On Saturday 29 July Brothers Januario Pinto and Pedro Amaral were ordained priests by Bishop Basilio do Nascimento in their local parish church at Luro, Timor-Leste.
The celebrations began with a formal welcome of the Bishop and Fr Paul Cahill (Prior Provincial). Motor cycle and horse riders, marchers and dancers led the procession from the road to the sports ground for the formalities.
Peter Thomas asks the question, 'Who is my Neighbour?' in the context of the refugee crisis. "Contemplative awareness fosters clarity in conscience where the Gospel as a principle of love embraces the importance and preciousness of all people."
It’s hypocrisy to call yourself a Christian and chase away a refugee or someone seeking help, someone who is hungry or thirsty, toss out someone who is in need. Pope Francis
Four of our young Carmelite students last night renewed their vows during Evening Prayer for the Solemnity of Elijah, the Prophet.
Fr Paul Cahill (Prior Provincial) received the renewal of Profession of Brs Albino Dos Santos, Marcolino Gomes, Agostinho Dos Santos and Avelino Dos Santos in the Carmelite Community at Middle Park (Vic).
We warmly congratulate these brothers on taking this further step on their Carmelite journey. More photos
You can watch a short video of Martinho's Solemn Profession on 15 July at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Middle Park (Vic).
The video has also been uploaded to the Carmelite Communications YouTube channel.
On 20 July Carmelites throughout the world celebrate the Solemnity of the Old Testament Prophet, Elijah. In the Carmelite tradition Elijah is regarded as the spiritual father of and a source of inspiration for Carmelites.
From Elijah, Carmelites learn to be people who stand before God
with undivided heart, entirely dedicated to his service,
and aflame with a passionate love for God and others.
Brs Albino Dos Santos and Marcolino Gomes successfully completed their English language studies last Semester at the English Language School for Pastoral Ministry, Box Hill (Vic). Having completed 2 semesters of English studies, Br Albino will now begin his theological studies at the University of Divinity. Br Marco will study Advanced English this semester. They received their certificates at a special Graduation Mass.
Congratulations to Albino and Marco!
Sunday 16 July is the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. We join the whole Carmelite Family throughout the world in celebrating Mary, our mother and sister. The Carmelites of Australia and Timor-Leste send you our greetings, prayers and best wishes for our feast.
Mary lives among us, as mother and sister.
Along with us she waits and hopes,
suffers and rejoices.
Carmelite Constitutions
Br Martinho Da Cruz Lemos made his Solemn Profession of Vows (life commitment) in the Carmelite Order today during Mass at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mt Carmel, Middle Park (Vic). Fr Paul Cahill (Prior Provincial) was principal celebrant and received Martinho's profession of vows.
Among those attending the Mass were parishioners of the Carmelite Parish, fellow-students from the University of Divinity, members of the East Timorese community in Melbourne and fellow Carmelites.
Dear brothers and sisters of the Carmelite family,
The feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is approaching and, like every year, I want to send you an affectionate greeting with my most sincere congratulations. I hope that the feast and all the celebrations of these days will be an occasion to honour Mary under this title so popular and so dear to all of us Carmelites.
May these celebrations touch our hearts, inspire our living of the charism, and transform our lives so that we become more and more faithful to the values of the Gospel.
Our Facebook page recently passed 50,000 followers! We have nearly 14,000 followers from Timor-Leste. 61% of our fans are male and most followers are between 18-24 years old. A number of our posts have gone viral, one reaching over 375,000 users. Our Facebook user interaction and reach reveals that there is a real thirst for people seeking spiritual inspiration and encouragement. Join us on social media @CarmelitesAET as we begin the Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel ahead of her feast day on 16 July. We will be sharing the novena on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Instagram.
