The Avila foundation was launched by Fr Garth Eversley O Carm who worked on the growth of the foundation over a period of five years. Its primary objective is to reach out to fellow Catholic brothers and sisters, and encourage them to share and live in the Carmelite spirit.

In addition, Fr Garth aims at gathering further support from these individuals to aid the Friars in dealing with advice in: specialised areas of legal matters, finance and investment, acquisition of property, ministerial outreach and strategic planning.

Out of this promising ministry also emerged “Elijah’s Bread” which recognises that lay people need to be more involved in serving the requirements of the poor and marginalised in society.

As such, on the feast day of St Elisha, celebrated June 14 at St Michael, Maracas Valley (under the pastoral care of the Carmelite Friars), Fr Garth in his homily not only thanked Fr Vincent Pazhukkakulam (Sunny John) for his 25 months of service in the community and welcomed Fr Thomas Kunnappillil O Carm from the Indian Commissariat, but also spoke of St Elisha who received a double portion of Elijah’s anointing and his call to be a prophetic voice.

In much the same way Carmelites are called to be filled with the Spirit of Elijah and make others aware of this presence by being that voice crying out to God as God’s people.

Brother Brent is such a man who has grown in confidence as a disciple of God through his life of prayer, which was intensified one and a half years ago due to his experiencing of the Carmelite way of life.

His involvement with Elijah’s Bread is just one way in which he chooses to serve others, as he is adamant about social justice. Fr Garth commended him to the prophets of Carmel as he begins his studies in theology. All who know him wish him good luck.

Furthermore, Fr Garth highlighted the spirit of Elijah present in Fr Vincent who steadily built up the parishes of St Cecelia (La Seiva), St Michael, St Theresa (Acono) and Our Lady of Mt Carmel (Lluengo) through his love and care. One of Fr Vincent’s mottos is that “God will provide”.

His unwavering faith may be seen in the development of the churches and parishioners who were under his care. All who know Fr Vincent know he is truly a spiritual man with the zeal and spirit of the Prophet Elijah.

Through his homilies he gave us food for thought with the intention of nourishing our spirits. May God bless and keep you.

In the end the message of the celebration of St Elisha became clear, as the Carmelites have been seen to help and uplift so many communities.

It only seems fitting that members of these communities come together to assist in the ventures of the Avila Foundation.

Everyone can grow in the Carmelite experience and support the friars, and in doing so a new beginning awaits each of us.