In Nantes, western France, the meeting of Carmelite brothers from around the world took place from August 29 to September 10. Our general delegate, Fr. Josef Jančář, O.Carm. was invited from the Czech Republic, but because he fell ill a few days before departure, he sent me as his representative.
The program of the meeting was divided into two parts: In the week from August 29 to September 4, the central theme was "The Family of Carmel." Representatives of the contemplative 2nd order from Spain and Italy, representatives of secular institutes, 3rd orders, and all those connected to the Carmelite family through the scapular were also present.
A total of about 100 delegates from all communities were accommodated at the diocesan pastoral center in Nantes. Morning prayer was held at 7:30, followed by breakfast and then the morning program. After lunch at 12:30 and a moment of rest, the program continued and culminated in a holy mass at 6:00 PM. Dinner was at 7:30 PM, followed by an opportunity for personal conversations and personal prayer.
After the opening greeting by Fr. John Mally, the general prior of the Carmelite Order, presentations from individual countries and communities followed. Perfect simultaneous translation was provided during the lectures. The working languages were English, Spanish, and Italian. I, with my German, had to rely on the help of German-speaking brothers. Particularly interesting were the meetings in small groups of about 10 participants. The results of these meetings were accessible to others. We reflected on the charism of Carmel, attempting to articulate the essence of Carmel and the means leading to the goal based on differing starting positions and various cultural heritages.
The conclusion of the first week was a reception by the mayor of Nantes on Saturday evening, which was combined with a reception, and a Sunday festive mass at the newly built church "Notre Dame de Lumiére" (Our Lady of Light), which was built by the city of Nantes along with the Carmelite convent in the Beuveil district.
Along with the foundation of brotherhood that we experienced in the first week across differences of education, culture, race, etc., the Sunday morning mass attended by two bishops and several other church officials was truly the highlight.
For me, with a totalitarian experience, it was incomprehensible that the majority of city officials, who were non-believers and politically oriented towards socialism, wished to have Carmelites here and even built them a church with a monastery for over 10 million francs. The French indeed have their level and their culture, and within it, they have a firmly established interest in all things spiritual; we can say that they desire spirituality as such. And so, Carmelites could come to Nantes without any difficulties: both believers and non-believers are glad to have Carmelites in the city and contact them with keen interest.
The bishop, when receiving the Carmelites, said that he does not ask for help in spiritual administration and classic parish pastoral care, but that they would be teachers of spirituality. The church "Notre Dame de Lumiére" is also not a parish church but merely a conventual one. The entire complex of the church and monastery was built within two years – from December 26, 1991, to April 1994.
In Nantes, there are 5 brothers living. They come from different provinces. They have already established the basis of a library that contains approximately 10,000 volumes and are diligently dedicated to their mission.
The second week of the global Carmel meeting began with a pilgrimage to the significant pilgrimage church dedicated to St. Anne in Auvay. On the return journey, we visited the convent of Carmelite nuns of the Teresian reform in Vannes.
Meanwhile, some of the brothers and lay sisters were leaving, and on Tuesday morning only the provincials of individual provinces, some with their advisors and members of the general curia from Rome were present. Organizational options for the leadership of the order were discussed both together and in individual groups, and materials for the general chapter in 1995 were prepared. Some upcoming changes to the constitutions were also discussed.
Although the conclusion of the meeting was not until Friday evening, I had to apologize and leave before lunch on Friday to attend the Sunday mass in my parish. I had nearly 1700 km ahead of me.
Fr. Jan Fatka O.Carm.
