A thanksgiving Mass was held for Canberra’s Carmelite Sisters, who are departing the ACT for Melbourne after 50 years of dedicated service. Source: Catholic Voice.
Hundreds gathered at St Christopher’s Cathedral for the Mass on August 24 to honour the Sisters’ often silent yet profound contributions.
Canberra-Goulburn Archbishop Christopher Prowse addressed a congregation of more than 500 people, acknowledging the monumental impact the Sisters have had on the community.
“On one level, we have not been looking forward to this day,” he openly admitted.
In a light-hearted remark, Archbishop Prowse likened himself to “some sort of Episcopal Grim Reaper” as he shared his experiences of celebrating a similar Mass years ago to mark the closure of the Carmelite Convent in Wagga Wagga.
This event was soon followed by the closing of the Carmelite Convent in Tavarnelle, near Florence, shortly after his visit there.
He humorously added, “Sisters, please think twice before you invite me to visit you again in Kew!”
Archbishop Prowse likened the Sisters’ departure from Red Hill Monastery to an Aboriginal tradition where tribes would pass on hot coals from their fire to a neighbouring tribe’s fire.
“Today, we prayerfully transfer the historic Carmelite prayer “hot coals” from Red Hill to Kew. Our prayer intercessions, praises of God, requests to Mary, St Teresa of Avila and St Therese of Lisieux are transferred but not extinguished to the Mother House in Kew.”
“May Kew also be known as Kew-Red Hill in your hearts,” he encouraged.
The departure of the Carmelites from Canberra marks the conclusion of an era.
However, the Archbishop highlighted that renewal within the archdiocese is underway, with several young men and women exploring their vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
He also welcomed the recent arrival of the Blessed Sacrament Fathers and Voluntas Dei priests, who are bringing new ministries to Canberra’s faith community.
Canberra Carmelite, Sister Bernadette, expressed gratitude to the local community, saying, “Your presence today signals your respect for the Carmelite vocation of intercessory prayer. We have been privileged to enfold each one of you and your intentions in our hearts”.
FULL STORY
End of an Era: Carmelite Sisters depart, leaving lasting impact on Canberra’s faith community (Catholic Voice)
