Category Archives: Formation

For those who have been formally accepted into Formation

Father General’s Letters – Highlights & Reflections

Greetings in Christ and Peace! I began this post after reading Fr. Cannistra’s letter written on Pentecost Sunday last, 4 June 2017.  Read or download here:  Fr General to OCDS – 2017-06-04 His entire letter is rich & inspiring.  It certainly … Continue reading

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The 6Ms for Carmelite Seculars

Let’s revisit the six crucial areas we must commit to and address every day.  I’m sure you know how important it is to get back to essentials. The 6 M’s on Being a Carmelite! By: P. Aloysius Deeney – OCD … Continue reading

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Exaltation of the Cross – September 14

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross is the official translation of the Roman Missal, while the 1973 translation called it The Triumph of the Cross.  In some parts of the Anglican Communion the feast is called Holy Cross Day, a … Continue reading

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Thinking About St Therese

August 2016 Story of a Soul, translated by John Clarke OCD - A Study Edition by Marc Foley.  ICS Publications Washington 2005   Though I am unable to be present to join in the discussion at our meeting this month, I … Continue reading

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Are We Stuck at the Railway Station?

Dealing with the issue of progress in contemplative prayer, St Teresa says in Interior Castle that after we have moved beyond the First and Second Dwelling Places by our consistency in practising prayer, growth in self-knowledge, humility, and eradication of … Continue reading

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O that today you would listen to his voice

“O that today you would listen to his voice” (Invitatory Ps 94) If we recite the Invitatory Psalm each day as we commence the Divine Office, we hear that crucial exhortation every day.  But do we really take any notice?  … Continue reading

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All: New Encyclical “Lumen Fidei”

Friday 5th July 2013…Pope Francis has just released his first encyclical letter “Lumen Fidei” or The Light of Faith. Please follow the link to the document on the Vatican website.  From there, you can download the document in PDF format, … Continue reading

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All: Catholic Values

On Friday last, 14th June 2013, a local priest at Newcastle Cathedral, made a couple of interesting observations in his Friday homily on dealing with the causes of sin.  I think they’re well worth pondering. His comments went something like this: If … Continue reading

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Enquirers: Who (or what) is a Carmelite Secular?

A member of the Secular Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Teresa of Jesus is a practicing member of the Catholic Church who, under the protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and inspired by Saint Teresa … Continue reading

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Formation: Why be a Carmelite?

Good question!  But there are some related questions I recommend we ponder frequently.  More in a moment. At the International Congress of the Secular Order held in Mexico back in 2000, Fr Aloysius Deeney OCD, the General Delegate of the … Continue reading

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