May 29, 2008

Provincial Chapter closes

Our new Provincial Council

The 2008 Provincial Chapter

May 28, 2008

Bro. James ordained to the Diaconate

On May 27, 2008 Bro. James Zakowicz was ordained to the Order of Deacons by San Bernardino Auxiliary Bishop Rutilio del Riego at our Retreat House in Redlands, California.

May 26, 2008

Solemn Profession of Bro. James of the Holy Wounds


On Saturday, May 24, 2008, Bro. James Zakowicz of the Holy Wounds, O.C.D. professed Solemn and Perpetual Vows at St. Therese Church. The Profession liturgy also celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Parish Perpetual Adoration Chapel.

May 22, 2008

2008 Provincial Chapter Day 2

Day 2 of the Provincial Chapter, May 21, 2008, offered an opportunity of dialogue with our Carmelite Nuns and Carmelite Seculars.


2008 Provincial Chapter Day 1

On May 20, 2008, our Provincial Chapter opened. The day was spent in a Day of Recollection led by Bishop Gordon Bennett, SJ.


At Solemn Vespers that evening, Fr. Matthew Williams was installed as the new Provincial Superior of the California-Arizona Province of Saint Joseph.

May 17, 2008

Seminary Graduation

On May 10, 2008, four of our Brothers graduated from Mount Angel Seminary with various degrees. Our own Bro. Thomas delivered the "Senior Farewell".



Bro. Thomas Reeves, OCD
Baccalaureate In Sacred Theology
Master of Arts
Master of Divinity



Bro. Robert Barcelos, OCD
Master of Arts




Brother Mark Moran, OCD
Bachelor of Arts


Bro. Raymond Bueno, OCD
Bachelor of Arts

May 5, 2008

Chapter Preparation

Please join us in our spiritual preparation for our Provincial Chapter to be held May 19 - 29, 2008. This prayer, that is being prayed daily in each of our communities, was written by one of our Friars. Please join us as we pray:
Heavenly Father,
assembled in Your Name
we graciously ask Your Blessing
on ourselves and our Apostolic work.
As we observe the eighth centenary
of our Carmelite Rule,
grant us Your special grace
to be faithful to it
as we live out our vocation
at the heart of the Church.
Be gracious to us above all at this time
as we prayerfully plan
for the needs of our Province.
May Your Holy Spirit enlighten our minds,
inflame our hearts
and strengthen our wills
to direct our planning to its fulfillment.
These graces we ask
in the name of Jesus Christ Your Son
and through the intercession of Mary,
Mother and Queen of Carmel.
Amen.