Friars, Lay Carmelites and representatives of our ministries in Australia and Timor-Leste will gather in Melbourne from 22 to 26 April for a Provincial Assembly.
Chair of the Preparatory Commission for the Assembly, Matthew Tonini OCarm, said, “Inspired by Jesus’ call to ‘cast our net’ we seek to gather together to know one another better and to know who we are together. We seek to listen, name and reflect on the questions that are arising in our Carmelite communities across Australia and Timor Leste at this time. In listening and discerning, facilitated by Tony Clark FMS, we hope to seek directions for the Carmelite Family in Timor Leste and Australia in collaboration with the recent review (canonical visitation) by General Councillors from our International Council for the Carmelite Order. The discernment of the Assembly will lay important foundations for our electoral Provincial Chapter to be held in 2025.”
Among those attending are friars from all of our Carmelite communities as well as delegates from our Lay Carmelite communities. Leaders from the parish communities and schools where Carmelite communities minister will also be attending. Among these delegates will be representatives of Third Order Carmelites and Carmelite Youth (JUCAR) in Timor-Leste.
Please join us in prayerfully remembering the Assembly as we pray:
Lord Jesus Christ,
we ask you to guide and direct us
toward our 2024 Provincial Assembly
with a spirit of love, enthusiasm, inclusivity and creativity.
May we be inspired by a shared hope
to journey together in communion, participation and mission.
Lead us in friendly and spiritual conversation,
sharing from our living experiences,
and walking in your footsteps with
Mary, our sister in faith and
Elijah, our brother prophet.
In our zeal, reveal and transform our strengths and weaknesses,
making us true disciples, who proclaim your gospel of life.
Through our Assembly,
encourage us to find time to be still,
to trust in your presence,
and to discern the right direction for our future
as your disciples who walk together
as brothers and sisters in Carmel.
