About

The Sisters of the Carmel of Jesus, Mary & Joseph in Mathoura joyfully announce and invite all friends of the Carmel to attend the Veiling of Sr. Gabriela of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, ocd at a Solemn Pontifical Mass celebrating her Solemn Profession of Vows and the fifth anniversary of the founding of our Carmelite Monastery in Mathoura.

The Solemn Pontifical Mass and Veiling Ceremony will be officiated by the Most Rev. Columba Macbeth-Green, DD, OSPPE Bishop of Wilcannia-Forbes at 10:30am on the Feast of the Annunciation Monday, 8 April 2024.

Due to the size limitations of the Monastery Chapel , Holy Mass will be celebrated outside. It is recommended that those attending bring a hat, sunscreen and water, and wear clothing appropriate for the day's weather conditions. Additionally, enclosed flat shoes are recommended as this is a rural property.

At the conclusion of the ceremonies, a paella lunch will be provided by volunteers, with both meat and vegetarian options. Water will be available for drinking. The suggested donation is $10 per adult / $5 per child, which can be made on the day in cash or via the donation page. Please note: we cannot cater for special dietary requirements and therefore ask that you bring your own food if you have any particular needs or concerns.

We encourage all friends of the Carmel to attend and to share information about this event with their friends. However, please ensure that all who are attending have registered via this site by 20 March 2024.

For those who will be staying in the area on Sunday night (7 April), the local parish community will be hosting a social evening at Mathoura, details of which can be found here. This event requires separate registration.

Location

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Carmel of Jesus, Mary & Joseph
5523 Cobb Highway, Mathoura NSW 2710

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring a friend?

Please feel free to share information about this event to any friends of the Carmel. However, we ask that all who are planning to attend ensure that they complete the registration form, to allow for catering and amenities on the day. A printable PDF flyer can be downloaded from the Carmel website.

Location, access & parking

The Monastery is located about halfway between Deniliquin and Mathoura, about 55km north of Echuca, Vic. Access is only available by road, there is no public transport. Ample parking will be available on-site.

Donations

Items for the Sisters can be left at the Turn. There will be donation boxes for any small cash gifts or donations can be made via the donation page.

Amenities & catering

Water, toilets and first aid will be available on site. A paella lunch will be provided by volunteers, with meat and vegetarian options. However, we cannot cater for special dietary requirements and therefore ask that you bring your own food if you have any particular needs or concerns.

Accommodation

There is a variety of accommodation options in the surrounding area, including family-friendly caravan parks. Mathoura and Deniliquin are each about 15-20 minutes drive from the Monastery, while further afield Moama and Echuca are less than an hour away.

Photography

Out of respect for the sacredness of the occasion and location, we ask that phones and cameras are not used during the ceremony and are switched off. An official photographer will be present and photos will become available on the Carmel's website.

Visiting the sisters

It will be possible for those attending to meet with Sister in small groups in the Monastery 'speakroom' following the conclusion of the Veiling Ceremony. Please be aware that individual time may be limited, so that all may have the opportunity to congratulate Sister.

Contact Event Organiser