From November 11 to 16, 2024, 50 bursars from the provinces, commissariats and delegations gathered in Fatima, Portugal, in the Hotel Casa San Nuno for the meeting of the bursars of our Order, including lay people who collaborate in this ministry in their respective provinces. All entities present shared a brief report of the realities in which they live, problems, main challenges and possible solutions.
Prior General, Míċeál O'Neill, O. Carm, opened the meeting with a talk concerning some economic issues of our Order and a reflection on poverty and the role of community starting from our Rule No. 12. He also presided over the opening Eucharistic celebration.
Secretary for Missionary Cooperation of the Curia of Discalced Carmelites Jerome Paluku, OCD, then continued the meeting with a reflection on, “Solidarity as Mutual Responsibility - Conditions for Effective Solidarity in the Carmelite Order.”
Regarding the conditions for effective solidarity in the Order, the need for a future solidarity fund, how to finance and manage it was discussed. Also invited was Dr. Giovanni M. Manozzi, financial advisor to the Curia, who presented a comprehensive overview of Carmel's finances in the world; he also spoke and consequently discussed with the participants the method of compiling the economic reports sent annually.
The meeting was held in a spirit of transparency and honesty, spending time also for sharing in language groups and an afternoon for an excursion to the Batalha National Monument and the Atlantic Coast of Nazaré. The concluding Eucharistic celebration was held in the Chapel of the Fatima Apparitions.
Special thanks go to Ricardo Rainho, O. Carm. and Agostinho Castro, O. Carm. as well as to all the members of the General Commissariat of Portugal for their cordial and fraternal hospitality during the meeting.
