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    No. 6 – NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2000

    English Edition 


    CONTENTS

    ACTIVITIES OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL COUNCIL 
    General Chapter 2001; 
    Visit to the Philippines; 
    Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation; 
    Visit to New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna.
    SEVEN CARMELITE BISHOPS IN ROME FOR THE JUBILEE
    DELEGATES TO THE GENERAL CHAPTER 2001
    MEETING OF MAJOR SUPERIORS IN LATIN AMERICA
    INAUGURATION OF THE ACADEMIC YEAR AT CISA
    FR. HENK HOEKSTRA, O.CARM. (1932-2000)
    ON-GOING FORMATION COURSE 2000
    THE MORTAL REMAINS OF VEN. JOHN OF ST. SAMSON TRANSFERRED
    ON THE OCCASION OF THE 750th ANNIVERSARY OF THE SCAPULAR
    Commemorative medal;
    CD-Rom of Carmelite icons.
    CARMELITE NUNS
    Tàrrega (Lèrida), Spain; 
    Antequera (Màlaga), Spain; 
    Barcelona, Spain; 
    Cañete La Real (Màlaga), Spain; 
    Paranavai, Brazil. 
    CARMELITE SISTERS OF MOTHER CANDELARIA 
    General Chapter.
    CARMELITE MISSIONARY SISTERS OF ST. THERESE OF THE CHILD JESUS 
    First study meeting for lay people.
    CARMELITE SISTERS OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS
    50 Years of presence in Venezuela.
    CARMELITE PUBLICATIONS
    NEWS IN BRIEF 
    Up-dating the Carmelite Calendar; 
    Encouraging news from the French Delegation; 
    PCM Province Support to Carmelite Missions; 
    XIVth Congress of the CLO in Sicily; 
    Meeting of the Provincial and General Councils of the Iberian Region;
    The Spirituality Wednesdays; 
    International Congress of the Secular Order of Carmel.
    UPDATE OF ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS
    CARMELITE MILESTONES
    CARMELITE NUNS IN THE WORLD
    The Monastery of Divine Love.
     


     

    "Mary, 
    the Mother 
    of God, who 
    presents the 
    God-Child 
    to us in 
    Bethlehem, 
    invites us 
    to become 
    «God-bearers» 
    in all 
    circumstances 
    of life."

    (RIVC n.49)


     

    Carmelite Basilica, Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
    Chapel of the Nativity (1905)

     
    Merry Christmas and
    Happy New Year
    to all members of
    the Carmelite Family



     

    ACTIVITIES OF THE MEMBERS
    OF THE GENERAL COUNCIL

    Fr. Joseph Chalmers, Prior General

    In early October the General Council held a plenary session of one week. We reviewed the work of all the international commissions and assessed various ongoing works. We spent considerable time preparing for the General Chapter 2001. The following religious were nominated Facilitators: Frs. Carlos Mesters (Flum) and Richard Copsey (Brit), and Theological Assessors: Frs. Christopher O’Donnell (Hib) and Fernando Millan (Baet). During the week I also presided at the celebration of the opening of the academic year in St. Albert's International Centre (CISA). In the middle of October, Fr. Anthony Scerri and I left for Manila (Philippines). The main purpose of our visit was to attend the Chapter of the Provincial Commissariat of the Philippines, which took place in the Titus Brandsma Center, Manila, from 24-28 October 2000. Prior to the Chapter, we visited the student friars in Manila and then went on to Cebu where we spent two days with the community. We also met some of the aspirants to the Order who are doing their college education and a group of Carmelite lay men and women. We then moved to Escalante where we have two parishes and a college. A recent apostolate to deaf children in the area has opened and some of these children attended the Sunday Mass which I celebrated. After the Mass, Fr. Anthony and I had the opportunity to meet with several Lay Carmelites and fellow workers with the friars as well as several postulants for the Order.

    On Saturday 28 October the gremiales elected the following to govern the Commissariat: Fr. Antonio D. de la Cruz, Commissary Provincial; Fr. Christian B. Buenafe, Bro. Artemio D. Jusayan and Fr. Anton Hoogland, Councillors; Bro. Arnel L. Glodobe and Mrs. Melvin R. Kleine Koerkamp, members of the Extended Council from among the Student-friars and the Associates. The Commissariat has at present 28 Filipinos, of whom 21 are solemnly professed, 7 Dutch religious and 2 members from the Indonesian Province, one of who is engaged in full time study. There are 2 novices, five postulants and a good number of aspirants.

    After the Chapter, we visited the monastery of Guiguinto, where the formation course for juniors was taking place. There were fifty-two nuns gathered including representatives from all five monasteries. We met the Council of the Federation and discussed plans for a sixth foundation.

    In November, with Fr. Míceál O’Neill, I visited the Lower German Province for a period of ten days.
     

    Fr. Míceál O'Neill, General Councillor

    The 7th Meeting of the International Commission of Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation took place in Recife (Brazil) in the Province of Pernambuco. This was with a view to meeting the Carmelites in Brazil who are working in justice and peace and to take part in the meeting of the newly formed commission for justice and peace of the Carmelite Family in Brazil, which bears the name "Solidaridade".

    The meeting of the commission began with the reports of each member. These reports reveal very positive signs of commitment to the cause of justice among the friars and throughout the Carmelite Family. There is a lot of work being done which involves different sectors of the Carmelite Family working together. The acceptance of our calling to justice and peace is almost taken for granted. People now are asking more and more how to answer that call. The work of the Ratio Institutionis Vitae Carmelitanae (RIVC) is one of the signs of an integrated approach to justice and peace, where this area of the Carmelite life is not seen as an isolated extra but part of the very fabric of our lives. While much work is being done, the level of commitment varies from place to place.

    The Commission moved on from the reports to study the proposal for a Carmelite NGO at the United Nations. Work towards gaining association with the Department of Public Information (DPI) is progressing slowly but satisfactorily. Very soon it will be possible to submit our application to the United Nations. We have been working closely with the Congregation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, based in Louisiana, USA.

    The next topic on the agenda was the programme for the course for justice and peace promoters, which is due to take place in Aylesford in July/August 2001. This programme will now be sent out to the Provinces, Congregations and lay groups with strong encouragement to take part.

    Under particular items the commission drafted a letter to the Secretary General of the United Nations expressing concern over what is happening in East Timor; a letter to the justice and peace commissions of our two Provinces in the U.S. in relation to the School of the Americas; a letter to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding the violence in the Moluccas. The commission also looked at ways to improve its communication with the Order and the Carmelite Family at large, the need to be more involved in ecumenical relations as based on the view that the most ecumenical aspect of human life is the defence of life itself.

    The members of "Solidaridade" came together in Recife for five days at the end of which it set up the executive of this group. The international commission joined in the sessions at strategic moments and the whole experience turned out to be very enlightening and very encouraging.

    The hospitality of the members of the Province of Pernambuco was very warm and generous especially that of the Provincial and the community in Recife. Our thanks are due to all. The next meeting of the Commission will take place in Aylesford in July 2001.
     

    Fr. Anthony Scerri, General Councillor

    From 4 - 12 September 2000 I visited Noumea and Wallis to see our sisters of the Donum Dei Missionary Family and to interview some young men who wish to enter the Order. The Donum Dei sisters could not have been more welcoming and my sincere thanks go to them. Most of the young men interviewed did not have the required educational standard, so I encouraged them to complete their studies first.

    During my stay in Wallis the extended Donum Dei Missionary Family (mothers, fathers and young people) were having a three-day retreat and I was asked to give them talks and homilies every day. There were some two hundred persons attending the retreat from Wallis and from Futuna. I was also fortunate to have an audience with the King of Wallis, who is a good Catholic and a devotee of the Carmelite Scapular.
     

    SEVEN CARMELITE BISHOPS
    IN ROME FOR THE JUBILEE

    More than 1500 bishops from all over the world gathered in Rome from 6 to 8 October 2000 to celebrate the Jubilee. This was the largest assembly of bishops since Vatican Council II. Among them were seven Carmelite bishops, four from Brazil, one from Portugal and two from Italy.

    The Carmelite bishops during their visit to the General Curia. From left: Mgr. Cardoso Sobrinho, Mgr. Renna, Mgr. Muniz, Mgr. Gomes de Oliveira, Mgr. Cardoso da Silva, Mgr. Fernandes Dantas.

    The programme began on 6 October in the Basilica of St. John Lateran with a penitential celebration presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, Mgr. Giovanni Battista Re. On Saturday morning, the bishops gathered in the Basilica of St. Paul outside the Walls where Cardinal Jozef Tomko, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, presided at a missionary celebration. In the afternoon, before the statue of Our Lady of Fatima, which was brought to Rome for this special occasion, the Pope presided at the recitation of the Rosary. The Jubilee of Bishops concluded on Sunday, 8 October, with a solemn concelebrated Eucharist presided by the Holy Father and with the renewal of an Act of confiding the third millennium to Mary.

    The seven Carmelite bishops who stayed in our convents were: Mgr. Telesforo M. Cioli, Emeritus Bishop of Arezzo (Italy), Mgr. Eliseu Gomes de Oliveira, Emeritus Bishop of Itabuna (Brazil), Mgr. José Cardoso Sobrinho, Archbishop of Olinda-Recife (Brazil), Mgr. Paulo Cardoso da Silva, Bishop of Petrolina (Brazil), Mgr. Antonio Vitalino Fernandes Dantas, Bishop of Beja (Portugal), Mgr. Lucio Renna, Bishop of Avezzano (Italy) and Mgr. Antonio Muniz Fernandez, Bishop of Guarabira (Brazil).
     

    DELEGATES TO
    THE GENERAL CHAPTER 2001

    The following names have been received for Provincial Delegates to the General Chapter 2001:
    Province of Arago-Valentina: Fr. Salvador Villota
    Polish Province: Fr. Piotr Spiller – Fr. Dariusz Borek
    American Province of St. Elias: Fr. Mario Esposito – Fr. Redemptus Valabek
    American Province of Most Pure Heart of Mary: Fr. Gerald Payea – Fr. Daniel O’Neill
    Upper German Province: Fr. Michael Plattig – Bro. Günter Benker
     

    MEETING OF MAJOR SUPERIORS
    IN LATIN AMERICA

    From 25 to 29 September 2000, the meeting of Major Superiors of the Carmelite Family in Latin America was held in the Centre of Spirituality Alvernia in Cieneguilla, Lima (Peru). On behalf of the General Council, Fr. Joseph Chalmers, Prior General, and Frs. Wilmar Santin and Míceál O’Neill, General Councillors, were present. The participants included three Mothers General of Carmelite Congregations in Latin America: Sr. Arcángela Mora Moncada (HCMC), Sr. M. Marlene Finhani (ICDP) and Sr. M. Vilma Alves (IMC); Provincials, Commissaries and Delegates of all the Provinces present in Latin America as well as other guests. The participants numbered about thirty.

    The aim of the meeting was to reflect on the answers sent in by the Major Superiors to a questionnaire that asked the following questions:

    Fr. Wilmar Santin, General Councillor for Latin America, examined the replies to the questionnaire while the participants spent much time in reflection. Towards the end of the meeting it was decided to have some common projects in the fields of Formation, Carmelite Laity and the celebration of the 750th Anniversary of the giving of the Brown Scapular.


    INAUGURATION OF
    THE ACADEMIC YEAR AT CISA

    The Prior General during the celebration of the Eucharist with Fr. Mark Attard (Mel), Prior of CISA, and Mgr. Adeodato Micallef, OCD, Vicar Apostolic of Kuwait

    On 11 October 2000 Fr. Joseph Chalmers, Prior General, presided at the CISA Community Liturgy inaugurating the new academic year. The community was happy to welcome its many guests, including members of the General Council and the Curia community, the Rome superiors of the various branches of the Carmelite Family (Donum Dei Missionary Family, Discalced Carmelites, Carmelites of Mary Immaculate) and other lay friends of the Community. During the homily, Fr. Chalmers emphasised that the principal apostolate of this community is study and research, which however, should be based on a strong community spirit of contemplation and fraternity. The Mass was followed by a festive dinner at which there were about 60 persons present.

    This academic year, the community is composed of 41 members; this includes 28 Carmelites from 17 Provinces of the Order, 8 young ladies of the Donum Dei Missionary Family, 4 Carmelites of Mary Immaculate and, for the first time, one young Discalced Carmelite priest. There is a truly international spirit since this represents 15 different nations.

    The community is happy to be settled into its refurbished building with the Carmelite Library now fully functioning and the Journals and General Library functioning partially and it will soon be fully operational. Given the new situation, there is a limited number of guest rooms, but the community is happy that there is a constant stream of visitors and guests, and this continues to enhance the already rich, multi-cultural and international environment of St. Albert's Centre.
     

    FR. HENK HOEKSTRA, O.CARM.
    (1932-2000)

    On 12 September 2000 Fr. Henk Hoekstra (Neer), General Delegate for Social Communications of the Order, passed away after several months suffering from a progressive spinal muscle atrophy. Fr. Henk, born in 1932, entered the Carmelite Order in his late twenties. On 21 September 1953 he made his first profession and was ordained priest on 12 July 1959.

    During his religious life Fr. Henk was appointed to various important tasks on national and inter-national levels. He was President of the Dutch Catholic Film Action, President of the OCIC (Organisation Catholique Internatonale du Cinéma) in Brussels, President of the Catholic Media Council in Aachen, Germany (helping in Media Planning in Developing Third World Countries) and a board member of a series of institutions concerning Social Communications. For several years Fr. Henk was invited to teach "Ethics in the Media" at the Pontifical Gregorian University (Rome). In 1998 the General Council appointed him General Delegate of the Order for Social Communications.

    In a message which he wrote some days before his death Fr. Henk said: "I am grateful for the many good years and I hope to get the courage to face this new situation and to grow in its acceptance. Please, pray for me!" His funeral was held on 19 September 2000 at the Carmelite monastery in Zenderen, The Netherlands.
     

    ON-GOING FORMATION COURSE 2000

    From 22 October to 10 November 2000, another international on-going formation course was held at "Il Camelo" Sassone, Rome. This course was open to all members of the Carmelite Family. Twenty-one friars and sisters of various Carmelite Congregations took part. The theme this year was "Mary and Elijah". The organising committee, Frs. Falco Thuis (Neer), Antonio Ruiz (Baet) and Alexander Vella (Mel), chose this theme in preparation for the Carmelite Marian Year announced by the Prior General for 2001.

    The first day of the course was given to a study of the new Ratio Institutionis Vitae Carmelitanae. Then the figures of Mary and Elijah were studied, beginning with Biblical data, then going on to see the relationship between Elijah and Mary and Carmel from its origin to the present. The speakers were: Frs. Michael Muhall (PCM), Alexander Vella (Mel), Edison Tinambunan (Indo), Paul Chandler (Aust), Emanuele Boaga (Ita), Eamon Caroll (PCM), Christopher O’Donnell (Hib), Richard Copsey (Brit) and Rev. Francisco López Melús, brother of our Fr. Rafael (Arag). Fr. Míceál O’Neill looked after the liturgy and simultaneous translation. On 1 November the group went in pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Carmine Maggiore, Naples.
     

    THE MORTAL REMAINS OF
    VEN. JOHN OF ST. SAMSON TRANSFERRED

    In 1990, when the Carmelites established themselves in Bourges, France, the Discalced Carmelites of the Province of Paris, in a fraternal gesture, returned to our friars the skull of the Ven. John of St. Samson, O.Carm. (1571-1636), which they had kept after the French Revolution and the suppression of the Carmelite Order in France.

    In order to better promote among the people of God the knowledge, reading and study of the works of Bro. John of St. Samson, the Council of the General Delegation of Carmelites in France decided to transfer this relic to our convent in Nantes so that it would be nearer Rennes, cradle of the Carmelite Reform of Touraine. In preparation for this event, on 14 November 2000, a conference was held in Nantes on "Jean de Saint-Samson et ses correspondants", and a frame painted by René Sardo representing various stages in the life of Bro. John was presented. On Sunday, 19 November, after the Mass presided by Fr. Gianfranco Tuveri (Ita), General Delegate of the Carmelites in France, the relic was placed permanently in the convent of Notre Dame des Lumières, Nantes.

    Bro. John of St. Samson was born in Sens in 1571, then went to Rennes in 1636. He is looked upon as the Spiritual Master of the XVIIth century Carmelite Reform of Touraine and one of the great mystics of the golden century of French spirituality. This blind brother, under obedience, dictated orally about four thousand pages recounting his mystical experiences. At present, a critical edition of his works in ten volumes is in progress under the direction of Fr. Hein Blommestijn (Neer).
     

    ON THE OCCASION OF
    THE 750th ANNIVERSARY OF THE SCAPULAR

    To celebrate this event, the Carmelite Press Centre of the Italian Province is suggesting a commemorative 9x6 cm bronze coated medal having on the front side the image of the Virgin of Carmel consigning the Scapular, and written on the back 1251-2001 Anno DCCL a donatione scapularis with the seal of the Carmelite Order. Every medal is supplied with a guide booklet and lot of other various artistic information. The medals will be available at the beginning of March 2001.
    The price of each medal, coined in a limited series, is about 65.000 Italian lira - US $ 30 (cost of mailing not included). This price is reserved only to those who book by 8 December 2000.
    For bookings or further information please contact Br. Roberto M. Russo, O.Carm., Centro Stampa Carmelitana, e-mail: carmel@mclink.it
    For the Marian Year 2001, the Director of the International Centre of Information of the Carmelite Order (CITOC) is preparing a CD-Rom on Carmelite Iconography (in BMP format), with particular emphasis on icons of Our Lady of Mount Carmel found in various parts of the world. The CD-Rom is not for the open market nor is it for profit. However, with the approval of the General Councillor for Evangelisation, the price of US$ 25.00 (including postage) will be charged for each CD-Rom. The proceeds of this sale will go towards Carmelite missions.
    Anyone who wishes to reserve a copy or send an icon to be included in the collection is kindly asked to contact Fr. Anthony Cilia, O.Carm., CITOC Office, Via Giovanni Lanza 138, 00184 Rome, Italy. E-mail: citoc@ocarm.org
     

    CARMELITE NUNS

    The triennial electoral chapter of the monastery of Divine Love was held on 25 May 2000, feast of St. Mary Magdalene de’ Pazzi. Mgr. Antoni Deig i Clotet, Bishop of Solsona presided at the chapter. The following were elected:
    Prioress and mistress of novices: Sr. M. Antonia Net Carbonell
    Councillor and bursar: Sr. Maria-José Trigo Bisquert
    Councillor: Sr. M. del Carmen Secanell Gendre
    Councillor: Sr. M. Lourdes Pi Tarradas
    Councillor: Sr. M. Concepcíon Canals Casacuberta During the triennial chapter held in the "Monasterio de la Stma. Encarnación" from 13 to 14 June 2000, under the presidency of Rev. Francisco Parrilla, the community elected:
    Prioress: Sr. Liliana M. Campos Rosa
    Councillor and bursar: Sr. Milagros Luzón López
    Councillor: Sr. M. Pilar Linares Muñoz
    Councillor: Sr. Angelina Ngina Muli
    Councillor and sacristan: Sr. M. Luisa Rivera Alcaide On 20 June 2000, the annual meeting of the Council of the Federation Verge Flor del Carmel, was held in the monastery of the Incarnation in Barcelona. The meeting dealt with several matters concerning the Federation. Many activities were planned for the coming Marian Year in commemoration of the 750th anniversary of the Carmelite Scapular, and a short course of on-going formation will be given by Fr. Gaspar Borda (Cat) on the new Ratio Institutionis Vitae Carmelitanae. The electoral triennial chapter of the Monastery of the Most Holy Sacrament, Cañete La Real, was held from 3 to 23 July 2000. The following were elected:
    Prioress: Sr. M. Dolores Garrido
    Councillor: Sr. M. Isabel De La Haza
    Councillor: Sr. M. Fátima Garcia
    Councillor: Sr. M. Margarita Benitez
    Councillor: Sr. M. Eucaristia Bueno On 10 October 2000, the electoral triennial chapter was held in the monastery "Mater Carmeli" presided by the Commissary Provincial of Paranà, Fr. Josué Ghizoni and by the diocesan bishop, Mgr. Rubens de Souza Espinola. The community elected:
    Prioress: Sr. Antonia Lordello
    Councillor and novice mistress: Sr. Maria Arelys D’Oleo Piron (SDO)
    Councillor: Sr. Natalina Grande
    Bursar: Sr. Margarida Altagracia Frias Abreu (SDO)
    Sacristan: Sr. Derly de Paula Moreira
     

    CARMELITE SISTERS OF
    MOTHER CANDELARIA

    The Congregation of the Carmelite Sisters of Mother Candelaria held their XIIIth General Chapter from 15 to 30 August of this jubilee year. During the chapter the following sisters were elected to the General Council:
    Mother General: Sr. Arcángela Moro Moncada
    General Councillor: Sr. Evelin Gonzálex Hernández
    General Councillor: Sr. Carmen Moreno García
    General Councillor: Sr. Bernardita Mora Varela
    General Councillor: Sr. Maria del Valle Rueda A.

    The chapter approved initial and on-going formation programmes, as well as the Document of the XIIIth General Chapter and its Propositions and Recommendations. The members of the chapter also decided to start internal and external preparations for the celebration of the First Centenary (13 September 1903-2003) of the founding of the Congregation by the working of the Holy Spirit through Mother Candelaria de San José and Mgr. Sixto Sosa.

    The charism of the Carmelite Sisters of Mother Candelaria is to live in the presence of God in a deeply prayerful attitude to witness to fraternal charity, faith and hope, while remaining open to serve those in need. At present the Congregation has 13 communities in Venezuela with a total of 90 religious.
     

    Mother Crocifissa

    CARMELITE MISSIONARY SISTERS OF
    ST. THERESE OF THE CHILD JESUS

    "Mother Crocifissa and Carmel: a Proposal for the New Millennium" is the title of the first study meeting for lay people held by the Carmelite Sisters (SCMTBG) from 12 to 16 October 2000 at S. Marinella (Rome).

    The main conferences of the meeting were: "The primacy of the Word of God in the spirituality of Carmel", given by Fr. Cosimo Pagliara (Neap), "Female and lay elements in the spirituality of the Servant of God", given by Fr. Carlo Cicconetti, Provincial of the Italian Province, and "Fundamental elements of the spirituality in the spiritual diary of the Servant of God, Mother M. Crocifissa Curcio", given by Fr. Felipe Amenós (Cat), Postulator General. Beside the conferences, liturgies, discussions and work in groups, the participants had the opportunity to visit an exhibition "Mother Crocifissa and children", to see a musical, "The smallest of all seeds", on the foundress, and to visit some Roman basilicas for the Jubilee.
     

    CARMELITE SISTERS OF
    THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS

    On 8 December 2000, feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, the Carmelite Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their presence in Venezuela. In the last fifty years, many Carmelite sisters of the Congregation gave the best years of their lives to Christ, committed to an intense apostolate in schools and in marginalised areas, sharing their lives with the people, sharing the people’s poverty, sufferings and hopes.

    The sisters carry out their mission in Petare (where they have two communities), Barquisimeto and Santa Barbara del Zulia. These houses form part of the "Commissariat of St. Elias" which includes houses in Cuba and four communities in the Dominican Republic.
     

    CARMELITE PUBLICATIONS

    Books:

    BAKER, Bruce; KLEIN, Gregory L., O.Carm,
    The Carmelite Rule, Catholic Book Publishing Co., New Jersey, 2000, pp. 32. (E-mail: FriarBruce@aol.com)

    BOAGA, Emanuele, O.Carm.,
    Con Maria sulle vie di Dio - Antologia della marianità carmelitana, Edizioni Carmelitane, Roma, 2000, pp. 420. (E-mail: edizioni@ocarm.org). The aim of this collection is to be an instrument for the serious study and reflection on the spiritual patrimony of Carmel and to act as a stimulus for further deepening, open to new contributions. This publication presents an anthology of texts taken from Carmelite authors, from post-conciliar official documents, from liturgical and devotional texts, and finally includes a series of aspirations and prayers, concrete expressions of lived Marian attitudes, thus offering to the reader not only doctrinal knowledge, but also a text of prayers and meditations with "Marian" Carmelite echoes.

    CATENA, Claudio, O.Carm.,
    Traspontina - Guida storica e artistica, (a cura di Emanuele Boaga, O.Carm.), Edizioni Carmelitane, Roma, 2000, pp. 96. (E-mail: edizioni@ocarm.org)

    Image of Carmel - The Art of Aylesford,
    The Friars, Aylesford, 2000, pp. 38. (E-mail: wilfridmcgreal@hotmail.com)

    Meditar dia a noite na lei do Senhor,
    Centro da Família Carmelita, Lisboa, 2000, pp. 40.

    ORSOLA, Gianluca; RUSSO, Roberto, O.Carm.,
    Nostri compagni nel cammino, Centro Stampa Carmelitana, 2000, pp. 32. (E-mail: carmel@mclink.it). The figures of three Carmelite Venerables are presented in this little volume: Angelo Paoli, Giovanni Domenico Lucchesi and Girolamo Terzo. The book is enhanced by some colour photographs and also contains some biographical notes. It is a simple publication that aims at presenting some of the treasures of our tradition, perhaps still hidden for many members of the Carmelite Family.

    Ratio Institutionis Vitae Carmelitanae,
    Carmelite Formation: A Journey of Transformation, pp. 120
    Formación al Carmelo: Un itinerario de transformación, pp. 152
    Formazione al Carmelo: Un itinerario di trasformazione, pp. 152
    Curia Generalizia dei Carmelitani, Rome, 2000. (E-mail: avella@ocarm.org). On 25 March 2000, the General Council approved the new Ratio Institutionis Vitae Carmelitanae (RIVC). Since 1988, the RIVC has been the basic document for formation throughout the Order. After the publication of several pontifical documents and the new Constitutions of the Order, it became necessary to revise it. The present RIVC makes two significant new changes to the 1988 edition, namely, the re-elaboration of the presentation of our charism and a "Programme of Carmelite studies". This document is not only meant for Carmelite formators and those in initial formation, but also as an instrument of on-going formation for all the religious of the Order who are called to undertake "a journey of transformation" towards the summit of the mountain.

    Calendars 2001:

    Carmelite Calendar 2001 - Mother and Splendour of Carmel,
    The Friars, Aylesford, 2000. (E-mail: kevinalban@hotmail.com)

    Calendario Carmelitano 2001 - 750° Anniversario dello Scapolare,
    Centro Stampa Carmelitana, Roma, 2000. (E-mail: carmel@mclink.it)

    Audio cassette:

    Il più piccolo di tutti i semi,
    Musical sulla Serva di Dio Madre M. Crocifisa Curcio, a cura della Postulazione Causa di Canonizzazione, Suore Carmelitane Missionarie S. Teresa del Bambino Gesù, Roma, 2000. (E-mail: carm.miss.stbg@mclink.it). The idea of a musical on Mother Crocifissa comes from the desire to present the thoughts and doctrine in the writings of the Servant of God in a pleasant and communicative manner, thus enjoying, as much as possible, the spirit, the feeling of the presence of God which pervades them and which flows clear as a stream from her tender and passionate heart. The musical was composed by Rev. Amelio Cimini and Sr. Gloria Conti with the collaboration of the Congregation and of Tina Braschi and Emilio Cappuccio, two professional speakers with RAI and Radio Vatican.

    -------------------------
    N.B. For inclusion of publications and other information in this list, CITOC requests that a copy of the new publication and a short notice about its content be sent to: CITOC, Curia Generalizia dei Carmelitani, Via Giovanni Lanza 138, 00184 - Rome, Italy.
    With regard to the Carmelite Library, another copy should be sent to: The Carmelite Library, Via Sforza Pallavicini 10, 00193 - Rome, Italy. Publications for review in CARMELUS: A copy should be sent to: The Book Review Editor, CARMELUS, Via Sforza Pallavicini 10, 00193 - Rome, Italy.
     

    NEWS IN BRIEF

    The General Procurator of the Order, Fr. Josef Jancar (BM), informs that in June-July 2000, the Congregation for the Divine Cult and Discipline of the Sacraments decreed the inclusion in the Carmelite Calendar and celebration Memoria ad libitum of the following saints:
    16 May: St. Simon Stock, Religious
    12 June: Blessed Hilarion Janusewski, Priest and Martyr
    12 August: Blessed Isidore Bakanja, Martyr. On Friday, 8 September 2000, feast of Our Lady’s Nativity, Bro. Yves de Sainte Marie Beaupère, after a year’s noviciate under the guidance of Fr. Joseph Abad (Aust), made his religious profession to Fr. Gianfranco Tuveri (Ita), delegate of the Prior General, for three years. Even though this was a working day, the church of Notre Dame de Lumières was full as on a Sunday. Many relatives, friends and priests were present at this important event for Bro. Yves and for our Delegation in France. Bro. Yves is one of four children of a Catholic family in Nantes. Previous to his noviciate, Bro.Yves had completed a degree in economics and had done two years of theology at the inter-diocesan seminary in Nantes. During his noviciate he attended the inter-noviciates formation with male and female novices from many religious Congregations in Lyons. Bro. Yves has taken up again his theological studies at the Catholic University in Angers. In his annual report to the Province on the Carmelite missions, Fr. John Malley (PCM), director of the mission office of the Province, reported a good year overall. More then $242,000 were sent to support the Provincial's missions in Peru and in Mexico. An additional $219,000 was sent to the General Council, eight Provinces, and to Carmelite Family projects in 25 missionary countries in Africa, Asia and South America. "Income was up a bit, mostly because of some foundation grants and because of a substantial will that was given." Many members of the Most Pure Heart of Mary Province spend weekends making parish mission appeals in various dioceses around the country. Individual Carmelites and communities also make donations to the mission effort. From 8 to 10 September 2000, the Congress of the Carmelite Lay Order in Sicily took place in Pergusa. Over 150 participants from 15 fraternities in Sicily gathered with their directors and presidents. The theme of the congress, developed by Fr. Gregorio Battaglia (Ita), was "Anchored in memory, pilgrims towards the Kingdom". During these days friendships were formed, experiences exchanged, methods of working revised and further meetings among close fraternities planned. Among the more important activities for the coming year are: (a) a programme of study concerning the story of the Scapular and its theological-marian richness, (b) a pilgrimage to the Holy Land with a stay on Mount Carmel, and (c) the study of eminent persons in Carmel (St. Simon Stock, blessed John Soreth and Teresita Gonzales Quevedo). The congress closed with a Carmelite fraternal evening. The Provincial and General Councils of Carmelite men and women present in the Iberian Region met from 29 October to 1 November 2000 at the Casa Beato Nuño, Fatima, Portugal. The aims of the meeting were:
    - To continue the journey as Family through the experience of fraternity, prayer and service.
    - To evaluate the Global Plan of the Region and give it new impulse.
    - As a Region, to accept, motivate, own and commit oneself to the recommendations of the Ratio Institutionis Vitae Carmelitanae.
    - To re-launch the common projects and create new ones that respond to the present situation in the Region. From 18 October to 29 November 2000 the Carmelite Fraternity of Pozzo di Gotto (Sicily) held "The Spirituality Wednesdays" in the hall of the convent. These meetings were on St. Mary Magdalene de’ Pazzi (1566-1607), Carmelite mystic. St. Mary Magdalene de’ Pazzi came from the noble de’ Pazzi family in Florence. She was born on 12 April 1566. In 1582 she entered St. Mary of the Angels, the monastery of Carmelite nuns in Florence. For a few years she was entrusted with the task of Mistress of Novices and of the professed junior. Her sisters gathered her mystical experiences in writings called Forty Days, Colloquies, Revelations and insights, Probation and Renewal of the Church. We also have writings by the saint herself entitled Counsels and Letters. Mary Magdalene died on 25 May 1607. She was beatified in 1626 and proclaimed saint on 22 April 1669. During "The Spiritual Wednesdays" the following themes were studied: The life and works of Mary Magdalene (A. Antista), The liturgy, fountain of the spiritual journey (E. Palumbo), Contemplation of the Trinity (A. Neglia), Renewal of the Church (E. Palumbo), The Christian life: a trial (G. Battaglia). The General Delegate for Lay Carmelites, Fr. Tarsicio Gotay (Arag), recently announced that the General Council has approved the celebration of an International Congress for the Secular Order of Carmel from 1 to 5 May 2001 at Il Carmelo Institute, Sassone (Rome). The International Commission for Lay Carmelites decided that participation at the Congress would be proportional to the number of members of the Secular Order in each Province. Participants at the Congress should be active members of the Third Order and able to contribute to the Congress. Persons responsible for the Carmelite Laity are asked to send in the names of participants before 31 December 2000 so that they may be sent directions and work documents.
     

    UPDATE OF ADDRESSES AND
    TELEPHONE NUMBERS

    New phone / fax numbers

    Upper German Province
    Fr. Christian Körner, Provincial, Karmelitenkloster, Karmelitenplatz, 1, 96049 Bamberg, Germany. Fax: (0951) 952935

    Rio de Janeiro Province
    Convento do Carmo, Rua José Bonifácio, 432, Cx. Postal 88, 14870-000, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil. Tel: (0163) 323.7501, Fax: (0163) 323.7500

    Changed phone / fax numbers

    British Province
    - Carmelite Friars, 63 East End Road, East Finchley, London N2 0SE, England. Tel: +44-20-83461458, Fax: +44-20-83430942
    - Carmelite Community, 142 Rodney Road, Walworth, London SE17 1RA, England. Tel: +44-20-77034967, Fax: +44-20-77011204

    New Web sites

    Karmelitinnen-Kloster "Dreifaltigkeit"
    http://karmel.dekanat-erlangen.de/

    New e-mail addresses

    Dutch Province
    De Vreede, Bep
    Koning, Edgar
    Westendorp, Gerard     		 <bep.vreede.o.carm@planet.nl>
    <koning216@zonnet.nl>
    <g.westendorp@hetnet.nl>
    Betica Province
    Checa, Ismael
    Casa de Formación, Mérida    		 <ficha@mixmail.com>
    <carmelovenezolano@hotmail.com>
    Italian Province
    Katusele Nzanzu, Marie Ghhislain <katuseleghis@libero.it>
    Upper German Province
    Lankes, Dominikus
    Mariadas, John
    Njaliath, Bosco
    Puthussery, Robert Thomas
    Vadakkekkuttiyankal, Dominic
    Winter, Richard    		 <dlankes@t-online.de>
    <johnmariadas@usa.net>
    <bosconjaliath@usa.net>
    <rtpudussery@usa.net>
    <dominic.john@usa.net>
    <ba1776@bnv-bamberg.de>
    Indonesian Province
    Agung Christiputra, Michael
    Pareira, Berthold     		 <magung@lineone.net>
    <berthold20017@yahoo.com>
    PCM American Province
    Villegas, Jorge <pepevillegas20@hotmail.com>
    Carmelite Cloistered Nuns
    Erlangen-Büchenbach, Germany <karmel@dekanat-erlangen.de>
    Polish Province
    Borek, Dariusz
    Popiela, Tadeusz    		 <dariuszborek@hotmail.com>
    <tadeuszpopiela@hotmail.com>
    Irish Province
    Herterich, Graham 
    Munengwa, Thomas 
    Carmelite Friary , Knocktopher    		 <hetch41@hotmail.com>
    <mthomas@indigo.ie>
    <knockcar@indigo.ie>
    British Province
    Shrine of St. Jude, Faversham, Kent <stjudes_shrine@hotmail.com>
    Arago-Valentine Province
    Yubero, Alberto  <albertoyub@terra.es>
    Bohemia and Moravia General Commissariat
    Masarik, Marian  <masarik@cmtfnw.upol.cz>
    St. Albert's International Centre
    Caruana, Edmondo (Mel)
    Mosca, Vincenzo (Neap)
    Silva, Pedro Bravo da (Lus)
    Biblioteca Generale    		 <ecaruana@ocarm.org>
    <vmosca@ocarm.org>
    <pbdsilva@ocarm.org>
    <bibl.gen.cisa@ocarm.org>

    N.B. For an update list of all Carmelite e-mail addresses see page
    http://www.ocarm.org/citoc.news/emailadd.htm
     

    CARMELITE MILESTONES

    Novices

    11 June 2000
    Joseph Thien Nguyen (SEL)
    Edier Ceballos Arosenena (SEL)
    Stephan Huy Tran (SEL)
    Stephan Tuu Le (SEL)
    Joseph Hung Tran (SEL)
    David Semmens (PCM)
    Jeffery Smialek (PCM)
    José Palacios Vargas (PCM)
    6 August 2000
    12 candidates were received in Maumere, Flores (Indo)
    16 August 2000
    14 candidates were received in Batu, Java (Indo)
    7 September 2000
    10 candidates were received in Bunia, Congo (Ita)
    9 September 2000
    Felician Farcas (Ita)
    Celestin David (Ita)
    Augustin Folner (Ita)
    Viorel Farcas Gherghina (Ita)
    Sebastian Benchea (Ita)
    Wilson Castilla Acosta (Ita)
    Ricardo Gonzalez Herrera (Ita)
    Carlos Rivera (Ita)
    Charles Damian Tamba (Brun)

    Simple Professions

    12 June 2000
    Mark Hull (PCM)
    Enrique Varela Nungaray (PCM)
    Robert Holt (PCM)
    Garth Eversley (SEL)
    Peter Seitzberg (SEL)
    13 August 2000
    17 Indonesian brothers were simply professed in Maurmere, Flores: Antonio, Densi, Ferdinand, Agustinus, Damianus, Billi, Albertus, Benyamin, Damianus Lawe, Crispinus, Blasius, Yacobus, Bartolomeus, Carlito, Kosmas, Lurensius, Hubertus and Vinsensius.
    20 August 2000
    8 Indonesian brothers made their simple profession in Batu, Java: Sumaryono, Bernard, Prabowo, Lucius Dwi, Heru, Pandhu, Tata and Siswoko.
    8 September 2000
    Yves de Sainte Marie Beaupère (Gal)
    9 novices in Congo (Ita)
    10 September 2000
    Maurizio Parisi (Ita)
    Vasile Retegan (Ita)
    Gianluca Comandé (Ita)

    25 Years Simple Profession

    15 January 2001
    Daniela Denitto (OST)
    Antonius M. Kristiyanto Gunawan (Indo)
    Henricus Pidyarto Gunawan (Indo)
    16 January 2001
    José Filomeno Dos Santos Filho (GerS)
    Gentil Lima (GerS)
    Josué Ghizoni (GerS)
    20 February 2001
    Antonio Muniz Fernandes (Per)

    50 Years Simple Profession

    12 January 2001
    Antonio Ruiz Molina (Baet)
    27 January 2001
    Teresia Melenhorst (BOX)
    30 January 2001
    Celina Schiavone (OST)
    5 February 2001
    José Cardoso Sobrinho (Per)

    Solemn Professions

    16 July 2000
    Michel Lakalu (Ita-Con)
    Guillame Upio (Ita-Con)
    23 July 2000
    Cléophas Maghulu (Ita-Con)
    15 August 2000
    Aniceto Maia Da Costa (Indo)
    Dom. Soares Da Sillva Carvalho (Indo)
    Nelinho Ferreira Soares (Indo)
    Agustinus Sugeng Wahyudi (Indo)
    Yoseph Utus (Indo)
    Albertus Medyanto (Indo)

    Diaconate Ordinations

    15 August 2000
    Michel Lakalu (Ita-Con)
    Guillame Upio (Ita-Con)
    17 August 2000
    Cléophas Maghulu (Ita-Con)

    Priestly Ordinations

    14 September 2000
    Augustu Sampaio da Costa (Indo)
    1 October 2000
    Yohanes don Bosco Djawa (Indo)
    Sixtus Leonard Beth Bhari (Indo)
    Yoseph Arnoldus Devanto (Indo)
    5 October 2000
    Franciscus Eli Heri Harianto (Indo)
    Antonius Denny Cahyo Sulistiono (Indo)
    28 October 2000
    Raineldis Danrisman Sitanggang (Indo)
    Antonius Manik (Indo)
    3 December 2000
    Alain Dialló (Baet)

    Necrology

    10 August 2000
    Jude Cattelona (PCM)
    12 September 2000
    Henk Hoekstra (Neer)
    15 September 2000
    Brendan Gilmore (PCM)
    25 September 2000
    Antonio Augusto Canal (Ita)
    29 September 2000
    Utto Heil (GerS)
    4 October 2000
    María Cruz Eguinoa Zabalza (ZAR)
    6 October 2000
    Francis Hynes (Aust)
    15 October 2000
    Rosario Caruana (Mel)
    Jacobus Soeradji Djajasastra (Indo)
    25 October 2000
    Charles Haggerty (SEL)
     

    CARMELITE NUNS AROUND THE WORLD

    THE MONASTERY OF DIVINE LOVE

    Address: Santuari Diocesà de la Mare de Déu de Fátima
    25300 Tàrrega (Lleida)
    Spain

    Diocese: Solsona
    History:

    The Carmelite friars, who had been in Tàrrega for several centuries, came to know that there was the possibility of founding a monastery of nuns in their city. The prior at the time, Fr. Miguel Basagañas (Cat), took advantage of the presence of the then bishop of Solsona, Mgr. Vicente Enrique Tarancón, in Tàrrega, to suggest that the proposed foundation be one of Carmelite nuns. The bishop gladly agreed, because the Carmelites were willing to give spiritual assistance to the nuns.

    The project began to take concrete form when the Provincial, Fr. Pablo Mª Casadevall and the Prior of Tàrrega. Fr. Miguel Basagañas, visited the monastery of the Incarnation in Barcelona on 26 September 1952. At this meeting, the Prioress, Mª Teresa de la Sta. Faz, and her Council accepted the idea put forward by the friars. After the meeting, the Carmelite friars contacted the city council of Tàrrega to obtain permission for the foundation. This permission was granted and, in addition, a piece of land given for the construction of a cloistered Carmel.

    On 11 April 1953, the Prioress of the Barcelona monastery, wrote to the Holy Father, Pius XII, requesting permission to found a Carmel in Tàrrega. Sr. Mª Teresa del Buen Pastor, Sr. Mª Concepción de Jesús Crucificado, Sr. Mª Lourdes de la Transfiguración (from the Barcelona monastery) and Sr. Mª Asunción de la Sta. Faz (from the Villafranca del Pendès monastery) were appointed to this foundation.

    On 23 August 1953, at the request of the Provincial to the bishop of Solsona to begin the foundation, the bishop sent Fr. Pablo Mª Casadevall to propose to the nuns the idea of transforming what was meant to be the chapel of the new monastery into a Diocesan Sanctuary in honour of Our Lady of Fatima. The nuns gladly accepted the proposal of the bishop.

    The monastery, whose official name is "Our Lady of Carmel and of the Divine Love" but which is generally known as "Monastery of Divine Love", was inaugurated on 6 June 1954, Pentecost Sunday. The community consisted of four nuns and three postulants accepted that same day. On 8 September two other postulants entered, thus the community counted nine members. While the monastery and the sanctuary were being built, the nuns lived in what was to be the guard house.

    On 9 June 1957, Pentecost Sunday and third anniversary of foundation, the altar of Our Lady of Carmel and of the Divine Love, titular of the monastery, was blessed. The altar is situated on the left of the sanctuary and in front of the grate of the monastic choir. The picture of Our Lady is carved in wood and so is the icon of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descending on Our Lady’s head. These were carved by the sculptor Tomás Bel. Two angels playing musical instruments are painted on the right and left and are the work of the painter and designer Llucià Navarro. Both artists are natives of Barcelona.

    From the time of the foundation, the nuns have desired to live an authentic, joyful, contemplative Carmelite life. They have tried, as far as possible, to celebrate the liturgy with the greatest splendour and fervour, according to the tradition of our Order, thus also encouraging the participation of the faithful. The nuns also provide for themselves by the work of their hands. At first they embroidered linen and ornaments. Then they went into industrial manufacturing in their own monastery and at present the work is more artistic: they burn spiritual phrases into pieces of wood.
     
     


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