After having met six times online, the members of the Carmelite European Youth Committee (CEYC) were very grateful to be able to finally hold their first “in person” meeting in the General Curia (Rome) from March 25-27, 2023.
During the meeting, the members heard about some of the many initiatives that were taking place around Europe including the proposed arrangements by the General Commissariat of Portugal for World Youth Day, the online ‘Exploring Carmel’ programme in the United Kingdom, meetings in Salamanca and developments in the Italy-Malta Region. Some potential ecumenical aspects of our ministry with young people were discussed.
John Keating, O. Carm., joined the meeting and outlined the context of the previous European youth gatherings (the Pilgrimage of Hope and the Awakening Project) and led an exploration of what Carmel might have to offer to young people in Europe. After reflecting on this discussion, the Committee decided to organise a European youth gathering in the summer of 2024 and spent time on some of initial preparatory work. Details will be announced later this summer. At the end of the meeting, the members prayed with the Icon of the Pilgrimage of Hope (“Our Lady of Hope”) which was written by the Carmelite nuns in Ravenna (Italy).
The members of the Committee are Antonella Brincat, Christian Brincat, Richard Byrne, O. Carm., João Manuel Oliveira da Costa, O. Carm., Kurt Mizzi, O. Carm., Daniela Pereira, Alfredo Pisana, O. Carm., Sr M. Resurreccion Ronquillo Diamat, O. Carm., and John Toryusen.
