February: Dedicated to the Holy Family

Welcome to 2026 everyone!

May it be a year of blessings and good health, both spiritually and physically!

This is also a year of celebration of our Father in Carmel, St John of the Cross. 3rd Centenary of his Canonization, and 1st Centenary of his Doctorate.

We have already received from Rome, the beginnings of our study, and I have included the Introduction, for our preparation.

By the time you receive this newsletter, your Council will have already met to plan the implementation of this study for our Community, throughout this year.

St John of the Cross has given us so much through his writings. His focus is very much on leading us to union with God. He guides us so surely and so gently up the mountain which is Carmel. I used to be afraid of stepping into his works. It seemed unachievable, and way beyond me. But thanks to the visit of Fr James McCaffery all those years ago and with the help of our dear Jack Saxon, I plucked up the courage to “jump into the water” (as Jack put it!) and have never regretted it! So I pray that we can all gain much in this year of walking with St John of the Cross.

May I also recommend your most fervent prayer for our Sisters and their building project. There is still no starting date, please God their patience will be rewarded very soon.

Consequently – OUR MEETING ON 1ST FEBRUARY WILL STILL BE AT CARMEL.