O.Carm
Celebrating At Home - 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Ready & Waiting
(Matthew 25:1-13)
Wisdom is at the heart of the first reading and Gospel.
In the Bible, wisdom is not separate from God but a feminine personification of various attributes of God.
The first reading presents wisdom as like a light which never fails. God is always taking the initiative with us, searching out the believers and revealing himself to them.
The parable in the Gospel continues the theme of wisdom. The ten virgins (representing the disciples) are waiting for the coming of the bridegroom (the return of Christ). The wise ones brought both their lamps and extra oil. The unwise ones brought only their lamps.
While they are waiting the lamps of the unwise begin to go out (their faith and love has grown cold, their good works are fading). The wise virgins cannot lend their faith, love and good deeds (the oil) to the others.
Each disciple has to take personal responsibility for their faith and their salvation.
The wise disciple, whose love, faith and good works do not grow dim, is recognised by the Lord and takes their place in the Kingdom of God.
The disciple needs to remain alert, vigilant and prepared for the ‘day of salvation’ by continually growing in a faithful and loving relationship with God.
This loving relationship with God bears fruit in good works for neighbours. That is what it means to be hearers and doers of the Word.
Celebrating At Home - Feast of All Saints
Living in Christ
(Matthew 5:1-12)
The Feast of All Saints has its origins in a 4th century feast of “All Martyrs”. In the 7th century, by which time the era of martyrdom had largely passed, it became “All Saints”.
The Gospel is the Beatitudes from St Matthew’s Gospel. This traditional description of Christian living blesses those who live according to the great Christian virtues of humility, justice, righteousness, forgiveness, mercy and peace. This is the way into God’s eternal life and into eternal life with God.
Matthew has transformed a short messianic manifesto into a program for life – a list of virtues which belong to those called into the Kingdom. This is how people of the Kingdom live; these are the qualities which mark their lives.
The text is chosen for the Feast of All Saints for just that reason. We recognise in it the kind of life to which we are called. We recognise saints as those people who lived by these qualities – whether or not they are formally canonised.
The Feast of All Saints celebrates all those ‘saints’ who have entered fully into the Kingdom.
Its partner feast is the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (All Souls) the next day. Note: these people are the FAITHFUL departed (not the Unfaithful departed!) This commemoration tries to answer the questions, “What about those who were not perfect in their following of Christ”, who may have tried but not always succeeded like the saints and about whose fate we might be less certain.
This Gospel is often used at funerals. Many people think this is because of the reference to ‘those who mourn’. But that is not why the Church lists it as appropriate for funerals. Funerals are about celebrating the life of those who lived according to the Gospel. That is what this Gospel is all about.
Mass in honor of Fr Avertan Fenech, O. Carm., in Mdina
The Carmelite Community in Mdina is holding a mass in honour of the Servant of God Fr Avertan Fenech on Saturday, October 31 at 6.30pm at the Carmelite church in Mdina, on the eve of the 83rd anniversary of his death.
The mass will be celebrated by the prior provincial of the Maltese Province, Charles Mallia, O. Carm. Prior to the mass there will be an adoration before the Blessed Sacrament and a meditated rosary starting at 6pm. The public is invited to attend.
Born in Mosta on July 10, 1871, Fr Avertan joined the Carmelite Order in 1888 and was ordained a priest in 1896. He became known for his humility, dedication to prayer and service as a spiritual guide. Despite suffering partial paralysis and difficulties speaking during the final years of his life, he endured his illness with great faith until his death on November 1, 1943, at 72 years of age. His remains rest at the Carmelite church in Mdina, dedicated to the Annunciation of Our Lady.
The cause for his beatification and canonization began in 2017, with the diocesan inquiry concluding that same year. The process continues towards determining whether he may be officially recognized as blessed and eventually declared a saint.
For more information, visit the Knisja tal-Karmnu Mdina Facebook page.
The Congregation of Putri Karmel Elect New Leadership
The Congregation of Putri Karmel Holds Their Chapter to Elect New Leadership
The Kongregasi Putri Karmel held their Congregational Chapter on August 25-September 5, 2026. Besides electing leadership, the Chapter expressed the commitment to always continue to deepen their Carmelite spirituality in their personal and community life and, according to the Congregation’s charism, to share it with the People of God in their ministry.
Putri Karmel is dedicated to the practice of contemplation. The congregation was founded in Indonesia in March 1982 and aggregated to the Order on December 19, 2002. The founder was Carmelite Johannes Indrakusuma, now with the Carmelitae Sancti Eliae congregation.
The Putri Karmel sister’s work is oriented towards the growth of the spiritual life. The congregation has communities in Indonesia, Malaysia, Italy and the USA.
The website of the congregation is: www.carmelia.net
The following were elected to leadership roles:
Superior General | Superiora General | Superiora generale:
Sr. Marie Alphonsa, P. Karm.
1st Vice General | 1ª Vice General | 1ª Vice Generale:
Sr. Maria Skolastika, P. Karm.
2nd Vice General | 2ª Vice General | 2ª Vice Generale:
Sr. Maria Petra, P. Karm.
1st Councilor | 1ª Consejera | 1ª Consigliera:
Sr. Maria Sesilia Lumowah, P. Karm.
2nd Councilor | 2ª Consejera | 2ª Consigliera:
Sr. Maria Frances, P. Karm.
3rd Councilor | 3ª Consejera | 3ª Consigliera:
Sr. Maria Alvaresta, P. Karm.
4th Councilor | 4ª Consejera | 4ª Consigliera:
Sr. Alphonsa de Jesu, P. Karm.
New Director of Communications for the Order Named
Jacob Roby Chakkalaparambil, O. Carm., has been named director of the Order’s communications office in Rome. This office has responsibility for both the social communications of the Order and its publishing house, Edizioni Carmelitane. His term begins on March 1, the feast of Saint Albinus of Angers.
He comes to the office well prepared. He pursued higher studies in Rome, completing his Bachelor and Licentiate degrees in Social Communications at the Pontifical Gregorian University. He earned a Doctorate in Social Communications at the Salesian Pontifical University. His thesis was entitled The Leadership of Communication of Pope Francis.
During his years in Rome, from 2015 to 2018, he also served as Archivist of the Current Archives of the Carmelite General Curia. A member of the General Commissariat of St. Therese and St. Albert in India, he served as Delegate General from 2018 to 2020 and as Commissary General from 2020 to 2023. From 2023, he was a Councilor of the General Commissariat and the Director of Chris Cappell College. At present, he is serving as a Councilor of the General Commissariat and also as a formator.
He was born in 1975 in Kerala, India. He entered Carmel in 1991 and made his first profession in 1995. He was ordained a priest in 2003 and subsequently served in the West Bengal Mission until 2006.
Fr. Roby replaces William J. Harry, O. Carm., a member of the PCM Province. Fr. William has served two terms as director of the Order’s communications office, with his second term being extended. He will continue with Carmelite Media Publications, the publishing house of his province. He will also continue as president of the Carmelite NGO.
Iberian Gathering of Friars in Simple Vows
Interprovincial Gathering of Professed Friars in Simple Vows (Iberian Region)
An interprovincial gathering of simply professed friars in the Iberian Region took place in Barcelona from October 17-18, 2026.
On the occasion of the 8th centenary of the papal recognition of the Carmelite Formula Vitae, we sought to provide a space for prayer, formation, and fraternal fellowship—an opportunity to delve deeper into the text that inspires our way of life and to strengthen the bonds among the friars in formation.
The gathering was organized with two primary objectives. The first, focused on formation, was to deepen our understanding of the Rule of Carmel, examining its historical context, its spiritual richness, and its ongoing relevance to our lives today.
The second objective was to foster reconnection among the friars—some of whom had previously spent time together during the international novitiate at the friary of San Andrés in Salamanca—and to offer them a chance to share their experiences and deepen their fraternal ties, bridging the distances between their respective Provinces and communities.
On Saturday, October 17th, we began with the celebration of the Eucharist, presided over by Fernando Millán, Councilor for Formation and Studies for the Province of “Dulce Nombre de Maria.” Following breakfast, Fernando gave a talk on the historical context and the spiritual relevance of the Rule of Carmel. Following this, Fr. Nicolás Carrizalez, Councilor for Formation for the Province of Catalonia, invited us to delve into the spiritual core of the Rule and explore how it continues to challenge and speak to our lives today. In the afternoon, we took a two-hour guided tour of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. The day concluded with a relaxed time of conversation and fraternal fellowship enjoying some drinks and tapas.
On Sunday, October 18th, we attended the international Mass at the Basilica of the Sagrada Família, where the diversity of languages and backgrounds allowed us to experience the universality of the Church in a profound way. After the celebration, we travelled to Girona, visited the cathedral, and explored the old Jewish Quarter. We shared a meal in a mountainous setting near the city, in an atmosphere of warmth and dialogue. The gathering concluded with a fraternal dinner at the friary in Barcelona.
The sessions on the Rule, prayer, and the times spent in fellowship complemented one another throughout the two days. The existing trust among the friars in simple vows fostered a spontaneous exchange of experiences regarding their current stage of formation, allowing them to recognize shared concerns and common aspirations.
The opportunity to cultivate bonds that will accompany the friars well beyond their initial stages of formation, while also fostering relationships and collaboration between the two Provinces was particularly valued.
Gratitude to the priors provincial and their respective councils for their trust and support; to the community in Barcelona for their hospitality; and to all those who assisted with the organization for their availability and dedication.
Carmelites in Philippines Join "Kampuhan sa DAR"
Standing in Faith and Solidarity: Carmelite Novices in Philippines Join "Kampuhan sa DAR"
On October 19, 2026, members of the Philippine Carmelite Province of St. Titus Brandsma stood side by side with farmers, farmworkers, and social activists outside the gates of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to express deep solidarity with one of the nation's most vulnerable sectors.
The gathering, known as "Kampuhan sa DAR," brings together agricultural workers from various regions across the Philippines to "camp out" in front of government offices of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Mines and Geosciences Bureau and Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA). Through peaceful presence and advocacy, the delegates seek active dialogue with agency officials, putting a spotlight on the chronic neglect, systemic abuse, and ongoing struggles faced by rural communities.
Witnessing through faith in action, our novices and student friars from the Spring of Carmel community, joined the Kampuhan, accompanied by Fr. Esmeraldo A. Reforeal, O. Carm. (Novice Director and Prior of the community) and Fr. Dionisio Ramos, O. Carm. (Spiritual Director). Their presence served as a reminder of our Carmelite calling to walk with the marginalized and amplify the voices of those seeking justice and dignity. More specifically, their participation means following the example of Elijah, defending Naboth and confronting King Ahab from taking away Naboth's land.
Beyond calling for structural reforms and accountability, today’s gathering held a solemn act of remembrance: honoring the memory of the Toboso 19, six months after their tragic killing by the military. Family members of those who died graced the occasion, with two mothers speaking on behalf of the family members, telling the participants that their beloved children died defending the cause of the farmers.
A Eucharistic celebration was held directly outside the gates of the Department of Agrarian Reform. Fr. Rudy Abao, MSC served as the main presider, with Fr. Esmeraldo and Fr. Dionisio co-presiding. Surrounded by banners, makeshift tents, and determined hearts, the outdoor Mass transformed the pavement into a sanctuary of prayer, hope, and unwavering commitment to land, justice, and peace.
As Carmelites, we continue to keep our farming communities in our prayers and actions, answering the gospel call to stand alongside those who till the soil yet remain neglected.
Carmelite Superiors of the Americas Meet in São Paulo
"With One Accord and One Voice" - Carmelite Superiors of the Americas Meet in São Paulo
From October 19-23, 2026, the Carmelite superiors from North, Central, and South America as well as the Caribbean gathered in São Paulo, Brazil, to strengthen fraternity and explore new possibilities for cooperation among the different entities of the Order. The meeting was attended by the Prior General, Desiderio García Martínez, O. Carm., and organized by the General Councilor for the Americas, Rolf Nepomuk Willemsen, O. Carm. The Rio de Janeiro Province, under the leadership of its provincial, Thiago Borges, O. Carm., generously hosted the gathering.
Inspired by conversations during the General Chapter in Indonesia in 2025, the meeting took as its theme “Serving Unity: Contemplative Fraternity on Mission in the Americas,” drawing on St. Paul's invitation to glorify God “with one accord and one voice” (Rom 15:6).
The program provided opportunities for the superiors to share the experiences, challenges, and hopes of their respective provinces, commissariats, and delegations. The conversations revealed both the diversity of Carmelite life throughout the Americas and the many concerns shared across geographical and linguistic boundaries. Particular attention was given to safeguarding, collaboration in formation, vocational ministry, and strengthening relationships within the wider Carmelite Family.
In his closing remarks, Fr. Desiderio drew on Ray Bradbury's novel Fahrenheit 451, comparing each superior to a living book carrying the story of his entity, including its history, achievements, hopes, and vulnerabilities. Together, he suggested, these stories form a living Carmelite library, rich in experience and open to the future. He also emphasized three important challenges facing the Order: internationality, interculturality, and restructuring, encouraging the brothers to approach difficult questions with courage, mutual trust, and a spirit of discernment.
The gathering concluded with several concrete proposals for continued cooperation, particularly in formation and vocational ministry. Plans were also presented for establishing a Carmelite Family Commission for the Americas and strengthening collaboration through existing regional structures.
Above all, the meeting offered an opportunity to listen to one another, deepen relationships, and recognize that the future of Carmel in the Americas is a shared responsibility. The willingness to continue these conversations and take practical steps together provides a hopeful foundation for the years ahead.
Praying the Scripture with Carmel
Shared LECTIO DIVINA on the Gospel for the day
ONLINE SESSSIONS HELD ON THE 1st and 4th WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH
Time: 9:00 pm – 9:45 pm
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Session are facilitated by a Sister of the Monastery of Monte Carmelo in Vetralla, Italy
Lectio Divina November, 2026
Opening Prayer
Lord, the meaning of our life is to seek your Word, which came to us in the person of Christ. Make me capable of welcoming what is new in the Gospel of the Beatitudes, so that I may change my life. I would know nothing about you were it not for the light of the words spoken by your Son Jesus, who came to tell us of your marvels. When I am weak, if I go to Him, the Word of God, then I become strong. When I act foolishly, the wisdom of his Gospel restores me to relish God and the kindness of his love. He guides me to the paths of life. When some deformity appears in me, I reflect on his Word and the image of my personality becomes beautiful. When solitude tries to make me dry, my spiritual marriage to him makes my life fruitful. When I discover some sadness or unhappiness in myself, the thought of Him, my only good, opens the way to joy. Therese of the Child Jesus has a saying that sums up the desire for holiness as an intense search for God and a listening to others: «If you are nothing, remember that Jesus is all. You must therefore lose your little nothing into his infinite all and think of nothing else but this uniquely lovable all… (Letters, 87, to Marie Guérin).
