|
No. 6 – NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 1999 English Edition
CONTENTS
ACTIVITIES OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERALCOUNCIL NAMED BISHOP PRELATE OF SICUANI (PERU) CENTENARY AND INAUGURATION CELEBRATIONS AT CISA GENERAL CHAPTERS OF THE SISTERS THE POPE PROCLAIMS THREE WOMEN SAINTS PATRONS OF EUROPEINAUGURATION OF THE DOMUS CARMELITANA CARMELITE SPIRITUAL DIRECTORY CARMELITE NUNS FR. LEO VAN WIJMEN, O.Carm. (1934-1999) 750 YEARS OF CARMELITE PRESENCE IN THE NETHERLANDS RELICS OF SAINT THERESE IN THE UNITED STATES THE "ROMANIAN PROJECT" OF THE ITALIAN PROVINCE A SON OF CARMEL DECLARED VENERABLE THE FIRST CARMELITE PRIEST FROM IVORY COAST CARMELITE THIRD ORDER IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC A PROJECT FOR THE POOR OF THE STREETS CAUSE OF BEATIFICATION OF ARCANGELA BADOSA (HVMMC) 3rd MEETING OF ITALIAN LAY CARMELITES THE CARMELITES – LOS CARMELITAS – I CARMELITANI CARMELITE PUBLICATIONS REQUEST FOR CARMELITE MATERIAL NEWS IN BRIEF UPDATE OF ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS CARMELITE MILESTONES CARMELITE NUNS AROUND THE WORLD: THE CARMEL OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL |
The Virgin adoring the Child Jesus
Fresco of XVth century – Author unknown. Carmelite Sanctuary,
San Felice del Benaco (BS), Italy.
Depicts the Virgin on a throne, clothed as a Carmelite (brown habit and white cloak) in adoration of the Child Jesus lying on her lap, with a swallow sitting on the thumb of his left hand. Left and right stand St. Albert and St. Angelo, Carmelites. St. Albert holds an open book in his right hand with the writing: "Sub tuum praesidium confugimus Sancta Dei Genitrix" (We take refuge in your protection, O Holy Mother of God), and in his left hand he holds a crucifix and a lily. St. Angelo holds a palm in his right hand and a closed book in his left. Three swords driven into his head and chest denote the kind of martyrdom he underwent. Above, two angels in flight, almost stylised, carry the crown of the Virgin, wrapped in a swirling ribbon which proclaims the antiphon: "Maria Mater Gratiae, Mater misericordiae, tu nos ab hoste protege et in hora mortis suscipe" (Mary, Mother of Grace, Mother of mercy, protect us from the enemy, welcome us at the hour of death). Then there is the date "1487" and the writing: "Gloria tibi Domine qui natus es de Virgine" (Glory be to you, Lord, born of the Virgin).
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all the members of the Carmelite Family
ACTIVITIES
OF THE MEMBERS
OF THE GENERAL
COUNCIL
Fr. Joseph Chalmers, Prior General
Along with the whole General Council I attended the episcopal ordination of our brother, Lucio Renna in Avezzano on 12 September 1999. It was a grand occasion with a fine turn out of Carmelites.
A few days later Fr. Míceál O'Neill and I left for a ten day visitation of the Polish Province. I arrived back in Rome just in time for the solemn opening of the Domus Carmelitana on 25 September. Everyone was most impressed by the renovations which were just finished in time for the event. I am sure that many people will want to stay there. Let us hope and pray that all who visit may be touched by the Carmelite spirit.
Shortly afterwards, I went to San Felice del Benaco (north Italy) to take part in the meeting of Carmelite Formators. I gave a talk on contemplation and took the opportunity while in the area to visit the Carmelite cloistered nuns in Montegnacco (Udine) with Fr. Míceál O’Neill.
On 9 October we had a celebration for the opening of the renovated St. Albert's International Centre with the new library. It also happened to be the centenary of the laying of the foundation stone of the house. I was invited to give a reflection on the future for Carmelite spirituality.
The next event on the agenda was a visit to the Holy Land for a joint meeting/retreat of our General Council with the General Council of the Discalced Carmelites. Unfortunately I had to delay my arrival due to the unexpected death of Fr. Leo van Wijmen (Flum), a well known figure to all who have visited Rome. He had served the Order in St. Albert's International Centre for 40 years. For his funeral, apart from many Carmelites, also present were many sisters whom he had served as chaplain for 30 years. I arrived in the Holy Land on 18 October and joined the other councillors who had been together for several days. This was my first visit and so I was eager to see as much as possible. We stayed on Mount Carmel (Haifa) and in Jerusalem and as well visiting and praying at the holy places, we still found time to discuss various matters. The time together has helped us get to know one another better which can only help us to work more closely for the good of the whole Carmelite Family.
At the end of October I was in Aylesford (England) for the 50th anniversary of the return of the Carmelites to our ancient house. Aylesford was one of the early foundations in Europe (1242) and flourished until the friars were expelled by King Henry VIII in 1538. Then in 1949 the opportunity presented itself to buy back the property. It was not in good condition but Fr. Kilian Lynch, the then Prior General, raised sufficient money from the whole Order to purchase the house and grounds. The original idea was that Aylesford should be a centre of Carmelite studies but under the leadership of Fr. Malachy Lynch (brother of Fr. Kilian), it became an important shrine and retreat centre. On 31 October 1949 the Carmelites walked in procession through the village from the ancient bridge, which tradition tells us was built by the medieval friars, to the house itself. On 31 October 1999 this procession was repeated and when we arrived in Aylesford we celebrated a Mass of thanksgiving at the open air shrine along with a large crowd.
On the following day I returned to Rome for a plenary session of the
General Council. After a week of meetings, I attended the General Assembly
of our friars in France along with Fr. Alexander Vella and then visited
our communities in Sardegna.
Fr. Anthony Scerri, Councillor General
I. Preliminary remarks
On this journey to Kenya I was delighted to have the company of Fr.
Manuel Bonilla, Provincial of Catalonia. The purpose of our visit was threefold:
We had a meeting with the bishop, at which were present Fr. Manuel Bonilla, Sr. Margarita, Sr. Winifred and myself. The following points were discussed and made:
VIETNAM
There are ten students in St. Thérèse House. There are some 15 other students living outside this house. There is a very good spirit among the students. They keep a very good timetable. The Missionary Family "Donum Dei" continue to help these students through Marie-Lys, who accompanies them every day in various ways at L’Eau Vive.
While in Ho Chi Minh, I visited a school of languages run by Mrs. Nguyen Thi Minh Hang who asked me to help her find native English speakers to teach in her school. The school has about 1000 students, mainly night classes. The students are mostly young adults, but there are also children and grown-ups. One third of the students in the school get reduction of fees or have their fees waived. Mrs. Nguyen sees her school also as a means of doing charitable work. Day classes are from 7.30 to 11.00 and evening classes are from 5.30 to 8.45. Any teacher who would take up the offer would be provided with adequate lodging and "sufficient" salary. The school does not operate on a semester basis; therefore, any time is a good time to go there as far as the school is concerned. For further information contact Mrs. Nguyen Thi Minh Hang, Saigon School of Languages and I.T., 302 Nguyen Chi Thanh – D 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Tel. +84-8-8558189, or her home address: 233/8 C.X. Lu Gia, Ly Thuong Kiet – D. 11, Ho Chi Minh City, Tel. +84-8-8651182.
INDONESIA
North Sumatra: The brothers in North Sumatra are very active and have just taken charge of another parish in the archdiocese of Medan. This brings the number of parishes that they look after in North Sumatra to seven. Their community spirit is good and they often come together for prayer, meetings and celebrations. The spirituality team is also going ahead providing retreats and other spiritual exercises to various groups of religious and lay people in the archdiocese.
Malang: From North Sumatra I went directly to Malang. I had a
meeting with the Provincial Council on 24 June at Bukit Dieng. At this
meeting I mentioned the importance of missionary work for our Provinces
and put it to the Council that, together with the Provincial Commissariat
of the Philippines, they might consider their missionary commitment to
Asia and particularly to South East Asia. This includes Laos, Cambodia,
Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia and Singapore. There is no Carmelite presence
in any of these countries.
Fr. Míceál O’Neill, General Councillor
Programme of the visit: 14 September: Arrival in Cracow. 15-16 September: Meeting with the communities of Cracow, Babórov and Chyzne. Social meeting with the formation community. 17 September: Journey to Obory. 18 September: Meeting with the communities of Obory, Trutowo and Gdansk. 19 September: Journey to Wola Gulowska. 20 September: Meeting with the communities of Wola Gulowska, Lublin and Ukraine. 21 September: Journey to Lipiny. 22 September: Meeting with the communities of Lipiny and Pilzo. Journey to Cracow. 23 September: Meeting with priors and formators in Cracow. Celebration of thanksgiving for the beatification of Fr. Hilarion Januszewski. 24 September: Meeting with the Provincial Council. End of visit.
Content: At each meeting, the Prior General presented the themes of charism, of the present situation of the Order and the missionary thrust of the Order. The presentation was then followed by a look at the situation of the Polish Province and questions meant to lead to a reflection on the challenges which the Province has to face at present and in the future.
Special moments: During our free time we visited Czestockowa and Auschwitz, and we had a meeting with the students of the Province.
Evaluation and results: This kind of visit bore good results. The reaction of the members of the Province was quite positive. During our meetings we had no difficulty in communicating ideas and opinions and the participants showed their appreciation of the Prior General’s address.
As a result of reflection the participants became aware of a number of challenges which the Province has to face:
The brothers welcomed us generously and warmly. They collaborated fully with the programme of the visit, and for that we thank them very much.
- Community life: the organisation of the community meeting and each one’s commitment to it.
- Vocations: A more committed and more organised vocational programme.
- An appreciation of the history of the Province: its great men, crowned by the beatification of Fr. Hilarion Januszewski.
- A more careful preparation of the coming Provincial Chapter.
NAMED BISHOP
PRELATE
OF SICUANI
(PERU)
On 26 July 1999 John Paul II named Fr. Miguel La Fay Bardi, O.Carm., member of the American Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary, Bishop Prelate of Sicuani, Cusco, (Peru).
Fr. Miguel La Fay Bardi was born on 11 November 1934 in Chelsea, archdiocese of Boston (United States). He completed his philosophical studies at Mount Carmel College in Niagara Falls, Ontario (Canada) and his theological studies at the Carmelite Seminary of Whitefriars Hall, in Washington. He made his solemn profession in 1957 and was ordained priest on 4 July 1960 in Hamilton, Massachusetts. He obtained a licence in theology at the university of Lima and a degree in spirituality at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. He was assistant parish priest and parish priest of Nuestra Señora del Carmen (Lima) and Regional Superior of the PCM Province in Peru (1993-1996). Before his nomination he was responsible for the Peruvian Carmelite candidates in formation.
The episcopal ordination of Fr. La Fay Bardi as Bishop of Sicuani, took
place on 15 October 1999, Feast of Saint Teresa of Avila, in the Basilica
Cathedral of Lima, Peru. The principal consecrators were his Eminence Augusto
Cardinal Vargas Alzamora, S.J., the Most Rev. Juan Luis Cipriani Thorne
and the Most Rev. Alberto Brazzini Díaz-Ufano.
CENTENARY
AND INAUGURATION
CELEBRATIONS
AT CISA
On 9 October 1999 the community of St. Albert's International Centre (CISA), in Rome, celebrated its first centenary of foundation and at the same time formally inaugurated the renewed and refurbished premises. The Prior General, Fr. Joseph Chalmers, presided the celebrations which were opened with a welcoming address by the recently re-appointed Prior, Fr. Mark Attard (Mel).
The keynote speech was given by Fr. Emanuel Boaga (Ita), President of the Institutum Carmelitarum and famous Carmelite historian. He spoke about the centenary of service and history of CISA and gave an interesting analysis of the hundreds of Carmelites who studied, worked and lived in CISA in these last one hundred years. Fr. General spoke about the role of Carmel in the new millennium and emphasised the contemplative charism which the Order must share as a gift with the rest of the Church. There followed a simple but moving procession during which the commemorative plaque of Mr. & Ms. Rogge was unveiled and blessed at the entrance of the library. The community and all the 100 guests present were also blessed by Fr General as the chant of the Salve Regina was intoned. The evening came to an end in the community refectory where a light refreshment was served.
This year there are 41 members in the CISA community (after the recent
death of Fr. Leo van Wijmen). This represents a presence from 14 different
countries and includes 5 members of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate
and
7 Missionary Workers of the "Donum Dei" Missionary Family.
GENERAL CHAPTERS
OF THE SISTERS
During the Chapter Sr. Maria del Carmen Aparicio was elected Superior
General. Her Council consists of:
Sr. Mª Altagracia Bello Gómez, 1st Councillor
and Vicar General
Sr. Josefina Martínez Tomás, 2nd Councillor
and Bursar General
Sr. Rosa Mª García Martínez, 3rd Councillor
and Secretary General
Sr. Ana Bravo Arévalo, 4th Councillor General
Forty-two sisters took part in the Chapter. They represented various regions: Spain-Italy, Puerto Rico-Peru, the Dominican Republic, Portugal, Rwanda-Indonesia-Timor.
Sr. Mª Paolina Del Vecchio, Superior General
Sr. Mª Giovanna Peghetti, 1st Councillor and Vicar
General
Sr. Mª Agostina Gherardi, 2nd Councillor
Sr. Mª Marcisa Brugnera, 3rd Councillor
Sr. Mª Daniela Adometto, 4th Councillor
THE POPE PROCLAIMS
THREE
WOMEN SAINTS
PATRONS OF EUROPE
On 2 October 1999, at the opening celebration for the European Synod, John Paul II proclaimed St. Brigid, St. Catherine and St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (in the world, Edith Stein), new co-patrons of Europe together with Sts. Benedict of Norcia and the two brothers Cyril and Methodius. To these illustrious witnesses of Christ, the Pope has wished to add female figures, also in order to underline the great role that women have played in the ecclesiastic and civil history of the continent to this day.
The three women saints chosen as co-patrons of Europe are all in some way connected with the history of the Continent. "To proclaim Edith Stein co-patron of Europe today – observes John Paul II – means to place on the horizon of the old Continent a standard of respect, of tolerance, of welcome, which invites men and women to understand each other and to accept one another beyond ethnic, cultural and religious differences, in order to form a truly fraternal society." Edith Stein, who came from a Hebrew
family, abandoned her brilliant scholarly career to become a Discalced Carmelite nun and died in the concentration camp of Auschwitz. She symbolises the dramas of Europe during this century. Brigid of Sweden and Catherine of Siena, who both lived in the XIV century, worked tirelessly for the Church taking to heart the fortunes of Europe. Thus Brigid, who consecrated herself to God after having lived to the full her vocation as a spouse and mother, travelled through Europe from North to South working without cease for the unity of Christians and died in Rome. Catherine, humble and fearless Dominican tertiary, brought peace to her Siena, to Italy and to the Europe of the XIV century. She spent her energies unsparingly for the Church, succeeding in bringing the Pope back from Avignon to Rome.
In these new patrons, so rich in supernatural and human gifts, may Christians
and religious communities of all faiths, as well as citizens and States
of Europe, all sincerely committed to the search for truth and the common
good, find their inspiration!
INAUGURATION
OF
THE DOMUS
CARMELITANA
On 25 September 1999, at 17.30, many people gathered in the Domus Carmelitana, St. Albert Patriarch of Jerusalem, for the inauguration of the house by the Prior General and his Council, the RE group, SIAT, and Castelli S.I.I.S. Before the blessing of the house took place, speeches were given by Fr. Vincenzo Mosca, delegate of the Order, bishop Lucio Renna, bishop of Avezzano, and bishop Michael Louis Fitzgerald, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.
In his introductory remarks, Fr. V. Mosca said that "The official name of this House underscores certain spiritual and historical driving forces in the life of the Order of the Brothers of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel…. The first hermitage of the Carmelites on Mount Carmel was on the way which led pilgrims from Acre to Jerusalem and which through various routes joined the famous Via Francigena which in turn led to Rome and the most important sanctuaries of the day: Saint Michel in France, Santiago de Compostella in Spain, San Michele in the area of Gargano, Apulia. The welcoming of pilgrims has then been from the beginning one of the commitments of the Hermit Brothers of Mount Carmel…. Mount Carmel is mentioned in Scripture as a place of luxuriant growth and of particular beauty, but it is particularly famous for the feats worked there by the prophet Elijah who is venerated by Jews, Christians and Muslims.
Pilgrimage, Jerusalem, interreligious dialogue, these are some of the driving forces recalled in the apostolic exhortation Tertio Millennio Adveniente and in the Bull of indiction for the Jubilee Incarnationis Mysterium of John Paul II. In this latter text the Pope writes: "May this Jubilee take us one more step towards reciprocal dialogue until the day when all together, Hebrews, Christians and Muslims, will exchange the greeting of peace in Jerusalem." In the Jubilee Year of 2000, by means of this new House, the Carmelites wish to establish a sign of welcome to pilgrims who will come to Rome; to create a visionary bridge between Rome and Jerusalem, between East and West, between Hebrews, Christians and Muslims, and to commit themselves to the promotion of dialogue between peoples and to peace; to rediscover some aspects of their origin and of their charism by a careful inculturation of the faith."
Situated in Via Alberico II, no. 44, in the heart of the most central quarter of Prati in Rome, 500 metres from the Basilica of St. Peter, near the most interesting places of the capital, served by means of transport connected to railways and airports, the Domus Carmelitana has 53 rooms with 106 beds. The rooms are en-suite, have central heating and air-conditioning, satellite television, telephone and refrigerator bar. The house also has a reception area with welcoming atmosphere, a dining room with international, kosher and Muslim menus, a bar, a panoramic furnished terrace, an internal garden courtyard, a meeting room with projection cabin, a room for interreligious dialogue and the possibility of liturgical celebrations in the Chapel of the attached International Centre of St. Albert.
For further information and reservations please contact: SIAT Società
Italiana per l’Accoglienza e il Turismo – RE Travel Itinerari Turistici
e Religiosi, Via G.G. Belli 122, 00193 Rome, Tel. (+39) 0632813500, Fax
0632813501, E-mail: siat@gruppore.it.
CARMELITE
SPIRITUAL
DIRECTORY
In the 1989 General Chapter of the Carmelite Order an ambitious project was presented and approved which aimed to promote the knowledge, interiorization and experience of Carmelite spirituality and the Order's charism. Co-ordination was entrusted to an international commission of Carmelites. Among the specific objectives of this commission, confirmed then by the 1995 General Chapter, is the production of a new Carmelite Directory of Spirituality.
The Directory Project will be addressed to the whole Carmelite Family. In fact, it will specify elements common to all, characteristics special to various groups, and clarify some problems which are posed for all Carmelite: for example, the relation between charism and spirituality, the relation between the congregational charisms of the sisters and of the laity and the common charism of the Carmelite Family, how the common charism is participated and integrated, and so on.
The themes of the booklets presently programmed, though others could be added if they seem useful or necessary, are:
The letter thanks cloistered religious men and women for their part in the mission of the Jubilee and for their "witness of spiritual communion" with those who wish to be converted. The letter asks cloistered men and women to pray that "all Christians and all men and women of good will may share in the spiritual fruits of the Jubilee", that the Church "may witness to its own identity" in this year of grace and that "the face of God may manifest itself to all men and women".
FR. LEO VAN
WIJMEN, O.Carm.
(1934-1999)
Fr. Leo van Wijmen was born on 18 December 1934 (Malang, Indonesia) and was given the name of Leonardus Lucas Antonius. He went to the parish primary school in Amsterdam (Netherlands) and later to the lower and upper secondary schools in Zenderen (Netherlands) and in Itu (Brazil),
At the age of 21, on 7 January 1955, he entered the Order of Carmel in Mogi da Cruzes (Province of Rio de Janeiro). Two weeks later, he began his noviciate and was given the name of Alfredo. He was simply professed on 22 January 1956 and on 22 January 1959 he made his solemn profession. He studied philosophy and the first two years of theology in São Paolo (Brazil). In October 1959 he was sent to the International College of Saint Albert in Rome to complete his theological studies. He was ordained to the priesthood on 8 July 1961.
Because in 1962 CISA was full, Fr. Leo went for two years to Pius XI College (at present the General Curia of our Order) but remained a member of the CISA community. He was then studying in the faculty of Church History at the Pontifical Gregorian University. In 1964, when he went back to CISA, Fr. Leo obtained his licentiate in Church History and, after wide ranging research in France, his doctorate in 1969. In 1979 he obtained a diploma in Library Science at the School of Library Science in the Vatican Apostolic Library.
During the years he spent in CISA, Fr. Leo held many offices, among them: member of the Institutum Carmelitanum and General Archivist (1964-83), Librarian of the Carmelite Library (from 1983 till the time he died) and Sub-Prior of the community for many years. He was an assiduous scholar who wrote and published several articles and books on Carmelite subjects. He will certainly be remembered for his Bibliographia Carmelitana Annualis published from 1982 to 1999.
Fr. Leo died at the age of 64 on 12 October 1999, after an operation
and a cardiac arrest at about 4.00 a.m. He was in a hospital in Paris (France),
where he underwent two surgical operations for arterial occlusions. His
funeral was celebrated in the Chapel in CISA, where he had lived for 40
years of his religious life in the service of the Order and the Church.
The Prior General, Fr. Joseph Chalmers, presided at the Eucharist, and
was accompanied by the Prior, Fr. Mark Attard and Fr. Redemptus Valabek
who gave the eulogy. Many religious men and women and friends attended
the ceremony.
750 YEARS
OF CARMELITE PRESENCE
IN THE NETHERLANDS
The first Carmelites arrived in the Netherlands in 1249. To commemorate the 750 anniversary of Carmelite presence in the Netherlands, on 11 September 1999, the Dutch Province organised a special programme. Present for the occasion were: Prior General, Fr. Joseph Chalmers, Prepositus General of the OCD, Fr. Camilo Maccise, the Councillor General for Northern Europe, Fr. Míceál O’Neill, and about 350 members of the Carmelite Family of both Orders.
The programme included:
RELICS OF
SAINT THERESE
IN THE UNITED
STATES
At present the reliquary of St. Thérèse of Lisieux is travelling through much of the United States. The relics of the "Little Flower" arrived from Argentina on 4 October 1999 and will remain in the States until 30 January 2000. They will travel by car and by plane to over fifty cities in twenty-two states.
The project developed in 1995 when a committee of Carmelite Friars (O.Carm-OCD) began preliminary inquiries to bring the reliquary to the United States. The Committee is made up of one Carmelite Friar from each of the five Carmelite Provinces in the United States. The original planning Committee was made up of Frs. Donald Kinney, OCD, Chairman, Matthew Faulkner, O.Carm. (SEL), James Curiel, OCD, Robert Colaresi, O.Carm. (PCM), and Jude Peters, OCD. On 8 December 1995, Fr. Raymond Zambelli, Rector of the Basilica of Lisieux, gave official permission for the relics of St. Thérèse to travel to the United States. On 14 March 1997 the five Carmelite Provincials formally approved the project. On 24 June 1997 Bishop Anthony Pilla, President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, granted official permission for the relics to travel throughout the dioceses of the United States.
The reliquary itself is a beautiful composition of jacaranda wood and gilt silver. This is not the brass and white enamel reliquary which was taken on pilgrimage in Europe and to St. Peter's Basilica for the ceremonies of the Doctorate of St. Thérèse. Because that reliquary is extremely valuable and fragile, it was decided that a second reliquary, almost identical in shape and size, would be used for her round-the-world travels. The reliquary weighs 140 kilos and is permanently mounted on a wooden tray. For security, the whole reliquary is covered with a clear, permanent, plexiglass cover.
It is the five Carmelite Provinces (O.Carm - OCD) in the United States
who are assuming full responsibility for the relics while on tour in the
country, including all organisation, expenses, publicity and security.
Individuals from each location where the relics will stay have been appointed
to a Central Committee which will help organise the visit at their site,
provide security and arrange for the transportation to the next site. After
almost four months, the relics will leave the United States on 30 January
2000 for the Philippines.
THE "ROMANIAN
PROJECT"
OF THE ITALIAN
PROVINCE
After a recent visit to Romania, Fr. Carlo Cicconetti, Provincial, reported that the project of the Italian Province, namely, that of presenting to the Romanian Church a sanctuary dedicated to Mary and Elijah as a place of pilgrimage and spiritual refreshment, is quite advanced.
Fr. Cicconetti says: ". . . . I have visited the building site and I noted that the works are going well: the monastery for the friars is already roofed, the electrical and heating systems have been installed; the building for the pilgrims and the convent of the Carmelite Missionary Sisters of S. Marinella (SCMTBG) will be roofed soon, before winter. The church also with the crypt dedicated to St. Elijah will be enriched with a short symbolical route from the baptismal font to the place of Reconciliation, the Word and the Eucharist. We hope that all will be ready by the middle of the year 2000". In the completed project, a cloistered monastery is envisaged to ensure the continued monastic rhythms of liturgical prayer and lectio divina.
During his visit and through meetings with the bishop and some of the
clergy and lay people, Fr. Cicconetti was able to observe that the faithful
and the clergy welcome the project and say that the project responds to
a real need among them for a place of pilgrimage and of reflection and
spiritual retreats. Meanwhile the Italian Province continues its commitment
to the initial formation of many Romanian candidates, three of whom are
already deacons and will soon be ordained to the priesthood.
A SON OF CARMEL
DECLARED
VENERABLE
On 28 June 1999, John Paul II signed the decrees concerning 18 causes, among which was the recognition of the heroic practice of the virtues of Fr. George Preca, Maltese Carmelite Tertiary.
Fr. George was born on 12 February 1880 in a Carmelite environment. His very devout and exemplary family lived in Valletta, a few steps from the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. As a child, as was the custom then, George was enrolled in the Carmelite Family through the imposition of the Scapular. As a youth he entered the major seminary to begin his studies in philosophy and theology. He was ordained priest on 22 December 1906.
He was not satisfied with doing the minimum in what concerned his Christian and priestly life. From childhood, George always wore the Scapular, and later as a grown up he wanted to commit himself more and more to the following of Our Lady and thus became a Carmelite Tertiary. He was admitted in St. Venera (Malta) on 21 July 1918 by Fr. Cyril Ellul, O.Carm., and made his profession on 26 September the following year in the presence of Fr. Frank Ellul, O.Carm. At his profession he chose the name of Brother Frank, after the Carmelite Blessed Franco of Siena. He knew well the life of Blessed Franco and sought to imitate his virtues. He really felt a member of the Carmelite Family, so much so that several times in his writings he calls himself a Carmelite, using his Third Order name rather than his own. He was frequently invited by the local Directors of the Third Order to give talks in various centres. In 1951 he collaborated with the Carmelites in celebrating the VII Centenary of the Scapular. In recognition of his untiring spreading of devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Fr. George was affiliated to the Order by the Prior General, Fr. Kilian Lynch.
Fr. George spent his final years in the Carmelite parish of St. Venera.
His relationship with the Carmelites was cordial and friendly. Before he
died, Fr. Kilian Azzopardi, O.Carm., administered the last sacraments to
him. He died in 1962, the year of the Second Vatican Council. He will be
remembered for his sanctity, but he will also be remembered as the founder
of the Society of Christian Doctrine, often called MUSEUM, the acronym
of "Magister, Utinam Sequatur Evangelium Universus Mundus" (Lord, would
that the whole world follow the Gospel!). The originality of this initiative
of Fr. George lay in the fact that the teaching of the catechism was done
by trained lay people. (For further information visit: www.geocities.com/Athens/8360)
THE FIRST
CARMELITE PRIEST
FROM IVORY
COAST
On 24 July 1999 the first Carmelite from Ivory Coast, Fr. Desiré du Mont Carmel Kouakou Tanoh (Baet), was ordained priest by the bishop of Abengourou (Ivory Coast). Fr. Desiré completed his studies in spiritual theology at the University of Comillas. His thesis was on the works of Fr. John Brenninger, O.Carm. His ordination took place in the parish of Saint André a Bongouanou, his birthplace.
In his homily, bishop Bruno Kouamé expressed his joy on this special occasion: "This morning we are witnessing an exceptional event. The candidate to the priesthood is not only a seminarian, as usual, but he is also a religious of the Carmelite Family. Be always faithful to your religious vocation . . . . . Look upon the Mother of Jesus who is also the Mother of priests." At the ordination, from the Province of Betica were present: Fr. Rafael Leiva Sanchez, Provincial, Fr. Francisco Daza, candidate for the new foundation in Burkina Faso, and Fr. Eugène Kaboré, the first Carmelite priest from Burkina Faso. Also present were a group of Missionary Workers of the Missionary Family "Donum Dei" as well as many friends from Spain and France.
A few days later, on 28 July 1999, Fr. Rafael Leiva Sanchez, Provincial,
together with Fr. Francisco Daza, Fr. Eugène Kaboré, Fr.
Desiré Kouakou and the Workers of the Missionary Family "Donum
Dei" paid a visit to the Vicar General of the diocese of Bobo Dioulasso
where the new foundation in Burkina Faso will take place and where the
Missionary Workers have a house, which will be the temporary residence
of the Carmelite friars. They also met the bishop of the diocese, bishop
Anselme T. Sanon, who greeted them warmly and blessed their initiative.
It is thought that the new foundation in Burkina Faso will start towards
the end of this year.
CARMELITE
THIRD ORDER
IN THE CZECH
REPUBLIC
The collapse of the Communist regime in the Czech Republic at the end of 1989 opened the way not only to unrestrained development of religious communities but also to the renewal or rather fresh re-assembling of groups of Carmelite laity, i.e. the Third Order. Many volunteers and benefactors who helped the friars with the reconstruction of their monastery in Kostelní Vydrí, many parishioners in places cared for by the Carmelites, and other believers as well are interested in getting more closely connected with the Order.
The first group of tertiaries was established in 1991, the first common tertiary profession was made in 1992. At that time, people interested in the Third Order used to have formation meetings twice a year. The friars first began to give them a three-day retreat every year. Since the summer of 1996, the formation meetings have been organised at several places in the Czech Republic for the greater convenience of the participants. Also their frequency has increased to every month or every second month. Thus the participating groups can grow in real companionship. These groups consist of people who are young and old. The basic tertiary guidelines are to be found in the Rule of the Third Order. Its proposal has been drawn by the Czech Carmelites, and will be submitted to the General Council of the Order to be approved.
This year, 66 novices made their profession during the national meeting
of tertiaries in Kostelní Vydrí which was held on the day
of Commemoration of the Immaculate Heart of Our Lady. Some 230 persons
participated at this year’s retreat for tertiaries and friends of Carmel.
Altogether our Order has about 200 Third Order members in the Czech Republic.
A PROJECT
FOR
THE POOR
OF THE STREETS
São Paolo is the largest city in South America and the second in Latin America. There is a considerable number of homeless people in the city. It is the most violent city in Brazil and has the highest number of murders and street accidents. Women and children who live on the streets are often victims of physical violence and sexual abuse. They are also the victims of drug dealers. The State and the government do not have a serious plan in place for these people, and to make matters worse, economic problems increase the numbers of desperate people.
To help these poor people, the Province of Rio de Janeiro, together with the lay people of the Carmelite parish of St. Teresa of Jesus, is carrying out a project called "Isidore Bakanja", in São Paolo, Brazil. The Carmelite project started on 12 May of last year. Its aim is to bear witness to the Gospel in solidarity with the poor, offering them the possibility of regaining their human dignity, their civic rights and of reinserting themselves into society. Those who take part in the project are people of all classes and faiths, who believe in the dignity of the person, without distinction of sex, race or creed, and who help on a voluntary basis. In order to approach the people of the streets, the members of the group offer one meal per day to about 250 persons, a simple meal but full of affection and love. For the sake of good organisation, there is a team which co-ordinates the project in its administrative, social, religious and human aspects. Thus there are seven co-ordinators of work groups, one for each day of the week.
The Isidore Bakanja Project is maintained by the generous gifts
of those who believe in the dignity of the human person of our needy brothers
and sisters. All gifts are welcome (food, clothing, money, furniture, etc.).
For further information on the Project please contact Fr. Antonio Silvio
da Costa Junior, O.Carm., St. Teresa of Jesus Parish, Rua Clodomiro Amazonas
50, 04537-000 São Paolo – S.P. Brazil. Tel (+55-11) 820-8353; Fax
(+55-11) 829-5567; E-mail: psilvio@ibm.net; Web page: www.terravista.pt/llhadoMel/2684/bakanja.htm.
CAUSE OF BEATIFICATION
OF ARCANGELA
BADOSA (HVMMC)
On 11 June 1999, Sr. Adela di Jesús López, Postulator General of the Congregation HVMMC, officially introduced to Mgr. Victorio Oliver Domingo, Bishop of Orihuela-Alicante, the Cause of Beatification of Sr. Arcangela Badosa Cuatrecasas, religious of the same Congregation. The bishop not only accepted the initiation of the process but he also asked all those who knew Sr. Arcangela to send in writing to the Promoter of Justice any occurrences which might be of use to the process of beatification. He then appointed the diocesan Tribunal for the Cause, made up of three Sisters: Asunción Perelló, notary of the acts, Mª Moreno Pérez and Mª Gracia Paniagua, members of the historical commission.
Sister Arcangela was born in San Juan de les Fonts (Girona), Spain,
on 16 June 1878. At the age of 30, she entered Carmel. In 1909 she made
her profession and was sent to carry out her mission in the Ospedal
de Elda (Alicante), where she remained until her death. She dedicated
herself entirely and with great charity to the care of the sick. She died
in the odour of sanctity on 27 November 1918.
3rd
MEETING OF
ITALIAN LAY
CARMELITES
For the third time since the start of the Italian Province, lay Carmelites met in the Carmel of Sassone (Rome) from 26 to 30 August 1999 for their usual triennial meeting. This year’s meeting took place within the framework of preparations for the Jubilee year 2000. About two hundred tertiaries and friends of Carmel from various parts of the Province took part.
The theme of the meeting was "Lay Carmelites of the Third Millennium: contemplatives in the world". The two main talks were by Prof. Carmelo Dotolo, "The lay person of the third millennium in dialogue with God and with his fellowmen", and by Fr. Roberto Toni, "Elijah, man of God and of the people". Both talks created much interest and were used as starting points for further discussion arising mostly from the experience of those present. At the end of the meeting, Fr. Giovanni Grosso gave a summary of the conclusions of all that had taken place, inviting the participants to translate these conclusions into practice. The spirit of friendship and fraternity was evident at the times of prayer and at the two joyful evenings when many participants contributed enjoyable attractions.
At the meeting, the provincial President of the Lay Carmelites was elected
by the local and area superiors. They re-elected Mr. Alfio Parisi, who
thanked those present for the trust they placed in him and reaffirmed his
own commitment to Carmel and to the laity of the whole Province.
THE CARMELITES – LOS CARMELITAS – I CARMELITANI
The Internet site www.ocarm.org, with
more than 370 pages of information on the Carmelite Order in three languages
(English, Spanish and Italian), has had more then 13,300 visitors since
January 1998!
A summary of this information service:
The Carmelite Family: The Friars – The Cloistered Nuns – The
Sisters – The Lay people
Carmelite Spirituality: Rule – Charism – Elijah and Mary – Lectio
Divina – Scapular – Great Figures (Saints, Blesseds, Venerables, Servants
of God) – Heritage
In the midst of the people: Missions – Justice and Peace
Carmelite resources: Crest – News – Web Sites – Music – Publications
– Calendar – Presence in the World.
The site is brought up to date periodically with new contents.
It is the site of our Family. Spread the news among your friends
and in your area.
CITOC News
The Internet site www.ocarm.org/citoc.news,
in three languages (English, Spanish and Italian),
is the meeting point for all the members of the Carmelite Family.
In this service exclusively for Carmelites:
All CITOC News publications for 1999 and a list of all Carmelite E-mail
addresses brought up to date every month.
AA.VV.,
Cieli e terra nuova - Manuale per animatori di giustizia, pace e
integrità del creato, Editrice Missionaria Italiana, Bologna,
1999, pp. 287.
ARNAU MARTINEZ, Rafael Ma., O.Carm.,
La Inmaculada Concepción de María y el "yo pecador"
del hombre, AMACAR, Onda, 1999, pp. 94.
BARBERO MORENO, Miguel, O.Carm.,
La Imagen de la Virgen del Carmen Coronada de Jerez y su Basílica,
(segunda edición), Jerez de la Frontera, 1999, pp. 235.
CANAL, Antonio Augusto,
Angelo Ferruccio Coan, Carmelitano, PP. Carmelitani, Vittorio
Veneto, 1999, pp. 32.
GARRIDO, Pablo María, O.Carm.,
La Virgen de la Fe - Doctrina y piedad mariana entre los Carmelitas
españoles de los siglos XVI y XVII, Edizioni Carmelitane, 1999,
pp. 428.
GRODEN, Jude, RSM; O'DONNELL, Christopher, O.Carm.,
Assemblies for liturgical seasons & school occasions, Vol.
1., McCrimmons, Essex, 1999, pp. 101.
ISACSSON, Alfred, O.Carm.,
Edward McGlynn - Studies Marking the Centenary of his Death, Vestigium
Press, New York, [1999], pp. 111.
KACZMAREK, Tomasz; PELOSO, Flavio,
Luci nelle tenebre (I 108 martiri della Chiesa in Polonia: 1939-1945),
Michalineum, Varsacia, 1999, pp. 134.
L'Apostolo Paolo Maestro e Modello - La spiritualità paolina
nel Carmelo,
(a cura della: Fraternità Carmelitana della Provincia Napoletana),
Edizioni: Vita Carmelitana, Bari, 1999, pp. 241.
McGREAL, Wilfrid, O.Carm.,
At the Fountain of Elijah - The Carmelite Tradition, Darton,
Longman and Todd Ltd., London, 1999, pp. 135. In telling the story of the
Carmelite tradition, Fr. Wilfrid McGreal (Ang) shows the enduring importance
of the Carmelite Rule with its call to follow Christ with an undivided
heart and its challenge to be steeped in Scripture. The significance of
the symbolic figures of Elijah and Mary is highlighted - expressing and
resolving the tensions of the contemplative life and pointing towards the
mystical. The author also stresses the contribution of women to the Order's
life, from before the time of Teresa of Avila and taking in Thérèse
of Lisieux and Edith Stein.
PREGARDIER, Elisabeth; MOHR, Anne,
Passione in agosto - Edith Stein e i suoi compagni di martirio,
Mimep-Docete - Edizione OCD, Milano, 1999, pp. 464. On 2 August 1942 the
Nazis arrested in the Netherlands more than 300 Hebrews converted to Catholicism.
Among them was also Teresa Benedicta of the Cross and her sister Rosa Stein.
The Italian translation of this book, rich in historical and photographic
documentation, reports and records, many not previously published, tells
us what happened to Edith Stein and her companions in martyrdom and helps
us to better understand the environment where their holocaust took place.
Santo senza saperlo,
(il Servo di Dio P. Benigno di S. Teresa di Gesù Bambino, OCD),
Mimep-Docete - Edizione OCD, Milano, 1999, pp. 175.
SIERACKI, Aloysius, O.Carm.,
Collected Poems,Trade Service Publications, Roselle, 1999, pp.
78.
SMITH, Elizabeth; CHALMERS, Joseph, O.Carm.,
A Deeper Love – An Introduction to Centering Prayer, Burns &
Oates, Tunbridge Wells, 1999, pp. 118.This book is the experience of teaching
and practising Centering Prayer over a number of years. Both authors
found it helpful in their own lives and would like to share it with others.
Much of what they have written is based on the insights of Fr. Thomas Keating,
an American Trappist monk. He founded Contemplative Outreach in
the USA in order to teach Centering Prayer in the context of the
Christian contemplative tradition and to support those who take up this
way of prayer. This introductory book may be of help to those who are searching
for and desire to respond wholeheartedly to the invitation of Christ to
enter into an intimate relationship with God.
STEIN, Edith,
Il castello dell'anima, Mimep-Docete - Edizione OCD, Milano,
1999, pp. 143.
TARTARI, Elena; VIETTI, Carlo,
S. Martino Maggiore - Cuore antico di Bologna, Edizioni Futura
News, Bologna, 1999, pp. 112.
REQUEST FOR
CARMELITE
MATERIAL
At the last General Congregation held in Bamberg, the Prior General mentioned that for the year 2000 the General Council intends to publish a booklet in several languages giving an overview of the Carmelite Family.
The director of CITOC has been placed in charge of the project and invites all Carmelite religious communities of men and women to send photographs and other Carmelite material in connection with their presence and activities so that a choice may be made of the most suitable and recent photographs for this publication. Not all the material sent will be used for this publication. However, the material sent will be useful, especially the photos, for the newsletter CITOC (both in printed and virtual form) and will make Carmelite news on our Internet site more interesting and attractive. Those who have had the opportunity of visiting Internet are aware of the importance of pictures. So you are asked to send photographs, cards, pictures, reproductions, books and brochures of houses, churches, saints, Carmelite coats of arms, audio and video cassettes, CDs, etc., which can be of use for the publication of the General Council and for CITOC and the web site of our Order.
Anyone who wishes the material sent to CITOC to be returned, please just mention that when you send the material. If no such wish is expressed, then the material will be kept in the archives of the Order. Thank you for your collaboration. Please send your material to:
Fr. Anthony Cilia, O.Carm., CITOC Office,
Curia Generalizia dei Carmelitani, Via Giovanni Lanza 138, 00194
Rome, Italy.
NEWS IN BRIEF
On 13 May 1999, the Carmelite Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (HCSCJ) celebrated the 75th anniversary of the foundation of their Congregation, which was founded on 13 May 1924 by Mother Assunciòn Solere Gimeno in Malaga (Spain). A woman of extraordinary feminine qualities and Christian virtues, she always tried to do the will of God and to abandon herself into the loving hands of God, she lived a life of evangelical poverty entirely open to the needs of the Church. Affiliated to the Carmelite Order in 7 June 1947, the Congregation which she founded received the Decretum Laudis on 2 February 1955 and the definitive approval on 13 June 1964. The Congregation is now present in Spain, Portugal, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Mozambique. Several meetings on the person, works and writings of the Foundress, and on the charism, spirituality and mission of the Congregation today marked the occasion.
UPDATE OF
ADDRESSES AND
TELEPHONE
NUMBERS
Changed phone / fax numbers
Irish Province
St. Kilian's Mission, P. Bag 8050, Rusape, Zimbabwe. Tel. 025 83 2791
Lower Germany Province
Karmel Marienthal, An der Klosterkirche, 8, 46499 Hamminkeln, Germany.
Tel: (+49) 02856-91830, Fax: 02856-918310.
Portuguese General Commissariat
Carmelite Missionary Sisters of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus (SCMTBG)
| Suore Carmelitane Miss. di ST del BG, Brazil
Centro di Spiritualità - Fiumicino RM, Italy Colégio Dom Elizeu Van de Weijer, Brazil |
<carmelitas@mednet.com.br>
<ruoccot@tiscalinet.it> <domelizeu@ada.com.br> |
Italian Province
| Midili, Giuseppe
Parrocchia del Carmine, Messina |
<ppm@lycosmail.com>
<carminemess@ctonline.it> |
Carmelite Sisters of Our Lady (CSOL)
| Baybeth Marie Andaya | <baybeth@yahoo.com> |
Arago-Valentine Province
| Rivera, Jorge | <riveraocarm@yahoo.com> |
PCM American Province
| Bauerle, Bernhard
Boyle, Valentine Gavin, Patrick Gavin, Russ Holt, Robert Hull, Mark Lewis, James Meyer, Sebastian Murphy, Robert Murphy, Tom Nessinger, Phil Schaffner, Mark Torres, Jose Luis Varela, Enrique Wallroth, Joe Wolfe, Bob |
< bbauerle@worldnet.att.net>
<frval@diocesephoenix.org> <parthurgavin@juno.com> <FRRSCARMEL@aol.com> <roanho@hotmail.com> <teresita@hia.net> <James.B.Lewis.70@nd.edu> <seb@castles.com> <murphyro@lewisu.edu> <tm823my@hotmail.com> < PhilNessinger@msn.com> <Marcus89@msn.com> <jolutorres@yahoo.com> <kikevn@hotmail.com> <401hc@email-tc3.5sigcmd.army.mil> <stcecilia@nac.net> |
Castilian Province
| Diaz, Nicolas | <padrenicolas@topmail.com.ar> |
Irish Province
| Cremin, Michael
O'Callaghan, Benedict Ryan, Linus |
<michaelcremin@sprintmail.com>
<beneoc@tinet.ie> <sttheres@indigo.ie> |
Upper German Province
| Adappoor, Francis
Panzer, Stephan Schuler, Euchar Carmelbhavan, Karukutty |
<adappoorfrancis@hotmail.com>
<stpanzer@bnv-bamberg.de> <ea2620@fen.baynet.de> <ocarmel@satyam.net.in> |
Bohemia and Moravia General Commissariat
| Fatka, Ian
Publishing House, Praha |
<karmel@pha.inecnet.cz>
<karmelnakl@iol.cz> |
Indonesian Province
| Soedibjo Soestijarso, Anastasius | <soestijarso@yahoo.com> |
Neapolitan Province
| Merico, Antonio | <tonyocarm@libero.it> |
Province of Great Britain
| Cunliffe, Fabian
Paterson, Mark Wijngaard, Piet |
<fabiancunliffe@hotmail.com>
<mark@onga-onga.freeserve.co.uk> <piet@pwijngaard.freeserve.co.uk> |
St. Albert's International Centre (CISA)
| Kosasih, Dionysius (Indo)
Raul, Maravi (PCM) |
<dkosasih@ocarm.org>
<rmaravi@ocarm.org> |
Australian Province
| Provincial Office, Donvale | <ocarmprov@ie.net.au> |
N.B. For an update list of all Carmelite e-mail addresses see page www.ocarm.org/citoc.news/emailadd.htm
New Web sites
Parroquia San Antonio Abad, Añasco
http://home.coqui.net/antabad/
Santuario Vergine SS. del Carmelo, Mesagne BR
http://www.freeweb.org/religioni/santuariodelcarmine/
Saint Joseph Parish, Bogota, NJ
http://www.stjosephbogota.org
The Chapel of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Washington, D.C.
http://www.nationalshrine.com/NAT_SHRINE/tour_u09.htm
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, Darien, IL
http://ourladyofmtcarmel.org/
Santuario Madonna del Granato, Capaccio
http://www.paestum.it/santuariogranato
St. John of the Cross Church, Mississauga, ONT
http://members.home.net/stjohnofx/
St. Therese of Lisieux Church, Cresskill, NJ
http://njcommunity.com/sites/sttherese
St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Brooklyn, NY
http://www.stthomasaquinaschurch.org
Boxmeer en de Karmel
http://www.boxmeer-plaza.nl/
Colégio Dom Elizeu Van de Weijer
http://www.ada.com.br/domelizeu/index.htm
Colegio Nuestra Señora del Carmen
http://www.carmelitas.edu.pe
St. Bernadette Catholic Church, Houston TX
http://www.rc.net/galveston/stbernadette/
Pfarre "Maria vom Berge Karmel"
http://www.non-profit.at/mvbk
Santa Maria delle Vittorie, Bari
http://carmelitani-bari.freeweb.org
CARMELITE MILESTONES
Novices
12 September 1999
Juan Antonio Soldado Corrales (Baet)
Serge Somé (Baet)
Pedro José Lopez Suarez (Baet)
Simple Professions
31 May 1999
Craig Alan Kesner (PCM)
Alfredo Serrano-Quiñones (PCM)
1 July 1999
Ana Prado Santos (PAR)
11 September 1999
Elías Sánchez Rodríguez (Baet)
Felipe Aguilera Vallejo (Baet)
26 September 1999
Donato Ingrosso (Neap)
Alessandro Impollonia (Ita)
Henry Venecia Cerro (Ita)
Paul Bacoscâ (Ita)
1 September 1999
Karl Chircop (Mel)
Ivan Scicluna (Mel)
Renald Lofreda (Mel)
Jürgen Cucciardi (Mel)
25 Years Simple Profession
5 January 2000
Simon (Lucianus) Rande (Indo)
Stephanus Selar Suwantono (Indo)
19 January 2000
Thomas Hakala (PCM)
Michael Greenwell (PCM)
2 February 2000
Paulo Novais Mendes (GerS)
Célio Aleixo (Aleixo) Rückl (GerS)
15 February 2000
Michael Brundell (Aust)
David Hofman (Aust)
50 Years Simple Profession
22 January 2000
Martinus (Carmelo) Cox (Flum)
Lambertus (Marcellino) Nollen (Lus)
25 January 2000
Mª Vicenta Gallach Soler (VAL)
16 February 2000
Mª del Pilar Linares Muñoz (ANT)
Mª del Santísimo Linares Ramírez (ANT)
Solemn Professions
14 August 1999
Robert Pérez (SEL)
8 September 1999
Michael Cox (Brit)
11 September 1999
Alain Dialló (Baet)
Jean Patrice Basolé (Baet)
Sylvain Sayaogo (Baet)
Francisco M. Rivera Cascajosa (Baet)
17 October 1999
Marcos Ant. da Silva Alencar (GerS-Par)
24 October 1999
Gabriel M. Fartadi (Ita)
Ilie M. Ariesan (Ita)
Diaconate Ordinations
15 October 1999
Antonio M. Calvieri (Neap)
Michelangelo Pellegrino (Neap)
27 November 1999
Edenilson Nunes Pimentel (Pern)
Francisco Damião da Silva (Pern)
Almir Geraldo Manoel de Andrade (Pern)
Priestly Ordinations
9 June 1999
Michael Manning (Brit)
2 July 1999
Alexander Scerri (Mel)
Garvin Grech (Mel)
24 July 1999
Desiré Kouakou Tanoh (Baet)
25 July 1999
Reinaldo Rodrigues Chagas (Flum)
26 August 1999
Ignatius Budiono (Indo)
Andreas Yudhi Wiyadi (Indo)
Agustinus Suyadi (Indo)
Heribertus Supriyadi (Indo)
Paulus Triyuwono (Indo)
Ignatius Suyadi (Indo)
18 September 1999
Adalgizo da Silva Ferreira (Pern)
19 September 1999
Grerius Nasianus Tola (Indo)
12 October 1999
José Roberval Mendes Pereira (Pern)
16 October 1999
Giuseppe M. Midili (Ita)
23 October 1999
Dárcio Azevedo Santos (Pern)
28 October 1999
Felix Pallippatt (GerS-Indi)
30 October 1999
Joyson Pottackal (GerS-Indi)
2 November 1999
Sebastian Vadakkeparampil (GerS-Indi)
50 Years Priestly Ordination
19 February 2000
Manuel Bautista Muñoz Lopez (Baet)
Necrology
12 May 1999
Celina Moreno Martín (GRA)
24 June 1999
Eduardo M. Abril (Baet)
10 July 1999
Angela Paulssen (HEE)
16 July 1999
Arnoldus Voost (Neer)
28 July 1999
Wunibald Schonmann (GerS)
14 August 1999
Egbert Horck (Neer)
3 September 1999
Agnese Ramaccini (SUT)
6 September 1999
Peter O’Dwyer (Hib)
12 September 1999
Leo van Wijmen (Flum)
19 October 1999
Sean Dunne (Hib)
5 November 1999
Paul O'Brien (Brit)
CARMELITE NUNS AROUND THE WORLD
THE CARMEL
OF
OUR LADY
OF MOUNT CARMEL
Address: Carmelite Cloistered Nuns
Monastery of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
P.O. Box 2486, Machakos, Kenya.
Fifteen years later, this dream was realised on 10 October 1999. After these girls, now Carmelite nuns, had received their Carmelite and monastic formation, they returned to their homeland, Kenya, to start a new foundation. The community is made up of five Kenyan and two Spanish nuns (from the monastery of Utrera): Sr. Magdalena Medrano Jiménez, Sr. Margarita Vargas Arrabal, Sr. Winifred Katunge Mbui, Sr. Christine Syombua Mbindyo, Sr. Grace Njoki Mbugua, Sr. Damaris Mbinya Matheka, and Sr. Francisca Mwikali Nzomo. They were formally received by bishop Urbanus in the Cathedral of Machakos on the occasion of the silver jubilee of his episcopal ordination. The Cathedral was full to overflowing with groups of faithful from the four corners of the diocese. When introducing the nuns, the bishop asked the clergy and people to give them every support possible. The bishop himself has set an example by giving the nuns a five-acre plot of land and a house as temporary residence until the nuns build their monastery, and by showing his concern for their welfare. The bishop has appointed Frs. Boniface Nzomo and Lawrence Mutava to look after the spiritual and material needs of the nuns. Both priests have shown great kindness in their zeal to be of service to the nuns.
This may be considered as the first foundation of cloistered nuns of the Carmelite Order in Africa. A previous attempt in the 1950s had, for various reasons, to be abandoned. It is the hope of the Order that the new Monastery of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Machakos, will be the seedbed for many more foundations in Africa. At this initial stage, the nuns need much support from the whole Carmelite Family to build their monastery and to gradually be able to provide for themselves in a new environment. Those who would like to assist financially, may contact the nuns at the above address.
091199