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Ordinary Time
1) Opening prayer
Father,
keep before us the wisdom and love
you have revealed in your Son.
Help us to be like him
in word and deed,
for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
2) Gospel Reading - Mark 9:14-29
As they were rejoining the disciples they saw a large crowd round them and some scribes arguing with them.
At once, when they saw him, the whole crowd were struck with amazement and ran to greet him. And he asked them, 'What are you arguing about with them?' A man answered him from the crowd, 'Master, I have brought my son to you; there is a spirit of dumbness in him, and when it takes hold of him it throws him to the ground, and he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and goes rigid. And I asked your disciples to drive it out and they were unable to.' In reply he said to them, 'Faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you?
How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him to me.' They brought the boy to him, and at once the spirit of dumbness threw the boy into convulsions, and he fell to the ground and lay writhing there, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the father, 'How long has this been happening to him?' 'From childhood,' he said, 'and it has often thrown him into fire and into water, in order to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us.' 'If you can?' retorted Jesus. 'Everything is possible for one who has faith.' At once the father of the boy cried out, 'I have faith. Help my lack of faith!'
And when Jesus saw that a crowd was gathering, he rebuked the unclean spirit. 'Deaf and dumb spirit,' he said, 'I command you: come out of him and never enter him again.' Then it threw the boy into violent convulsions and came out shouting, and the boy lay there so like a corpse that most of them said, 'He is dead.' But Jesus took him by the hand and helped him up, and he was able to stand.
When he had gone indoors, his disciples asked him when they were by themselves, 'Why were we unable to drive it out?' He answered, 'This is the kind that can be driven out only by prayer.'
3) Reflection
• The Gospel today informs us that the disciples of Jesus were not able to cast out the devil from the body of a boy. The power of evil was greater than their capacity. Today, also, there are many evils which surpass our capacity to face them: violence, drugs, war, sickness, jobless people, terrorism, etc. We make great efforts in life, but it seems that instead of improving, the world becomes worse. What good is there in struggling? Keeping this question in mind, let us read and meditate on today’s Gospel.
• Mark 9, 14-22: The situation of the people: despair without solution. Coming down from the mountain of the Transfiguration, Jesus met many people around the disciples. A parent was in despair, because an evil spirit had taken possession of his son. With great detail, Mark describes the situation of the possessed boy, the anguish of the father, the incapacity of the disciples and the reaction of Jesus. Two things strike us in a particular way: on one side, the confusion and the powerlessness of the people and of the disciples in the face of the phenomenon of possession, and on the other hand, the power of faith in Jesus before which the devil loses all his influence. The father had asked the disciples to drive out the devil from the boy, but they were not able to do it. Jesus becomes impatient and says: “Faithless generation! How much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him to me”. Jesus asks information regarding the sickness of the boy. And from the response of the father, Jesus knows that the boy, “from childhood”, was affected by a serious illness which endangered his life. The father asked: “But if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us!” The phrase of the father expresses a very real situation of the people: (a) they are faithless; (b) they are not in a condition to solve the problem, but (c) have such good will.
• Mark 9, 23-27: The answer of Jesus: the way of faith. The father answers: Lord, I believe! But help my lack of faith! The response of the father has the central place in this episode. It indicates that this should be the attitude of the disciple, that, in spite of his/her limitations and doubts, he/she wants to be faithful. Seeing that many people were coming, Jesus acted rapidly. He ordered the spirit to get out of the boy and not to return “again ever!” This is a sign of the power of Jesus on evil. It is also a sign that Jesus did not want any popular propaganda.
• Mark 9, 28-29: Deepening this with the disciples. In the house, the disciples want to know why they were not able to drive out the devil. Jesus answers: This is the kind of evil spirit that can be driven out only by prayer! Faith and prayer go together. One does not exist without the other. The disciples had become worse. Before they were capable of driving out the devil (cfr. Mk 6, 7.13). Now, no more. What is lacking? Faith or prayer? Why is it lacking? These are questions which come from the text and enter into our head in a way that we can proceed also to a kind of revision of our life.
• The expulsion of the devils in the Gospel of Mark. During the time of Jesus many persons spoke of Satan and of the expulsion of the devils. People were afraid and, there were some persons who profited and took advantage of the fear of the people. The power of evil had many names: Demon, Devil, Beelzebul, Prince of Demons, Satan, Dragon, Domination, Power, Beast-wild animal, Lucifer, etc. (cfr. Mk 3, 22-23; Mt 4, 1; Rv 12, 9; Rm 8, 38;; Eph 1, 21). Today also, among us the power of evil has many names. It is enough to consult the dictionary and look for the word Devil or Demon. Today, also, many dishonest people enrich themselves, profiting of the fear which people have of the devil. Now, one of the objectives of the Good News of Jesus is, precisely, to help people to free themselves from this fear. The coming of the Kingdom of God means the coming of a stronger power. The strong man was an image which indicated the power of evil which maintained people imprisoned by fear (Mk 3, 27). The power of fear oppresses persons and makes them lose themselves. He does in such a way that they live in fear and death (cfr. Mk 5, 2). It is such a strong power that nobody can stop it (Mk 5, 4). The Roman Empire with its “Legion” (cfr. Mk 5, 9), that is, with its armies, was the instrument used to maintain this situation of oppression. But Jesus is the strongest man who overcomes, seizes and drives out the power of evil! In the Letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul gives a list of all the possible powers or demons which could threaten us and he summarizes everything in this way: “I am certain of this: neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nothing already in existence and nothing still to come, nor any power, nor the heights nor the depths, nor any created thing whatever, will be able to come between us and the love of God, known to us in Christ Jesus, our Lord!” (Rm 8, 38-39). Nothing of all this! And the first words of Jesus after the Resurrection are: “Do not be afraid! Rejoice! Do not fear! Peace be with you!” (Mk 16, 6; Mt 28, 9-10; Lk 24, 36; Jn 20, 21).
4) Personal questions
• Have you ever lived an experience of powerlessness before some evil or violence? Was this an experience for you only or also for the community? How did you overcome it?
• Which is the type of evil today which can only be overcome with much prayer?
5) Concluding Prayer
The precepts of Yahweh are honest,
joy for the heart;
the commandment of Yahweh is pure,
light for the eyes. (Ps 19,8)
Pope's Prayer Intentions for May 2018
Evangelization: The Mission of the Laity
That the lay faithful may fulfil their specific mission, by responding with creativity to the challenges that face the world today.
Lectio Divina: May - Mayo - Maggio 2018
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During the Provincial Chapter of the Polish Province held on 22-25 April 2018 were elected:
- Prior Provincial: Fr. Bogdan Meger,O.Carm.
- First Councilor: Fr. Zbigniew Czerwien, O.Carm.
- Second Councilor: Fr.Janusz Bebnik , O.Carm.
- Third Councilor: Fr. Marcin Siemek, O.Carm.
- Fourth Councilor: Fr. Mateusz Otreba, O.Carm.
Ordinary Tenure Track Professor/ Endowed Chair in Carmelite Studies
Written by
School of Theology and Religious Studies
Washington, DC 20064
Ordinary Tenure Track Professor/ Endowed Chair in Carmelite Studies
The School of Theology and Religious Studies at The Catholic University of America seeks to appoint the first holder of the newly established Endowed Chair in Carmelite Studies, a tenure-track position at the rank of Ordinary Professor.
Established in 1887, the School of Theology and Religious Studies is the oldest school of the university. We seek candidates who understand, are enthusiastic about, and will make a significant contribution to the mission of the University, which reads as follows: “As the national university of the Catholic Church in the United States, founded and sponsored by the bishops of the country with the approval of the Holy See, The Catholic University of America is committed to being a comprehensive Catholic and American institution of higher learning, faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ as handed on by the Church. Dedicated to advancing the dialogue between faith and reason, The Catholic University of America seeks to discover and impart the truth through excellence in teaching and research, all in service to the Church, the nation and the world.”
As a result of a generous donation from the Carmelite Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary, the Endowed Chair in Carmelite Studies has been established in the School of Theology and Religious Studies, together with a Center for Carmelite Studies, of which the Chair holder will also be the Director. The School is seeking an outstanding scholar with an extensive record of publication, one who will excel in teaching at various levels and in service to the Center, helping to establish it as a global center of excellence in Carmelite Studies.
Applications should include a CV and a one- to two-page personal statement indicating how your research, teaching, and service accord with the nature and goals of this position, and how they will make a distinctive contribution to our University’s mission and to the vision of Catholic education outlined in the Apostolic Constitution on Catholic Universities Ex Corde Ecclesiae, which can be found here: http://w2.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_jp-ii_apc_15081990_ex-corde-ecclesiae.html
The University will perform background checks on all new faculty hires prior to making the final offer of employment.
Letters of Application should be sent to Rev Msgr Paul McPartlan, Chair of the Search Committee, School of Theology and Religious Studies, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC 20064, USA, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Catholic University of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The Carmelite International Liturgical Congress will be held at Sassone, Rome from the 16th to the 20th April 2018. The theme of the Congress will be "The Role and the Place of the Liturgy in the Carmelite Order". The main lectures will be broadcast via live streaming by following this link Carmelite Liturgical congress
INTERNATIONAL CARMELITE LITURGICAL CONGRESS
16-20 April 2018
THE ROLE & PLACE OF LITURGY IN THE CARMELITE ORDER
(Il Carmelo in Sassone, Rome)
Monday, 16th April – Moderator: Fr. Michael Farrugia O.Carm., | |
07.30 | Breakfast |
09.00 | Opening Mass: The Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral O. Carm. |
10.15-10.30 | Break |
10:30 | Welcome address: Fr. Michael Farrugia, O.Carm. President of the Liturgical Commission Opening talk: Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral O. Carm. Prior General |
11.15-12.45 | Feedback and discussion of the Questionnaire sent to the Order: Fr. Mario Esposito O.Carm. |
13.00 | Lunch |
16.00-17.00 | Fr. Giovanni Grosso, O.Carm.: Carmelite Liturgy: historical and mariological aspects from the beginning until the Council of Trent |
17.00-17.30 | Break |
17.00-18.30 | Fr. Edmond Caruana, O. Carm.: The Carmelite Liturgy: historical-liturgical excursus from up to its suppression (Afterwards there will be some time for questions and discussion with the two speakers) |
19.00 | Evening Prayer |
19.30 | Supper |
Tuesday, 17th April – Moderator: Fr. Giovanni Grosso, O. Carm. | |
07.30 | Breakfast |
08.30 | Mass Celebrant: Fr. Michael Driscoll O.Carm |
09:45-10:4 | Fr. Giuseppe Midili, O. Carm.:The Liturgy is pastoral: the challenge for Carmelites today of putting it into practice |
10:45-11:15 | Break |
11.15-11.45 | Questions and discussion with the speaker. |
12.00-12.30 | Presentation from one of the geographic areas of the Order. Fr. John Keating, O.Carm. General Councillor for Europe to speak about Europe. |
13.00 | Lunch |
16.00-17.00 | Fr. Juan Javier Flores Arcas, OSB: Liturgy and Fraternal Life in the community; the centrality of Eucharist |
17.00-17.30 | questions and discussion. |
18.00-18.35 | Fr. Robert Manik O.Carm. Power point presentation on the place of Liturgy in Asia,Australia,Oceania |
18.45-19.30 | Groups Lectio Divina. |
19.30. | Supper |
Wednesday, 18th April – Moderator: Fr. Edmond Caruana, O.Carm. | |
Gita: Casamari Abbey, Veroli (Frosinone) [www.casamari.it] | |
07.30 | Breakfast |
09.00 | Departure by Bus. |
19.30 | Supper. |
Thursday, 19th April – Moderator: Fr. Pius Robert Manik, O. Carm. | |
07.30 | Breakfast |
08.30 | Mass Celebrant: Fr. Mario Loya O. Carm. |
09.45-10.45 | Fr. Luigi Borriello, OCD: Liturgy and Carmelite Spirituality |
10.45-11.15 | Break |
11.15-12.30 | groups to discuss the topic, after time for questions, and each group will be asked to present one () main point from their conversation. |
13.00 | Lunch |
16.00-17.15 | Dr. Donna Orsuto: The Transmission of Carmelite Spirituality in Liturgy: Mystagogical Elements, (afterwards time for questions and discussion in the Assembly). |
17.15-17.30 | Break |
17.30-18.30 | Fr. Désiré Unen Alimange, O. Carm., presentation on the place of Carmelite Liturgy in Africa; Fr. Michael Driscoll O. Carm., presentation on the place of Carmelite Liturgy in Latin America and North America |
19:00 | Evening prayer |
19.30 | Supper |
Friday, 20th April 2018– Moderator: Fr. Mario Esposito, O. Carm. | |
07.30 | Breakfast |
08.30 | Morning Prayer and Adoration |
09.45-10.45 | Sr. M. Anastasia Cucca, O.Carm: Liturgy and the Word of God in Carmel. |
11.15 | Break |
11.15-12.15 : | Fr. John Keating, O. Carm. Liturgy and Carmelite Formation: the experiential dimension |
12. 15 | time for questions to both speakers. |
13.00 | Lunch |
16.00-16.30 | Fr. Noel Rosas O. Carm. Administrative Secretary for Formation, The implications of the formation program |
16.30-17.00 | Final message |
17.00-17.15 | Break |
17.15-18.00 | H.E. Msgr Filippo Iannone O.Carm., The liturgical vision in the post conciliar Church and in the Order, and in the light of personal experience |
18.00-19.00 | Closing Mass – H.E. Msgr Filippo Iannone O.Carm. |
19.30 | Supper |
Gathering of Carmelite Superiors of the Asia, Australia and Oceania geographical area
Written byCarmelite superiors of the Asia, Australia and Oceania geographical area of the Order gathered at the Carmelite Province Centre, Middle Park, Melbourne, Australia from 11-14 April 2018. Present were: Fr Benny Phang (General Councillor, Asia Australia, Oceania), Fr Michael Kissane (Provincial, St Elias), Fr Ignasius Budiono (Provincial, Indonesia), Fr Artemio Jusayan (Provincial, Philippines), Fr Paul Cahill (Provincial, Australia and Timor-Leste), Fr Jacob Robin (Delegate, Indian General Delegation), Fr Joseph Tran (Delegate, Vietnam) and Fr Marlon Lacal (Delegate, Philippines).
On the first day Fr Ignasius Budiono during the morning session spoke about Inculturation and in the afternoon session Fr Benny Phan addressed the question of Formation. The second day was devoted to listening to reports about local conditions in the various provinces, general delegation and missions in their geographical area. In the afternoon, contributions and proposals for the 2019 General Chapter were discussed.
Appointment of President of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts
Written byThe Holy Father, Pope Francis, appointed today President of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts H.E. Msgr. Filippo Iannone, O. Carm, archbishop-bishop Emeritus of Sora-Aquino-Pontecorvo, currently adjunct secretary of the same Dicastery.
To Msgr. Filippo Iannone we offer our warmest congratulations on behalf of the whole Carmelite Family.
Pope's Prayer Intentions for April 2018
Universal: For Those who have Responsibility in Economic Matters
That economists may have the courage to reject any economy of exclusion and know how to open new paths.
Lectio Divina: April-abril-aprile2018
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- Sunday, April 1, 2018
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- Monday, April 9, 2018
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- Wednesday, April 11, 2018
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- Friday, April 13, 2018
- Saturday, April 14, 2018
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- Monday, April 16, 2018
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- Saturday, April 28, 2018
- Sunday, April 29, 2018
- Monday, April 30, 2018
Christus resurrexit!
Resurrexit vere! Alleluia!
In Pascha Domini
A.D. 2018
Fernando Prior Generalis
Domusque Generalis Communitas
Image: Monastero carmelitano di Sogliano al Rubicone, Italia, Icona Le mirrofore, 2018
Electoral Chapter of the Carmelite Hermits of Monteluro, Italy
Written byThe Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Hermits of Monteluro, Italy, was held 26 March 2018. The following were elected:
- Prioress: Sr. M. Morena Ciullo, O.Carm.
- Director of Novices: Sr. Teresa M. Lonardoni, O.Carm.
- Treasurer: Sr. Maria Faroldi, O.Carm.
