The 2026 edition of the Carmelite Liturgical Guide is now available.

Pope Leo has appointed Fr Joshy Pottackal, OCarm., auxiliary bishop of Mainz, Germany.

On this last Sunday of the Church’s year we celebrate the Feast of Christ, the King. Today is a day to give thanks to God for all the blessings received during the past year. Most of all, we thank God for the great gift of his son. We celebrate Christ as King of the Universe and look forward to the coming of his kingdom in all its fullness at the end of time.

Relative, friends and members of the Carmelite Family gathered at Hera, Timor-Leste, to celebrate the Solemn Vows (life-long commitment) of Brothers Paulo Martins De Araújo, Celestino Soares, Elias Soares Sin, João Fernando Cabal, Fernando Gusmão and Samuel Lopes on 20 November.

On this last Sunday of the Church’s year we celebrate the Feast of Christ, the King. Today is a day to give thanks to God for all the blessings received during the past year. Most of all, we thank God for the great gift of his son. We celebrate Christ as King of the Universe and look forward to the coming of his kingdom in all its fullness at the end of time.

Six Carmelites will make Solemn Profession in Timor-Leste on 20 November.

Pope Leo has appointed Carmelite, Archbishop Filippo Iannone, Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, the post he himself held before his election as Pontiff.

On the 9 days before the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (16 July), 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. The prayers and images below can be downloaded pdf here.

The Carmelites of Australia and Timor-Leste are excited to share a new collection of inspirational social media images for this Jubilee Year — a sacred time of hope, renewal and grace. Inspired by Pope Francis’ call to “hope that does not disappoint” (Spes Non Confundit – Romans 5:5), these bold, uplifting quotes bring the heart of the Jubilee message into our daily lives and digital spaces.

Given during Jesus’ last meal with his disciples, these words begin what is called The Farewell Discourse in John’s Gospel (13:31-17:26). They are Jesus’ last words to his disciples before his death.

It’s a great blessing to have an abundance of vocations, at least until you run out of room for any more!

"In the heart of suffering, we find the gentle whisper of God’s presence." As Carmelites, we are called to a life of prayer, contemplation, and compassion, walking alongside those who suffer, as Mary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, did at the foot of the Cross.

As if to balance the rejection Jesus experienced in last week’s Gospel, this week’s episode tells two stories of people who welcome his message.

Firstly, an enthusiastic crowd has gathered on the shore of the lake, eagerly pressing forward to hear Jesus’ teaching. Jesus seems to be in danger of being crushed or at least being pushed into the sea! He takes the unusual step of teaching from Simon’s boat.

Today’s Gospel tells us the story of the presentation of Jesus in the Temple. During the presentation, two holy people, Simeon and Anna, witness to Jesus as the “light of the nations”. So, it is the Church’s custom to celebrate this feast with the blessing and lighting of candles - a reference to the Christmas theme of light. The candles can serve as a reminder that Christ, our Light, is always present with us.

Homecomings can turn out to be very mixed events. Initial warmth and welcome can turn, surprisingly quickly, to doubt, antagonism and rejection.

In the Gospels for this Sunday and next, Luke tells the story of Jesus’ visit to his hometown of Nazareth.

Join Us in the Year of Jubilee 2025!

The Carmelites of Australia and Timor-Leste are excited to embrace the call of Pope Francis as we celebrate the Year of Jubilee 2025, a time for renewal, hope, and unity in faith. This extraordinary year, guided by the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”, reminds us of the enduring power of Christ's love in a world yearning for peace.

On this World Mission Day, 20 October 2024, the Carmelites of Australia and Timor-Leste are inspired by Pope Francis’ message, “Go and invite everyone to the banquet” (Mt 22:9).

Pope Francis has calls today, 7 October, a day of prayer and fasting for peace.

On the 9 days before the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (16 July), 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. The prayers and intentions can be downloaded pdf here.

Traditionally, the prophets in the Bible had a pretty tough time. Many experienced rejection and persecution and even death. The first reading tells part of the story of Ezekiel’s call to be a prophet.