Good Shepherd Sunday 2018
Congratulations to Sr. Elizabeth who made her First Profession of Vows at Tranquilla Carmel, Knock.
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January 21 2017 Leonie Martin, sister of St. Therese, was laid to rest in a new tomb
November 19 2016 Beatification of Fr. Marie-Eugene, Founder of Notre Dame de Vie.
Henri Grialou was born in France in 1894. He was already training for the priesthood, and on retreat for ordination to the diaconate, when on December 13, 1920, while reading about St. John of the Cross, he suddenly knew that God was calling him to Carmel. He entered on February 24, 1922, taking the religious name Fr. Marie-Eugene of the Child Jesus. He devoted himself fully to the Church and the Order, serving on the General Council in Rome and then as Provincial in France, having previously founded the Institute of Notre Dame de Vie (Our Lady of Life) in Venasque, France. Many Carmelites will be famliar with his popular book, I want to see God. He died on March 27, 1967.
To read more about his life click here
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October 16 2016 Canonisation of Elizabeth of the Trinity by Pope Francis in Rome.
We are celebrating our new Saint with the whole Carmelite Order.
To read about her life click here.
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Congratulations to Sr. Olivia of Knock Carmel, who made her Solemn Profession on September 3rd 2016
To read Sr. Olivia’s vocation story
and view more photos click here
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April 17 2016 Good Shepherd Sunday and Day of Prayer for Vocations
The RTE television Mass celebrated byBishop Alphonsus Cullinan, of Waterford and Lismore was attended by a number of Religious including six Carmelites, from our monasteries in Loughrea, New Ross and Tallow.
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April 2016 New Carmelite Bishop for Crotia
Fr. Zdenko Križić O.C.D., who is currently rector of the Community of the International Teresianum College in Rome, has been appointed bishop of Gospić-Senj Croatia. His previous ministry included being prefect of the minor seminary of Carmelite Fathers in Zagabria, first counsellor of the Commissariat and prior of the community of Remete in Zagabria, provincial superior, provincial vicar, prior of the convents of Remete and Krk, master of novices and vicar general of the Order.
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C.I.B.I. Updates
Carmelite Institute of Britain and Ireland – CIBI- offer part-time, distance learning programmes in Carmelite Studies via the internet at both undergraduate and Postgraduate level as follows:
M.Th. (Carmelite Studies), accredited by St’ Patrick’s College, Maynooth.
B.Th. (Carmelite Studies), accredited by St Patrick’s Collage, Maynooth.
Discovering Carmel Certificate, certified by CIBI.
As these programmes do not require attendance at lectures, they can be studied from any part of the world that has reasonable access to the internet. They are also suitable to Religious Community members, as they can complete their studies without breaking enclosure.
More information on each of these programmes can be had by viewing the prospectus on the CIBI websitewww.cibi.ie, or by contacting the Institute administrator Frank O’Neill by email [email protected], by mail at CIBI, Gort Muire Carmelite Centre, Ballinteer, Dublin D16 E167 or by phoning 00353 (0)1 298 7706.
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February 3 2016 Father General met with Carmelite Nuns in Rome
Father General met with Presidents and delegates from Federations and Associations worldwide at the end of their stay in Rome to celebrate the closing of the year for Consecrated Life with Pope Francis. The Sacred Congregation had invited them to go to Rome for an intensive study of Consecrated Life and to meet those from other cultures, in the days leading up to the celebration on February 2nd. They also had an audience with Pope Francis. Click here for Father Generals talk to the nuns.
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Mission Sunday: The Canonisation of Louis and Zelie Martin took place today in Rome.
Pope Francis said:The holy spouses Louis Martin and Marie-Zelie Guerin practised Christian service in the family, creating day by day an environment of faith and love which nurtured the vocations of their daughters, among whom was Saint Therese of the Child Jesus.
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October 15 Feast of St. Teresa of Avila and closing of Teresa 500 – the year of celebrations to mark her 500th Birthday.
There were special ceremonies and celebrations in all Carmelite Churches to mark the closing of a great year of celebration in honour of St, Teresa’s 5th centenary. A new statue was dedicated at St. Teresa’s Clarendon Street, Dublin and was unveiled by Sr. Monica, president of the Association of Carmelite Sisters in Ireland.
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October 1st Feast of St. Therese of Lisieux
Patroness of the Missions and Doctor of the Church
The Feast of St. Thérèse is celebrated today.The Blessing of Roses will take place at Masses in our Carmelite Churches and Chapels.
St. Thérèse promised to send down a shower of roses after her death, she was referring to the graces she would obtain for those who asked her intercession for their intentions.
St. Thérèse died at the age of 24 on September 30th 1997.
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October 1 2015 First Profession of Sr. Emy
Congratulations to Sr. Emy of New Ross Carmel who made her First Profession of Vows today, the Feast of St. Therese of Lisieux. May God bless her on this new stage of her Carmelite journey.
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July 17 -30 Visit of St. Teresa of Avila’s Pilgrim Staff to Ireland
St. Teresa’s Pilgrim Staff has been travelling the world on the Pilgrimage of Light, and from July 17 – 30 it will be in Ireland in all our Carmels and in the various Carmelite Churches.
St. Teresa took her pilgrim staff with her when she made her many Foundations throughout Spain. For the Programme listing locations and dates in Ireland Click here.
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June 24 CIBI Conferring
The CIBI conferring ceremony for the Diploma in Carmelite Studies and Adult Education Diploma in Carmelite Studies, took place in Milltown Institute Dublin. Among those receiving awards were Sr. Regina (Roebuck Carmel – left) and Sr. Lindsay (New Ross Carmel -right). Four sisters from Benoni Carmel, South Africa were conferred in absentia, and were represented by Sr. Anne of Kilmacud, who was previously a member of their community.
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Celebration Day to mark the 5th Centenary Year of the Birth of St. Teresa of Avila
About seventy Carmelite Nuns, from all ten Carmels in Ireland, met at St. Anne’s Portarlington to celebrate ‘Teresa 500’ – The 5th centenary of the birth of St. Teresa of Avila.
For of a record of the day click here.
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The Feast of the Sacred Heart at Clarendon Street Church
Sr. Teresa of Roebuck Carmel gave a talk on our Carmelite Charism at Evening Prayer.
To read the talk click here
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Carmelite Sisters General Assembly June 1 -5
The General Assembly of our Carmelite Sisters Association began this evening (June 1) at St. Anne’s, Portarlington.
Left – The outgoing council at their meeting to prepare for the Assembly.
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Pentecost Sunday – May 24 2015
Congratulations to Sr. Valerie of the New Covenant, who is making her Solemn Profession at Tranquilla Carmel, Knock today. May God bless her on this joyful day and in the years ahead.
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Sunday May 17 2015
The Canonisation of Blessed Mary of Jesus Crucified, foundress of Bethlehem Carmel, took place today in Rome. We rejoice with our sisters in the Holy Land.
Left – Her picture on the Vatican Basilica, for the Ceremony. To read about her life click here
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Carmelite General Chapter
The General Chapter began on May 5 and on May 7 Fr. Saverio Cannistrà was re-elected for a second term as our Father General. Our congratulations and prayers to Fr. Saverio. We continue to remember all the Chapter Fathers as they continue their deliberations.
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March 28 2015 5ooth BIRTHDAY OF SAINT TERESA
SAINT TERESA WAS BORN IN AVILA ON MARCH 28 1515. AS WE GIVE THANKS FOR HER LIFE WE CELEBRATE HER BIRTH.
THERE WILL BE SPECIAL EVENTS IN CARMELITE CHURCHES AND CHAPELS ALL OVER THE WORLD TODAY.
Read Father General’s Birthday Message
Read Pope Francis’ Message to the Carmelite Order
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CANONISATION OF LOUIS & ZELIE MARTIN
Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes, leading a conference on the role of saints in the life of the Church, announced that “thanks be to God, in October two spouses, parents of St Thérèse of Lisieux, will be canonised”. Pope Francis will Canonise them on October 3rd during the synod on the Family. Click here for their story
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LEONIE MARTIN, sister of St. Therese.
In February 2015 Bishop Boulanger of Bayeux-Lisieux, celebrated Mass in the chapel of the Monastery of the Visitation in Caen and announced that he had responded to the wishes of the people and the religious community where Leonie Martin, (Sister Françoise-Thérèse), lived as a Visitation nun from 1899 to 1941. He will now send a letter to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in the Vatican requesting the introduction of Leonie’s cause for Beatification. When Bishop Boulanger has received the response of the Holy See, he will establish a diocesan tribunal.
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CANONISATION OF BLESSED MARY OF JESUS CRUCIFIED
The Canonisation of Blessed Mary of Jesus Crucified (Mariam Baouardy) will take place in Rome on May 17, 2015. Mariam was born on January 5, 1846 in Galilee and lived in Egypt, Lebanon and France where she entered Carmel at Pau; from there she went as one of the foundresses to Mangalore, India. Convinced that God was calling her to found a Carmel in Bethlehem she went ahead in spite of opposition. She was planning a foundation in Nazareth when she died suddenly after a brief illness on August 26, 1878. Read more …
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WEBSITE ON TERESIAN PRAYER
26 August 1878
To mark the fifth Centenary of the Birth of St. Teresa, the carmels of Montreal and Trois-Rivieres in Canada, have set up a website to draw the general public towards the richness of Teresian prayer.
The site is in French, English and Spanish.
To visit it click here
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OCTOBER 15th 2014 – OCTOBER 15th 2015
Teresa 500 – A year to celebrate the 5th Centenary
of the birth of St. Teresa of Avila
All Carmelite churches will be marking this event.
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Virtual Choir of Carmelite Nuns Singing Nada te turbe
To mark the Fifth Centenary of St Teresa’s birth ninety-three Carmelite nuns from twenty-four countries formed a virtual choir to sing St. Teresa’s Bookmark ‘Nada Te Turbe’. It is an original composition by Sr. Claire Sokol of the Carmelites of Reno.
Our Carmelite Friars have put it on their website. To listen and view it click here
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September 17th Feast of St. Albert of Jerusalem
2014 marks the 800th Anniversary of his death
St. Albert was Bishop of Jerusalem in the early thirteenth century and the first Carmelites, who were hermits living on Mount Carmel, asked him for a Rule. The Rule of St. Albert is followed by all branches of the Order so even though Albert was not a Carmelite himself, he is venerated by all the Carmelite family as our Lawgiver.
For more about St. Albert of Jerusalem click here. For the text of the Carmelite Rule Click here.
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PROGRESS WITH CARMELITE CAUSES from Communicationes August 2014
The Pope has shown interest in causes related to marriages to the Congregation, in connection with the Synod on the Family. Regarding the cause of Louis and Zelie Martin, we know that the authenticity of a miracle that occurred to a young girl in Valencia (Spain) is under study. Advised by the Discalced Carmelites of Serra, her parents asked St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s parents for the child’s cure. If the miracle is approved, it would not be surprising that the canonization could be celebrated in one of the two stages of the Synod, in 2015.
The cause that is furthest along is, without a doubt, that of Blessed Mary of Jesus Crucified, “the Little Arab.” The miracle for her canonization has already been studied by the medical commission and has been approved; therefore I hope that we will shortly hear good news.
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AUGUST 9th TODAY WE CELEBRATE THE FEAST OF SAINT TERESA BENEDICTA OF THE CROSS – EDITH STEIN – PATRONESS OF EUROPE.
Edith was born into a Jewish family in Breslau, Germany (now Wroclaw, Poland) on October 12 1891. She lost her faith in her teens but eventually became a renowned phenomonologist. After reading the Life of St. Teresa of Avila she declared she had found the truth and was baptised on New Years Day 1922. In 1933 she entered the Carmel of Cologne but transferred to Echt in Holland at the end of 1938 due to the Nazi persecution of the Jews. This only gave her temporary safety as the Nazis took her from Carmel and she was gassed in Auschwitz on August 9th 1942. Read more ________________________________________________________________________________
JULY 28TH TODAY WE CELEBRATE THE MEMORY OF BLESSED JOHN SORETH
John Soreth was born in Caen, Normandy and entered Carmel as a young man. He was elected Prior General in 1451 and later established the first Carmelite nuns. They were founded from Béguines, women already living in pious association without any particular apostolate. Some of them felt called to Carmel and placed themselves under the direction of individual friars. A number of these groups approached John Soreth and asked to be established as canonically recognised communities. John petitioned Pope Nicholas V who authorised the foundation of Carmelite nuns in 1452.
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JULY 27TH JOINT CARMELITE PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK
The Irish National Joint Carmelite Pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Sunday 27th July. The main celebrant will be Fr. Martin Kilmurray O. Carm. and the homilist will be Fr. Vincent O’Hara O.D.C. The basilica (left) was built to accommodate large pilgrimages. The joint O.Carm & O.D.C. Pilgrimage takes place on the last Saturday of July each year. All Carmelites and friends of Carmel are invited to take part.
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JULY 19TH OUR LADY, MOTHER OF DIVINE GRACE – FIRST PROFESSION AT NEW ROSS
Congratulations to Sr. Lindsay of New Ross Carmel, who made her First Profession on July 19th
May God bless her on the next stage of her Carmelite journey.
We pray for those in initial formation in all our Carmels.
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JULY 16TH FEAST OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL
Click here for an article taken from the most recent communication from the Order
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JULY 10TH FUNERAL OF BISHOP GUY GAUCHER O.C.D.
The funeral of Bishop Guy Gaucher O.C.D. will be celebrated in the Basilica of St Thérèse in Lisieux at 3 pm today. The Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Boulanger, bishop of Bayeux-Lisieux. The homily will be given by Carmelite Father François-Marie Léthel. Bishop Guy died on July 3rd aged 84. He is known world-wide for his great contribution to Theresian scholarship and many Irish people will remember him from his visit here in 1997 when he took part in the Congress on St. Thérèse’s Life and Writings held at the Carmelite White Abbey, Kildare Town from May 30th – June 1st At first a student of Bernanos, he was lead to St. Thérèse when researching the origin of the phrase ‘All is Grace’. He fell in love with her and devoted the rest of his life to promoting her message.
Click here for his homily ‘Why I Love You Thérèse…. Click here for a tribute by Jacques Gauthier
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TO MARK THE OCCASION OF THE CENTENARY OF THE BIRTH OF SAINT TERESA OF AVILA
The Carmelite Institute of Britain and Ireland are offering two programmes. “The Reform of Saint Teresa of Avila” and “Teresa, the Reform, the Woman and her Writings”, during the centenary year. The programme “The reform of Saint Teresa of Avila” consists of two modules “D04: Carmelite Reform and Renewal in the 16th Century” and “D05: Teresa of Jesus”. The programme will commence October 2014 and conclude October 2015.
The second programme “Teresa, the Reform, the Woman and her Writings”, includes the following module, AED15: Saint Teresa of Avila: Doctor of the Church, AED16: The Teresian Reform and AED34: Some Themes from the Writing of Saint Teresa of Avila. This programme can be studied from October 2014 or April 2015.For further information on those and all CIBI programmes visit of website www.cibi.ie or email the administrator at [email protected]
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JUNE 7th MEMORIA OF BLESSED ANNE OF ST. BARTHOLOMEW
Blessed Anne is featured as our Saint of the Month (June) Read More
Born in 1549. She entered the Carmel of St. Joseph’s Avila in 1570. St. Teresa thought very highly of her and chose her as her nurse and secretary in the last few years of her life. St. Teresa died in Bl. Anne’s arms. Later Anne was one of the seven nuns who established the Discalced Carmelite nuns in France. She went on to found the Carmel of Antwerp and died there in 1626.
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MAY 20th-23rd CONTEMPLATIVE GATHERING
Thirteen Carmelites joined with twelve other contemplative nuns in Dalgan Park for seven talks given by Bishop Brenden Comiskey on the Word. His theme was ‘All the troubles of the Church, all the evils in the world, flow from this source: that men and women do not by clear and sound knowledge and serious consideration penetrate the truth of Sacred scripture.’
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MAY 8th CARMELITE FRIARS PROVINCIAL CHAPTER
Our Carmelite Fathers begin their Provincial Chapter today in Termonbacca, Derry.
Please pray for them.
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APRIL 24th We CELEBRATE THE 4TH CENTENARY OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA’S BEATIFICATION
It was on this day that Teresa, who was already well known in Spain, became important in the Universal Church. In the Brief of Beatification, issued on 24th April 1614, Pope Paul V stated that “Teresa of Jesus, of glorious memory, was adorned by God with so many and such eminent virtues, graces and miracles, that devotion to her name and memory flourishes among the Christian people”.
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APRIL 5th WE HAVE JUST RECEIVED THIS MESSAGE FROM OUR SISTERS IN ALEPPO SYRIA
We have everything we need to be able to help those in need and the refugees. We have recently distributed a portion of the olive harvest to the poor, as well as vegetables, wood from our garden, even our well water is shared with handicapped people.
Ours is the pain and anxiety of everyone, seeing the devastating consequences of war and the suffering of our poor people, especially our own families and friends. The Christian areas are within the zone controlled by the government army as well as in the area controlled by armed groups. There is many a difficult day. On Christmas day there were bombings in Christian neighbourhoods. We pray every day for the Carmelite Order! We are sure that this situation of war will come to an end through the help of the Lord and the Virgin Mary and the prayers we offer. We have to admit that this is a stressful situation. We support one another. We are a tiny troop – six only! We are in the heart of the problems of our current world. We look to Him and see him crucified with outstretched arms
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Private Audience of our Father General with Pope Francis
His Holiness Pope Francis received our Father General, Saverio Cannistrà, in a private audience.
Click here to read the report given in our order’s ‘Communicationes’ published on March 16, 2014
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March 19th We celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph Protector of the Church and of our Carmelite Order
St. Teresa of Avila had a great love for St. Joseph, she wrote in her Life (chapter 6) ‘I took for my advocate and lord the glorious St. Joseph…I don’t recall ever having petitioned him for anything he failed to grant.’ She went on to say, ‘Because of my impressive experience of the goods this glorious saint obtains from God, I had the desire to persuade all to be devoted to him. I have not known anyone truly devoted to him and rendering him special services who has not advanced more in virtue. For in a powerful way he benefits souls who recommend themselves to him.’
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New Provincial for the Anglo-Irish Province of Discalced Carmelites
Fr. Michael McGoldrick (left) will take up as Provincial for the Anglo-Irish Province when Fr. Jim Noonan’s (right) term of office comes to an end at the Provincial Chapter in May. We wish them both well as they prepare to take up their new roles.
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February 26th Pope Francis has been invited to Spain for the V Centenary Celebrations of the Birth of St. Teresa
A delegation of the V Centenary Foundation had an audience with the Holy Father and invited him to visit Spain during the V centenary year.
They presented him with the pastoral programme prepared by the Order
and with the plan prepared by the Avila Diocese.
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February 7th Father General concelebrated Mass with Pope Francis
New Carmelite Bishop for Korea
After his return from Korea where he was present at the ordination of Mgr. Peter Chung, the first Korean Discalced Carmelite Bishop; our Father General, Saverio Cannistra, had the joy of celebrating Mass with Pope Francis.
Read more
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January 18th – 25th Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Carmelites join with the whole church in praying for Christian Unity and giving thanks for all we share with other Christians, especially our common baptism.
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December 14th Feast of St. John of the Cross
John is featured as our Saint of the month (December) Read more
He is a Doctor of the Church and is generally considered to be the most important mystical writer in the Catholic tradition. His poetry is accepted as superb among Spanish literary critics.
John was a man of deep humility and compassion.
He helped St. Teresa to extend her reform to the friars.
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Monday December 9th 2013
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated today.
As Carmelites we belong to a family consecrated in a special way to loving and venerating Our Lady, So we joyfully celebrate all her feasts.
On this day we give thanks that Our Lady was ‘Full of Grace’ from the moment of her conception, having been specially chosen by God before she was born.
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** The Carmelite Liturgical Calendar (Ordo) for 2014 is now on our website under Prayer. **
This Year the Sunday Cycle is Year A, the Year of Matthew.
Weekday Cycle Year 2
For a direct link to the Ordo click here
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THE CARMELITE NUNS IN THE PHILIPPINES ARE SAFE
We received this news from our General House today – November 14th –
The Discalced Carmelite nuns in the Philippines are all right. Despite the terrible catastrophe that beset the country, they have not been harmed. Specifically, the Discalced Carmel does not have a foundation in Tacloban, where there is total devastation. The Discalced Carmelite nuns did witness the strong typhoon: they experienced the very high-velocity winds. Many of the Carmelites were in the Carmel of Jaro, which was celebrating its 90th year of foundation, the first foundation in that country. The sisters ask us to, “pray with us and for us, since our entire nation is desolated. Help the victims of the typhoon. Thank you very much”.
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WEBSITE FOR TERESA 500 CELEBRATIONS
The Carmelite Forum of Britain and Ireland has set up a website www.teresaofavila.org to enable sharing information about all the events that will take place in the
‘Teresa 500 Year’ (October 2014 – October 2015).
It is possible to register on this site for email updates of all the forthcoming events.
The Forum also has Facebook and Twitter pages. www.facebook.com/teresa500 and
www.twitter.com/carmeliteforum
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November 8th Feast of Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity
Elizabeth is featured as our Saint of the month (November) Read more
The phot0 on the left shows her with her younger sister Guite
The photo on the right shows her as a Carmelite Nun in the
Carmel of Dijon, France.
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October 15th Feast of St. Teresa of Avila
Doctor of the Church & Reformer of Carmel
She is featured as our Saint of the month. (October) Read more
This painting of her is by Peter Paul Rubens (1577 – 1640)
The icon is written by Robert Lentz, OFM
Teresa loved to dance and play the tambourine
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October 2nd CIBI Conferring
The CIBI conferring ceremony for the Diploma in Carmelite Studies took place today in Milltown Institute Dublin. Four graduates attended the ceremony and received their awards, among them, Sr. Thérèse Marie (Kilmacud Carmel) and Helen Keenan Dunne OCDS (Avila, Dublin)
Four other graduates were conferred in absentia including Sr. Monica (Delgany Carmel) and Sr. Anna (Knock Carmel)
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October 1st Feast of St. Therese of Lisieux
Patroness of the Missions and Doctor of the Church
The Feast of St. Thérèse is celebrated today in the Universal Church. The Blessing of Roses will take place at Masses in our Carmelite Churches and Chapels.
St. Thérèse promised to send down a shower of roses after her death, she was referring to the graces she would obtain for those who asked her intercession for their intentions.
St. Thérèse died at the age of 24 on September 30th 1997.
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National Carmelite Pilgrimage to Lisieux September 26th– October 2nd
The annual Carmelite Pilgrimage from Dublin to Lisieux has joined with thousands of pilgrims from all over the world to celebrate the Feast of St. Thérèse. The Programme is as follows:
Saturday 28th. 16.30 Concert in the Basilica Crypt followed by Mass at 15.30
20.30 Procession of the Relics from Carmel to the Basilica ending with Night Prayer.
Sunday 29th. 10.30 Mass at the Basilica Mgr. Philippe Ouedraogo, Archbishop of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)
15.30 Procession of the Relics from the Basilica to St. Pierre’s Cathedral for Vespers.
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September 27th – 29th OCDS Retreat
We unite with our Secular Order members who are making their annual retreat at Ballyvaloo this weekend with Fr. Ted Smythe, OCD.
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Congratulations to Sr. Olivia of Knock Carmel, who is making her First Profession today.
May God bless her and all her community and family who celebrate with her.
We pray for those in initial formation in all our Carmels.
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Saturday 7th September
We unite with our Holy Father Pope Francis in praying for peace in Syria
and throughout the world.
Please pray for the safety of our nuns in Aleppo.
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Carmel in Egypt – A message from Fr. Patricio Sciadini, ocd
All the news media these days give ample coverage to the situation in Egypt. Undoubtedly, the Order is asking, “How are our friars and nuns in Egypt? What is happening?” It is not easy to give an answer to these questions….
The military decided to take charge. The reaction was violent and these days many lives have been lost, many churches were burned or destroyed. We are not in danger, neither the friars nor the nuns.
The basilica is closed but life continues on normally. Of course, all this causes us suffering, either individually or for the families of our friars and nuns who are living in difficult situations.
It is a time to unite ourselves in a greater communion and prayer. We appreciate the interest and support of Father General and everyone.
And one of our secular Carmelites wrote: We have two communities of Discalced Carmelites in Egypt. Our friars are located in the Shoubra district of Cairo, and our nuns are located in Fayoum, where there were several churches that were burned last week. Our nuns at the Fayoum Carmel are safe for the time being. My friend said that she spoke with the Prioress and one of the other Sisters. They are begging for lots of prayer for “a rapid end to this massacre”.
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On August 26 we celebrate the Transverberation of St. Teresa of Avila
This refers to a mystical experience when Teresa became totally immersed in God’s love. She describes it in her Life.
‘The Lord desired that I see the vision in the following way: the angel was not large but small; he was very beautiful, and his soul was so aflame that he seemed to be one of those very sublime angels that appear to be all afire…I saw in his hand a large golden spear and at the end of the iron tip there appeared to be a little fire.
It seemed to me that this angel plunged the spear several times into my heart and that it reached deep within me. When he drew it out I thought that he was carrying off with him the deepest part of me; and he left me all on fire with great love of God.
A Bernini Sculpture (left) depicts this in the Church of S. Maria della Vittoria –
Our Lady of Victories (Right) in Rome.
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On August 24 Feast of St. Bartholomew we celebrate our Reform Day
It was on St. Bartholomew’s Day 1562 that St. Teresa of Avila founded St. Joseph’s Avila, the first Discalced Carmelite Monastery for nuns. She wrote in her Life, ‘Well, with me it was like being in glory to see the Blessed Sacrament reserved…I knew it was for the service of the Lord and to the honour of the habit of his glorious Mother. It also consoled me to have done what the Lord had so often given me command to do; that there was another church in this city dedicated to my glorious father St. Joseph’.
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TERESA 500 SUMMITS
Celebrate the fifth centenary of the birth of Saint Teresa of Jesus by climbing one or more of 500 mountain summits anywhere in the world.
You are invited to: Walk, trek and climb one or more of 500 mountain summits
in aid of charity to help with the training of those who are willing to serve God and His people in the Teresian Carmel.
Experience an amazing spiritual adventure praying and meditating in the mountains as Jesus did.
Meet new friends, fellow-disciples of Christ, who live the Carmelite way of life.
Lose weight, get fit and raise vital funds for the Discalced Carmelite Students Fund of the Anglo-Irish Province.
Follow our mountain competition by climbing some of the selected 500 mountain summits in Britain and Ireland.
Read more
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CIBI – Carmelite Institute of Britain and Ireland
CIBI– offer distance learning courses in Carmelite Studies at all levels from Discovering Carmel Certificate, a one year course, to M.A. in Carmelite Studies. There are now three under-graduate programmes and three post-graduate programmes. Some of our sisters have completed the Adult Education Diploma in Carmelite Studies and some the Diploma in Carmelite Studies, others will resume their studies in September. The courses are conducted over the internet so are ideal for cloistered nuns. However the courses are open to all who wish to study the Carmelite Charism, they include modules on history, spirituality and the lives and writings of our saints.
The CIBI administrative office is located at the Carmelite Centre, Gort Muire, Balinteer, Dublin 16 but students and tutors can be anywhere in the word.
Conferring of the Diploma in Carmelite Studies will take place in Milltown Institute on 2nd October.
For more information including details of all CIBI Programmes visit www.cibi.ie or contact the administrator Frank O’Neill by email [email protected] or phone (01) 2987706
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Regular Events At Avila Retreat Centre.
Avila Carmelite Centre, Bloomfield Avenue, Morehampton Road, Dublin 4, Ireland
Tel: +353 1 6430200 ; Fax: +353 1 643 0281 ; Email: [email protected]
Teresa of Avila Reflection Group
Second Thursday of each month From November
The Silver Screen
First Saturday of each month at 7.30 p.m.
Discovering Gospel values and the meaning of life in film.
with Br. Noel O’Connor OCD
Book and Poetry Club
FIRST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH 7.30 P.M. Reading for Inspiration
SHARE THE JOY OF READING WELL-LOVED BOOKS AND POETRY WITH OTHERS
with Fr Eugene McCaffrey OCD
Carmelite Secular Order
4th Sat of each month (St Elijah Group at 9.30 a.m. and St Joseph Group at 2.00 p.m.)
Two groups of the Discalced Carmelite Secular Order meet at Avila.For further information please contact the President of either group in writing c/o Avila.
Charismatic Prayer Meeting
Wednesday night (8.00 p.m.)
The Prayer Meeting has been in existence since the 70s and attracts a large number of people for its Wednesday night (8.00 p.m.) meeting. For more about it, please visit the meeting website – Avila Charismatic Prayer Meeting
The Alzheimer Café
The Alzheimer Cafe is held on the second Thursday of every month
Time and venue: 7pm – 9pm, Avila Carmelite Centre, Donnybrook, Dublin 4
The Alzheimer Café is a safe and relaxed place where people with dementia, their families and health and social care professionals come together for a unique blend of education and support. It is a forum where people can exchange experiences and talk about dementia. Read More
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Second Discalced Carmelite World Youth Day
The Second Discalced Carmelite World Youth Day was celebrated in Rio de Janeiro in the days preceding World Youth Day. Around 1,000 young people from all parts of South and Central America participated. Young people from Italy and the Iberian Peninsula were also present.
The theme of the encounter was the phrase of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, “I want to travel the world and proclaim your name.” That slogan made manifest the missionary spirit of this meeting. The Father General, Saverio Cannistrà, participated in this event which was marked by prayer, music, and reflection.
The next Discalced Carmelite Youth Day will take place in two years in Ávila during the V Centenary of the Birth of Saint Teresa.