On Thursdays, the 29th of September, the presidents of General Commissions each gave their report: Formation, Justice and Peace and the Integrity of Creation, Liturgy, Evangelisation and Mission, Communications and Laity. That was followed by the presentation of the first draft of the “Final Message” of the Congregation to the Carmelite Family. The group of drafters took note of a series of observations and went away to work on the final draft, which they presented the following day (Friday, September 30) to the assembly, and it was approved unanimously. You may see that message at

http://ocarm.org/en/content/ocarm/general-congregation-2016-final-statement

The Prior General, in his final remarks, complimented all the participants for the fraternal way in which the Congregation was conducted and for the kind of discernment that had taken place throughout the meeting. He thanked Fr. Ricardo Rainho, O.Carm., the Commissary General of Portugal, for the wonderful welcome and hospitality that everyone received. He also highlighted a number of the topics that were discussed at the meeting and invited all the members to approach the many challenges that the order faces in the coming years with authenticity, creativity, joy and generosity.  As a final act, the Prior General led the celebration of the Eucharist in the chapel of the Casa Sao Nuno.

The General Congregation came to an end with the singing of the “Flos Carmeli”.

From the offices of CITOC we give thanks to God and to Mary, the Mother of Carmel, for these days of fraternity and reflection.

Note: the photographs of the General Congregation may be seen on the Facebook page of the Order: http://www.facebook.com/ocarm.org