April: Dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament

St Therese throwing flowers at the monstrance during a Blessed Sacrament procession

As we approach Palm Sunday and Holy Week, let us remain close in prayer for each other. This Easter we give special thanks for the gift of the Eucharist; may we never ever have to do virtual Easter celebrations and online Easter Mass. Never ever!!

March: Dedicated to St Joseph Husband of Mary, Patron of Carmel Feast Day: 19 March

St Teresa and St Joseph

A blessed Lent to all! Hope this finds you well as we journey through this holy season of Lent. It was indeed wonderful to meet with everyone at our first meeting earlier in February: we had our Community study on St Therese, listened to Fr Michael-Therese’s teachings on the Sunday’s readings at Mass, and prayed the Evening Prayer of the Divine Office together as a Community.

Feast Day of St John of the Cross

“Learn to abide with attention in loving waiting upon God in a state of quiet. Contemplation is nothing else but a secret, peaceful, and loving infusion of God; which, if admitted, will set the soul on fire with a Spirit of love” – St John of the Cross

Today we celebrate the Feast Day of one of our great Carmelite Saints – St John of the Cross. He is one of a few Doctors of the Church.

Regional OCDS release new quarterly newsletter

Regional OCDS newsletter

On the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception in December 2020, the National Council for the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites of Australia, Samoa & Tonga released their inaugural quarterly newsletter showcasing regional OCDS news. Have a look below!

December: Dedicated to the Immaculate Conception

Our Lady comforting St Therese of Lisieux

What a great weekend we had at our annual retreat!! As Lyn remarked, ‘Fr Philip did a grand job and the whole atmosphere including the weather was great. I am sure everyone went home with new resolutions and walking on air!’ Thank you for your attendance and prayers.

November: Dedicated to the Holy Souls

Our Lady of Mt Carmel depicted in in purgatory

October has indeed been an eventful month. We witnessed the ordination of the newest priest in our Diocese, Fr Anthony Tang, and we were privileged to be present at his first Mass at the Carmel Monastery a couple of days after. What joyous occasions for us!