Happy International Women’s Day!

We give thanks for all women who have nurtured and nourished the world in so many different ways across the centuries. We pray for all those who experience discrimination, fear and violence. Inspired by the example of Carmelite women may we work for justice, peace, healing and equality for the women of the world.

After five months the Carmelite Library is once again open to the public.

The Carmelite Library is reopening to the public on Tuesday 6 February.

The Gospels of the next three Sunday make clear that the Way from temptation to transfiguration is in and through Jesus Christ who is Living Water, Light and Life for the would-be disciple. They are three great stories from John about responding in faith...

pdf Celebrating At Home 3rd Sunday in Lent [PDF] (5.48 MB)
default Celebrating At Home 3rd Sunday in Lent [ePub] (5.41 MB)

This leaflet focusses on Brandsma understanding of the mystery of suffering and his experience of the Way of the Cross in his own life. Set against the background of his studies in mysticism Brandsma wrote 2 commentaries on the Stations of the Cross as well as his famous poem, ‘Before a Picture of Jesus in my Cell’ and a talk to fellow-prisoners on Good Friday 1942 in Amersfoort prison.

pdf Titus Brandsma: A Poet of the Cross (5.64 MB)

This Sunday marks the turning point in the Advent Season.

Traditionally called “Gaudete Sunday” it is a day of rejoicing that the Saviour is near. The focus shifts from the final coming of Christ at the end of time to the first coming of Christ at Bethlehem. The note of joy is symbolised by the inclusion of the colour rose among the purple of the Season.

John the Baptist sits at the centre of this week’s Gospel and next week’s. He is the ‘one who cries in the wilderness: Prepare a way for the Lord; make his paths straight’.

John was preparing the people for the coming of Jesus. Moved by his preaching many sought baptism in the river Jordan. This ancient water-rite symbolised dying to the old way of life and rising to a new way of life. That’s what repentance is about: turning away from sin and turning towards God. It is about true conversion of heart. It’s about making straight the pathways of our hearts. The fruit of our repentance and true conversion shows itself in good works.

The Carmelite Centre

The Carmelite Centre is located at 214 Richardson Street, Middle Park, Victoria.

The Centre offers opportunities to explore

• Carmelite Spirituality
• reconciliation with different cultures
• spiritualities of world religions
• social justice
• developing your personal spirituality
• Lectio Divina
• the spirituality of Lent, Easter, Advent & Christmas
• religious art
• weekly meditation opportunities
• faith formation
• wellbeing, healing and prayer

Carmelite Centre events are held online, in the O'Connor/Pilkington Rooms (located between the Church & Hall), or the Carmelite Library (in the same building).

For full program details and more information, click here.

For further details contact: The Carmelite Centre on 9690 5430

or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.