Our August JPIC newsletter highlights the importance and value of media productions which portray values in the spirit of the gospels. JPIC Team member, Peter Thomas, was recently invited to be part of a panel to judge documentary films from around the world and shares with us his insights and choices.
As well, the Australian Plenary Council to be held in October is fast approaching and in this newsletter we take the opportunity to draw attention to, and invite your prayerful consideration of, just one aspect of the many important points which will be central to the discussions.
The COVID lockdowns across our country have plunged us back into a world of fear, uncertainty and anxiety. When we experience this kind of anxiety we usually look for two things: someone to blame and someone to be our saviour. The people of Jesus’ time knew exactly who was to blame for their plight: the Romans occupying their land. They looked for a messiah to rid them of the Romans and restore the land to them. But the Messiah they got what not the Messiah they expected, or even wanted. Jesus comes armed not with spears and clubs, but with bread. Read more
Celebrating At Home 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time [PDF]
Celebrating At Home 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time [ePub]
Born in Bolsward (The Netherlands) in 1881, Blessed Titus Brandsma joined the Carmelite Order as a young man. Ordained a priest in 1905, he earned a doctorate in philosophy in Rome. He then taught in various schools in Holland and was named professor of philosophy and of the history of mysticism in the Catholic University of Nijmegen. He was noted for his constant availability to everyone. He was a professional journalist, and in 1935 he was appointed ecclesiastical advisor to Catholic journalists. Both before and during the Nazi occupation of The Netherlands he fought, faithful to the Gospel, against the spread of Nazi ideology and for the freedom of Catholic education and of the Catholic press. He was arrested and sent to a succession of prisons and concentration camps where he was killed at Dachau. More story | pdf Liturgy for today.
Pope Francis has proclaimed the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated on the fourth Sunday in July each year – July 25 in 2021. The Day is marked near the feast of Sts Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. The Pope's message begins, “I am with you always” (Mt 28:20): this is the promise the Lord made to his disciples before he ascended into heaven. They are the words that he repeats to you today, dear grandfathers and grandmothers, dear elderly friends. “I am with you always” are also the words that I, as Bishop of Rome and an elderly person like yourselves, would like to address to you on this first World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly. The whole Church is close to you – to us – and cares about you, loves you and does not want to leave you alone!" Read more
Carmelites celebrate the memory of Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of Mary, today. Very early in the history of the Order feast days for both Joachim and Anne were added to the Carmelite Liturgical Calendar. Early Christian and Carmelite traditions saw in Anne one who helped form in Mary a heart open to God. Joachim is portrayed as a just man more interested in helping the poor than in amassing a fortune for himself.
Pope Francis has also made this day one of celebrating and praying for Grandparents and the Elderly. Read more
July 24, 2021 marked the 450th anniversary of the death of Blessed John Soreth. He was a reformer, spiritual writer and the founder of both the Carmelite Nuns and the Lay Carmelite Third Order. He was born near Caen in Normandy in 1394 and entered the Carmelite house there. Ordained priest around 1417, he became a doctor of theology in Paris in 1438 and then regent of studies there. He was Provincial of the French Province from 1440-1451 and Prior General of the Order from 1451 until his death. He was unflagging in his efforts at renewal, during what was an especially critical period for both the Church and the Order.
In 2020 the Carmelites began operating a new charity organisation called Carmel Impact. The charity continues the Carmelites previous work supporting individuals and communities in Timor-Leste, with a specific focus on education and youth. On 22 June, Fr Paul Cahill, Prior Provincial and Chair of the Board, officially launched Carmel Impact’s first annual report during an online webinar to mark the event. Mayra Walsh, the Community Development Coordinator, provided an overview of the program’s achievements in 2020, while Fr Agostinho Exposto gave an update about the Covid-19 situation and more recent activities in Timor. More story...Read the Report...Watch the video
With around 13 million people now in lockdown food has become a national obsession. At the beginning of a lockdown there is inevitably a rush on non-perishable food, fresh fruit and vegetables and, you guessed it, toilet paper. Fruit and vegetable prices are on the rise due to the effects of drought, bushfire and a reduced harvesting workforce. Food insecurity is becoming a big issue especially for those on low incomes. Food is very much at the heart of this Sunday's Gospel about Jesus feeding the 5,000. Once again, Jesus is deeply conscious of the human needs of others. Read more
Celebrating At Home 17th Sunday of Ordinary Time [PDF]
Celebrating At Home 17th Sunday of Ordinary Time [ePub]
On 16 July, the Feast of Our Lady of Mt Carmel, Brs José Natalino Freitas and Anacleto Guterres Da Costa renewed their Vows for another year. The ceremony took place during Mass in the Carmelite Community at Middle Park. Fr David Hofman (Formator) received their Vows on behalf of Fr Paul Cahill (Prior Provincial) who could not be present due to the Coronavirus lockdown in Melbourne. In renewing their Vows José and Anacleto have committed themselves to their Carmelite formation journey for another year. More story & photos.
With most of the country again under lockdown or other restrictions there has been much debate about the response of our leaders. In the first reading this Sunday, the prophet Jeremiah laments the poor leadership given by those to whom the flock of God has been entrusted. He looks forward to the day when God will raise up a true shepherd-king who will act with wisdom, honesty and integrity to look after the people. Again and again the scriptures propose the shepherd as the ideal leader. The Gospel today shows Jesus fulfilling Jeremiah's hope, acting with deep compassion for the disciples and for the crowds. Read more
Celebrating At Home 16th Sunday of Ordinary Time [PDF]
Celebrating At Home 16th Sunday of Ordinary Time [ePub]
