Meeting of the capitular fathers with members of the Carmelite family
Three days before the final votes of the chapter (from Monday, September 16 to Wednesday, September 18), were dedicated to meetings with members of the other branches of the Carmelite family.
On Monday, representatives of the nuns, active sisters, and laity spoke about their experience of the Carmelite charism; their presentations were followed by questions and discussions from the members of the general chapter. The day concluded with a cultural evening featuring songs and dances. (Photo gallery here...)
On Tuesday, the chapter and the present members of the Carmelite family listened to a report from Fr. Josef Jančář, who was responsible for the nuns and other sisters for the past six years and for Carmelite laity for the past twelve years. He informed about the development of individual groups: the establishment of new convents for nuns and the closure of others; the creation of a federation of convents for nuns in Italy, which is a significant success; further about the meeting of the general superiors of the congregations affiliated with the order and about the meetings of delegates for the laity; also about the International Congress of Carmelite Laity in 2012, as well as the Congress of the Carmelite Family in 2011.
After his report, discussions were held in language groups on the topic: "What can we as the Carmelite Family do to support the Carmelite presence in the world?" The responses included a demand for a constant adherence to our contemplative charism of prayer, community, and service.
In the afternoon, chapter members voted on proposals concerning the Carmelite family, while the present members shared their experiences in small groups.
In the evening, the chapter participants remembered the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Albert of Jerusalem, our legislator. At the end of the liturgy, General Prior Fr. Fernando blessed and distributed copies of the icon of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Mother of Evangelization, which was specially painted for the chapter. (Photo gallery here...)
After dinner, Fr. Falco Thuis, former general prior, presented a video about the new memorial of Blessed Titus Brandsma in the Netherlands.
On Wednesday, everyone attended a general audience with Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square. (Photo gallery here...) Before noon, the chapter participants celebrated Mass together at Santa Maria in Traspontina. This was followed by lunch at Domus Carmelitanus and an afternoon free in Rome.
Official chapter website: Here...
Program of the general chapter (PDF): Here...
General chapter in photographs: http://www.facebook.com/ocarm.org
