36 Friars, Lay Carmelites and representatives of our ministries in Australia and Timor-Leste gathered in Melbourne this week for a Provincial Assembly. 

Among those attending were friars from all our Carmelite communities as well as delegates from our Lay Carmelite communities. Leaders from the parish communities and schools where Carmelite communities minister also attended. Among these delegates were representatives of Third Order Carmelites and Carmelite Youth (JUCAR) in Timor Leste.

The Assembly began with the presentations of symbols representing each of the communities and ministries of the Province. Message sticks, flags, pictures, crosses, Timorese tais (woven cloths), a dhari (Torres Strait Islander dancer's headdress) and a miniature traditional Timorese sacred house were among the symbols.

Taking as its theme the command of Jesus to ‘cast your net to the right side,’ the Assembly aimed to reflect on various issues from a different perspective. We were invited to ask ‘what’s possible?’, not ‘what’s wrong?’ Topics included: Sharing the good news of Carmelite life and ministry, acknowledging shared challenges and opportunities, values, strengths and calls of the Spirit for the Carmelite Family. Ministry and service, community life, vocations and formation and government and structures were also a special focus for the friars. The final part of the Assembly looked to discerning directions and priorities for the next Provincial Chapter which will be in 2025.

 More photos below.