The Carmelites of Australia & Timor-Leste were due to meet in Melbourne last July. Due to COVID lockdowns and travel restrictions it was decided that the Assembly should be held in 2 sessions, one in Timor-Leste and one in Australia. Last week almost 40 Carmelites gathered in Hera, Dili, from 15-17 September. Next week, Carmelites in Australia will gather on Zoom from 28-30 September.

The first day Fr Míceál O’Neill (Prior General) shared his reflections on Pope Francis’ Encyclical, Fratelli Tutti via video. The next two days were spent looking towards the future of the Province in terms of finances, present and new ministry projects and an increasing number of young Carmelites becoming available for ministry in the next few years.