A formation program for those who themselves will be formators within the Third Order of the Italian Province is being launched. Courses will be divided into five modules.

The province began organizing the coursesduring the summer of 2022 after being proposed by Antonios Mascali, O. Carm., the spiritual assistant of the Third Order; Sebastian Benchea, O. Carm., the vice spiritual director; Michaele Bonanno, provincial president; and Nicola Sozzi, provincial delegate. The work was completed in the early days of 2023.

To motivate people to consider this preparation as formators, a letter to the Third Order from then Carmelite prior general, John Malley, was referenced. In that letter John Malley urged each member to be a point of reference in Carmel and in society. It recalled the document Lumen Gentium, “the most important document of the Second Vatican Council,” which speaks of the role of the laity in the Church. It clearly indicates the mission, apostolate, and importance of lay men and women in building up the Body of Christ that is the Church.

The letter continues positing that “attracted by the charism and spirituality of Carmel, our lay members are present in the world, and they have the special opportunity to share the Order's core values...”

More than 100 people participated in the first lessons.

Modules of the Carmelite School

          Introduction to Church History
          January 23 and 30, 2023 | Enrique Andres Trujillo Herrera

          Introduction to the Liturgy and Sacraments
          February 13 and 20 | Daniele Di Filippo

          Introduction to Sacred Scripture
          March 13 and 20 | Roberto Toni

          Magisterium
          April 17 and 24 | Luca di Girolamo

          Introduction to Carmelite Spirituality
          May 8 and 15 | Salvatore Asta