Provincial Chapter closes

Our new Provincial Council

The 2008 Provincial Chapter

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.

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.

Click here for a slide show on the celebration.

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.

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

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.