Summer Student Seminar

Each summer, our Friar-students gather for an intensive study of some aspect of Carmelite spirituality. This year, the students, guided by Fr. Christopher, studied OHF, St. John of the Cross' work, the Ascent of Mount Carmel. The students read, discussed, wrote a paper, drew a diagram which represented a modern day Ascent of Mount Carmel, and gave an oral presentation.

Bro. Raymond giving his presentation

Bro. Richard explaining his modern day Ascent to Mount Carmel.

Ordination to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ

What a blessed and joyous way to begin the Year for Priests! Today, Fr. James Zakowiz, OCD, and Fr. Ramiro Casale, OCD, were ordained to the Sacred Order of Priests. Cardinal Roger Mahony, Archbishop of Los Angeles, was the ordaining prelate. The rite of ordination within the liturgy took place at our St. Therese Parish in Alhambra, California.

A slide show of the liturgy and celebration will be available, next week, at http://www.discalcedcarmelites.com/

Fr. Stephen's 25th Jubilee of Priesthood

On June 16, 2009 Fr. Stephen Watson of the Cross, O.C.D. celebrated the 25th Jubilee of his ordination to Priesthood of Jesus Christ. It was a blessing for the Mount Saint Joseph Community to host this Jubilee since it was in the same chapel that Fr. Stephen was ordained on June 16, 1984.

May Crowning

On May 30, the vigil of Pentecost, the Friars at Mt. St. Joseph hosted a "crowning of an image" of the Blessed Virgin Mary. With procession, rosary, crowning, flower offering and benediction, about one hundred people joined the community in this traditional ritual which became popular in the 18th century.

Seminary Graduation

On May 13, 2009, three of our Brothers received academic degrees from Mount Angel Seminary.

Rev. Bro. David Guzman, O.C.D. received a Master of Divinity Degree. Deacon Bro. David will be assigned to one of our ministries in preparation for his priestly ordination.

Rev. Bro. Ramiro Casale, O.C.D. received a Master of Arts and a Master of Divinity Degrees. Bro. Ramiro had previously received an STB degree from the Teresianum in Rome. Deacon Bro. Ramiro will be ordained in June and receive an assignment to a ministry in our Province.

Bro. Leonel Varela, O.C.D. received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and will return to Mount Angel Seminary next fall to begin his Theological Studies.