All Hallow's Eve

Our parish school in Alhambra, St. Therese, celebrated Halloween as most schools do. However, the big difference was that many of the children were dressed as holy saints and heroes. Pictured is one St. Therese School student dressed as a young St. Therese in period costume. With her is Deacon Bro. James, who said that he is dressed as St. Raphael Kalinowski. The school celebrated with a parade and had lunch from the "In n Out" Burger van - a Southern California favorite.

Franciscan University of Steubenville Vocations Fair

On October 28, 2008, Fr. Adam Gregory represented our community at the Annual Vocations Fair at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio. He was joined by Fr. Michael, OCD, (Vocation Director of the Washington Province), the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart, the Carmelite Nuns of Alhambra, CA, Piedmont, OK, and Latrobe Pennsylvania, as well as the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus, and the Carmelite Sisters of the Aged and Infirm. After a great day of sharing our lives with the students, we joined them for Holy Mass.

Carmelite vocation links:

Latrobe, PA Carmel - http://latrobecarmel.com/
Piedmont, OK Carmel - http://www.okcarmel.org/
Alhambra, CA Carmel - http://members.aol.com/teresacarm/

Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart -http://www.carmelitesistersocd.com/
Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus -http://www.carmelitedcj.org/
Carmelite Sisters of the Aged and Infirm - http://www.carmelitesisters.com/

Western Province Friars - http://www.discalcedcarmelites.com/
Eastern Province Friars - http://www.ocdwashprov.com/

St. Cecilia (Stanwood) 100th Anniversary

On September 21, 2008, the Carmelite parish of St. Cecilia in Stanwood, Washington celebrated the 100th anniversary of foundation. Archbishop Alexander Brunett, Archbishop of Seattle, was present for the celebration.

Fr. Laurence Poncini, O.C.D. is the present Carmelite pastor of St. Cecilia.

Although the Discalced Carmelite Nuns of Shoreline, Washington arrived in the archdiocese of Seattle in 1908, the Discalced Carmelite Friars of the California-Arizona Province did not arrive there until 1986. In 1989, we asssumed care of St. Cecilia Parish.

Carmel of Santa Clara 100th Anniversary

On the feast of St. Francis, October 4, 1908, the Carmel of the Infant Jesus was founded from the Carmel of Boston. After nine years in San Francisco, they finally transferred their monastery to the Santa Clara Valley (now known as Silicon Valley).

On Saturday, October 4, 2008, friends, family, benafactors, and the Carmelite family gathered around the Nuns to celebrate their 100th anniversary of foudation. Fr. Stephen Watson, O.C.D. our Definitor General from Rome, (and a member of our Province) presided at the Jubilee Liturgy. Over twenty Carmelite Fathers and Brothers, Jesuits, and Diocesan Priest were present in an overflowing chapel to celebrate with the Nuns. The year long celebration will continue until October 2009 and will close with a Liturgy presided by Bishop Patrick McGrath, bishop of the Diocese of San Jose.

First Profession of first Ugandan vocation

On August 22, 2008 (Feast of the Queenship of Mary), Fr. Godfrey Chandya Lega, a diocesan priest of the Archdiocese of Gulu in Northern Uganda, made his First Profession of Vows as a Carmelite Friar of the California-Arizona Province.

Impressions of my First Religious Profession
By Fr. Godfrey Chandya, OCD

In thanksgiving to God on this day of my first religious profession as the first Ugandan Carmelite under the Western Province of the Discalced Carmelites (USA) I am greatly indebted to Fr. David Costello, OCD and the entire California/Arizona Province, headed by our Provincial Superior, Fr. Matthew Williams, OCD, for having requested for my profession to be in Uganda, and not in Nigeria, where I have had my novitiate experience.

I was honored by the fact that my vows were received by Fr. David Costello OCD, in the presence of Fr. Edmond Shabani, OCD, Fr. Larry Daniels, OCD., the Sisters of our Lady of Mount Carmel, Sr. Ulrike, OCD, representing the Carmelite Nuns of Kiyinda-Mityana, a few Sisters from other congregations and other People of God. This was a cause of great joy for me on this day of my profession, which by its mode was quite simple, but very solemn. The liturgy of the day was vibrant, the choir and the participants made it very prayerful.

Lastly, I am grateful for the gifts I received on this day of my profession. I am also grateful for the items of entertainment that were presented in the Hall after the Mass.

May these impressions help me to live by the vows I have professed. May God grant me to drink always of the Spirit of Carmel in order to attain union with Him.
In Carmel,
Fr. Godfrey Chandya Lega, OCD