In a world known for its callous disregard for the poor and downtrodden, the example of Angelo Paoli is a refreshing breath of air. Angelo cared so well for his unfortunate brothers and sisters that he was known as ‘Father Charity’ or ‘Father of the Poor’. Fortunately, he did more than just act as one kind individual – he was an excellent motivator, who set many wheels of benevolence in motion at the dawn of the 18th century.

Born in 1642 in Tuscany, Angelo joined the Carmelites in 1660. More story

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. Following his temptation in the wilderness, Jesus returns to Galilee, the region in which he had grown up. He sets about teaching in the synagogues, winning many admirers. Eventually, Jesus appears in his hometown of Nazareth and attends synagogue on the Sabbath as he usually did. Read more

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In John’s Gospel, Jesus begins his ministry in the warm and homely setting of a village wedding. Mary, Jesus and his disciples have been invited. In those days, it was the bridegroom's responsibility to provide the wine for the feast. Disaster strikes when the wine runs out. Jesus acts with kindness and compassion, saving the couple from acute embarrassment and ensuring that the wedding celebration can continue with plenty of ‘the best wine’. Read more

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The 2022 edition of the Carmelite Liturgical Guide is now available. The Guide integrates the 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.

pdf 2022 Carmelite Liturgical Guide [PDF]
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This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus. "This feast makes us rediscover the gift and the beauty of being a community of baptized, that is, of sinners — we all are sinners — saved by the grace of Christ, truly integrated, by the work of the Holy Spirit, in the filial relationship of Jesus with the Father, welcomed into the bosom of Mother Church, making possible a brotherhood that knows no barriers or borders." Pope Francis Read the Gospel for the Feast here.

You can download and save the scripture texts, reflections and prayers for Lectio Divina for each day of this month. Lectio Divina is a traditional way of praying the Scriptures. Visit our Lectio Divina page for more information about how to pray using Lectio Divina. Join our Lectio Online group every Friday at 10am (Australian Eastern Daylight Time) to prayerfully reflect on the coming Sunday's Gospel. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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The Carmelites of Australia and Timor-Leste wish you a very happy Christmas and thank you for your friendship and support throughout this difficult and challenging year.   

At Christmas we reflect on the mystery of 'God with us'
in the person of Jesus, born in one moment of time
so that God can be born in every moment of time through us.

May you and your loved ones have a safe, happy and blessed Christmas.

Happy New Year from the Carmelites of Australia and Timor-Leste! On New Year's Day we also celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. So, we begin the new year with Mary. May she accompany us throughout the year with wisdom and love on our journey into God’s heart.

May the New Year be filled with an ever deeper awareness of God's presence around us and in us. We continue to pray for all those affected by COVID-19 in Australia and throughout the world. May we reamin safe and continue to support each other. 

Our 3 novices, Brs Constantino Barreto Amaral, Moises Soares and Manuel Xavier Gonzaga, made their first profession of vows as Carmelites on 14 December. They made their vows at Mass in Hera, Timor-Leste at the end of their Novitiate year. Fr Carlito da Costa Araújo, Provincial Delegate for Timor-Leste, received their vows in place of Fr Paul Cahill (Prior Provincial) who was unable to travel to Timor due to COVID restrictions. Constantino, Moises and Manuel join our 29 other brothers in first vows. The total number of those in formation is now 37. Congratulations, Brothers!

The Carmelites of Australia & Timor-Leste are standing in solidarity, grief and prayer with all affected by the tragedy at Hillcrest Primary School, Tasmania, especially the parents and families of the children who have died or were injured. In the midst of their suffering and grief may they feel the loving support of us all. See a larger image.