Latest news with #Carmelite
Time of India
8 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Charming church facade at Chimbel dating to 18th century seeks attention
Panaji: An 18th-century church facade and ruins in Chimbel, Goa, face deterioration from monsoon elements due to decades of neglect. The historic site, which housed Asia's first indigenous Carmelite congregation and later served as a home for destitute women and children, spans 3.8 hectares and was recently vacated after functioning as an old age home under Provedoria. The site features a dilapidated building along the road in Chimbel, with ruins of a chapel and convent beyond its heritage wall. The south-facing hill slope was once a centre of religious activities, established by the Congregation of Tertiary Carmelites in the 18th century. The Portuguese govt transferred the property to Santa Casa de Misericordia in 1835, while it was handed over to Provedoria in 1940. The site also hosted Goa's first mental health institution before it was moved to Altinho. A section of the roughly 3m-high heritage wall recently collapsed during rainfall. 'The church facade is also facing a major threat due to vagaries of nature, dense vegetation and growth of trees on the structure,' said Mount Carmel Conservation Association of Chimbel (MCCAC) vice-president Maria Nifa Fernandes. 'The roots of trees are dislodging the stones and archaeological restoration experts need to be engaged to clear the growth without damaging the monument,' Fernandes added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo The local panchayat has instructed Provedoria to remove trees marked dangerous by the forest department. Local activist Ana Gracias noted that soil around the church facade has become waterlogged while some trees threaten the structure. 'The church's intricate facade reflects this evolution—it is a complex collage of various architectural elements. Some features are influenced by nearby churches in Pomburpa, Santana and Santa Cruz, while others, such as its Solomonic columns and pilasters, are unique to this church,' write Sidh Mendhirata and Fernando Velho in a book. The site, now protected with heritage status by town and country planning department's conservation committee, attracts tourists and could potentially be integrated into Old Goa's heritage circuit. A biodiversity survey by former forest official Prakash Salelkar revealed rich flora at the site. 'The surveyed plot has 275 individuals of 23 species of shrubs with predominant species, such as Grewia nervosa, Carissa carandas and other species,' the report states. The historical significance of the church extends beyond its architecture. According to records, it was the first religious order to include native Goan priests from non-Brahmin backgrounds. MCCAC has submitted a petition to archives and archaeology minister Subhash Phal Dessai requesting conservation of the former Tertiary Carmelites site. Their memorandum emphasizes the importance of preserving the site's current configuration, including heritage trees and vegetation. The church represents late modern Goan church architecture that emerged in the late 16th century. Architectural historian Paulo Varela Gomes noted that Goan artisans adapted European architectural and ornamental styles to create their own distinct aesthetic.
Herald Malaysia
2 days ago
- General
- Herald Malaysia
MeetIng the Carmelite Sisters
St Teresa's Secondary School students and young ladies aged between 15 to 37 years were very honoured and blessed to be able to meet the Sisters at the Carmelite Monastery visitors' parlour from 3.30pm – 5.00 pm, and pray the Vespers from 5.00 – 5.30 pm at the Carmelite Chapel recently. Jul 18, 2025 KUCHING: St Teresa's Secondary School students and young ladies aged between 15 to 37 years were very honoured and blessed to be able to meet the Sisters at the Carmelite Monastery visitors' parlour from 3.30pm – 5.00 pm, and pray the Vespers from 5.00 – 5.30 pm at the Carmelite Chapel recently. The girls were enlightened about the life of the Carmelite Sisters in the monastery. Throughout the meet session, Sr Dominica Chai and Sr Karen Emmanuel of Jesus on the Cross shared how they were called to be Carmelite Sisters. Through the Q & A, students learnt that Carmelite sisters dedicate their lives to a contemplative life focused on prayer, spiritual reading, and manual labor, living in community and following vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. They spend significant time in silent prayer and meditation, engaging in the Liturgy of the Hours and daily Mass. The Carmelite nuns withdraw completely from the world and dedicate themselves entirely to a life of prayer and penance. But their sacrifices and their prayers reach out to the world they have left behind. They have not fled the world because they did not enjoy the life they had there. They love the world – they love life – and they have found it in all its richness and beauty…by giving themselves to God. According to Sr Karen, her greatest joy and peace is to spend personal time praying and having personal relationship with the Lord. A question was also asked regarding the length of formation to become Carmelite Sister, to which Sr Karen explained that it ran from 9-12 years.• Aspirancy: 1-2 years • Postulancy: 1-2 years • Novitiate: 2 years Temporary professed nun (with temporary vows) – 5 years or more until a minimum of 9 years of formation is completed. Solemn professed nun (with lifelong vows) – lifelong formation. The earliest stage is a time to get to know the candidate and for the candidate to be exposed to some experience of stay-in with the community inside the monastery. Interested candidates usually meet a few times with Mother Prioress or the nun who is appointed for formation, and eventually meet the whole community 2-3 times before applying for stay-in. Candidates are to write a letter to apply for stay-in. Then wait for approval. Duration of stay-in depends on the candidate's choice, but generally, a longer stay-in period is recommended to better experience the Carmelite life (maximum length of stay-in period is three months). For enquiries, candidates may come to the Turn at the monastery. The teachers and students would like to take this opportunity to thank the Carmelite Sisters for their warmth and kindness in sharing their vocation. We pray more young ladies would respond to God's calling and seek divine guidance and inspiration to answer God's call to a life dedicated to serving the Church. We pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance in discerning and following one's true vocation and for the strength and perseverance to live faithfully within that vocation. --Today's Catholic
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Attraction 'like mythical Egyptian tomb' resurrected after fears it had been lost
The 1929 locomotive was found in a Carmelite convent near Ware, Hertfordshire, in 2016 and has now re-entered service at the North Norfolk Railway in Sheringham A historical steam engine echoing the allure of a "mythical Egyptian tomb" has been resurrected after many feared it was swallowed by history. After almost 10 years of meticulous restoration, it now resides on the coastline as its new sanctuary. "The Newstead", an impressive industrial steam locomotive discovered at a convent, has begun its next journey along the coastal tracks. The 1929 treasure emerged from obscurity at a Carmelite convent close to Ware, Hertfordshire, in 2016. It made its grand return to action at North Norfolk Railway in Sheringham this past Saturday following a laborious nine-year overhaul. Enthusiastic about the momentous occasion, Alex Alder, the owner of the train, told BBC: "After nine years of efforts, for the very first time ever she pulled passenger trains. It was absolutely incredible." Alex likened unearthing the engine to uncovering "of a mythical Egyptian tomb", reports the Express. Birthed by the Hunslet Engine Company in Leeds back in 1929, as per details from North Norfolk Railway, the locomotive enjoyed an illustrious but finite career before the National Coal Board retired it in 1972. Having been a jewel in the crown of vintage vehicle enthusiast Malcolm Saul since the late 1970s, this classic engine was enshrined within a custom-built shed to shield it from the ravages of British weather. After Malcolm's passing in 2015, his treasured engine was thought to be a relic of the past, that is until it re-emerged from the shadows. "I fully never expected to be driven down a Hertfordshire country lane, following a wild tip off about a lost engine. I could never have imagined taking tea and biscuits with [a] mother superior at a convent, and hearing of 'Malcolm's engine'. "But there it was in this convent in Hertfordshire, 39 tons of miracle," he continued. Alex explained that resurrecting the locomotive set him back by roughly £200,000, a labour of love that harnessed the dedication of volunteers for nine years. The North Norfolk Railway has announced their plans to put the revived locomotive to good use, drawing passengers between Sheringham and Holt. General Manager Graham Hukins couldn't hide his joy, proclaiming it "absolutely wonderful" to witness the engine come alive in Sheringham. "The engine that was stuck in a nunnery, lost for years, everyone thought it had been scrapped. This weekend is the very first time it has been paired with passenger carriages, and it is an absolute delight to have it join our working fleet." Being involved in this remarkable recovery and seeing the engine chuffing once again holds special meaning for them, particularly as they mark half a century of railway operations at North Norfolk Railway.
Euronews
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Geert Wilders accuses Budapest mayor of Nazi salute during Pride march
Dutch far-right firebrand Geert Wilders slammed Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony for supposedly making a Nazi salute during Saturday's Pride march in the Hungarian capital, based on a video that showed the mayor pointing toward the Hungarian prime minister's residence. Wilders, leader of the Party for Freedom (PVV), posted the allegation on social media, claiming Karácsony made "an antisemitic Nazi gesture" while Amsterdam's mayor "stood laughing behind him." Meanwhile, the Budapest mayor posted a different video on his Facebook account showing the speech from another camera angle. The footage shows Karácsony addressing the crowd while pointing toward Budapest's Carmelite monastery, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's official residence, saying, "They have no power over us." Some 200,000 people reportedly attended Saturday's Pride march in Budapest, making it the largest in the event's history, according to organisers. The Hungarian government attempted to block the Pride event in March by amending its laws in what it claimed were concerns over the protection of minors, to much furore from Brussels and European and international LGBTQ+ organisations. However, the Budapest municipality circumvented the restrictions by organising it as a municipal event rather than a public assembly. Wilders led his PVV party to victory in Dutch parliamentary elections in November 2023. After months of coalition negotiations, he helped form a four-party right-wing government in May 2024, but withdrew from the coalition in early June due to disagreements over immigration policy. The PVV is known for its anti-immigration platform and has faced criticism for inflammatory rhetoric regarding minority communities.
Herald Malaysia
20-06-2025
- General
- Herald Malaysia
Penang diocese welcomes Flame of Love Movement
On June 2, Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, formally approved the establishment of the Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary movement during a presentation meeting at the Minor Basilica of St Anne. Jun 20, 2025 Cardinal Sebastian Francis and Deacon Lazarus Jonathan with the team. BUKIT MERTAJAM: On June 2, Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, formally approved the establishment of the Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary movement during a presentation meeting at the Minor Basilica of St Anne. With this endorsement, the Diocese of Penang becomes the first in Malaysia to officially recognise this international Marian movement, which is currently active in more than 50 Flame of Love movement originated in Hungary, inspired by messages reportedly received by Elizabeth Kindelmann, a Third Order Carmelite, from Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her spiritual diary, later published under the title The Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, includes the Unity Prayer and a special petition to be added to the Hail Mary: 'Spread the effect of grace of thy Flame of Love over all of humanity.'The mission of the Flame of Love is to lead individuals to a deeper consecration to Jesus through Mary. The movement promotes a life rooted in prayer, fasting, frequent attendance at Mass (beyond weekends), regular confession, Eucharistic Adoration, and family prayer. Members also commit to praying for world peace, clergy and religious vocations, the souls in purgatory, and conduct home visits with a pilgrim statue of Our the event, Cardinal Sebastian invited members of the movement to share personal testimonies about the impact of the Flame of Love, especially through its unique Rosary Tan shared how the Rosary has helped her grow in meditative prayer and establish a consistent spiritual routine. Elizabeth Lim highlighted how praying together as a community has deepened their sense of unity and faith. Winnie Gracia gave a moving testimony of seeing the Blessed Virgin Mary in a dream, smiling with a rosary surrounded by fresh roses. She also described frequently smelling roses and jasmine during prayer, even when none were physically Raymond spoke about her commitment to fasting every Monday and Friday to support the movement's mission of 'blinding Satan and spreading love worldwide.' Ester Ooi expressed how meaningful it is to recite the Hail Mary with the added Flame of Love petition. Cecilia Lee, from a devout Hakka family, shared the joy of being invited by Cardinal Sebastian to recite the Hail Mary in her native Hakka dialect, bringing back cherished memories of her childhood prayers with her mother in Changloon, Ann Oh summed up the testimonies by stressing the urgency of praying for humanity in today's troubled hearing all 13 heartfelt testimonies, Cardinal Sebastian remarked, 'As the English saying goes, 'He who bakes the cake eats it,'' suggesting that those who have nurtured the movement are now ready to enjoy its spiritual fruits. He affirmed his full support, along with Deacon Lazarus Jonathan and the People of God of the Penang Diocese, in uplifting and promoting the Flame of Love Movement. The members present were filled with joy and Mercie Lai, of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM), also offered her reflections: 'As we read the signs of the times, it is alarming to witness humanity under constant attack — families in crisis, and widespread suffering. The Flame of Love Movement is timely, offering us assurance and hope. Jesus is the Door of Hope, and through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, we are called to spread the Flame of Love and pray for humanity.' Since March 2025, Sr Mercie has been providing spiritual guidance to the group, which gathers weekly at the Minor Basilica of St. Anne for prayer and Nadaraj, the national coordinator for Malaysia, also expressed her gratitude: 'With this official recognition, we pray that Our Blessed Mother's mission will spread across the nation. Through her intercession, we will extinguish the fire of hatred with the fire of love. Let us allow her to lead us to the Flame of Love, who is JESUS HIMSELF.' In 2013, Pope Francis granted his Apostolic Blessing to the Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In 2023, the Archdiocese of Singapore officially accepted the Flame of Love as a recognised ministry.
