June Monthly News.
In recent weeks there has been email of support from members of the Carmelite family including one from Fr Anthony Scerri who drew my attention to the presence of the Indonesian Lay Carmelite Community in Sydney and Melbourne. Adrian Jones mentioned the idea of drawing up a booklist of Carmelite spirituality, especially those highlighting the relevance of Carmelite spirituality in contemporary society. I am hearing more about the diverse range of groups within the Carmelite Family such as the inter-faith group at Sancta Sophia and other spirituality groups in different areas.
Likewise, the Carmelite monastery at Kew continues through its retreat offerings, its National Shrine of St Therese of Lisieux remains a beacon of Light. I am pleased to announce that Sr Miriam from Kew Carmel will be the liaison person for the Carmelite Family.
Another important link has been with Fr Paul Gurr and the Lay Carmelites. I appreciate his input and insights and look forward to our on-going connection. And we wish Paul good health as he recovers from his broken leg.
In a few days, Irene Hayes and myself will be leaving for Chicago at attend a Symposium sponsored by the North American Institute of Carmelites addressing the theme of How does Carmel respond to the teachings of Pope Francis?. This forum will also be a good opportunity to meet with other members of the global Carmelite Family and exchange ideas and sharing our endeavours from ‘down under’.
Monthly Musing
Today is the winter solistice -the day that does have the least amount of daylight hours and It is sometimes referred to as the“turning of the year.” The hours of daylight stop getting fewer and begin to increase. We have reached the bottom of the trough and started on the upward slope – not a good time for those suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). However , like our journey of faith with its peaks and troughs there is always the promise of the sun of new life, of hope that has been poured into our hearts.