Communicationes n 45
15-06-2005
ORDINATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD IN THE D.R. CONGO
The Carmelite Parish of Katindo, in Goma city, had an unforgettable day when, on the Solemn Feast of the Trinity, 22nd May, two young Carmelites from the Kivu area, were ordained priests. They are Ghislain Muteteri Niyigaba and Jerome Paluku Nzabara-Ntuma. In the years of preparation for priesthood they were not untouched by the political strife within their country. While studying philosophy in Bukavu they were caught up in the last war in the eastern region. For their own safety they had to abandon their home, family, college and all that was familiar to go to the Cameroon, where they finished their studies. They finished their theological studies in Nairobi (Kenya).
Goma is the principle city in the north Kivu region, close to the Rwanda border. The place of the ordination was the open space in front of the grotto of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel The rain that fell during the ordination was a sign of Gods blessing. About forty concelebrants participated together with the local Carmelite community. Sixteen altar servers and a choir helped guide and lift the celebration. The diocesan Bishop, Mgr. Faustin Ngabu focussed his homily on the present tense situation in that area: The priest, in imitation of Moses, is called to encounter God on the mountain/the altar; he has the mission to lead people to God, teaching them to live together in harmony, in unity, in love, in forgiving, never (he emphasized) in hatred, or slavery or the tribal violence of revenge. Mgr. Ngabu challenged the community with the question: Are you willing to live with the people from Rwanda? And to the Rwandese: are you willing to live with the people from the Congo..?
After the liturgical celebration the assembly enjoyed hours of celebration including dancing, which is a traditional way of celebrating in Africa, especially on such great and happy occasions.
BLESSED ELIZABETH OF THE TRINITY
theme of a Carmelite Forum
The Carmelite Forum of Great Britain and Ireland will dedicate its annual meeting to the study of the Carmelite, Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity. The meeting will be held at Terenure College, Dublin, Ireland, on the 10th September 2005, then the following day at Westminister Cathedral, London, England.
The key note speaker at the Conference is Donna Orsuto, Professor at the Gregorian University in Rome, who will speak on the theme of: Discovering Bl. Elizabeth of the Trinity - A Carmelite for Today.
2006 is the centenary of the death of Blessed Elizabeth. There will be many studies on her life and spirituality. For this reason the Carmelite Forum wanted to use this occasion to introduce her spirituality and her very attractive personality.
The Carmelite Forum of Great Britain and Ireland is an association of all the branches of the Carmelite Family and indeed anyone who is linked to our spirituality. It is a good example of collaboration between the O.Carms and the OCDs of Great Britain and Ireland.
The inaugural Conference of the Forum took place in 2004. The theme was Carmelite Perspectives: a contribution to our contemporary understanding of Mary.
For further information about the Carmelite Forum visit the website:
(CITOC, 2005, N 2, April-June)
NUNS : FEDERATIONS
NEW COUNCILS
Germany
A new council was elected on 15th April, at a meeting of the General Assembly of the German Federation:
President:Hildegard GrimmeAuderath Carmel
1st Councillor:Stephanie WilscherWelden Carmel
2nd Councillor:Ancilla BulowskiRodelmaier Carmel
3rd Councillor:Hedwig Theresia WolfWeimar Carmel
4th Councillor:Virginia PohlandKirchzarten Carmel
Fr. Robert Schmidbauer OCD, was confirmed as Religious Assistant.
Italy:
The elected Assembly of the Mater Carmel Association, Italy, made the following elections:
President:Elizabeth of the TrinityNuoro Carmel (re-elected)
1st CouncillorAnne of the Heart of JesusCrotone Carmel ( ditto )
2nd CouncillorFrances of the Queen of CarmelNuoro Carmel
3rd CouncillorDominic of the Holy SpiritRegina Coeli Carmel, Rome
4th CouncillorAnn of the CrossSan Remo Carmel
SubstituteMary Grace of Jesus ChristVenice Carmel
THOSE WHO HAVE DIED
Cf.