In July 1935 the Carmelite friars published the first edition of their monthly magazine Il-Karmelu.

The first edition of the magazine was published in July 1935.

In the first publication, the editor wrote: “One of the best means for improved progress and education to take place is through the press. On one occasion Cardinal Gusmini said: ‘Many are the things that one should take care of, as the country’s progress depends on them; but we can say that one of the most important, which applies to everyone is the press.’”

The magazine, known at the time as a ‘periodical’, was intended as a means to teach the Carmelite Tertiaries and devotees of Our Lady of Mount Carmel about spirituality and the Carmelite Order.

If one looks at the first issues of the magazine, one notices that the painting of the crowned Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which is venerated in the Carmelite basilica sanctuary in Valletta, was always featured on the front cover. This was because originally the magazine was intended as propaganda for the sanctuary. However, this changed in due course.

In the second edition, which was published in August 1935, a letter written by the prior general Fr Hilary M. Doswald was published, where he congratulated the Maltese Carmelites and told them:

“As we were in Malta for the provincial chapter, we read the first edition of this periodical which we enjoyed very much.

It contains articles on various subjects that appeal to the Catholic way of life, including the Bible, lectio divina, Carmelite spirituality, art and models of sanctity

“It is a periodical whose scope is to spread devotion towards Our Lady, and shows the greatness of our Order: I think therefore, that it will be of great benefit for the devotees of the Virgin Mary, especially the tertiaries.”

As time went by, the magazine became more widespread around Malta and Gozo as subscribers found it very educational.

The magazine had many editors, many of whom were friars, as well as lay people, who worked endlessly to make the magazine more and more attractive.

There was a period when the magazine passed through a difficult time but with God’s help and that of Mother Mary, it overcame the obstacles.

After a while the magazine began to be published every two months instead of monthly. After 1990, it started to be printed in full colour.

Nowadays it is published every three months and its content is slightly different than it used to be. Now it contains articles on various subjects that appeal to the Catholic way of life, including the Bible, lectio divina, Carmelite spirituality, art and models of sanctity.

All those who are devoted towards Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Malta and Gozo or who would like to further develop their spirituality may subscribe to the magazine by writing to The editor, Il-Karmelu, Kunvent tal-Karmnu, Misraħ Santa Venera, Santa Venera SVR 1681.

The office may also be contacted by calling 2754 2106 or by e-mail il-karmelu@karmelitani.org.

Fr Hermann Duncan is a member of the community of Carmelite friars in Balluta.