55/2009-25-06
Meeting of the European section of the Carmelite NGO
From 2-3 May 2009 a meeting of the European section of the Carmelite NGO took place at Aylesford, Great Britain. The participants came from the Carmelite provinces of Great Britain, Ireland, Germany, Spain and The Netherlands. Also present was Sr. Jane Remson (COLMC), the main representative of the Carmelite NGO, and Sr. Anna Theresa Nyadombo (HOLMC) from Zimbabwe. After the reports of their different activities and assistances in various countries of the world, the participants in the meeting focused on the two main issues of the Carmelite NGO’s attention: Human Trafficking and Climate Change. In relation to climate change the NGO in Europe plans to conduct a pilot test in The Netherlands and Germany to see how ecological the Carmelite communities are. Depending on the success of this survey/inquiry the test may be conducted in other provinces in Europe.
The European section of the Carmelite NGO would like to have the representation and participation of all the provinces of Europe. Fr. Arie Kuil O.Carm (Neer), the European representative on the Carmelite NGO committee, will make contact with the provinces as time goes on to provide information and encourage participation.
The Carmelite NGO presents Carmelite Spirituality in the UN and mediates UN ideals to the Carmelite Family. It is a way to remain loyal to our tradition and to put faith into action.
Meeting of the European section of the Carmelite NGO
From 2-3 May 2009 a meeting of the European section of the Carmelite NGO took place at Aylesford, Great Britain. The participants came from the Carmelite provinces of Great Britain, Ireland, Germany, Spain and The Netherlands. Also present was Sr. Jane Remson (COLMC), the main representative of the Carmelite NGO, and Sr. Anna Theresa Nyadombo (HOLMC) from Zimbabwe. After the reports of their different activities and assistances in various countries of the world, the participants in the meeting focused on the two main issues of the Carmelite NGO’s attention: Human Trafficking and Climate Change. In relation to climate change the NGO in Europe plans to conduct a pilot test in The Netherlands and Germany to see how ecological the Carmelite communities are. Depending on the success of this survey/inquiry the test may be conducted in other provinces in Europe.
The European section of the Carmelite NGO would like to have the representation and participation of all the provinces of Europe. Fr. Arie Kuil O.Carm (Neer), the European representative on the Carmelite NGO committee, will make contact with the provinces as time goes on to provide information and encourage participation.
The Carmelite NGO presents Carmelite Spirituality in the UN and mediates UN ideals to the Carmelite Family. It is a way to remain loyal to our tradition and to put faith into action.
Venerable Angelo Paoli on the way to beatification
Today, 26 May 2009, the Ordinary Congregation of Cardinals and Bishops gave their positive opinion on the miracle brought about through the intercession of Ven. Angelo Paoli. The is a key step towards beatification. Now Archbishop Angelo Amato, will present the results of all the investigations to his Holiness and ask that a decree be prepared and published. Only after papal assent and decision is the whole process finished and can the beatification be organised.
Ven. Angelo Paoli (b. Argigliano 1642, d. Rome 1720) he became a Carmelite in 1660 and was ordained in 1667. After living in various houses in the Tuscan Province he was called in 1687 to Rome by the Prior General Paul of St Ignatius and lived there until his death in the house of S. Martino ai Monti, where he is buried. He was a man with an intense spiritual life and enamoured of the Virgin, wherever he was, he committed himself to serving the poor and the sick, organising for them service which were innovative and efficient. Let us hope that soon we will able to celebrate another great example of Carmelite holiness, who may have lived a long time ago, but whose message is relevant for today. May it help us to be as ready as Angelo Paoli to recognize Christ in those on the edges of society and to serve them with dedication and love.
First Meeting of the General Theological Commission
The General Theological Commission of the Order held its first meeting from 18 to 20 May in the Curia House in Rome. Under the guidance of its chairman, Fr Giovanni Grosso, representatives of the various general commissions of the Order, as well as members nominated directly by the General Council, worked together. The Commission began by reading the objectives contained in the “Global Plan 2007 – 2013”. After an initial discussion of the work of the Commission, the reports from the individual commissions were considered from the point of view of the work of coordination and cooperation which they create. Some criteria for their work were also given. The Theological Commission agreed to continue along the lines indicated by the 2007 General Chapter which has its theme “In obsequio Jesu Christi, praying and prophetic communities in a changing world”, as well as other themes such as crisis –kairos, justice and peace, prophecy, mystagogy and so on.
58/2009-04-06
Letter of Protest from the Prior General to the Spanish Authorities
Letter of Protest from the Prior General to the Spanish Authorities
The Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millan Romeral O. Carm, has sent the Spanish authorities a vigorous letter of protest for the unjustified detention in Madrid of Fr. Francisco Manoel de Oliveira O. Carm., the Commissary Provincial of Parana in Brazil. Frei Francisco was on his way to the provincial chapter of the Upper German province of which the commissariat is a part. His flight stopped off in Madrid – Barajas where he was detained for more than thirty hours on the grounds that he did not have the necessary documents to proceed to Germany. Despite various attempts to intervene on the part of the Prior General, and despite the fact these documents had never been required before on other visits to Europe nor had anyone in Brazil advised Fr. Francisco that he needed them, he was sent back to Brazil. The Upper German Chapter has also sent a letter of protest to the Spanish Embassy in Germany.
Meeting of the organizing committee of the European “Pilgrimage of Hope”
The committee organizing the Carmelite Youth “Pilgrimage of Hope” to Rome in July 2010 met in Rome for the first time on the 29th and 30th May 2009. The pilgrimage for young people between the ages of 18 and 25, who are associated with the communities of Carmelite friars across Europe, will take place at “Il Carmelo” in Sassone just outside of Rome, from 19th to 25th July 2010. The members of the committee are the Councillors General, John Keating, O.Carm. for Europe and Raúl Maraví, O.Carm. for Youth, David Oliver, O.Carm. (Arag) is the chairperson, also Thomas Feiten, O.Carm. (GerS), Luca Sciarelli, O.Carm. (Ita), Dave Twohig O.Carm. (Hib), and Ms Maria José Varela and Mr. Juan José Seva (both from Spain). The idea of a pilgrimage to the Christian and Carmelite sites of Rome was first presented in a letter to the European provincials in October 2008, and following a positive response from them, this committee was established. The pilgrimage is the first stage of a new European involvement of young people in the life of the Order, and the next stage will be to work towards the World Youth Day in Madrid in 2011. As the committee continues its work, further information will be posted on the Order’s website in the coming months.
Provincial Chapter of the Upper German Province
During the Provincial Chapter of the Upper German Province held on 1-6 June 2009 were elected:
Prior Provincial: Fr. Dieter Lankes, O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Roland Hinzer, O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Br. Günter Benker, O.Carm.
Third Councilor: Fr. Wolfgang Schumacher, O.Carm.
Fourth Councilor: Fr. Michael Plattig, O.Carm.
Provincial Chapter of the Italian Province
During the Provincial Chapter of the Italian Province held on 1-6 June 2009 were elected:
Prior Provincial: Fr. Gian Domenico Meloni, O.Carm.
Vice Prior Provincial: Fr. Luca Cau O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Roberto Toni, O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Fr. Chelo Dhebbi Telesphore, O.Carm.
Third Councilor: Fr. Lucio M. Zappatore, O.Carm.
Fourth Councilor: Fr. Agostino Gelli, O.Carm.
Prior Provincial: Fr. Dieter Lankes, O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Roland Hinzer, O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Br. Günter Benker, O.Carm.
Third Councilor: Fr. Wolfgang Schumacher, O.Carm.
Fourth Councilor: Fr. Michael Plattig, O.Carm.
Provincial Chapter of the Italian Province
During the Provincial Chapter of the Italian Province held on 1-6 June 2009 were elected:
Prior Provincial: Fr. Gian Domenico Meloni, O.Carm.
Vice Prior Provincial: Fr. Luca Cau O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Roberto Toni, O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Fr. Chelo Dhebbi Telesphore, O.Carm.
Third Councilor: Fr. Lucio M. Zappatore, O.Carm.
Fourth Councilor: Fr. Agostino Gelli, O.Carm.
61/2009-08-06
CAUSA NOSTRAE LETITIAE
CAUSA NOSTRAE LETITIAE
Maius 2009
Initium Novitiatus
01-05-09 Riebo Rietema (Neer), Boxmeer
Professio Temporanea
14-05-09 Lijo Jose Kavanukattil (Ind), Kartikulam
23-05-09 Keth V. Arriba (Phil), Quezon City
23-05-09 Irvin S. Mangmang (Phil), Quezon City
23-05-09 Gibson Albert (CSTSA), Quezon City
Professio Sollemne
23-04-09 Antonio Ruiz Perez (Arag), Vila-Real
02-05-09 Antonio Mascali (Ita), Castellina
02-05-09 Albeiro Romero Martinez (Ita), Castellina
02-05-09 Nestor Alfredo Franco Franco (Ita), Castellina
14-05-09 Anil John Kaipranpadan (Ind), Kartikulam
23-05-09 Jonathan Serofia (Phil), Quezon City
Ordinatio Diaconalis
02-05-09 Marlon Mateo (PCM) Washington
16-05-09 Mateusz Otreba (Pol), Krakow
24-05-09 Jonathan Serofia (Phil), Quezon City
Initium Novitiatus
01-05-09 Riebo Rietema (Neer), Boxmeer
Professio Temporanea
14-05-09 Lijo Jose Kavanukattil (Ind), Kartikulam
23-05-09 Keth V. Arriba (Phil), Quezon City
23-05-09 Irvin S. Mangmang (Phil), Quezon City
23-05-09 Gibson Albert (CSTSA), Quezon City
Professio Sollemne
23-04-09 Antonio Ruiz Perez (Arag), Vila-Real
02-05-09 Antonio Mascali (Ita), Castellina
02-05-09 Albeiro Romero Martinez (Ita), Castellina
02-05-09 Nestor Alfredo Franco Franco (Ita), Castellina
14-05-09 Anil John Kaipranpadan (Ind), Kartikulam
23-05-09 Jonathan Serofia (Phil), Quezon City
Ordinatio Diaconalis
02-05-09 Marlon Mateo (PCM) Washington
16-05-09 Mateusz Otreba (Pol), Krakow
24-05-09 Jonathan Serofia (Phil), Quezon City
Ordinatio Sacerdotalis
03-05-09 Emmanuel Lukengadio Medina (Ital), Kinshasa
16-05-09 Jakub Walczak (Pol), Krakow
22-05-09 Peter Hoang Nguyen (SEL), Washington
22-05-09 Jesus Larios Avila (PCM), Colima, Mexico
24-05-09 Joseph Thien Nguyen, (SEL) Philippines
30-05-09 Tony Mazurkiewicz (PCM), Chicago
62/2009-14-06
Provincial Chapter of the American Province of Saint Elias
During the Provincial Chapter of the American Province of Saint Elias held on 9-12 June 2009 were elected:
Prior Provincial: Fr. Mario Esposito, O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Paul Denault, O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Fr. Lucian Beltzner, O.Carm.
Third Councilor: Fr. John Horan , O.Carm.
Fourth Councilor: Fr. Timothy Ennis, O.Carm.
03-05-09 Emmanuel Lukengadio Medina (Ital), Kinshasa
16-05-09 Jakub Walczak (Pol), Krakow
22-05-09 Peter Hoang Nguyen (SEL), Washington
22-05-09 Jesus Larios Avila (PCM), Colima, Mexico
24-05-09 Joseph Thien Nguyen, (SEL) Philippines
30-05-09 Tony Mazurkiewicz (PCM), Chicago
Provincial Chapter of the American Province of Saint Elias
During the Provincial Chapter of the American Province of Saint Elias held on 9-12 June 2009 were elected:
Prior Provincial: Fr. Mario Esposito, O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Paul Denault, O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Fr. Lucian Beltzner, O.Carm.
Third Councilor: Fr. John Horan , O.Carm.
Fourth Councilor: Fr. Timothy Ennis, O.Carm.
USG Assembly and Vatican Radio
From 27 to 29 May the Prior General took part in the 72nd General Assembly of the Union of Superiors General (USG) held in the “Salesianum”, Rome. The meeting dealt with the topic of interculturality in the religious life. Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez Maradiaga, archbishop of Tegucigalpa (Honduras) gave the keynote address in which he underlined the need to recognize the multi-cultural nature of the Church which is developing ever more strongly in cultures outside Europe. This will bring about a paradigm shift and an ever more radical application of the concept of “inculturation”. Other speakers developed ideas relating to this one which is so important for the future of religious life ands the Church itself.
The Prior General also dealt with this and other topic regarding Carmel today in a long interview with the journalist Patricia Jáuregui of the Spanish section of Vatican Radio. The interview can be heard on the Vatican Radio web page (Spanish section, consecrated life) or directly following this link:
http://www.radiovaticana.org/spagnolo/vida%20consagrada.html
Provincial Chapter of the Irish Province
During the Provincial Chapter of the Irish Province held on 14-18 June 2009 following earlier elections were confirmed:
Prior Provincial: Fr. Martin Kilmurray, O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Richard Byrne, O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Fr. Joseph Mothersill, O.Carm.
Third Councilor: Fr. Michael Troy, O.Carm.
Fourth Councilor: Br. Patrick Mullins, O.Carm.
Launch of Festschrift in honour of Fr. Emanuele Boaga
On Saturday 30 May in the main hall of the Teresianum in Rome, a volume of essays edited in honour of Fr. Emanuele Boaga, General Archivist was launched to mark his 50th anniversary of priestly ordination. The tome of 741 pages was edited by Frs. Giovanni Grosso and Wilmar Santin and is entitled Memoriam fecit mirabilium Dei (Edizioni Carmelitane, Roma 2009. [Textus et Studia Historica Carmelitana, 31]). It brings together work from 36 specialists from various countries and also contains a bibliography of Fr. Boaga’s writings up to 2008. During the launch, which was introduced by Fr. Aniano Álvarez Suárez, OCD, principal of the Teresianum faculty, apart from the editors, Fr Luis Boriello and the Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral also spoke and Fr Boaga thanked everyone for their participation. There were some 90 people present, from both branches of the Family, as well as Fr Boaga’s relatives and friends, and all took place in a pleasant family atmosphere whose simplicity took nothing away from the depth of the subject matter covered.
8th annual meeting of the Carmelite Librarians’ Association in Madrid
The 8th annual meeting of the Carmelite Librarians’ Association will be held in Madrid, Spain, from 30th to 3rd July, 2009.
The aim of the Association is basically to encourage the promotion of the cultural level of the Order. Libraries, and Carmelite libraries in particular, are essential structures in the cultural life of the Order, especially in the area of formation. The Association attempts to coordinate, share and distribute library material and is giving special importance to digitizing catalogues, putting them on line, sharing informatics, etc. It is a long-range aspiration that the whole Carmelite Order will eventually be networked and thus able to share all library and Carmelite material.
Also participating at the meeting in Madrid will Fr. Raúl Maraví, O.Carm., General Councillor for the Americas, and Fr. Giovanni Grosso O.Carm., President of the Carmelite Institute, Rome. Apart from the working sessions the participants will have the opportunity to visit some of the more important places and especially some important libraries of the Spanish Capital.
Mons. Filippo Iannone O. Carm. appointed bishop of Sora-Aquino-Pontecorvo (Italy)
On 19 June 2009, Pope Benedict XVI appointed bishop of Sora-Aquino-Pontecorvo (Italy) Mons. Filippo Iannone O.Carm. (Brun.) translating him from the titular see of Nebbi which he had occupied as auxiliary bishop of Naples. He was appointed as auxiliary on 12 April 2001 and ordained bishop on 26 May.
Currently Mons. Iannone is consultor at the Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, member of the Council for Juridical Affairs and President of the Committee for Church Buildings of the Italian Bishops’ Conference.
To Mons. Filippo Iannone we offer our warmest congratulations on behalf of the whole Carmelite Family.
VITAM COELO REDDIDERUNT (R.I.P.)
31-05-09 P. Miquel Basagañas i Figueras, Cat
24-06-09 P. Sebastian Meyer, PCM
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, was held 22 June 2009. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. M. Antonia Acevedo Lorenzo, O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. M. de la Trinidad Rodríguez Barbosa, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. Lourdes M. Avilés Calderon, O. Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. Lourdes M. Avilés Calderon, O. Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. M. de la Trinidad Rodríguez Barbosa, O. Carm.
Sacristan: Sr. Sarah María Cedano, O. Carm.
46/2009-05-05
Meetings of European Provincials
Meetings of European Provincials
To coincide with the canonization of Saint Nuño of Saint Mary (26th April), the Councillor General for Europe, John Keating, O.Carm. organized a meeting of the provincials of the Southern European area in Rome on the 28th April 2009. Present were provincials from Italy, the Iberian Region, Malta and the General Delegate for France. The Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, O.Carm. greeted the provincials at the start of the meeting, which was chaired by Fr. Raúl Maraví, O.Carm., Councillor General for the Americas.
In the light of the decision of the 2007 General Chapter to unite Europe into one geographical area, this meeting discussed the future structure of the southern area of Europe, the current issues effecting these provinces, formation, and especially the question of a common novitiate for the provinces bordering the Mediterranean. The meeting was a very positive one and it was decided to hold further meetings on a regular basis and to establish closer links with the Northern European Region.
The Roman meeting followed on from a meeting in Springiersbach, Germany from the 20th to 22nd April of the provincials of the Northern European Region, which was attended by the Councillor General for Europe. He also attended a meeting of the provincials of the Iberian Region on 10th March last in Madrid. Many issues were discussed at these meetings including those of declining numbers, vocations, dialogue with the secular culture of today, and the European Youth Pilgrimage of Hope planned for Rome in 2010.
47/2009-10-05
Meeting of the International Formation Commission
The International Formation Commission of the Order met in Rome on the 5th, 6th and 7th May 2009. Under the presidency of the Councillor General for Formation, John Keating, O.Carm., the commission heard reports from the Councillors General, Frs. Albertus Herwanta, Raúl Maraví and Désiré Unen Alimange and John Keating, on the state of formation in the Order around the world. The Commission prepared a strategic response to the issues presented by the Councillors General which will be submitted to the next meeting of the General Council. The commission also analyzed the responses from the provinces concerning the updating of the Ratio Institutionis Vitae Carmelitanae (RIVC). A draft text of the modifications to the Ratio will now be undertaken in preparation for the international meeting of formators to be held in the summer of 2010. Fr. Giovanni Grosso, O.Carm., President of Institutum Carmelitanum, also spoke to the commission about formation for future Carmelite studies and roles within the Order. The work of the commission concluded with a review of the updating work that had been done on the formation section of the Order’s website.
In the light of the decision of the 2007 General Chapter to unite Europe into one geographical area, this meeting discussed the future structure of the southern area of Europe, the current issues effecting these provinces, formation, and especially the question of a common novitiate for the provinces bordering the Mediterranean. The meeting was a very positive one and it was decided to hold further meetings on a regular basis and to establish closer links with the Northern European Region.
The Roman meeting followed on from a meeting in Springiersbach, Germany from the 20th to 22nd April of the provincials of the Northern European Region, which was attended by the Councillor General for Europe. He also attended a meeting of the provincials of the Iberian Region on 10th March last in Madrid. Many issues were discussed at these meetings including those of declining numbers, vocations, dialogue with the secular culture of today, and the European Youth Pilgrimage of Hope planned for Rome in 2010.
Meeting of the International Formation Commission
The International Formation Commission of the Order met in Rome on the 5th, 6th and 7th May 2009. Under the presidency of the Councillor General for Formation, John Keating, O.Carm., the commission heard reports from the Councillors General, Frs. Albertus Herwanta, Raúl Maraví and Désiré Unen Alimange and John Keating, on the state of formation in the Order around the world. The Commission prepared a strategic response to the issues presented by the Councillors General which will be submitted to the next meeting of the General Council. The commission also analyzed the responses from the provinces concerning the updating of the Ratio Institutionis Vitae Carmelitanae (RIVC). A draft text of the modifications to the Ratio will now be undertaken in preparation for the international meeting of formators to be held in the summer of 2010. Fr. Giovanni Grosso, O.Carm., President of Institutum Carmelitanum, also spoke to the commission about formation for future Carmelite studies and roles within the Order. The work of the commission concluded with a review of the updating work that had been done on the formation section of the Order’s website.
Workshop of the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission
From April 14th to April 17th in the Retreat House of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, El Salvador, the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission sponsored a workshop as part of its general preparation for the International Symposium on Peace and Justice to be held in 2011. During this process each region of the Order will be invited to reflect on the topic of environmental degradation and how our Carmelite Charism of simplicity of lifestyle and contemplation addresses this problem. This theme was organized by Fr. Eduardo Agosta Scarel (Cast) from Argentina.
In Latin America the issue of the marginalization of women is an important justice issue. The president of the Organization of Women Entrepreneurs (OEF), Mrs. Ildiko Tesak gave an impassioned plea for justice for women and specifically through access to credit. The NGO created by the Carmelites in El Salvador, The New Horizons for the Poor Foundation, gave a day of instruction on how the region can organize for common action on behalf of justice, peace and the integrity of creation. The main speakers from the foundation were Elmer Mendosa and David Blanchard (PCM).
The final day of the workshop included a dialogue between members of the Order, the Third Order and Carmelite sisters. The sisters shared their experiences as collaborators in the ministry of Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero and the years since, working alongside of the poor in often dangerous circumstances being voices for the voiceless and prophets in our times.
The participants were friars, members of the Third Order and representatives of four sisters communities.
49/2009-12-05
Annual Gathering of Prioresses of the Italian Monasteries
The annual gathering of the prioresses of the Italian monasteries was held from 4 to 6 May at "Il Carmelo", Sassone. There were fifteen nuns present, along with Fr. Christian Körner, Vice Prior General, Fr. Josef Jancar, the General Delegate for Nuns, Fr. Claudio Bellotti, prior provincial of the Italian province, and Fr. Alfredo Di Cerbo, Commissary General of the "La Bruna" commissariat. On the first evening, the Prior General joined the group to celebrate Mass and to greet the assembly. During the meeting the under secretary of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Institutes of Apostolic Life, Fr. Sebastiano Paciolla O. Cist., gave a conference on the concept of autonomy, its criteria and influence on life in monasteries. He also answered questions from the nuns, especially on a future federation in Italy, the observance of the cloister, and both initial and ongoing formation. Encouraged by these discussions, the prioresses expressed their willingness to begin in a concrete way a process which would lead to cooperation, which has already been practiced for some years, to a more official form in a federation.
50/2009-14-05
Provincial Chapter of the Province of Poland
During the Provincial Chapter of the Province of Poland held on 11-15 May 2009 were elected:
Prior Provincial: Fr. Dariusz Borek, O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Tadeusz Popiela, O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Fr. Stanisław Wysocki, O.Carm.
Third Councilor: Fr. Piotr Meczynski, O.Carm.
Fourth Councilor: Fr. Roman Dabrowski, O.Carm.
51/2009-17-05
VITAM COELO REDDIDERUNT (R.I.P.)
05-05-09 Sr. M. Carmen Luzón López, ANT
16-05-09 Sr. M. Gerarda Granatello, FIS
16-05-09 P. Joachim Snyder, SEL
52/2009-20-05
Chapter of the General Commissariat of S. Maria “La Bruna”
During the Chapter of the General Commissariat of S. Maria “La Bruna” held on 18-21 May 2009 were elected:
Commissary General: Fr. Alfredo Di Cerbo, O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Michele Leccisotti, O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Fr. Luciano Di Cerbo, O.Carm.
53/2009-21-05
Carmelite NGO Promotes a Faith Reflection on Climate Change
The Carmelite NGO announces a Faith Reflection on Climate Change in observance of World Environment Day, June 5, 2009. The focus of the Day of Prayer, with the methodology of a Faith Reflection on Climate Change, is to call attention to the spiritual challenge of the ecological crisis.
The Carmelite NGO is inviting people to join together in prayerful reflection on World Environment Day in June. According to “Earth and Faith: A Book of Reflection for Action,” a publication of the UN environment program, the ecological turmoil of our time draws us back to our religious traditions, to reflect on and celebrate the natural world in its most profound sense of mystery as a manifestation and experience of the sacred.
A booklet entitled “A Day of Prayer - A Faith Reflection on Climate Change” designed specifically for use on June 5th is being made available at no charge for anyone interested. The booklet provides a series of short reflections and suggested action plans.
To obtain a copy of the “A Day of Prayer” booklet, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your name and mailing address. Copies can also be downloaded from the website of the Carmelite NGO (carmelitengo.org).
The Carmelite NGO was affiliated to the Department of Public Information of the United Nations in December 2001. It is the representative body to the United Nations for the men and women around the world who are members of the Carmelite Order of the Catholic Church and the Order’s ministries.
Annual Gathering of Prioresses of the Italian Monasteries
The annual gathering of the prioresses of the Italian monasteries was held from 4 to 6 May at "Il Carmelo", Sassone. There were fifteen nuns present, along with Fr. Christian Körner, Vice Prior General, Fr. Josef Jancar, the General Delegate for Nuns, Fr. Claudio Bellotti, prior provincial of the Italian province, and Fr. Alfredo Di Cerbo, Commissary General of the "La Bruna" commissariat. On the first evening, the Prior General joined the group to celebrate Mass and to greet the assembly. During the meeting the under secretary of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Institutes of Apostolic Life, Fr. Sebastiano Paciolla O. Cist., gave a conference on the concept of autonomy, its criteria and influence on life in monasteries. He also answered questions from the nuns, especially on a future federation in Italy, the observance of the cloister, and both initial and ongoing formation. Encouraged by these discussions, the prioresses expressed their willingness to begin in a concrete way a process which would lead to cooperation, which has already been practiced for some years, to a more official form in a federation.
Provincial Chapter of the Province of Poland
During the Provincial Chapter of the Province of Poland held on 11-15 May 2009 were elected:
Prior Provincial: Fr. Dariusz Borek, O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Tadeusz Popiela, O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Fr. Stanisław Wysocki, O.Carm.
Third Councilor: Fr. Piotr Meczynski, O.Carm.
Fourth Councilor: Fr. Roman Dabrowski, O.Carm.
VITAM COELO REDDIDERUNT (R.I.P.)
05-05-09 Sr. M. Carmen Luzón López, ANT
16-05-09 Sr. M. Gerarda Granatello, FIS
16-05-09 P. Joachim Snyder, SEL
Chapter of the General Commissariat of S. Maria “La Bruna”
During the Chapter of the General Commissariat of S. Maria “La Bruna” held on 18-21 May 2009 were elected:
Commissary General: Fr. Alfredo Di Cerbo, O.Carm.
First Councilor: Fr. Michele Leccisotti, O.Carm.
Second Councilor: Fr. Luciano Di Cerbo, O.Carm.
Carmelite NGO Promotes a Faith Reflection on Climate Change
The Carmelite NGO announces a Faith Reflection on Climate Change in observance of World Environment Day, June 5, 2009. The focus of the Day of Prayer, with the methodology of a Faith Reflection on Climate Change, is to call attention to the spiritual challenge of the ecological crisis.
The Carmelite NGO is inviting people to join together in prayerful reflection on World Environment Day in June. According to “Earth and Faith: A Book of Reflection for Action,” a publication of the UN environment program, the ecological turmoil of our time draws us back to our religious traditions, to reflect on and celebrate the natural world in its most profound sense of mystery as a manifestation and experience of the sacred.
A booklet entitled “A Day of Prayer - A Faith Reflection on Climate Change” designed specifically for use on June 5th is being made available at no charge for anyone interested. The booklet provides a series of short reflections and suggested action plans.
To obtain a copy of the “A Day of Prayer” booklet, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your name and mailing address. Copies can also be downloaded from the website of the Carmelite NGO (carmelitengo.org).
The Carmelite NGO was affiliated to the Department of Public Information of the United Nations in December 2001. It is the representative body to the United Nations for the men and women around the world who are members of the Carmelite Order of the Catholic Church and the Order’s ministries.
54/2009-23-05
Electoral Chapter of the Monastery of Aracena, Spain
The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Aracena (Huelva), Spain, was held 21 May 2009. The following were elected:
Prioress: Sr. M. Remedios Álvarez Soriano, O. Carm.
1st Councilor: Sr. M. Mercedes García Ontiveros, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor: Sr. M. Leonor Parrilla de la Cruz, O. Carm.
3rd Councilor: Sr. M. Rosario Galindo García, O. Carm
4th Councilor: Sr. M. Dolores Domínguez Pérez, O. Carm.
Director of Novices: Sr. M. Dolores Domínguez Pérez, O. Carm.
Treasurer: Sr. M. Beatriz Prados Toledano, O. Carm.
Sacristan: Sr. M. Leonor Parrilla de la Cruz, O. Carm.
