of the European Area Meet in Rome
Gathering together
An assembly of all the leaders of the European Area (made up of the provincials, commissaries general, delegates general and their delegates) took place at St Albert’s International College (CISA) in Rome on January 13 and 14, 2025. For the first time, this meeting also included the regional superior for the very distinct group of Carmelites of the St. Thomas Province in India living and ministering in Germany. This was the sixth meeting of the entire European Area since the General Chapter (of which four were in-person meetings in Rome and a further two meetings were held online because of the pandemic).
First Day: Reviewing the Past
The Eucharist to begin the meeting was celebrated by Tadeusz Popiela, O. Carm, the prior of St Albert’s. Reflecting the many nationalities of the Area, each session of the meeting began with one of the assembly reading the Jubilee Prayer in their own language.
During the meeting, the assembly discussed and evaluated the retreat and gathering for young Carmelites in Europe that had taken place in Nocera Umbra (Italy) the previous summer. Patrick Mullins, O. Carm., directed this retreat for more than thirty participants which included also a visit to nearby Assisi. Overall, it was seen as a very positive experience which many wanted to repeat. It was agreed that a gathering of the young Carmelites in Europe would be arranged for 2026 and, if possible, also on an earlier date.
The leaders of the European Area were also happy to hear of the various initiatives for the Jubilee Year and especially of the high numbers of “Expressions of Interest” that had been received for the Carmelite “Jubilee of Youth” Gathering in Rome in the summer of 2025.
As the European Area is divided into three (sub) regions (Italy-Malta, Iberia and North-Europe), the presidents of each of these regions (Joseph Saliba, David del Carpio Horcajo and Brendan Grady) presented a report on their region’s work with regard to the ministry of vocations, the care of creation and the other activities that were taking place within their region. During the meeting, time was also dedicated for each Regions to meet separately and examine their own issues.
Each leader present presented a report on what was going well in their province, general commissariat or general delegation, on the challenges that they are facing and on their initiatives for the Jubilee Year. It was particularly interesting to note how many of our churches (sanctuaries and shrines) had been designated as Jubilee Churches in the dioceses. Working in small groups, the assembly evaluated our Carmelite situation in Europe.
After these reports, the assembly discussed formation within Europe. They listened to the report sent by Alejandro López-Lapuente Villalba, director of novices, on the situation of the European international novitiate that takes place in the Convent of St. Andrew in Salamanca. Other provincials who have formation houses in their reality shared their situation with the assembly.
Day Two: Celebrating Jubilee & Partnerships
The leaders of the European Area met in the morning of the second day and made their Jubilee Pilgrimage through the Holy Door of the Basilica of St Peter’s. Following this, the prior general, Míċeál O’Neill, presided at the celebration of the Eucharist in the Irish Chapel of Saint Columbanus in the Vatican Grottoes of St Peter’s Basilica. During his homily, the Prior General described the mosaic behind the altar and noted that “it is the Gospel and the person of Christ that Europe has to rediscover in all simplicity and truth and we by placing Christ and his Gospel at the centre of our lives, can be the witnesses and the helpers in that quest.”
The prior general’s homily is being distributed along with this summary of the meetings.
After the Eucharist, the members visited the Church of Santa Maria in Traspontina where they met with the prior, Giuseppe Midili, O. Carm., and the other members of the community. Having visited the church and having heard of the expanded vision for Traspontina (as both a parish and also a place for welcoming all pilgrims especially members of the Carmelite Family who come to Rome), the group shared breakfast together.
Gathering once again in assembly, the participants listened to a presentation by the prior general on paternity and partnership. He noted how much the structure of the Order had changed since 1989, with a large numbers of formation candidates now coming from what were previously called the “emerging realities” of the Order. As time goes on, a necessary paternity (which guides the new and fragile realities) is gradually replaced by partnership (where entities want to work together for the benefit of each partner). Afterward the presentation, the leaders spent some time discussing the topic in both regional groups and together in full assembly.
The text of the prior general’s talk is being distributed along with this summary of the meeting of the leadership
In addition, the assembly reflected on the value of the annual European Area meetings over the last six years. They considered them to be very worthwhile. After some discussion, it was agreed to recommend to the General Chapter that they would continue to be held every year (during the next six-year period) rotating between Rome and a location elsewhere. Apart from the forthcoming General Chapter, the date for the next meeting of the European Area was fixed for January 2026 in Rome. The meeting concluded with the singing of Flos Carmeli.
Read here the pdf Thoughts and Reflections for the Meeting of the European Area(112 KB) by the Prior General, Míċeál O'Neill, O. Carm.
Vitam Coelo Reddiderunt
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28-01-24 |
02-06-37 |
12-10-63 |
12-10-67 |
Triennial Chapter of the Carmelite Nuns in Sutri Held
Triennial Chapter of the Carmelite Nuns of SS.ma Concezione Monastery in Sutri, Italy Held
The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of the SS Concezione in Sutri (Italy) was held on February 2, 2025, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple.
The monastery was founded in 1515 or, possibly 1489 by the Carmelites of the Congregation of Mantua who had a house of the Congregation in Sutri. St. Paul of the Cross, the founder of the Congregation of the the Passionists, gave spiritual exercises and meditations at the monastery. In 1641 Sr. Clara Androsilla and other sisters founded the Veliternine monastery.
More recently, the nuns of the Carpineto Romano monastery came to help restore the community of Sutri which was close to closing.
The monastery belongs to the S.M. Maddalena de' Pazzi Federation.
The following nuns were elected:
Prioress | Priora | Priora:
Sr M. Martina del Sacro Cuore, O. Carm.
1st Councilor | 1ª Consejera | 1ª Consigliera:
Sr Teresa di Gesù Bambino, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor | 2ª Consejera | 2ª Consigliera:
Sr M. Francesca Romana della Redenzione, O. Carm.
Treasurer | Ecónoma | Economa
Sr Teresa di Gesù Bambino, O. Carm.
Formator | Formadora | Formatrice
Sr M. Martina del Sacro Cuore, O. Carm.
Triennial Chapter of the Carmelite Nuns in Hudson Held
Triennial Chapter of the Carmelite Nuns of Sacred Heart Monastery in Hudson, Wisconsin Held
The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of the Sacred Heart in Hudson, Wisconsin (USA) was held on January 7, 2025. Bishop James Powers of Superior presided.
The Carmel of the Sacred Heart was established in the Diocese of Superior by the Carmel of Allentown in August 1963. It celebrated its 60th anniversary on July 16, 2023.
The website for the monastery is carmelofthesacredheart.com
The following nuns were elected:
Prioress | Priora | Priora:
Sr Patricia Erickson, O. Carm.
1st Councilor | 1ª Consejera | 1ª Consigliera:
Sr Sheryl Guzek, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor | 2ª Consejera | 2ª Consigliera:
Sr Grace Rocha, O. Carm.
Treasurer | Ecónoma | Economa
Sr Lucia LaMontagne, O. Carm.
Formator | Formadora | Formatrice
Sr Lucia LaMontagne, O. Carm.
Celebrating At Home - 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Here I Am, Send Me
(Luke 5:1-11)
As if to balance the rejection Jesus experienced in last week’s Gospel, this week’s episode tells two stories of people who welcome his message.
Firstly, an enthusiastic crowd has gathered on the shore of the lake, eagerly pressing forward to hear Jesus’ teaching. Jesus seems to be in danger of being crushed or at least being pushed into the sea! He takes the unusual step of teaching from Simon’s boat.
Secondly, Luke tells us that Simon and his companions are washing their nets on the shore as Jesus teaches, no doubt listening to what he has to say at the same time.
When Jesus finishes his teaching he asks Simon to put out into deep water and prepare for a catch. Simon protests: if they caught nothing all night, the best time for fishing, what hope was there of a good catch during the day? Anyway, what would a craftsman like Jesus know about the art of commercial fishing?
Nevertheless, Simon does as Jesus asks and an extraordinary abundance of fish is caught - enough to almost sink two boats.
Overwhelmed by the huge catch, Simon sense both the presence of the Divine and his own unworthiness and begs Jesus to leave him.
Jesus’ words to him are both a call and a commission.
From now on it will not be fish destined to be killed, but living people that Simon and his companions will catch and draw into the community of disciples.
Amazingly, Simon Peter, James and John abandon their thriving business, leaving everything behind, nets, boats and employees, and follow Jesus.
These new disciples of Jesus will use the Word of God to lure men and women to bring about their transformation to new life in Christ. The miraculous catch of such a huge number of fish seems to indicate that a vast number of people will find the way of Life in the preaching of the apostles.
Our call as disciples is not only to personal holiness but also to partnership with Christ in transforming the world and its peoples with words and actions of justice, peace, integrity, forgiveness, mercy, tolerance, hope and love.
First we must allow ourselves to be caught and taught by Jesus. The response that is asked for, it seems, is to be prepared to give up everything in our quest to know Jesus. In spite of our sinfulness, sense of unworthiness and lack of faith in ourselves, it is a call to trust in God’s choice of us and in God’s faith in us.
- pdf Celebrating At Home - 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time [PDF](3.51 MB)
- default Celebrating At Home - 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time [ePub](3.13 MB)
- pdf Celebrando en Familia - V Domingo del Tiempo ordinario(957 KB)
- pdf Celebrando in Casa - V Domenica del Tempo ordinario(967 KB)
- pdf Celebrando em família - Quinto Domingo Do Tempo Comum(968 KB)
Liturgy & Prayer Congress (May 2025) - UPDATE!
We are happy to announce that the program for the Liturgy & Prayer Congress in 2025 has just been released. This international Congress will take place in the Carmelite center (Istituto Madonna del Carmine “Il Carmelo”, Sassone) just outside of Rome. It begins on the evening of Monday, May 5th at 7pm and finishes after lunch on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
The overall theme of the Congress is “Encountering the Risen Lord: Liturgy and Prayer in Carmel Today”
The primary focus of the Congress is more pastoral than academic. It is open to all members of the Carmelite Family, that is, friars, enclosed sisters, members of the affiliated congregations and lay Carmelites and all those interested in knowing more about Carmelite Liturgy.
The Congress has been organized in response to Pope Francis’ call for a serious, dynamic and authentic liturgical formation (Desiderio desideravi , 31, 62) noting in particular the essential relationship between “formation for the Liturgy and formation by the Liturgy” (Desiderio desideravi , 34). And so, the congress is for all those who have an interest in exploring and understanding the beauty of Carmel’s prayer and liturgy so that it can be authentically carried forward in this generation as a means of transformation.
Places can still be reserved by completing and returning the Reservation Form (which is available from Sig.ra Emanuela Montagner, Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo.). The cost is €575 per person based on a single room.
To read or download the pdf Program for the Liturgy & Prayer Congress(7.95 MB) ...
Lectio Divina February, 2025
Opening Prayer
All-powerful and ever-living God, direct your love that is within us, that our efforts in the name of your Son may bring mankind to unity and peace.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Blessed Archangela Girlani, Virgin
29 January | Optional Memorial in the Italian Provinces
Bl. Archangela Girlani was born Elanor Girlani in 1460 at Trino, on Monte Ferrato in northern Italy to a noble family. Having her early education with the Benedictines, she had intended to become a Benedictine nun but on her way to the convent, her horse refused to take her there. She interpreted this as a sign and along with her two sisters, Maria and Frances (Scholastica), she took the Carmelite habit in the monastery of Parma in 1477 at the age of 17 where she took the name Archangela. She eventually became prioress of the monastery at Parma, and then prioress at the new foundation at Mantua from 1492 until her death. She was reported to have the gifts of ecstasies, levitation and miracles. She was often seen rapt in ecstasy while meditating on the mysteries of the faith.
It is written in an old manuscript that Blessed Archangela lived her religious life so intensely that, just as the monastery was entitled "Saint Mary in Paradise", she and the other nuns, even though still here on earth, lived as if already absorbed into heaven.
She became fatally ill in her third year as prioress of Mantua. Strengthened with the Sacraments and with her eyes fixed on an image of the Crucified Christ, she repeated her frequently uttered words, 'Jesus, my Love’ and peacefully gave up her soul on January 25, 1495. The religious honors which had been publicly rendered to her were examined by the Sacred Congregation of Rites, and approved by Pope Pius IX who granted that an Office should be recited in her honor.
PRAYER
Father in heaven,
you gave the virgin Blessed Archangela Girlani
particular dedication to the mystery of the eternal Trinity.
Through her prayers may we taste the delights of your glory already here on earth,
and look upon you for ever in heaven.
Through our Lord.
