Christchurch OCDS Retreat – November 2024
![2024 OCDS Christchurch Annual Retreat | 15-17 Nov 2024 | The tree that is beside running water is fresher and gives more fruit.](https://carmel.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/OCDSChch2024Retreat-1024x709.jpg)
The tree that is beside running water is fresher and gives more fruit ~ St Teresa of Avila.
July: Dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus
![Jesus bleeding on the cross from his crown of thorns into a chalice.](https://carmel.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Jesusbleedingoncross.jpg)
July 16th is the Patronal Feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, a joyous day for Carmelites throughout the world.
June: Dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
![Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary](https://carmel.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SacredHeartImmaculateHeart.jpg)
June is upon us when we celebrate the feasts of the Twin Hearts of Jesus and Mary. A much loved and favourite devotion where we have been encouraged.
May: Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary
![Mother Mary carrying infant Jesus](https://carmel.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MaryJesusBlue.jpg)
Mary is totally dependent upon God and completely directed
towards him, and at the side of her Son, she is THE MOST PERFECT
IMAGE OF FREEDOM AND OF THE LIBERATION of humanity and of
the universe.
April: Dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament
![](https://carmel.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ResurrectedJesus.jpg)
As this is written, Easter is coming, please God we will feel renewed in our love and service of Him who died that we might live.
Notice of Death – + Reverend Father Aloysius Deeney, OCD
![](https://carmel.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/FrAloysiusDeeney-749x1024.png)
Being a Carmelite is not a privilege. Being a Carmelite is a responsibility! Responsibility does not mean burden but the ability to respond to God Who calls us
March: Dedicated to St Joseph
![St Joseph carrying infant Jesus](https://carmel.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/JesusStJoseph.jpg)
Lent – a time of contemplating the betrayal, suffering, and crucifixion of our beloved Lord and Master.
February: Dedicated to the Holy Family
![Holy Family painting](https://carmel.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/HolyFamilyPainting.jpg)
Our Foundress, St Teresa of Jesus, tells us: “Prayer is an intimate sharing between friends; it means taking
time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us.”
December: Dedicated to the Immaculate Conception
![Holy Family in the Stable](https://carmel.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Holy-Family-Stables.jpg)
Advent heralds Hope, Peace, Joy, Love. This year these symbols have an even greater poignancy in our world riven with despair, anger, pain and hate.
St Therese of Liseux’s Jubilee Year announced – running until 7 Jan ’24
![Everything is grace!](https://carmel.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/StTofL1-Comp.png)
The bishop of Rome stressed that St Thérèse “lived devoted to God, forgetting about herself, loving and consoling Jesus, and interceding for the salvation
of all.” The 150th anniversary of her birth and the 100th anniversary of her beatification are celebrated this year.