Gathering together
An assembly of all the leaders of the European Area (made up of the provincials, commissaries general, delegates general and their delegates) took place at St Albert’s International College (CISA) in Rome on January 13 and 14, 2025. For the first time, this meeting also included the regional superior for the very distinct group of Carmelites of the St. Thomas Province in India living and ministering in Germany. This was the sixth meeting of the entire European Area since the General Chapter (of which four were in-person meetings in Rome and a further two meetings were held online because of the pandemic).
First Day: Reviewing the Past
The Eucharist to begin the meeting was celebrated by Tadeusz Popiela, O. Carm, the prior of St Albert’s. Reflecting the many nationalities of the Area, each session of the meeting began with one of the assembly reading the Jubilee Prayer in their own language.
During the meeting, the assembly discussed and evaluated the retreat and gathering for young Carmelites in Europe that had taken place in Nocera Umbra (Italy) the previous summer. Patrick Mullins, O. Carm., directed this retreat for more than thirty participants which included also a visit to nearby Assisi. Overall, it was seen as a very positive experience which many wanted to repeat. It was agreed that a gathering of the young Carmelites in Europe would be arranged for 2026 and, if possible, also on an earlier date.
The leaders of the European Area were also happy to hear of the various initiatives for the Jubilee Year and especially of the high numbers of “Expressions of Interest” that had been received for the Carmelite “Jubilee of Youth” Gathering in Rome in the summer of 2025.
As the European Area is divided into three (sub) regions (Italy-Malta, Iberia and North-Europe), the presidents of each of these regions (Joseph Saliba, David del Carpio Horcajo and Brendan Grady) presented a report on their region’s work with regard to the ministry of vocations, the care of creation and the other activities that were taking place within their region. During the meeting, time was also dedicated for each Regions to meet separately and examine their own issues.
Each leader present presented a report on what was going well in their province, general commissariat or general delegation, on the challenges that they are facing and on their initiatives for the Jubilee Year. It was particularly interesting to note how many of our churches (sanctuaries and shrines) had been designated as Jubilee Churches in the dioceses. Working in small groups, the assembly evaluated our Carmelite situation in Europe.
After these reports, the assembly discussed formation within Europe. They listened to the report sent by Alejandro López-Lapuente Villalba, director of novices, on the situation of the European international novitiate that takes place in the Convent of St. Andrew in Salamanca. Other provincials who have formation houses in their reality shared their situation with the assembly.
Day Two: Celebrating Jubilee & Partnerships
The leaders of the European Area met in the morning of the second day and made their Jubilee Pilgrimage through the Holy Door of the Basilica of St Peter’s. Following this, the prior general, Míċeál O’Neill, presided at the celebration of the Eucharist in the Irish Chapel of Saint Columbanus in the Vatican Grottoes of St Peter’s Basilica. During his homily, the Prior General described the mosaic behind the altar and noted that “it is the Gospel and the person of Christ that Europe has to rediscover in all simplicity and truth and we by placing Christ and his Gospel at the centre of our lives, can be the witnesses and the helpers in that quest.”
The prior general’s homily is being distributed along with this summary of the meetings.
After the Eucharist, the members visited the Church of Santa Maria in Traspontina where they met with the prior, Giuseppe Midili, O. Carm., and the other members of the community. Having visited the church and having heard of the expanded vision for Traspontina (as both a parish and also a place for welcoming all pilgrims especially members of the Carmelite Family who come to Rome), the group shared breakfast together.
Gathering once again in assembly, the participants listened to a presentation by the prior general on paternity and partnership. He noted how much the structure of the Order had changed since 1989, with a large numbers of formation candidates now coming from what were previously called the “emerging realities” of the Order. As time goes on, a necessary paternity (which guides the new and fragile realities) is gradually replaced by partnership (where entities want to work together for the benefit of each partner). Afterward the presentation, the leaders spent some time discussing the topic in both regional groups and together in full assembly.
The text of the prior general’s talk is being distributed along with this summary of the meeting of the leadership
In addition, the assembly reflected on the value of the annual European Area meetings over the last six years. They considered them to be very worthwhile. After some discussion, it was agreed to recommend to the General Chapter that they would continue to be held every year (during the next six-year period) rotating between Rome and a location elsewhere. Apart from the forthcoming General Chapter, the date for the next meeting of the European Area was fixed for January 2026 in Rome. The meeting concluded with the singing of Flos Carmeli.
Read here the pdf Thoughts and Reflections for the Meeting of the European Area (112 KB) by the Prior General, Míċeál O'Neill, O. Carm.
