Today the Church begins a Jubilee Year of Mercy.
Pope Francis’ idea is that the whole Church will spend the year practising mercy at every level – from priests celebrating the sacrament of Reconciliation to people feeding the hungry and clothing the naked.
Christians are called to be the living presence of God in the world - people who uncover the face of God and the heart of God in the words and actions of their everyday life.
That's how Jesus is born, not only in one moment of history, but in every moment of history. Read more...
Today Brs Januario Pinto, Agedo Bento and Martinho Da Cruz Lemos returned to Timor to spend Christmas and the holidays with their families and Carmelite confreres. As well, Agedo and Martinho will do a 30 day retreat as part of the discernment process as they approach Solemn Profession (life commitment) in the Carmelite Order.
In their villiages, Januario, Agedo and Martinho will lead the Liturgy of the Word with Holy Communion and help the local parish priest during the very busy Christmas Season.
Their time back in Timor will allow them to re-connect with their families, culture and other young Carmelites there.
If you would like to support Januario, Agedo and Martinho in their Carmelite Formation, you can make a donation here.
The 2016 edition of the Carmelite Liturgical Guide is now available.
The Guide integrates in Carmelite Liturgical Calendar with the liturgical calendars of Australia and Timor-Leste to provide a guide to the Seasons, Solemnities, Feasts, Memorials and Carmelite celebrations for every day of the year.
The Guide also lets you know where to find celebrations in the 3 Volume edition of the Divine Office.
The Guide begins with Advent this year which marks the beginning of 2016 Liturgical Year in the Church.
Printed copies are available for $5.00 including postage from
Carmelite Communications
75 Wright Street
MIDDLE PARK VIC 3206
Newsletter of the JPIC Commission of the Carmelites in Australia & Timor Leste.
In this issue:
- Turning our hearts, minds and prayer towards Paris
- Preparing for the Paris Climate Change Summit with prayer and action
- Goals of the Paris Climate Change Summit (30 Nov to 11 Dec)
- Join the People's Climate Change March in your Capital City
- Prayerful Reflection
- Carmelite and Church Tradition supporting the work of justice
- Dates for your Social Justice Calendar
Welcome to the December issue of The Vine - our Lay Carmelite newsletter for Australia and New Zealand.
In this issue:
•Tributes to Fr Jim De Laurier RIP
•St Teresa of Avila Pilgrimage
•Canonisation of parents of St Therese of Lisieux
•Rockhampton retreat, receptions and first professions
•Coorparoo retreat and final profession
•Perth receptions
•New South Wales Lay Carmelites retreat in Wentworthville
Led by the Carmelites of Australia and East Timor, a group of 29 people participated in the Annual 40 km pilgrimage in the beautiful Yarra Valley.
The pilgrimage took place over three days and is the sixth Pilgrimage organized by The Carmelite Centre Melbourne. Pilgrims find the experience one of friendship, openness and warmth.
The Carmelites of Australia and Timor-Leste are united in solidarity and prayer with the people of France and victims of the terrorist attacks in Paris.
We remember also all victims of terrorism throughout the world.
May the Spirit of God calm hearts, bring comfort and guide responses.
On this day in 1991 more than 250 mainly young people were shot as they sought refuge in the Santa Cruz Cemetery, Dili. The pro-Independence demonstrators had begun a peaceful march from a local Church to the Cemetery. Pursued by Indonesian soldiers as they approach the Cemetery many sought refuge within its walls. An estimated 200 Indonesian soldiers opened fire on hundreds of unarmed civilians.
We remember and pray for the victims, their families and friends.
Today we remember all those Australian service men and women who gave their lives in the pursuit of freedom.
We remember those who mourn them and those who were left to battle on alone.
We remember those who returned home scared in body, mind or spirit and those who loved and supported them.
We remember courage, dedication, sacrifice, mateship and service.
We pray that the world may never again see the massive violence and loss of life experienced in world war.
When you order Christmas gifts from The Carmelites, you are not only giving the joy of Christmas to those around you, you are also helping children and young adults in East Timor go to school, drink clean water and get basic medical care.
Click on Read more to order your Carmelite Christmas Cards, Fr Matthew's beautiful CD and our special East Timor Organic Coffee.
