The two General Councils (OCARM and OCD) met for their biannual meeting in the General Curia of the Discalced Carmelites (Rome) on December 10, 2024.

The meeting began with Midday Prayer in the Community Chapel, after which, the Councils met together to plenary session.

Together, the members of the Councils discussed the topic of safeguarding and shared various standards and structures (especially at Order-level) that are fundamental and necessary.

Time was spent discussing how the formation documents of the Orders (Ratio Institutionis Vitæ Carmelitanæ, Ratio Institutionis) were currently being revised. In particular, attention was given to the accompaniment necessary for friars who are in the early years after their solemn profession or priesthood. Different approaches were reviewed by the General Councils.

During the meeting, the various initiatives that both Orders have planned to celebrate the Jubilee Year of 2025 were spoken about. It was agreed that the two General Councils would make a joint pilgrimage through the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica in June 2025. In addition, it was agreed to celebrate a Eucharist together at Santa Maria in Traspontina (Via della Conciliazione, Rome) on June 2, 2025, together with all the members of the Carmelite Family present in Rome at that time. Building on the work done by the joint commission in 2000, both Orders will collaborate to prepare a map for pilgrims pinpointing significant Carmelite locations in Rome.

The General Councils then discussed how Marian devotion and Marian theology could be deepened and strengthened in both Orders.

During the meeting, various gifts were exchanged between the two councils including scapulars made by the Discalced Nuns in Haifa (Israel) and some recent publications in both Orders.