The feast of the Ascension commemorates the return of Jesus to the Father. Jesus leaves in body but remains with us through the gift of the Spirit. We will celebrate the gift and presence of the Holy Spirit in next Sunday’s feast of Pentecost.

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The Carmelites in Australia and Timor-Leste welcomed today the release of the ACSL Safeguarding Audit report which found a ‘strong commitment to child safety across the religious institute’s operations’.

In what is thought to be one of the highest audit results achieved, Dr Ursula Stephens, Australian Catholic Safeguarding Limited’s CEO, said that the Carmelites “were able to demonstrate that 97 per cent of the NCSS criteria and indicators relevant to the institute were either fully implemented, or substantially progressed at the time of audit.”

This Gospel begs us ask ourselves if we are truly people who remember Jesus and allow his Spirit to shape our words, thoughts and actions so that he may remain present to us and to those around us.

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Just as Jesus has been God’s love in action in the world, so now, the disciples must be. The indispensable nature of abiding in love is underlined by the use of ‘commandment’. It is through their mutual love that all will recognise them as disciples of the One who loved even to laying down his life.

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'The Cross for me is Joy' is the title of a letter by Carmelite Prior General, Fr Míċeál O’Neill, marking the Canonisation of Titus Brandsma. In the letter, Fr Míċeál draws attention to Brandsma's life and ministry as a witness to the truth, a Carmelite, a peace-maker, journalist, gentle person who shared with Jesus the journey to the Cross. 

pdf The Cross for me is Joy

Join local celebrations in Australia and Timor-Leste for the Canonisation of Saint Titus Brandsma:

In anticipation of huge crowds for the Canonisation celebrations, the Carmelites in Timor-Leste are resurfacing the open-air gathering space at our Community in Hera, Dili. Mass celebrating the Canonisation will be held on Sunday 15 May at 4pm at Santo Elias, Rua Sarin Makoko, Hera, Dili.

Carmelite Communications has produced a limited edition set of 6 cards commemorating the Canonisation of St Titus Brandsma. You can order individual cards or the whole set. Suggested donation to help with costs: $2 per card or $10 per set, including postage. Order your cards today to avoid disappointment.

Caroline Weijers, Ambassador of the Netherlands to the Holy See, paid tribute to Titus Brandsma during an interview with Vatican News. The Ambassador spoke about the heroic witness of Fr Brandsma, whose example and legacy can continue to inspire people of all faiths. The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Holy See has organized a conference looking at the role Titus Brandsma played in promoting human rights, freedom of the press, and giving the ultimate sacrifice of his life for these values. You can listen to the interview below (6:21 mins).