Diaconate Ordination

Bro. Mark Kissner was ordained to the transitional diaconate on May 23, 2009 by Archbishop John Vlazny (Archbishop of Portland) at St. Mary Cathedral.

Bro. Mark and his parents.

Thanks to Mr. Matthew Townsend for the pictures used on this post.

Carmelite Directors of Formation Program

Fifty-two Discalced Carmelite Friars and Nuns from all over the U.S. (and Canada and Guam) gathered in Seattle, Washington for the Carmelite Directors of Formation Program from May 17 through May 26. Fr. Gerald, Fr. Adam Gregory and Fr. Christopher represented our Province.

Address to the Order

Our new Superior General, Fr. Saverio Cannistra of the Sacred Heart, addresses the Order at the conclusion of the General Chapter.

Transition Retreat

Seven of our Friars met recently at the Cardinal Manning House of Prayer for Priests, Los Angeles, for a "Transition Support Retreat". For five years following ordination, our Province offers particular support to our men transitioning out of Formation and into the life and ministry of the Province.

The Retreat was composed of Conferences, dialogue, Sacred Liturgies, confession, individual spiritual direction, fraternal sharing and recreation.

Rome visit

I was greatly blessed recently with a fifteen day pilgrimage through Italy and France. The pilgrimage began in Rome where I was able to visit with the three members of our Province who are presently stationed in Rome.

Fr. Jose Luis, Fr. Stephen, Fr. Adam Gregory and Bro. Juan Elias.

We also had a great visit with our two Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart who are stationed in Rome: Sr. Judith and Sr. Pauline Therese. It was also a special blessing to have our good friend, Norbertine Frater Elias, who is doing his theological studies in Rome, join us. Frater Elias is the son of two of our San Jose OCDS members: Steve and Marlene Rauwold.