The Carmelite Order marked a historic milestone this year as it held its General Chapter outside Europe for the first time, choosing Malang City in East Java, Indonesia, as its host.
The gathering, which took place in September, opened with a Mass at a convention hall in downtown Malang.
As the Church prepares to celebrate the canonisation of Blessed Peter To Rot, the faithful of Papua New Guinea rejoice in the witness of one of their own — a lay catechist whose faith, courage, and love for Christ shone brightly in the darkness of persecution.
For Fr Paul Sireh O.Carm, a Carmelite priest from Papua New Guinea now serving in Australia, this moment carries deep personal meaning. “When I was a seminarian in Rabaul, we would go on pilgrimage to Rakunai, where Peter To Rot is buried,” he recalls. “He lived and died defending the faith — a model for every Christian and a true missionary disciple.”
The Carmelites of Australia and Timor-Leste warmly invite you to share with them in mourning the loss and giving thanks for the life of Father James (Jerome) Watt, O.Carm.
The Carmelites of Australia and Timor-Leste are mourning the loss today of Fr James (Jerome) Watt who died peacefully yesterday afternoon. Fr Jerome was 89 years old and had been a Carmelite for 73 years and a priest for 66.
On the 9 days before the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (16 July), we pray for the following intentions for all those in need throughout the world. The novena can be prayed at any time of the year for these intentions or for your own asking Our Lady of Mount Carmel to intercede and pray with us. You are invited to light a candle each day, reflect with the intention and prayer, and spend a few moments in silence with Our Lady. The prayers and images below can be downloaded pdf here.
The Carmelites of Australia and Timor-Leste are excited to share a new collection of inspirational social media images for this Jubilee Year — a sacred time of hope, renewal and grace. Inspired by Pope Francis’ call to “hope that does not disappoint” (Spes Non Confundit – Romans 5:5), these bold, uplifting quotes bring the heart of the Jubilee message into our daily lives and digital spaces.
"In the heart of suffering, we find the gentle whisper of God’s presence." As Carmelites, we are called to a life of prayer, contemplation, and compassion, walking alongside those who suffer, as Mary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, did at the foot of the Cross.
Join Us in the Year of Jubilee 2025!
The Carmelites of Australia and Timor-Leste are excited to embrace the call of Pope Francis as we celebrate the Year of Jubilee 2025, a time for renewal, hope, and unity in faith. This extraordinary year, guided by the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”, reminds us of the enduring power of Christ's love in a world yearning for peace.
“Hope and Act with Creation” is the theme of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, to be held on 1 September 2024. The theme is drawn from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans (8:19-25), where the Apostle explains what it means for us to live according to the Spirit and focuses on the sure hope of salvation that is born of faith, namely, newness of life in Christ.
We are honoured to be participating at this year’s Ignite Conference being held in Brisbane, Australia. We join over 1500 delegates gathered in faith! Representing the Carmelite family, Fr. Matthew Tonini OCarm, alongside Fr. Adalbert Imperial OCD, have set up a special Carmelite space. This is a sacred opportunity for us to share our Carmelite charism—rooted in contemplation, prayer, community, and service.
