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    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

    EUROPE 
    INAUGURATION 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

    After the General Congregation in Bamberg, I met with the Provincial Council of the Neapolitan Province in Bari and then went to the Netherlands for the 750th anniversary of the arrival of the Carmelites in the country. It was a joint celebration with the Discalced Carmelites. Fr. Camilo Maccise was also present for the day long event in Nijmegen.

    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

    KENYA

    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:

    II. Why a foundation in Kenya? III. The cloistered nuns
    Bishop Urbanus J. Kioko of Machakos diocese received us warmly and he himself accompanied us to the temporary residence which he has provided for the Carmelite nuns from Utrera. The nuns are satisfied with the house as a temporary residence. Some work will have to be carried out to make the house suitable for their purpose.

    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:

    We then visited three of the families of the Kenyan Carmelite brothers in Catalonia and one of a brother in Arago-Valentina Province. All these brothers come from the Machakos diocese. The journey was tiring, but the visits well worth the effort.

    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

    Preparation for the visit: The Prior General, Fr. Joseph Chalmers, and myself organised the programme beforehand, intending this visit to take the form of a fraternal working encounter and not an official visit of the Prior General to all the houses. The members of the Province were to meet in four centres for a day of work on the main themes of interest to the Order, and to allow time for personal encounters for those who so desired.

    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.
     

    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

    After an intense preparation by all the religious of the Congregation from 18 July to 15 August 1999, the Sisters of the Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel held their XVIIth General Chapter in two phases (in Tales, Castellón and in Orihuela, Alicante). During the Chapter, the Sisters used the theme, "Heritage and creative fidelity. Our identity on our journey", to evaluate the present situation and to plan for the coming six-year period.

    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.

    From 23 to 24 October 1999 the Congregation of the Carmelite Sisters of the Graces held their elective General Chapter due to the resignation of Sr. Antonella Verrazzo because of ill health. The new General Council is as follows:

    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:

    1. The Rule of Carmel
    2. Christocentrism of the Carmelite Charism
    3. The charismatic experience of the origins
    4. The spiritual dynamic of the Carmelite life
    5. The prophet Elijah
    6. Mary, Mother and Sister
    7. The contemplative dimension of Carmel
    8. The apostolic dimension of Carmel
    9. Growing as Brothers
    10. Lectio divina
    11. Prayer in Carmel
    12. The liturgical spirituality of Carmel
    13. Silence in Carmelite life
    14. Purity of heart in biblical and Carmelite tradition
    15. The desert and Carmel
    16. Carmelite symbols
    17. The Vows: A Call to Transformation
    18. Justice and peace
    19. Outstanding Carmelites: teachers, witnesses, founders
    20. Vacare Deo
    The booklets will be distributed as they become available and not in the order listed. The work is anticipated to take four years. Recently the publication of the first four articles and a sturdy binder designed to carry all 20 planned booklets was announced. The articles are: "Christocentrism of the Carmelite Charism" by Fr. Donald Buggert (PCM), "Growing as Brothers" by the Carmelite Community of Pozzo di Gotto (Ita), "Lectio Divina" by Fr. Carlos Mesters (Flum), and "The Vows: A Call to Transformation" by Fr. Quinn Conners (PCM). Each article has been published as a separate booklet and designed for easy study of the text. The cost is $US 16.00 for the folder and first four articles and subsequent booklets will cost $US 3.00 each. These prices do not include freight. For orders please contact: The Carmelite Centre, 214 Richardson Street, Middle Park, Vic 3206 Australia. Tel: (+613) 96908822, Fax: (+613) 96960207, E-mail: <carmcent@carmelnet.org>, Website: carmelites.org.au.
     

    CARMELITE NUNS

    Although the rules of the cloister prevent cloistered religious men and women from taking part in the pilgrimages for the jubilee, all those who are cloistered also share in the journey of the whole Church towards the Great Jubilee of 2000 by living the spiritual encounter with Christ in prayer and in offering their lives to the Father. This is said in a letter "to cloistered brothers and sisters" by presidents and secretaries general of the Central Committee of the Great Jubilee of 2000, Cardinal Roger Etchegaray and Mgr. Crescenzio Sepe, also to the presidents and secretaries general of the Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of apostolic life, Cardinal Eduardo Martinez Somalo and Mgr. Piergiorgio Silvano Nesti.

    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".

    On 10 May 1999 the nuns of the Carmel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Pangasinan held their triennial Chapter. Those elected to the service of the community were:
    Prioress: Sr. Ma. Elena Tolentino
    Councillor: and Mistress of Novices Sr. Ana Maria Bernardo
    Councillor: Sr. Ma. Barbara Pulido
    Sacristan: Sr. Ma. Justina Panganiban
    Bursar: Sr. Janet Marle Espinosa From 6 to 8 June 1999 the Carmelite community of the Monastery of Mary Assumed into Heaven held its elective Chapter with the following results:
    Prioress: Sr. Ma. Del Carmen Ibarra
    Councillor and Mistress of Novices: Sr. Ma. Concepción Durán
    Councillor: Sr. Ma. Teresa Fernández
    Councillor: Sr. Ma. Jesús Gil
    Councillor: Sr. Ma. Isabel Jiménez
    Sacristan: Sr. Juana Ma. Pérez
    Bursar: Sr. Ma. Asunción Ibarra On 16 September 1999, the elective Chapter of the community took place in the monastery of the Most Pure Blood of Christ in Onteniente. The Chapter was presided by the diocesan Delegate for Religious, Fr. Vicente Aguilar Bonet.
    Prioress: Sr. Ma. Magdalena Pla Tortosa
    Councillor: Sr. Ma. Carmen Crespo Roig
    Councillor: Sr. Ma. Virtudes Jordá Abad
    Councillor: Sr. Ma. Lourdes Font Font
    Councillor: Sr. Ma. Margarita Medina Armas
    Sacristan: Sr. Ma. Jesús Barahona Berzal
    Bursar: Sr. Ma. Concepción Micó Gueroda During the elective Chapter held in the Monastery of the Mother of God on 7 October 1999, the community, presided by the diocesan Delegate for Religious, Fr. Luis Ma. Martín, elected the following:
    Prioress: Sr. Rosa Ma. De Jesús Pérez Arias
    Councillor and Bursar: Sr. Fátima Ma. de la Redención Lunas Ceballos
    Councillor and Mistress of Novices: Sr. Ma. del Pilar de la Trinidad Felipe García
     

    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:

    The participants at the celebration were the brothers and sisters belonging to the Carmelite Order and the Discalced Carmelite Order, the Third Order members of O.Carm. and OCD, the associated members and the Lay Carmelite Movement. The atmosphere was very fraternal and an expression of the Carmelite common journey in the Land of Carmel with its delicious fruits.
     

    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.
     

    CARMELITE PUBLICATIONS

    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. In a letter dated 14 May 1999, Mgr. John A. O'Mara, Bishop of St. Catherines, notified Fr. Malachy Smith (PCM) of the Mt. Carmel Spiritual Centre, that Pope John Paul II has awarded him the medal Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice. The Bishop citing Fr. Malachy's years of service in the ministries of education, administration, formation of professed students, and in the life of the local and Diocesan Church affirms: "Your leadership and contribution to the life of the Church has been both significant and noteworthy and thereby worthy of recognition." The ceremony of recognition was held on 29 June 1999 at the Diocesan Cathedral. In 1995 the Parish Community Centre attached to the old Whitefriar Street School in Dublin (Ireland) was destroyed by fire and a loyal faithful worker, Sr. Teresa Roche, lost her life. On 14 May 1999 a new Centre was officially opened by President Mary McAleese. The Centre is the latest initiative by the local Carmelite Community, based in Whitefriar Street for centuries, to serve the people of the centre of Dublin. The new Centre, beautifully designed and practically organised, offers facilities for the community, young and old, and leisure groups. With a view to meeting community and social needs in the coming Millennium, the Centre is being used as an education facility in partnership with various associations. President McAleese said at the opening: "It is a focal point for the community, one which extends a welcome and a helping hand to everyonewhatever their circumstances". It certainly caters for all age groups with services ranging from a creche to food centre for the homeless and activities for the elderly. Bishop Fiachra O'Ceallaigh, Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin, blessed the Community Centre during a celebration led by Fr. Michael Morrissey (Hib), Director. On 31 May 1999 four north American novices, three PCM and one SEL, made their First Profession of Vows at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Middletown, New York. Frs. Leo McCarthy, Provincial PCM, presided at the Mass and Mario Esposito, Provincial SEL, concelebrated and was the homilist. The three candidates of the Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary are doing their studies in Theology in preparation for the priesthood at Whitefriars Hall in Washington. Br. Gerard Araujo Tang Choon, of St. Elias Province, is back in his homeland, Trinidad-Tobago, West Indies, where he begun his studies at the St. John Vianney and the Uganda Martyrs Seminary on Mount Saint Benedict in Tunapuna, Trinidad, in preparation for the priesthood. Br. Gerard is the first Carmelite vocation for the male branch of the Order in this country. The Province of St. Elias established the presence of the Carmelite Order in Trinidad by sending Fr. John Horan (August 1998) and Fr. Francis Amodio (August 1999). On 11 July 1999, in the chapel of the Carmelite seminary in Merida, a simple ceremony took place. This ceremony was of great significance for the Venezuelan Carmel. Twenty-four lay people made their profession, promising to live the Gospel according to the spirit of Carmel. It was an event of great joy for the professed and for the whole local community who accompanied them with their prayers. This was the realisation of the wish of the Carmelites in Merida: the establishment of the Carmelite Third Order, a moment of grace for the Church and the Order. On the same day, thirteen aspirants and fifteen lay postulants, who had started their formation some months previously, promised to continue on their journey following the Carmelite spirituality so that they too in the near future would become members of the Carmelite Third Order. The participation of these lay people in the life of Carmel is a sign of great joy for the local Church because it is also through them that the Holy Spirit shares His gifts. In Buenos Aires (Argentina), where the Carmelites of the Province of Castille work, the Popular Library Bl. Titus Brandsma was recently inaugurated to serve as an educational support to the large number of poor children and youth who live in the area. It was dedicated to Bl. Titus Brandsma because he knew how to bring together cultural and religious promotion in all that he did. Apart from its apostolic outreach, the Carmelite community of the Stella Maris chapel (Parish of San Jose), through this concrete initiative, has responded to the problem of illiteracy among the people in the area, people who come from poor families, with financial problems, unable to provide the necessary education for their children. During the summer of 1999, an Inter-Provincial "Titus Brandsma Committee" was formed, representing the American Provinces of St. Elias and of the Most Pure Heart of Mary. The group met in Washington, D.C. and accepted its preliminary responsibility to plan educational activities and further acquaint Catholics with the life and times of Bl. Titus Brandsma. The Committee is made up of First and Third Order Carmelites: Frs. Charles Kurgan (PCM), John Benedict Weber (PCM), Daniel Lynch (SEL), David McEvoy (PCM), Mr. Vicci Shapiro, TOC (PCM), Ms. Susan Rinaldi, TOC (SEL) and Ms. Jane Lytle-Viera, a Brandsma scholar, currently teaching a course on the contemporary relevance of Titus Brandsma at the Carmelite Institute in Washington, D.C. The group will begin by reviewing and evaluating previously published material on Titus Brandsma for possible re-issuance in updated form. New promotional activities are also under consideration. At the celebration of the 33rd World Communications Sunday, Titus Brandsma Media Program (TBCMedia), Communication Foundation for Asia (CFA), Union of Catholic Asian News-Philippines (UCANPHIL) and Ruah Prayer Community saw the need to co-operate and to promote and develop a truly responsive and responsible media practice. After a series of exploratory talks, during a meeting held on 23 July 1999 at which Fr. Pete Arguilles, MSC, Fr. Rey Caigoy, of the Carmelite Provincial Commissariat, and Ms. NJ Viehland, Philippine Editor of UCANPHIL were present, the network of Cupertino was formalised by the founding of the Philippine Church Communicators' Network (PCCNet). The organisation envisions: 1) a Philippine media culture that contributes to a more humane society, with Christian values, wisdom and other religious and non-religious convictions; 2) a network of communication personnel, collaborating and sharing resources to influence the media environment through training, development, research, production and other initiatives; 3) a fellowship among media practitioners and communication workers growing together professionally, directed by the conviction of building a more humane society. With the ordination to the priesthood of Fr. Paul Innocent Kaigalura, which took place on 12 September 1999 at the hands of the Cardinal Archbishop of Naples, Michele Giordano, the General Commissariat of "La Bruna" now sees its missionary wish take a more concrete form. The Commissariat received the gift of the first Tanzanian priest in our Order. Meanwhile, six other young Tanzanians are in formation in Naples and together with Fr. Paul are meant to strengthen the Carmelite presence in Tanzania along with the Carmelite Missionary Sisters of St. Therese of the Child Jesus. Indeed, it is thanks to the Carmelite sisters in Chang’ombe (Dar-es-Salaam), who have been there since 1984, that these young men got to know the Carmelite charism. We hope that these living stones will continue to grow so that as soon as three are ordained to the priesthood, they will then join the spiritual edifice of the Tanzanian Church. Both the General Curias O.Carm. and OCD, through a commission appointed for the purpose, have published a leaflet entitled Iubilaeum Anno Domini 2000 – Roma Carmelitana. Its aim is to invite the members of the Carmelite Family, throughout the world, to keep in mind the spirit of pilgrimage which animated our ancient fathers and our saints. It presents a map of Rome, showing the five Carmelite churches where groups may celebrate the Eucharist (Santa Maria in Traspontina, San Martino ai Monti, Santa Maria della Scala, Santa Maria della Vittoria and Santa Teresa al Corso Italia). It also gives information and telephone numbers of convents, monasteries, institutes and other Carmelite places in the capital city. The booklet informs the reader that for this occasion, the Carmelite Family will publish a guide entitled Roma Carmelitana for pilgrims. The cost is Lit. 10,000 each. The Carmelite Fraternity of Pozzo di Gotto (Me) in Sicily, is organising for its "Wednesdays of Spirituality", from 20 October to 24 November 1999, a series of meetings with the theme "To get to know Edith Stein". The meetings will take place in the convent hall, from 7.00 to 8.00 p.m. The following themes will be dealt with: The life of Edith Stein (A. Antista), A reading of "The prayer of the Church" (A. Antista), A reading of "The Science of the Cross" (A. Neglia), A reading of "The image of the Trinity in creation" (E. Palumbo). 24 July - 10 August 2000: International Meeting of Carmelites in Initial Formation - "Stella Maris Monastery" Haifa, Israel.
    22 September - 7 October 2000: Mariology Seminar for O.Carm - OCD Experts - "Stella Maris Monastery" Haifa, Israel.
    22 October - 11 November 2000: Ongoing Formation Course on Mary and Elijah - "Il Carmelo" Sassone, Italy.
     

    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

    New e-mail addresses

    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.

    Diocese: Machakos
    History:
    In 1984 a number of girls, who came from good Catholic families mostly in the mission of Mbiuni, diocese of Machakos, Kenya, entered the Monastery of the Most Pure Conception in Utrera (Seville), Spain. These girls were accepted with the intention of founding a Carmel in Kenya after their formation in the monastic and cloistered Carmelite way of life. They were encouraged and supported by their parish priest, Fr. Joseph Kallely, CMI, and their bishop, Urbanus J. Kioko. Both pastors were convinced of the value of the contemplative life and dreamt of having a convent of cloistered Carmelite nuns in the diocese.

    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.