On 21st November the Carmelite Secular Institute known as The Leaven (The Institute of Our Lady of Mount Carmel) has celebrated its Diamond Jubilee at Aylesford Priory in Kent, Great Britain. Aylesford is the spiritual home of The Leaven, which was originally established there as a Lay community when the friars returned to their ancient priory in November 1949.
Today the Institute is made up of single women who wish to live a consecrated life in their own homes and workplaces. Dozens of members are found across Britain, sharing their experience of Carmel's rich spirituality with people of all walks of life. The celebration in Aylesford is an opportunity to look back over the past 60 years and thank God for all that the Holy Spirit has done in the Church and in the World through the presence of these consecrated Lay Carmelites.
The leader of The Leaven, Rosemary Kinman, said: "The Leaven's story is one of courage, difficulties, the daring to change amidst opposition, of prayer and discernment, and above all a great love of Carmel. Doubtless the future will hold many challenges for us. Consecrated life in any form is not easy, and those of us called to such a life in The Leaven need to go forth valiantly as the founder members did, reading the signs of the times, and building up God's kingdom by adapting ourselves when it is necessary and prudent."
For more information about The Leaven 

please visit www.theleaven.org.uk 

and the Lay Carmel section of www.carmelite.org.

Acknowledging the moral imperative to protect the environment, members of the Carmelite NGO will travel to Copenhagen, Denmark to participate in the global event “The United Nations Climate Change Conference” December 7 – 18, 2009. There amidst the gathering of world leaders, scientists and other non-governmental organizations, members of the Carmelite NGO will invite those present to reflect and pray on our shared responsibility as care takers of creation. 
“Climate change is a serious concern and an inescapable responsibility for each member of society without exception,” said Sister Jane Remson, O.Carm., main representative of the Carmelite NGO to the United Nations. Caring for the earth requires that all governments act collectively to protect the environment, safeguard precious resources and respect the dignity and worth of all creation. No nation alone can solve the enormous problems associated with climate change; however, by acting together and overcoming self-interest attitudes towards consumption and exploitation of natural resources, we can reverse the adverse consequences of climate change. Sister Remson reiterated the words of Pope Benedict XVI when he said, “The natural environment is given by God to everyone, and so our use of it entails a personal responsibility towards humanity as a whole, particularly towards the poor and towards future generations.” 
The Carmelite NGO will sponsor “A Time of Prayer ~ The Natural World, Manifestation and Experience of the Sacred: A Further Reflection to Climate Change” each day during the Conference in Copenhagen. Everyone is invited to download a copy of “A Time of Prayer” from www.carmelitengo.org