O.Carm
Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation Meeting
On February 15, a small commission was created to work in the area of Justice, Peace, and the Integrit of Creation in Latin America and the Carribean. This commission, made up of members from the Carmelite Family, has the task of encouraging the communities to be more aware of the Order's JPIC work.
In its first meeting which was held online Eduardo Andrés Agosto Scarel, O. Carm., gave some guidelines for working in the area of justice as well as informed us about the work which he does regarding the environment. Eduardo also outlined how members might work in this field and gave updated information about the NGO of the Carmelite Family.
New Foundation in Honduras
On February 2, 2022, the Day of Consecrated Life, four religious from the Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary began a missionary experience in the parish of St. Lucy Martyr in Yamaranguilla, Honduras, which has a population of approximately 24,000 people.
In the inauguration of the Carmelites administration of the parish, Bishop Walter Guillén Soto, SDB, of the Diocese of Gracias, read the decree which said the parish would be established as the diocesan sanctuary of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel with the feast celebrated as a solemnity on July 16 each year.
Recent Books on Titus Brandsma
A limited supply of these books (and more!) will be available at the Titus Brandsma Center during the days of the canonization (Hours of operation to be announced). The center is located in the parish hall in the Carmelite church on the Via della Conciliazione, the street leading into the Vatican. The hall is easily accessible from Borgo S. Angelo (across from the Passetto, which connects the Vatican to Castel San Angelo).
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JUST PUBLISHED THIS WEEK IN ENGLISH!
Fernando Millán Romeral. Truth in Love – Titus Brandsma, Carmelite.
Printed Edition ISBN: 978-1-936742-29-5 - 138 pages. Euro US$19.95. Also available as an e-book on Apple Books and Amazon for US$10.99
The English translation of Fr. Fernando’s well-documented research into the life and spirituality of Titus Brandsma and its effect today. As a vice-postulator for the cause for canonization of Fr. Titus and former prior general of the Carmelite Order, Fr. Fernando is extremely knowledgeable about the Fr. Titus’ spirituality and draws out connections not found in other works on Brandsma. This volume in English has been amplified with recent information uncovered by Fr. Fernando which is not in previous translations. Written in a very familiar storytelling style, the reader will find the rich spirituality of this Carmelite saint very accessible.
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Titus Brandsma: Letters to the Family
Collected Works, vol 2
Edited by Elisabeth Hense and Joseph Chalmers. Published by Edizioni Carmelitane – 2021 – 526 pages. Euro 46,00 - US$55.00. Also available as an e-book on Apple Books and Amazon for US$27.99
This second volume of the collected works of Titus Brandsma brings together his numerous writings to his parents, siblings, and other family members. While much of his correspondence has been lost, this collection shows the depth of Blessed Titus’ attachment and concern for his family. He discusses many of the important family matters as well as shares in their joys and sorrows, advises the family on difficult decision, and also writes about his own life and his concerns. He never forgot a birthday, name day, profession day, wedding day, or religious feast day of his relatives— all remembered with a letter or card.
The cards and letters also give a sense of how well-travelled Blessed Titus was due to his work for the Dutch province of the Order as well as his many civic, educational, and Church commitments.
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Titus Brandsma: Mysticism in Action
Collected Works, vol 1
Edited by Elisabeth Hense and Joseph Chalmers. Published by Edizioni Carmelitane – 2021 – 273 pages – Extensive bibliography. Euro 25,00 - US$30.00. Also available as an e-book on Apple Books and Amazon for US$15.00
This is the first volume of a multi volume series, containing the translations into English of Fr. Titus Brandsma’s writings. This book gives an insight into his scholarly work, his social commitment, and his personal relationships. The texts selected here date from the period 1904 to 1942.
Brandsma resolutely opposed the National Socialist (Nazi) movement. He developed an explicitly Christian perspective on the themes of mysticism and spirituality, social teaching, peace and disarmament, heroism, journalism, and education, the fight against poverty- all issues in Dutch society at the time.
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Miguel Arribas, O. Carm. The Price of Truth: Titus Brandsma, Carmelite.
2021. Printed Edition ISBN: 978-1-936742-26-4 - eBook ISBN: 978-1-936742-27-1. 331 pages - Extensive bibliography. Also available as an e-book on Apple Books and Amazon for US$12.99
An extensive biography of St. Titus Brandsma, Carmelite and martyr for the Catholic faith. Fr. Arribas wrote this biography based on the acts of the process of canonization as well as biographies in various languages. To better understand Brandsma’s spiritual journey, the author visited The Netherlands and Germany, in pilgrimage to the places of birth, life, and death of this “martyr for freedom of expression.”
Brandsma led a simple life even though he was a multifaceted priest, mystic, a passionate journalist, “rector magnificus” of the Catholic University of Nijmegan, and a courageous witness for Christ, even to the point of giving his own life for the truth.
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Titus Brandsma: Carmelite Educator - Carmelite Mystic - Carmelite Martyr - Spiritual Guide
Boxed Set of Four Books
Published by Carmelite Media. Euro 23.00 - US$25.00
A four-book boxed set contains writings by and about Carmelite Titus Brandsma that explore Titus' experiences as an educator, mystic, martyr, and spiritual guide. Set includes:
- Carmelite Mysticism-Historical Sketches by Titus Brandsma, O. Carm., (85 pages)
- Friar Against Fascism by Leopold Glueckert, O. Carm. (24 pages)
- Meditations with Titus Brandsma by Jane Lytle-Vierira (25 pages)
- Meditations on the Way of the Cross of Albert Servaes by Titus Brandsma, O. Carm. (56 pages)
Each book is also available individually (only directly from Carmelite Media [carmelites.info/publications]).
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Tito Brandsma, O. Carm. Bellezza del Carmelo:
Appunti storici di mistica carmelitana. Via Crucis. Pace e amore per la pace.
Published by Edizioni Carmelitane (In Italian) - First Reprinting: 2015 - 161 pages.
This book is a brief description of Carmelite spirituality, with historical notes and links to the prominent figures of Carmelite spirituality. The second part of the book contains the Stations of the Cross in the form of a dialogue and a description of the scenes. Written by St. Titus Brandsma with his exposition and spirituality as a teacher and journalist during World War II.
The book contains three writings of Blessed Titus Brandsma: Beauty of Carmel, historical notes of Carmelite mysticism, which constitute the first attempt at a historical synthesis of the spirituality of Carmel. Way of the Cross, contemplative meditation of the fourteen stations of this traditional exercise of piety, so dear to the Christian heart. Peace and Love for Peace, an impassioned lecture given by Prof. Bransma in 1931, but with content very applicable to today.
Celebrating At Home - Second Sunday of Easter
An empty tomb, lives changed for ever,
enduring presence
(John 20:1-9)
The great Easter feast of last Sunday began the Church’s fifty-day celebration of the Resurrection which concludes with the feast of Pentecost in six weeks.
The Gospel of each Sunday is a meditation on Jesus as: the resurrected Christ, made known in the scriptures and the breaking of the bread, the bearer of life in all its fullness, our way, truth and life, pledge of God’s love.
In today’s Gospel reading there are two stories of transformation through encounter with the risen Jesus.
Firstly, Jesus appears to a group of frightened and bewildered disciples hiding in a room. His first words are, ‘Peace be with you’. Fear and bewilderment turn into joy as the disciples recognise the presence of the Risen Jesus with them. But that’s not all. He then sends them out to be missionaries of peace and forgiveness. In receiving the Holy Spirit they are transformed from a group of frightened people, hiding in a room to bold proclaimers of God’s love and mercy. We already know that fear breeds isolation and loneliness. We are living with that each day.
While taking necessary steps to keep ourselves and each other safe, we are trying not to let our hearts go into lockdown, too. There is something inherently good in human nature. People are finding new ways to care for each other. Like top-class restaurants turning out hundreds of meals for poor, elderly or isolated people. There are many other examples of people transforming fear and bewilderment into moments of hope and joy. Do we not also recognise the presence of the risen Jesus in these saving actions?
The second story in today’s Gospel is the one we all know as doubting Thomas, though, really, it should be known as believing Thomas - doubt is only the beginning of the story.
Jesus doesn’t scold or rebuke Thomas. If Thomas is looking for proof, he has only to touch Jesus to see he is real. But Thomas doesn’t do that. It is his personal encounter with Jesus which transforms him from doubter to believer.
It is yet another Gospel reminder that faith is not about believing with our minds or in looking for proof. It is found only in our living relationship with Jesus.
Perhaps these extraordinary days give us a bit more time just to sit and chat with Jesus, to recognise him already present in our hearts, to allow our fears and doubts to be overcome by love, to find new, creative ways of transforming the darkness of these days into light, peace and joy for others.
May the new life we celebrate over the next fifty days bring us the creativity of Spirit we need to be the living heart of God in our world today.
Meeting with the Carmelite leaders of the Caribbean
On February 9, 2022, the leaders of the Carmelite presences in the Caribbean region met online. Present were: Santos Martinez (Venezuela), Juan Evangelista Castellano (Delegation of Titus Brandsma), Sergio Mantilla (Colombia. Italian Prov.), Jorge Rivera (Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic), Felix Avendaño (Venezuela) and Luis Maza.
Each one expressed the socio-political situation and the situation of the Order in their respective countries. In spite of the difficulties, new vocations are emerging.
At present, this Region in the initial formation stage has 19 postulants, 6 novices and 15 simply professed.
Possible future actions:
- Help each other in initial formation with the realization of on-line formation meetings.
- Reciprocal collaboration in different areas and,
- Dreaming of the possibility of forming a unique reality in the Caribbean region.
Easter Greeting to Order
Hodie Christus resurrexit. Cotidie nostra agamus!
17.IV.2022
MÍCEÁL, PRIOR GENERALIS
DOMUSQUE GENERALIS COMMUNITAS
Celebrating At Home - Easter Sunday
An empty tomb, lives changed for ever,
enduring presence
(John 20:1-9)
When someone dies, one of the things we often feel is their absence. The rooms where they lived with us, the places where they sat are now empty and our hearts ache.
Its not hard for us to share Mary’s sense of emptiness and bewilderment when she arrives at the tomb. This is an Easter like we have never had before. Without our usual celebrations with family and friends it can feel very empty indeed.
If we were to read the next few verses from John’s Gospel, we would read a story of overwhelming joy as Mary Magdalen meets the risen Jesus. When Jesus speaks her name, Mary recognises him and sadness and emptiness give way to joyful reunion.
It’s a story of transformation - how things can change when we meet the risen Jesus.
In a way, we are all caught in tombs which hold loved ones, our experiences of hurt and harm, our fears and anxieties, especially now.
What we seem to need above all at this time is presence. Yet, this is the time when we experience absence most of all - being apart from loved ones, family and friends.
The practice of the presence of God can help us - just frequently reminding ourselves that we always in the presence of God, that we can talk to God as one friend to another, that God is in this moment with us, that God is on our side no matter what comes our way, that God is our constant companion.
Eventually, we will begin to feel more deeply God’s presence, not just beside us, but within us.
Eventually, the fears and anxieties, the past hurts, and disrupted relationships begin to melt away. Where once there was only absence, now there is calm, loving, healing Presence and we know we are not alone. Our tombs begin to empty and joy becomes possible again.
Resurrection is all about death giving way to life, the impossible becoming possible, absence becoming presence.
May all your tombs be empty!
Celebrating At Home - Good Friday
Love revealed in the passion
(John 18:1 - 19:42)
Beginning
The Lord is here, present among us.
We are gathered with the whole Church in this moment of prayer.
Preparing to hear the Word
Now the hour has come
for the Son of Man to be glorified.
“I tell you solemnly:
unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies,
it remains only a single grain;
but if it dies,
it yields a rich harvest.”
Eternal God,
we are the harvest
yielded by the death of your Son.
As we gather around the cross of Jesus,
remembering his great love for us,
bring us to new life in Christ
for he is Lord for ever and ever.
Amen.
The Passion of Jesus according to John
Celebrating At Home - Holy Thursday
Washing feet, sharing bread and wine:
Love poured out in service
On this night we recall Jesus’ commandment to love one another, his washing of the disciples’ feet and the breaking of the bread of his own life, not just at table, but also on the altar of the Cross, for the healing and nourishment of the world.
The liturgy on Holy Thursday is a meditation on the essential connection between the Eucharist and Christian love expressed in serving one another.
Christ is not only present in the Eucharist but also in the deeds of loving kindness offered to others through us.
We are the ones who make ‘real’ the presence of Jesus in every smile, kind word and loving action.
Celebrating At Home - Palm Sunday
Love revealed
(Luke 23:1-49)
The Passion of Jesus according to Luke
Reader 1 The elders of the people and the chief priests and scribes rose, and they brought Jesus before Pilate.
They began their accusation, ‘We found this man inciting our people to revolt, opposing payment of tribute to Caesar, and claiming to be Christ, a king.’ Pilate put to him this question, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ ‘It is you who say it’.
Pilate then said to the chief priests and the crowd, ‘I find no case against this man.’ ‘He is inflaming the people with his teaching all over Judea; it has come all the way from Galilee, where he started, down to here.’ When Pilate heard this, he asked if the man were a Galilean; and finding that he came under Herod’s jurisdiction he passed him over to Herod who was also in Jerusalem at that time.
Reader 2 Herod was delighted to see Jesus; he had heard about him and had been wanting for a long time to set eyes on him; moreover, he was hoping to see some miracle worked by him. So he questioned him at some length; but without getting any reply. Meanwhile the chief priests and scribes were there, violently pressing their accusations.
Then Herod, together with his guards, treated him with contempt and made fun of him; he put a rich cloak on him and sent him back to Pilate. And though Herod and Pilate had been enemies before, they were reconciled that same day.
Reader 3 Pilate then summoned the chief priests and the leading men and the people. ‘You brought this man before me as a political agitator. Now I have gone into the matter myself in your presence and found no case against the man in respect of all the charges you bring against him. Nor has Herod either, since he has sent him back to us. As you can see, the man has done nothing that deserves death, so I shall have him flogged and then let go’.
But as one they howled, ‘Away with him! Give us Barabbas!’ (This man had been thrown into prison for causing a riot in the city and for murder.)
Reader 1 Pilate was anxious to set Jesus free and addressed them again, but they shouted back, ‘Crucify him! Crucify him!’ ‘But why? What harm has this man done? I have found no case against him that deserves death, so I shall have him punished and then let him go.’ But they kept on shouting at the top of their voices, demanding that he should be crucified. And their shouts were growing louder.
Pilate then gave his verdict: their demand was to be granted. He released the man they asked for, who had been imprisoned for rioting and murder, and handed Jesus over to them to deal with as they pleased.
Reader 2 As they were leading him away they seized on a man, Simon from Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and made him shoulder the cross and carry it behind Jesus. Large numbers of people followed him, and of women too, who mourned and lamented for him. But Jesus turned to them and said, ‘Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep rather for yourselves and for your children. For the days will surely come when people will say, ‘Happy are those who are barren, the wombs that have never borne, the breasts that have never suckled!’ Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’, to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ for if you use the green wood like this, what will happen when it is dry?’ Now with him there were also leading out two other criminals to be executed.
Reader 3 When they reached the place called the Skull, they crucified him there and the two criminals also, one on the right, the other on the left. Jesus said, ‘Father forgive them; they do not know what they are doing.’ Then they cast lots to share out his clothing.
Reader 1 The people stayed there watching him. As for the leaders, they jeered at him. ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.’ The soldiers mocked him too and when they approached to offer him vinegar they said, ‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.’ Above him there was an inscription: ‘This is the King of the Jews.’ Reader 2 One of the criminals hanging there abused him. ‘Are you not the Christ?’ he said. ‘Save yourself and us as well.’ But the other spoke up and rebuked him. ‘Have you no fear of God at all? You got the same sentence as he did, but in our case we deserved it; we are paying for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong. Jesus, Remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ ‘Indeed, I promise you, today you will be with me in paradise.’ Reader 3 It was now about the sixth hour and, with the sun eclipsed, a darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. The veil of the Temple was torn right down the middle; and when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, he said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ With these words he breathed his last. [All pause for a moment] Reader 1 When the centurion saw what had taken place, he gave praise to God and said, ‘This was a great and good man.’ And when all the people who had gathered for the spectacle saw what had happened, they went home beating their breasts. All his friends stood at a distance, so also did the women who had accompanied him from Galilee, and they saw all this happen.
