On account of the celebration of the 400 years since the death of Fray Jerónimo Gracián (Valladolid, 1545 – Brussels, 1614), the General Councils of the Carmelites and the Discalced Carmelites have put together a programme of commemorative events. On the 20th of September, a solemn celebration of the Eucharist will be held in Brussels, to be led by the General Superior of the Discalced Carmelites, Fr. Saverio Cannistrà, O.C.D. On the 12th and 13th of November, a congress will take place in Madrid, on the biography and spiritual profile of Fr. Gracián. On Friday, the 14th of November, also in Madrid, a solemn celebration of the Eucharist will be held, led by the Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, O.Carm. This celebration will mark the closure of the centenary.

At the same time, the two Generals are writing a joint letter, to be addressed to the Carmelite Family, to commemorate this important figure in the history of Carmel. More information about all these events will be given in later bulletins.

December 2013

Initium Novitiatus

• 08-12-13 Mary Lucy Nthule Mumo (MAC), Machakos, Kenya
• 08-12-13 Mary Assumpta Kamene (MAC), Machakos, Kenya
• 14-12-13 Cesaltino Dos Santos (Aust), Hera, Timor Leste
• 14-12-13 David Soares (Aust), Hera, Timor Leste
• 14-12-13 Juliao Dos Santos (Aust), Hera, Timor Leste

Professio Temporanea

• 14-12-13 Mª del Pilar del Espíritu Santo (VAL), Valencia, España
• 14-12-13 Inmaculada de la Stma. Trinidad (VAL), Valencia, España

Ordinatio Sacerdotalis

• 14-12-13 Anthony Trung Nguyen (SEL), Middletown, New York, USA
• 14-12-13 Praween Lawrence (STSA), Vellappilly, India
• 28-12-13 Jijo Augustine Mattappillil (Ind), Sleevamala, India

*foto: Ordinatio Sacerdotalis de Anthony Trung Nguyen (SEL), Middletown, New York, USA

The earliest Carmelites were to imitate the Jesus who was in the habit of going aside to pray, to be alone with God, his Abba.

Keith J. Egan