Displaying items by tag: america

Initium Novitiatus

24-06-21 Adorn Ansel (STSA) Lisieux Bhavan Chala, India
15-08-21 Patrick Mingard (Gal) Nante, France

Professio Temporanea

31-08-21 Giovanna D'Aniello (SAR) Sogliano al Rubicone, Italia

Professio Solemnis

16-07-21 Matteo Antonllini (Ita) Castellina, Italia
04-09-21 Maria Sabrina Fubelli (CAR) Carpineto Romano, Italia
08-09-21 Mary Jackline Bochaberi of the Cross (MAC) Machakos, Kenya
08-09-21 Mary Veronica Muthini of Christ the King (MAC) Machakos, Kenya
11-09-21 Richard Philip Green (Brit) Aylesford, England

Ordinatio Diaconalis

03-07-21 Alfredo Pisana (Ita) Torrespaccata, Italia
17-10-21 Emery Losinu (Ita-Cong) Butempo, Dem Rep Congo
17-10-21 Samuel Ndjate (Ita-Cong) Butempo, Dem Rep Congo

Ordinatio Sacerdotalis

20-08-21 Mário Josué Bernando Alves (Pern) Jaboatão dos Guasarapes, Brasil
21-08-21 Jorge da Costa Silva (Pern) Alagoa Grande, Brasil
25-09-21 Bruno Castro Shoder (Rio) São Paulo, Brasil
17-10-21 Matthias Mukombozi (Ita-Cong) Butempo, Dem Rep Congo
17-10-21 Gilbert Paluku (Ita-Cong) Butempo, Dem Rep Congo
17-10-21 Charles Kambale (Ita-Cong) Butempo, Dem Rep Congo
17-10-21 Innocent Djomby (Ita-Cong) Butempo, Dem Rep Congo

On October 14, the Center for Carmelite Studies at the Catholic University of America will host its Annual Lecture in Carmelite Studies celebrating the Year of St. Joseph, the principal patron of the Carmelite Order. This year’s event will take place at 3:30 PM-4:30 PM (Eastern USA Time - GMT -04:00). The program will be in English.

The presenter will be Prof. Joseph Chorpenning, OSFS, from St. Joseph University in Philadelphia. He will speak on St. Joseph: Father, Intercessor in Every Need and Teacher of Prayer.

Fr. Joseph has written extensively on St. Teresa’s devotion to St. Joseph as being the hallmark of her Carmelite spiritual patrimony. He will include sacred art from both Europe and the Americas in his presentation. Fr. Chorpenning is executive director of Saint Joseph’s University Press and serves as president of the International Commission for Salesian Studies (ICSS). He has authored many publications.

For further information or to register for the course, click here

It was announced in Washington, DC., that Carmel Catholic High School, located in Mundelein, Illinois and sponsored by the Most Pure Heart of Mary Province, has again been singled out for excellence in education by the US Department of Education. This is the 5th time Carmel has received this recognition, an achievement matched by only six other schools in the nation. This year 325 schools of which 23 are private schools (religious or privately administered schools) were recognized.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

The coveted award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. Every year the U. S. Department of Education seeks out and celebrates great American schools, schools demonstrating that all students can achieve to high levels.

Now in its 39th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed more than 10,000 awards to over 9,000 schools. Carmel-Mundelein has previously received the designation in 1985, 1996, 2002, 2007 and now in 2021.

US Secretary of Education Cadona said, “This year’s cohort of honorees demonstrates what is possible when committed educators and school leaders create vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school cultures where rich teaching and learning can flourish.” He continued, “Blue Ribbon Schools have so much to offer and can serve as a model for other schools and communities so that we can truly build back better.”

In order to prepare for the evaluation required for the award, an internal school committee was formed to collect research and assist in the writing. A collective group assisted in reviewing the draft and incorporating other pertinent information. The school’s principal, Jason Huther, was the primary writer of the application. The evaluation process also includes an on-site visit by administrators from other schools.

Dr. Brad Bonham, president of Carmel, said in an interview with CITOC, "Our Carmelite charism serves as the foundation of our school mission. As the recipient of a 5th Blue Ribbon, we are reminded that we are called to continue our mission to serve our students, alumni, and community. We are grateful and humbled to receive this award, and this recognition renews our commitment to serve the Lord through education."

The school will be celebration this national award in various ways during the year including a recognition ceremony on October 7 after the Board of Directors meeting. There will also be a student celebration during lunches and some activities after school. The school placed blue balloons (color of the award materials) and decorations throughout the school, including outdoor/indoor signage to celebrate the event.

Realizing such recognition is the fruit of the contributions of many, Dr. Bonham concluded, “We are grateful for our faculty, staff, and administration who made this possible.”

The Department will formally recognize the schools at an awards ceremony in Washington, DC on November 4th and 5th, 2021. Members of the school community will participate. Traditionally this ceremony takes place at the White House in the presence of the President and Vice-President of the United States taking part.

Carmel-Mundelein is a coeducational high school co-sponsored by both the Carmelites and the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary from Dubuque, Iowa. It was founded in 1962 as a “co-institutional high school” meaning that two schools operated within one building, sharing a number of facilities and classes. In August 1988, the two schools merged and Carmel High School was founded. A Board of Corporators (members of the two sponsoring religious orders) and a Board of Directors (members of the community with representation from the two sponsoring religious orders) were established and the President/Principal model of administration established.

Initium Novitiatus

14-08-21 Simplisius Seke Kawa (Indo-Flores) Maumere, Indonesia
14-08-21 Fridolin De’e (Indo-Flores) Maumere, Indonesia
14-08-21 Yohanes Delasale Bao (Indo-Flores) Maumere, Indonesia
14-08-21 Fransiskus Solanus Ngozo (Indo-Flores) Maumere, Indonesia
14-08-21 Antonius Du’a (Indo-Flores) Maumere, Indonesia
14-08-21 Marseliano Hernan Bagio (Indo-Flores) Maumere, Indonesia
14-08-21 Hubertus Benge Ratu (Indo-Flores) Maumere, Indonesia
14-08-21 Roman Rofinus Nganja (Indo-Flores) Maumere, Indonesia
14-08-21 Carlos Demitrio Staren Djaman (Indo-Flores) Maumere, Indonesia
14-08-21 Markus Apryaldi Purnama (Indo-Flores) Maumere, Indonesia
14-08-21 Marianus Soni Jaya Mahe (Indo-Flores) Maumere, Indonesia
14-08-21 Berno Andrianus (Indo-Flores) Maumere, Indonesia
14-08-21 Epi Pianus Gregorius Gadja Wora (Indo-Flores) Maumere, Indonesia
14-08-21 Stanis Rikardus Aprinus (Indo-Flores) Maumere, Indonesia
14-08-21 Bonaventura Marciano Thomas Ire (Indo-Flores) Maumere, Indonesia
14-08-21 Hendrikus Thomas Temongmere (Indo-Flores) Maumere, Indonesia
15-08-21 Patrick Mingaro (Gal) Nantes, France
29-08-21 Stefanus Jemmy Handira (Indo) Batu, Indonesia
29-08-21 Matius Pilalek Sapokkak (Indo) Batu, Indonesia
29-08-21 Trisantus Sihombing (Indo) Batu, Indonesia
29-08-21 Kiki Forfius Situmorang (Indo) Batu, Indonesia
29-08-21 Tumpal Parulian Alexandris Sinurat (Indo) Batu, Indonesia
29-08-21 Gian Suharjo Situmorang (Indo) Batu, Indonesia
29-08-21 Reinhard Mayliano Forthe Gama (Indo) Batu, Indonesia
29-08-21 Albertus Bagus Kartiko Wijaya (Indo) Batu, Indonesia
29-08-21 Yohanes Dian Anugrah Simanjorang (Indo) Batu, Indonesia
03-09-21 Achille Ango (Ger-Cam)
03-09-21 Alphonse Marie de Liguori Engal III (Ger-Cam)
03-09-21 Benjamin Yutcha Tedonang Yemele (Ger-Cam)
03-09-21 Eric Bahati Kodjo (Ita-Con)
03-09-21 Bertrand Gangnon (Baet-Bur)
03-09-21 Anderson Nana (Baet-Bur)
03-09-21 Fernand Yameogo (Baet-Bur)
12-09-21 Salvatore D'Antuono (Brun)
12-09-21 José Luis Lebron Carela (ACV-Rep.Dom)
12-09-21 Laurentiu Francu (Ita-Rom)
12-09-21 Germán Pérez Contreras (ACV-Rep.Dom)
12-09-21 Matthew Galloway Janvier (Brit)
12-09-21 Alexander de Jesús Batista Almonte (ACV-Rep.Dom)
12-09-21 Alex Trani (Brun)
12-09-21 Marco Figuccio (Ita)

Professio Temporanea

15-08-21 Mary Irene Nzilani of Our Lady of Sorrows (MAC) Machakos, Kenya
15-08-21 Mary Eunice Mwikali of the Holy Angels (MAC) Machakos, Kenya
04-09-21 Boris Fokou Lamago (Ger-Cam)
04-09-21 George Maurice Ondoua Atedzoe (Ger-Cam)
04-09-21 Jude Sahla Madmo (Ger-Cam)
04-09-21 Achille Sylvain Babassagana (Ger-Cam)
04-09-21 Eric Ilboudo (Baet-Bur)
04-09-21 Yves Roland Zongo (Baet-Bur)
08-09-21 Elisha Marie of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (CHR) Christoval, USA
08-09-21 Andrew Raftis (LAK) Lake Elmo, USA
12-09-21 Michele Silvi (Ita) Jesi, Italia

Professio Solemnis

21-08-21 David Ulises Garcia Hernández (PCM-ES), San Salvador, El Salvador
21-08-21 José Aristides Menjivar Larios (PCM-ES), San Salvador, El Salvador
21-08-21 Von Erick Sandoval (SEL), Middletown, New York
29-08-21 María Martha Matata (MON) Torre de Moncorvo, Portugal
08-09-21 Andrew Raftis (LAK) Lake Elmo, Minnesota
11-09-21 Joseph Bacye (Beat-Bur) Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkino Faso
17-09-21 Itamar dos Santos Neri (Pern) Olinda, Brazil

Ordinatio Diaconalis

22-08-21 José Aristides Menjivar Larios (PCM-ES), Nuova Cuscatlan, El Salvador

Ordinatio Sacerdotalis

14-09-21 Giovanni Paolo Sarcinella (Ita), Roma, Italia

On July 19, 2021, the major superiors of religious congregations present in Latin America and the Caribbean met. The meetings was convened by Luis Maza, General Counsellor for the Americas, with the presence of Míċéal O'Neill, prior general. Marlene Frinhani, Irmãs Carmelitas da Divina Providência (Carmelite Sisters of Divine Providence), explained the theme of the meeting: "Something New is Emerging. "

Also participating were the major superiors with sisters in Brazil, Peru, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Trinidad, and Venezuela. They represented, the Corpus Christi Carmelites, the Divine Providência, the Hermanas Carmelitas del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, Hermanas de la Virgen María del Monte Carmelo, Irmãs Missionárias Carmelitas de Jesus, Istituto di Nostra Signora del Carmelo, Suore Carmelitane Missionarie di S. Teresa del Bambino Gesù, Hermanas Carmelitas de Madre Candelaria. Also participating were members of the Carmelite Family Secretariat for the Americas.

The prior general, Míċéal O'Neill, introduced the meeting, "Something New is Emerging," pointing out the new directions in the Church. He noted that the Church asks for forgiveness for not listening. He went on to quote Pope Francis that we are contemplatives with mercy. Another point highlighted by the prior general is how to be faithful who listen to the Word of God and reflect on the impact that COVID-19 has brought to the world— "people who can do nothing without God and without their brother and sister." He concluded his remarks with a question: so, what are we going to do?

Afterwards, there was a moment to share what the Spirit inspired through the words of the Prior General, echoing the invitation to open our eyes, ears, and hearts to this emerging change. On the other hand, the need to continue to walk together as Carmelite Family in unity and with the hope that arises when you are confronted with the most difficult realities was confirmed.
Marlene Frinhani presented her remarks "Signs of a New Time," using two metaphors. The first metaphor was of old hands handing over a plant to the new hands receiving it. It reflects the experience of walking into the new. The second metaphor was of the smoke that warns of someplace being on fire. Marlene also pointed out that we are slow sometimes to perceive the signs revealing changes that are emerging, and she invited us to recognize some of the signs of change in our personal circumstances.

Marlene also expressed that darkness, when we are far from God, prevents us from seeing the light. She invited us to listen, observe, and perceive God's presence in our midst, in economic disparities, technological progress, inequalities in living conditions and in the lethal power of the pandemic and its variants. How does the Carmelite Family stand in response to these warning signs? What are we going to do? We are invited to walk with the people amidst their anxieties and hopes, open to the search for truth and the practice of universal fraternity, as Pope Francis recommends in the documents Fratelli Tutti and Patris Corde.

The online meeting concluded with an invitation to participate in FOCAM in August and a presentation of the JUCAR-AMERICA project. There is the hope of meeting again to share the experiences as the Carmelite family.

FOCAM (Formators of the Carmelite Family of the Americas) will be hosting a workshop on August 26-28 on the theme “Living in Carmel in Allegiance to Jesus Christ: Memory Identity and Commitment.” FOCAM replaced FOCAL (Carmelite Formators of Latin America) earlier in the year.

On the first evening of the workshop, Marlene Frinhani, Enrique Laguna Vargas, Zilda Aparecida Rocha, and Nicolás H.D. Medina will reflect on the historical journey of the FOCAL from the perspective of formation.

Other speakers scheduled to address the participants are Carlos Mesters giving biblical reflections on “Elijah in the Formation Process of Carmel,” “Mary in the Formation Process of Carmel,” and “Elisha in the Formation Process of Carmel;” Carmelite Bishop Francisco de Sales Alencar Batista speaking on “Carmelite Identity: Living in Allegiance to Jesus Christ Today;” and Benny Phang on “Aspects that Challenge Us in the Formation Process of the Carmelite Identity.”

Talking from the formation point of view, Gilfranco Lucena will speak on “Living in Carmel in Allegiance to Jesus Christ as a Lay Person;” Rose Mary Lancelloti and Sabina Giraldo will speak on the experience of living the lay Carmelite vocation. Rosario María Vera Martin concludes this section with a talk entitled “Formation Plan for the Laity of the Order / Experience of Formation in the Order.”

On the final afternoon the topic “Encourage the Brothers and Sisters in the Commitment to ‘Live in Carmel in Allegiance to Jesus Christ’" with speakers Mícéal O’Neill, prior general, Consuelo Hernández Abreu, and Gildete da Silva. A lay person will also be joining the panel.

Because of the covid restrictions, the presentations will be held on Zoom.

The Rio de Janeiro Province provides a variety of significant outreach programs. But the covid pandemic and the resulting food shortage has required the Carmelites to become grocers to the masses.

Thanks to Cançao Nova, a religious news service in the Portuguese language, we are able to show the solidarity between the province and the people in honor of the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on July 16th. (A translation is provided.)

Watch here

As reported earlier in CITOC (36/2021), the young people in the Americas did not let covid restrictions stop them from coming together and “hearing the voice of Jesus Christ.” And they never left their homes!

On July 4, approximately 600 people, including 400 young people in Brazil, Venezuela, Bolivia, Perú, El Salvador, México, Argentina, Chile, the United States of America, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Italy, and Spain connected via the internet to celebrate “The Youth of Jesus.”

The prior general, Fr. Míċéal O'Neill, spoke to the group about the Carmelite charism assisting their spiritual journey, to become young in prayer, contemplation, and compassion—ultimately inspiring them to work on building a more just world.

For Fr. Luis Maza, General Councilor of the Americas, the day was “exciting, full of joy with a sense of family. There was also a deep sense of hope.”

Argentina had 22 members participating. They came away from the day with a sense of urgency to further develop the Carmelite Youth in their country. The leadership in Venezuela, with 55 participants, reacted to the exuberance of the meetings. “I was very happy to see the enthusiasm of the young people, the fraternal atmosphere. It was interesting to put faces to JUCAR America.

The day touched many of the youth as well. For Nair Cinthia Ortega Daza from Tarija, Bolivia, it was her first experience with Jucar América. She said she felt motivated discovering that many young people do live the Carmelite charism, growing in prayer, contemplation, and compassion. “The goal is to better our spiritual lives with the guidance of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in order to follow the way of Jesus,” said Nair.

For Charly Aguilar from Ilobasco, El Salvador, the day was an opportunity to experience the excitement of being with young people from all around the Americas. “Given the tough times we are living in because of the Covid-19 pandemic, God allowed us to be part of this great event. For me it was a wonderful learning experience as we shared the theme of the youth of Jesus.”

For Eduar González it was a truly spiritual experience. “The love and grace of the Most Holy Trinity was present each minute of the delivery of love experienced through JUCAR. It was God, young and alive, that flooded into my life, to be able to see so many brothers and sisters in Carmel giving the same response that Mother Mary gave when she said “Yes” to God."

“It has been fascinating to meet other young Carmelites. It was like a small Pentecost, because we are from different countries, speak different languages and live in different cultures. Yet we prayed, laughed, sang, and learned together as one,” said César Díaz from José Galvez, Perú. “I felt that “cozy warmth” of the Carmelite Family. My feeling only increased when our prior said of JUCAR 'they are here because in Carmel they have found their spiritual home.’ The whole meeting has been fascinating!”

“Seeing each face and listening to people thousands of miles away who share the same goal … we were excited to be there, with our hearts on fire and joyful, sharing opinions and feelings for Carmel, feeling the embrace of the brothers at a distance. Seeing their big smiles said everything,” wrote Alessandra Judith Mireles Atilano from Torréon, México. “It was a most beautiful experience, sharing my feelings and listening to others share. The experience taught me that my JOCARM (Young Carmelites of Mexico) is not alone, that we have brothers and sisters in many other places. Above all, we are in a common project. Seeing Carmel flower in each person was an experience that I would like to repeat many more times!”

At a follow-up meeting of the directors of JUCAR America on July 23, the evaluation of July 4 was basically positive. There was a high level of participation by the young people. The theme of the day, “The Youth of Jesus,” appeared interesting and engaging to the young people.

The coming months will be very busy as additional gathering get planned. JUCAR will be participating in the FOCAM (Formation of Carmelites in the Americas) meeting on August 28. On September 2-4 the Carmelites in Venezuela will hosting a Carmelite Youth Meeting. (This is intended for young lay men and women.) A Meeting of JUCAR on the American Continent will be held on November 14. Details remain to be worked out but three youth from each country will be chosen to work on organizing the event.

Coordinators of formation for JUCAR America, reflecting on the future, see the possibility of the young people becoming true protagonists in their communities. “There will be a much more active participation, as well as energy and commitment to transform our America into a home of fraternity, prayer, and contemplation. This will not only be in the religious realm but in the social, cultural, and political as well. Other see this youth movement firming up the ties between the various national groups. “It would be beautiful to celebrate Carmel together like this! We could exchange cultures, languages, and more.”

“Unquestionably, the movement is of the Spirit. In five years I see a consolidated movement throughout the Americas. The young people speak with prophetic voices. Perhaps in the future there will be matrimonies, or priestly and religious vocations that emerge from this movement.” It is a work of the Spirit.

Due to concerns about the Covid-19 pandemic and travel restrictions, there was no triennial chapter for the Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary (PCM) in June 2020. A Chapter of Affairs was scheduled for June 2021 at the Monastery of Mount Carmel in Niagara Falls, Ontario, with the hope that the quarantine required by the pandemic would be over and members could meet to discuss issues and celebrate together. When that possibility failed to materialize, the decision was made to hold a virtual convocation of the province June 22-24, 2021.

Many members of the province gathered individually or in small groups, for the two-hour sessions over the three days. Despite some initial technical difficulties, the province heard from Fr. Míceál O’Neill, the prior general, Fr. Luis Maza, the general councillor for the Americas, and Fr. Carl Markelz, the prior provincial on Day 1.

In his spoken remarks, Fr. Míceál O’Neill, the prior general, emphasized community life, the value of authentic community meetings, justice in our relationships, and the witness we are called to give as Carmelites.

Fr. Luis Maza highlighted seven “attitudes” to create fraternal life, what Fr. Maza called “a pedagogy for fraternal and community life.” In the second portion of his presentation, Fr. Luis presented activities taking place in the geographical area of the Americas which is where Fr. Luis is general councillor and the PCM province is located. These are focused on formation, the youth (JUCAR), and Conferences for the Carmelite Family.

The prior provincial, Fr. Carl Markelz, outlined the Provincial Council Goals for 2020-2023. These are formed based on the Province’s Strategic Plan for 2020-2026. Primary focuses are vocations, fraternal integration of all Carmelites of the province, revitalization of community life, advance our ecological stewardship, and the promotion of Carmelite spirituality.

On June 23, the first part of the online convocation focused on the finances of the province and the vocation ministry from each area of the extensive PCM province: Canada, United States of America, Mexico, El Salvador, and Peru.

The final day was an opportunity to for members to reflect and share experiences of life and ministry during the Covid-19 pandemic. The participants also had the opportunity to interact live in small groups.

The first gathering of the JUCAR America took place on July 4, 2021 over the internet. Young people from around the America Region and beyond participated, including representatives from Brazil, Venezuela, Bolivia, Perú, El Salvador, México, Argentina, Chile, the United States of America, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Italy, and Spain.

The prior general, Fr. Míċéal O'Neill, spoke to the group first. He said, “through the Carmelite charism they will grow young in prayer, in contemplation, and compassion, to build a more just world.”

The theme of the day-long conference was entitled "The Youth of Jesus.” Fr. Luiz Maza, the General Councilor for the Americas, also addressed the group: “The protagonists of this day have been the young people who have known how to listen… Today, young people have heard the voice of Jesus Christ ".

A more comprehensive report will be posted soon.

If you were one of the Carmelite youth who participated and would like to share your reflections on what the day meant for you, you can contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.