O.Carm
Solemnity of Elijah, Prophet
20 July
Throughout St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, there are the statues of 34 founders of orders and congregations. On the side of the pier of St. Helena, housing the relic of the True Cross, stands the statue of Elijah the Prophet. The artist Agostino Cornacchini has Elijah pointing to the light entering the aspe. This was the third statue placed in St. Peter’s and was to honor the Order of Carmelites.
The inscription at the bottom of the statue reads: Cartouche - UNIVERSUS / CARMELITARUM ORDO / FUNDATORI SUO S. ELIAE / PROPHETAE EREXIT / A. MDCCXXVII. (The entire Carmelite Order erected this status to its founder in 1727.)
Controversy developed before the statue even reached its place in the basilica. Many denied the truthfulness of the claim of Carmelites that Elijah was their founder, certainly not in the same sense that the other thirty-seven statues around the basilica were founders.
Today Carmelites speak of Elijah, along with Mary, as an inspirational figure on whose experiences they partly base their spirituality. They had established themselves near the fountain of Elijah on Mount Carmel and now see their lives as in spiritual succession to that of Elijah.
To read more ...
Causa Nostrae Laetitiae
PROFESSIO TEMPORANEA
28-06-25 Fredrick Ouko Owino (Kenya) Kristi Mambo, Zimbabwe
28-06-25 Moses Mukhwana Wekesa (Kenya) Kristi Mambo, Zimbabwe
28-06-25 Matthew Mweu Wambua (Kenya) Kristi Mambo, Zimbabwe
28-06-25 John Kheri Madava (Bruna-Tanz) Kristi Mambo, Zimbabwe
28-06-25 Faustine Innocent Nh'umbili (Bruna-Tanz) Kristi Mambo, Zimbabwe
28-06-25 Ansbert Protace Mulaly (Bruna-Tanz) Kristi Mambo, Zimbabwe
28-06-25 Zeferino Massango (Pern-Moz) Kristi Mambo, Zimbabwe
28-06-25 Juvencio Eurico Alve'sta (Pern-Moz) Kristi Mambo, Zimbabwe
28-06-25 Gabriel Tomas Congolo (Pern-Moz) Kristi Mambo, Zimbabwe
28-06-25 Sulyvan A. J. Matsengune Nhane (Pern-Moz) Kristi Mambo, Zimbabwe
28-06-25 Simbarashe Matenzu (Hib-Zim) Kristi Mambo, Zimbabwe
28-06-25 Munashe Doctor Chimwamuchere (Hib-Zim) Kristi Mambo, Zimbabwe
28-06-25 Kudakwashe David Maposa (Hib-Zim) Kristi Mambo, Zimbabwe
10-07-25 Mary Magdalene Kimomo of St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi (Juja) Kenya
16-07-25 Rodrigo Alejandro Arroya Aguilar (PCM) Ciudad de Mexico
16-07-25 Reinaldo Mizael Quiróz Molina (PCM) Ciudad de Mexico
16-07-25 Edgar Alejandro Amaya López (PCM). Ciudad de Mexico
16-07-25 Adonis Enmanuel García Loáisiga (PCM). Ciudad de Mexico
16-07-25 Ricardo Alejandro Lineros Villarreal (PCM) Ciudad de Mexico
16-07-25 Juan José Martínez Hernández (PCM) Ciudad de Mexico
16-07-25 Juan Diego Muñoz Oliden (PCM) Ciudad de Mexico
PROFESSIO SOLEMNIS
05-07-25 Lloyd Champiruka (Hib_Zim) Kriste Mambo, Zimbabwe
ORDINATIO DIACONALIS
21-06-25 Luis Miguel dos Santos Lima (Flum) São Paolo, Brazil
21-06-25 João Wanderson de Oliveira Ossola da Cruz (Flum) São Paolo, Brazil
ORDINATIO SACERDOTALIS
21-06-25 José Lucas do Nascimento (Flum) São Paolo, Brazil
21-06-25 José Ivanildo Justino (Flum) São Paolo, Brazil
Celebrating At Home - 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
True Hospitality
(Luke 10:38-42)
Preparing food for a special occasion or a valued guest can be a daunting task. These days, it can also be filled with all sorts of traps as food preferences continue to change and various allergies appear.
In the story which Luke tells in this Gospel, it is obvious that Martha has gone to a great deal of trouble to welcome and provide for Jesus, the guest.
Pre-occupied with the serving and annoyed with Mary passively sitting at Jesus’ feet, Martha’s anxiety gets the better of her and she asks Jesus to intervene. In a way, Martha is like a well-intentioned host who prepares a full dinner of roast meat only to find that the guest is vegetarian! Perhaps true hospitality might have found that out before the meal was prepared. Perhaps true hospitality might have thought about what the guest has to offer, not only about what the host wants to provide.
So often in the Gospels the initial roles in a story get reversed. In this Gospel it seems that Jesus, the guest, has something to offer that Martha overlooks, but Mary recognises. Jesus becomes the host. And it is he who ends up doing the ‘feeding’, not Martha.
And, what of Mary? Apparently lost in listening to Jesus and oblivious to Martha’s need for help? It seems all wrong to us that Jesus praises her for choosing ‘the better part’. Jesus refuses to send Mary back to the kitchen. His reply can also be read as an invitation for Martha to leave her lavish preparations and to join them.
True hospitality for the disciple lies in getting to know and spending time with the Guest.
The position of this story in Luke’s Gospel, sandwiched between the parable of the Good Samaritan (the ideal disciple) and Jesus’ teaching about prayer, could suggest that both are needed – deep attention to the Word of God and robust action: hearing and doing the Word.
It could also suggest that hearing the Word comes first, followed by doing the Word in works of service. It may also suggest the importance of paying attention to making the right choice at any given moment – not to be so caught up in doing even good works that we forget to nourish our relationship with Jesus.
What it does clearly show, however, is that both men and women are called to discipleship.
Mary, the more marginalised figure in the story, offers the kind of hospitality that Jesus wants in a disciple: an open and listening heart.
- pdf Celebrating At Home - 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time [PDF](2.92 MB)
- default Celebrating At Home - 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time [ePub](3.36 MB)
- pdf Celebrando en Familia - XVI Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario(482 KB)
- pdf Celebrando in Casa - XVI Domenica del Tempo Ordinario(466 KB)
- pdf Celebrando em família - XVI Domingo do Tempo Comum(475 KB)
Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, July 16, 2025
Message Of The Prior General On The Occasion Of The Feast Of Our Lady Of Mount Carmel In The Jubilee Year 2025
"Mary, Mother Of Hope"
Brothers and Sisters,
Once again, we have the great joy of celebrating the solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel as a celebration of the Church and of the whole Carmelite Family throughout the world.
A Video Message for the Celebration of the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel – July 16, 2025 from Fr. Míċeál O’Neill, O. Carm., Prior General of the Order
Sisters and Brothers in Carmel,
Once again, we have the joy of celebrating the solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel as a celebration of the Church and of the whole Carmelite Family throughout the world.
IN SOLLEMNITATE B.V. MARIAE DE MONTE CARMELO
Flos Carmeli, vitis florigera,
splendor caeli, Virgo puerpera singularis.
Mater mitis, sed viri nescia,
Carmelitis esto propitia,
stella maris.
MÍCEÁL PRIOR GENERALIS
DOMUSQUE GENERALIS COMMUNITAS
16.VII.2025
Celebrating the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Bobo Dioulassou, Burkina Faso
The celebration of the solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel at Bobo Dioulassou, Burkina Faso began with a procession at 1700hrs and finished with Mass which ended at 2100hrs followed by a meal for all attendees.
https://ocarm.org/it/itemlist/user/654?start=280#sigProId8aa4bbb747
Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel
The Province of Australia & Timor-Leste had made a novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel available on its website for the wider Carmelite Family. The novena is in English.
For nine days before the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on July 16, we pray for the following intentions for all those in need throughout the world. The novena can be prayed at any time of the year for these intentions or for your own asking Our Lady of Mount Carmel to intercede and pray with us. You are invited to light a candle each day, reflect with the intention and prayer, and spend a few moments in silence with Our Lady. For more information, go to: https://carmelites.org.au/
- Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel
- Click here to download the prayers and intentions.
Major Events Throughout History That Took Place on July 16th
On the occasion of the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, we can look back at the major events throughout History that took place on July 16th.
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We would like to hear how others are celebrating the feast in their local communities or ministries. Please send a short writeup and pictures to the Communications Office (Questo indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo.).
A Video Message Of The Prior General
A Video Message Of The Prior General On The Occasion Of The Feast Of Our Lady Of Mount Carmel In The Jubilee Year 2025
Sisters and Brothers in Carmel,
Once again, we have the joy of celebrating the solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel as a celebration of the Church and of the whole Carmelite Family throughout the world.
We do so this year as part of the Jubilee celebrations and this gives added significance to our novenas, processions and liturgical celebrations because this year the late Pope Francis asked us to look at the hope that is in our lives and at the foundations of that hope, Jesus Christ and Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Because of them and what they represent we are able to live in hope with a hope that cannot disappoint. Jesus is the Incarnate Word of God. Mary is the handmaid of the Lord, ever obedient to his Word. Jesus, hanging on the Cross is the promise of resurrection, the victory over all that could hold us back. Mary stood and understood and without knowing what was happening, remained in hope and did not turn away as she saw her Son dying of crucifixion.
For Carmelites who read John’s account of that moment every year in our celebration, the message is very clear. We are not alone. Our hope is in Jesus Christ and in Mary. Our hope is also in our brothers and sisters. We must not lose hope in one another. While there are many things that are bound to disappoint us in what is happening at this time in the world, our hope in one another can still flourish as we recognise the work of God and the tenderness of Mary in those with whom we live. When we pray for peace we think of the thousands and thousands of people who are praying with us. When Elijah thought that he was alone, he soon discovered that there were seven thousand other prophets who had not bent their knee to Baal. (I Kg 19,18) Heaven’s gates are open, we are flanked by sisters and brothers like us, and we stand on the earth blessed by the feet of Jesus and Mary. We look down at the earth touched by our feet as pilgrims of hope and workers in the vineyard, walking in the direction of hope, moving away from all that speaks of death into a realm of hope through fraternity, prayer and service in the way that Carmel understands these three words. They say to us that a Carmelite life lived well, will always offer reason for hope for those who are willing to accept it.
I pray that our celebrations may increase our joy and our hope and lead many others to find that hope and joy in Jesus the Incarnate Word, in Mary the Mother of Jesus ever obedient to his word, and in the people who adorn each day of our lives, as brothers and sisters, pilgrims of hope.
Rome, July 5, 2025
Míċeál O'Neill, O. Carm.
Prior General
Message for the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mt Carmel 2025
Mary, Mother Of Hope
St. Teresa of Jesus ’de Los Andes’ (OCD), Virgin
13 July Optional Memorial in Latin America
Juana Fernandez Solar was born on 13th July 1900 at Santiago in Chile, to Christian middle-class parents. Two days after her birth, she was baptized. The example and the teaching of her parents were the foundation of her Christian education. She was confirmed on 22th October 1909 and made her First Communion on 11th September 1910.
On 7th May 1919, to the joy of her parents, she joined the Discalced Carmelite nuns in the city of Los Andes, taking the name of Teresa of Jesus.
A Carmelite Incunabulum from 1499
From the General Archives …
A Carmelite Incunabulum from 1499
The General Carmelite Library houses a precious incunabulum containing the Constitutiones Fratrum Ordinis Carmelitarum, edited by the Carmelite Giovanni Maria Polucci and printed in Venice on April 29, 1499, by the renowned printer Lucantonio Giunta.
The volume still displays the graphic and book features typical of contemporary manuscripts: on the opening page, in fact, we can see the beginning of the text in red ink, a calligraphic initial letter, a paragraph mark also in red, and the use of typefaces derived from Gothic script. The text is accompanied by an illustrative woodcut depicting the Annunciation [photo 1].
The same skilled woodcut artist is most likely responsible for the image preceding the opening page, which depicts the Vexilum Carmelitarum, supported by two angels, with the exquisitely crafted effigy of the Virgin of Mount Carmel in the center [photo 2].
The volume closes with a rich and detailed colophon providing information on the content, the printer, the place and date of printing [photo 3].
Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Province of Australia & Timor-Leste Make Our Lady of Mount Carmel Novena Available to Carmelite Family
The Province of Australia & Timor-Leste had made a novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel available on its website for the wider Carmelite Family. The novena is in English.
For nine days before the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on July 16, we pray for the following intentions for all those in need throughout the world. The novena can be prayed at any time of the year for these intentions or for your own asking Our Lady of Mount Carmel to intercede and pray with us. You are invited to light a candle each day, reflect with the intention and prayer, and spend a few moments in silence with Our Lady. For more information, go to: https://carmelites.org.au/
- Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel
- Click here to download the prayers and intentions.
Carmelite NGO Communications
One Page
Link to Main Site of the Carmelite NGO
One Page is a periodic newsletter from the Carmelite NGO. It keeps people up-to-date on the issues the NGO is advocating for.
To read or download One Page:
pdf One Page #2 - March, 2026(162 KB)
pdf One Page #1 - March, 2026(118 KB)
pdf One Page - February, 2026(95 KB)
pdf One Page - December, 2025(126 KB)
pdf One Page - October, 2025(116 KB)
News and Publications
“For a just transition from fossil fuels”. From carbon domination to the experience of communion
Vice President of the Carmelite NGO
Let’s imagine for a moment that the house where you grew up, the one that holds your most sacred memories, is starting to crack. These are not just stains on the wall; the foundations are giving way.
This is the image Pope Francis presented to us in his 2023 apostolic exhortation Laudate Deum (LD), in which he warned: “The world that welcomes us is crumbling and may be approaching a breaking point” (LD 2).
We are no longer talking about distant climate change or cold statistics; we are talking about a system in clear decline that undermines the sustainability of life as we have known it. For decades, our economy has functioned as if the goods of the earth (“resources,” some call them) were infinite, trapped in what the Church calls the technocratic paradigm (Laudato Si' (LS), 101), believing that unlimited power and consumption are the only way forward.
Carmelite NGO Urges Renewed Global Action on Poverty and Inequality at UN Social Development Meeting
I am writing this from the United Nations headquarters in New York just as the 64th annual meeting of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD64) approaches its conclusion. While here, I have attended various plenary sessions and side events.
A recurring theme during this year’s gathering was the importance of the Doha Political Declaration, the document that came out of the Second World Summit for Social Development, held in Doha, Qatar, this past November.
From the Silence of Belém to the Hope of Santa Marta: Reconfiguring Climate Multilateralism
— Eduardo Agosta Scarel, O. Carm.
Director of the Department of Integral Ecology, Spanish Episcopal Conference
COP30, held in Belém do Pará, Brazil, left behind a bittersweet taste. The Brazilian presidency managed to imbue the final document with a humanist narrative that recognized the rights of indigenous peoples, the vital importance of the Amazon, and the ecological debt derived from historical emissions. However, the summit once again stumbled over the usual obstacle: the consensus rule.
The result was a text that, despite its symbolic gestures, failed on two points essential to integral ecology. In terms of mitigation, the explicit reference to the need to abandon fossil fuels disappeared, replaced by vaguer goals of achieving carbon neutrality by mid-century. In terms of financing, although the scientific urgency of mobilizing $1.3 trillion annually was recognized, the political goal was set at a mere $300 billion, thus institutionalizing a financial gap that perpetuates injustice.
Carmelite NGO Presents at Socio-Environmental Dialogue for Peace: Adaptation and Just Transition
Ten years after Laudato Si’, the encyclical of Pope Francis that inspired a new environmental ethic and shaped the moral vision that accompanied the Paris Agreement, a renewed call emerges: there can be no lasting peace without harmony with nature.
At COP30 the organization Socio-Environmental Dialogue for Peace offered a meeting space to connect peace, climate adaptation, and a just transition, strengthening trust among communities, companies, and institutions. The objective is to move towards cooperation based on integrity and justice, reconciling people with one another and with the planet.
Carmelite NGO Has Active Presence at COP 30 in Brazil
The Climate Summit in Belém, Brazil: Just Another Summit?
— Eduardo Agosta Scarel, O. Carm. Director of the Department of Integral Ecology, Spanish Episcopal Conference
(Published in VIDA NUEVA digital, Monday, November 3, 2025)
From November 6 to 21 this year, COP 30 will be held in Belém, in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon. Ten years after the Paris Agreement, this climate summit transcends the usual diplomatic calendar to become an event of profound symbolism. As stated by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the summit will be an opportunity for the world to discuss the importance of the Amazon within the Amazon itself, listening directly to its peoples.1
The conference agenda is anchored in crucial mandates that will define the trajectory of global climate action for the next decade. It inherits from COP 28 the task of responding to the first Global Stocktake, which concluded that current efforts are insufficient to limit warming to 1.5°C and called for the submission of a new and more ambitious round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), or national climate action plans by February 2025. It will also need to build on the financial commitments established at the last COP 29, particularly with regard to the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), which will replace the target of $100 billion per year in aid to countries affected by climate change.
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