We recently invited our donors in Victoria to join us for a Thank You High Tea. About 70 donors came along and were joined by Carmelites and staff. Fr Paul Cahill (Prior Provincial) opened the event with prayer.

Mayra Walsh, our Community Development Coordinator, shared with us some stories about the positive impact our programs are making in communities in Timor-Leste. Because of donors’ support, we are able to help our schools in Zumalai and Raimea by providing them with teaching resources to use in their classrooms. And we are supporting 19 volunteer teachers in our schools by providing them with a small monthly allowance. More story

The great Advent journey begins. Once again we are struck by God’s astounding graciousness in sharing his life with us in the person of Jesus. “The Advent readings form a rich tapestry of images centered on the truth that God has come among us. In Advent we do not pretend that we are waiting for Jesus to be born in a stable. That happened once in history and it will not happen again. We remember that birth as we remember our own birthdays. The God who came among us is still among us. Advent’s invitation is to become aware of the all-pervading presence of the risen Jesus as Emmanuel – God among us.” (Break Open the Word. The Liturgical Commission, Brisbane, 2010).

You can download and save the scripture texts, reflections and prayers for Lectio Divina for each day of this month. Lectio Divina is a traditional way of praying the Scriptures. Visit our Lectio Divina page for more information about how to pray using Lectio Divina.

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pdf Lectio Divina December 2019 PDF (1.05 MB)

On 8-10 November 32 pilgrims, led by Paul Sireh OCarm and Denis Andrew OCarm, braved the cold and wet Melbourne weather to walk along the Yarra Valley Rail Trail for the tenth Annual Carmelite Way pilgrimage. In spite of the weather forecast for very wet days we managed to stay fairly dry and in fact it was wonderful walking weather. Like previous years we are very grateful for the contribution of Sacred Heart Bethlehem community and Whitefriars College for the use of buses and the reliable bus drivers, Rob and David who have generously served us for some years now. The weekend cannot happen without the contribution of buses and drivers. More story & photos

It wasn’t quite Gardening Australia, but on Saturday morning the Middle Park (VIC) Carmelites gathered to re-pot our orchids which had become very overgrown. Under the direction of Belinda Ahearn, our Province Executive Assistant, we separated the orchids into ‘families’ of four and re-planted them in about 30 smaller pots with fresh soil. We hope when they flower next year we will be able to sell some to help the Carmelites in Timor-Leste. More photos

This issue of Carmel Contact is filled with stories about the difference our donors make to the lives of people in Timor-Leste. You can read about safeguarding children in our Schools in Zumalai, Br Anacleto’s personal story, Fr Agusto reflects on 20 years of Timor-Leste’s independence, celebrating our loyal donors, the first retreat for our Scholarship Students, the new teaching resources you provided to our schools, how to order your Carmelite Christmas Cards, and much more.

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