Lay Carmelites from around Australia gathered in person and online for their 2026 Assembly from 16 to 19 April. Those attending in person gathered in the O’Connor-Pilkington Rooms of the Carmelite Hall in Middle Park (VIC).
Inspired by the Gospel of the Third Sunday of Easter (the disciples on the road to Emmaus), the Assembly had as its theme, ‘Evolving Spirit – walking in the footsteps of Jesus’ and asked the question, What matters are you discussing as you walk along? as a basis for sharing questions and responses. Just as the disciples on the road to Emmaus were being lured into the future, so are we.
The Assembly began on the afternoon of Thursday 16 the Assembly with Fr Bruce Clark (Prior Provincial) recalling the transition of the early Carmelites from Mount Carmel to Europe and the challenges they faced in adapting to change.
The day concluded with Evening Prayer led by the Coorparoo community, and dinner.
Friday began with Leanne Allen, Libby Edwards and Angela Zakarias telling the story of their visit to Timor Leste Lay Carmelites in July 2025. This was followed by a talk on ‘The Impact of our Carmelite Family: Community Development, Projects and Campaigns’ by Helen Cridland from Carmelite Fundraising Development. Bernardette Micallef from the Carmelite Centre then spoke about ‘Listening to the Spirit in Spiritual Direction’.
After lunch, Luke Edwards (Carmelite Centre Leader) gave a presentation about the ministry of the Centre in fostering spiritual journeys. This was followed by various communities sharing reports about the life of their communities.
The day concluded with the Via Lucis (Stations of the Resurrection) and dinner.
Saturday saw the launch of the Lay Carmelite Safeguarding Policy with Fr Paul Cahill, chair of the Provincial Safeguarding Committee. In the afternoon, Fr David Hofman led a discussion about updating the Lay Carmelite Statutes and how the Statutes might be adapted to the changing situation. During the session the Assembly confirmed the nomination of Stephen Sherlock, Angela Zakarias and Maria Howe to the Lay Carmelite Council, together with Peter White (Moderator) and Michele Coughlan (Secretary) who had already been appointed by the Provincial Council.
The Assembly began Sunday in quiet prayer and meditation followed by a discussion about future directions for the Lay Carmelite communities, taking into account the changed situations in which they find themselves. Then we celebrated the Eucharist led by Fr Bruce. Towards the end of Mass there was a formal commissioning of the new Lay Carmelite Council followed by lunch together.
In between the presentations and discussions, Lay Carmelites, both isolated and from various communities gave personal witness about how they live Carmelite life.
Congratulations and prayers to the new Lay Carmelite Council for its ministry over the coming 3 years.
More photos below.
