From where does one draw the courage to minister amidst the misery of Dachau? This conversation will explore the Carmelite charism of contemplation, community, and service through the writings and witness of St Titus Brandsma, who taught that “God dwells within us… and with us in everything that surrounds us”. We will discuss how in our own lives, we can help others to “sense the Divine close-by” through our being a “practitioner of virtuousness”, and that even in this increasingly secular age, others can still “fall under the spell of this divine aura” if only “faith and hope and love are put into practice”.
About the Facilitator: David Tate is a husband, father of three boys under six, and a high school teacher specialising in Religious Education. He is a received Lay Carmelite, two years into his formation journey.
A replay of the recording can be found at https://youtu.be/JRTEgc_R1kc
The presentation slides can be found at David Tate – Carmelite Conversations
Below is feedback received from Bartley, who was at the live session.
I was one of the participants in the zoom Carmelite Conversation held recently on St Titus Brandsma. The session was led by David Tate.
Even though I regularly attend the program offerings of the Carmelite Centre over the past 13 years, I must confess I did not know anything about this Carmelite saint.
The advance description of this Carmelite Conversation really piqued my interest.
In my mind anyone – priest or layperson – who is able to maintain their faith in such a challenging environment as the concentration camp of Dachau, and reach out to serve their fellow prisoners, is truly a saint.
That Brandsma was able to extend his spiritual care to his guards and nurse executioner, is truly remarkable for me.
Apart from the knowledge and learning offered by David Tate regarding St Titus, one of the main benefits I derived from the session was from the personal role modelling emanating from David.
I found it very inspiring to meet a young man who has managed to integrate his faith and spirituality into his whole being, and reflected in his personal and professional life.
If I had David as my religious education instructor in my schooling, I am sure I would have a much stronger and deeply-rooted faith than is presently the case, here now in my 70’s.
I am sure David’s students and teaching colleagues benefit enormously from his ‘coaching’ in the Carmelite charism of contemplation, community and service.
Finally, I very much appreciated David for taking time out from his young family, during the school break, to offer all of us such an inspiring Carmelite conversation on St Titus Brandsma.
This Carmelite Conversation is part of the regular program at The Carmelite Centre Melbourne. www.thecarmelitecentremelbourne.org
It is on the second Wednesday of every month, at 10.30 on zoom.
