More than 20 Carmelites in Australia met together for the first ever online Provincial Assembly from 28-30 September. Carmelites in Timor-Leste were able to gather face-to-face 2 weeks ago in Hera. A Provincial Assembly is usually held one year before the Provincial Chapter for ongoing formation and to focus on emerging issues. Usually, as many members of the Province as possible would gather in Melbourne for the Assembly. Due to COVID lockdowns and travel restrictions it was decided to hold the Assembly in 2 sessions, one in each country.

The first day Fr Míceál O’Neill (Prior General) shared his reflections on Pope Francis’ Encyclical, Fratelli Tutti via video. The next two days were spent looking towards the future of the Province in terms of finances, present and new ministry projects and an increasing number of young Carmelites becoming available for ministry in the next few years.