Having been a part of The Carmelite Centre Melbourne community now for seven months, the painting by Pietro Lorenzetti depicting Carmelite hermits on Mount Carmel has come alive. Like these first followers– some praying as they return to the Scriptures, one drawing water from the wadi – the spring of Elijah, I see the same motive, desire and longing in the many who find sustenance in their connection to our community.
Eons on from those who lived in situ on Mount Carmel, I give thanks for the volunteers who bring their gifts to lead spaces for the rest of our community to reconnect to the life giving waters of our story. Alongside the ebb and flow of our personal lives and indeed our community, amongst these transitions, the constant Presence of the Word, the love of the Divine and the power of the Spirit never abandon or betray. May we all pray to remain steadfast in our openness to this Presence and draw closer to it as we move into the Season of Advent.
Rest assured of my intention to do all I humbly can to support the work of The Carmelite Centre Melbourne as a place that draws people and community to an experience of the sacred through the facilitation of spiritual journeys in The Carmelite Tradition. God knows we need it.
And last but not least, we especially acknowledge the contribution of Bernadette Micallef who is concluding her paid role at The Carmelite Centre Melbourne. Others who have been connected to The Centre for the length of Bernadette’s time with us will know what she has given. For me, I have come to recognise more and more the role she has played in this time of transition and acknowledge that her contribution has been nothing less than the glue that has helped to keep things (and people, events etc) together. Bernadette will continue to support The Carmelite Centre Melbourne community by offering her gifts as a Spiritual Director. On behalf of us all Bernadette, thank you for what you have so humbly given.
To all of you, blessings of the Season.
