February 14, 2007

During the closing liturgy of our Plenary Council, Deacon Bro. Robert blessed the icon, "The Rule of Carmel". This icon, written by Bro. Claude Lane, OSB, of Mount Angel Abbey, was commissioned by our Province in honor of the eigth centenary of our Holy Rule.

This event icon depicts the writer, St. Albert of Jerusalem, handing on the rule to Bro. Brocard, who is believed to be the Prior of the early Carmelite hermits. In the mandorla of the icon we see the past as represented by our spiritual Father, St. Elijah, and St. Paul, in recognition of the many references to St. Paul's letters in the Rule. The present is seen in the event - the actual handing on of the Holy Rule to Bro. Brocard. And the future is seen in our Holy Mother, St. Teresa, as she stands beside Bro. Brocard.

February 12 - 14, 2008

From February 12 - 14, twenty-one of our Friars met at our Retreat House in Redlands, California for the 2008 Plenary Council. This council was part of our preparation for the 2008 Provincial Chapter that will take place in May.

February 2, 2008

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

First Profession of Vows

Bro. Jason of the Holy Spirit (Parrott)

Fr. Provincial, Gerald of the Resurrection, presiding

Bro. Jason with his mother, Linda, and brother, James.

February 1, 2008

Investiture and Entrance into the Novitiate

"...you shall be known as...."

Bro. Richard (Castillo) of Bl. Teresa of Calcutta

Bro. Marinello (Saguin) of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus

January 7, 2008

On January 7, our Province accepted seven new Postulants at our Mission in Kyengeza, Uganda. These men joined our four other native African men in formation and brings the number to eleven (1 novice; 3 philosophy students; and 7 postulants).

Our new Postulant brothers are:

Deogratias Sseduufu
Augustine Sunday
Emmanuel Mayinga
Charles Katende
Lawrence Kabali Seire
Joseph Balituddembe
Boniface Matai

We ask your prayerful support of these men.