The Carmelite Centre and Carmelite Library hosted three days of spiritual workshops last week 23-25 May on ‘Ways of Seeing’. Over the days 46 people attended workshops of their choosing on topics such as calligraphy, art journaling, the body and spirituality, creative expression in spiritual practice, iconography, visual art as contemplation, poetry, mandala making, aboriginal art form, Christian faith as mode of seeing and chant and scripture. The library and meeting rooms were a buzz with energy and creativity with people actively participating in these opportunities.
Fr Paul Sireh received his Master of Theological Studies from Australian Catholic University recently. The Graduation ceremony was held at Rosehill Gardens, Sydney and Carmelites, Paul Cahill (Prior Provincial) and Leo Richmond were among those present. Liturgy was the particular focus of Paul’s two-year course of studies – an important part of Paul’s ministry as chaplain to Whitefriars College, Donvale (VIC).
Congratulations, Paul! More photos here
These next few weeks are significant to Aboriginal people as they mark Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week. We invite you to redirect your thoughts to the struggle of our First Nation Peoples, guided by this reflection from Peter Thomas of the JPIC Team.
Whether we are engaging in challenging conversations or unlearning or relearning what we know, our reconciliation journey requires all of us to walk together with courage.
Zumalai is situated in one of the most remote and mountainous parts of Timor-Leste. During the wet season roads become dangerously slippery, covered in thick mud, and sometimes impacted by landslides or floods.
To provide spiritual and pastoral support to over 13,000 people, many of them in remote and isolated villages, requires a sturdy all-terrain ute. Thanks to the Loyola Foundation and Mission Office of the Pure Heart of Mary Province (USA) the Carmelites now have a brand-new 4-wheel drive so they can continue to serve people near and far.
Welcome to the May edition of our JPIC newsletter. This month Peter Thomas of our JPIC Team explores the questions which confront us all in our contemporary world of communication:
How do we discern the truth about social justice issues such as wealth inequality, asylum seekers and refugees, climate science, obligations to the disabled, senior citizens and a thousand-and-one other issues demanding our attention?
The Carmelite Family Retreat was recently held on the weekend 12-14 April 2019 at the beautiful seaside Retreat Centre ‘Santa Casa ‘ located at Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsular in Victoria. It was attended by 21 members of the Carmelite Family, including representatives from the Lay Carmelite community Melbourne and regular participants of the Carmelite Centre programs. The Retreat was led by Fr Matthew McPhee who was assisted by fellow Carmelite Friar Paul Sireh. Paul led us in some very meditative and creative liturgies.
The theme of this silent Retreat was ‘Vacare Deo’ – making room for God.
The Carmelites of Australia and Timor-Leste wish you a very Happy Easter as we celebrate the Resurrection.
Throughout the Easter Season we will remember you and your family in the masses and prayers celebrated in the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel at Middle Park (VIC).
May the power of the Risen Christ continue to heal us and make us his Body.
Br Sean Keefe, Chaplain at Whitefriars College has written a meditation on the Stations of the Cross. The reflection takes each Station and explores its meaning in the lives of everday people. The images used in the meditation are the work of Graeme Law (College Chapel Architect) and present the way of the Cross through the eyes of Jesus.
The three ceremonies on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil are really one great liturgy, celebrated in 3 parts, over 3 days.
Click 'read more' for a short reflection about each of these ceremonies.
You are invited to three days of spiritual workshops at the Carmelite Symposium 23-25 May 2019. Held at the Carmelite Centre Melbourne, these workshops engage the inner journey and how it can be manifested outwardly. It’s about how each one of us uses art forms - painting, drawing, journaling, writing, music, movement – as means to spiritual exploration and expression. The workshops are an invitation to creative involvement and taking time out; about personal growth, experience, and relationship.
