From the Carmelite Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation Commission.

In this issue:

Injustices in politics, the Church & the world
Injustices and environmental concerns
Australia's low level of ambition in clean energy & climate policy

JPIC No 41 May 2015

About 40 Carmelites gathered at Mount Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville NSW for a 3 day symposium on St Teresa of Avila.

Led by Professor Bernard McGinn the friars, nuns, lay and secular Carmelites (OCarm and OCD) journeyed into the richness of Teresa's spiritual teaching.

The sessions began with an insight into the term mysticism and an understanding of the cultural and religious context of 16th century Avila.

Professor McGinn then led us through excerpts of Teresa's Life, the Way of Perfection and the Interior Castle.

Finally, he spoke about Teresa’s perception that contemplation and action are not mutually exclusive. Rather, they are a blending of the 2 dimensions of Christian life: love of God and love of neighbour.

From the Carmelite Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation Commission.

In this issue:

The Anger of Jesus against injustice
JPIC days this month
Elijah and the signs of God's presence

JPIC No 40 April 2015

Five Australian Lay Carmelites and one Lay Carmelite from New Zealand travelled to Tagaytay City in the Philippines for the 2nd Lay Carmelite Regional Congress held between 18 and 22 March 2015.

Ann Baumber (Wollongong), Carmel Weston (Coorparoo), Paula Newcombe (Jamberoo), Angela Zakarias (National Secretary / Adelaide) and Christine Wade (Moderator/Jamberoo) represented Australia. It was a great joy to be accompanied by Gwenda Gopperth from the fledgling Lay Carmelite group in North Palmerston, New Zealand.

POPE Francis is expected to canonise Blessed Louis and Zelie Martin, the parents of St Therese of Lisieux, during the world Synod of Bishops on the family in October.

Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for Saints' Causes, leading a conference on Friday 27 February on the role of saints in the life of the church, announced that ‘thanks be to God, in October two spouses, parents of Saint Therese of Lisieux, will be canonised.’