Chapter of General Commissariat of "La Bruna" Held in Naples May 12-14, 2024 with Elections
The Chapter of the General Commissariat “Santa Maria 'La Bruna'” took place May 12-14, 2025, in the Carmelite monastery in Naples under the presidency of the prior general, Míceál O’Neill, O. Carm., accompanied by Richard Byrne, General Councilor for Europe. The theme chosen for the chapter was: “The love of Christ impels us“ (2 Cor 5,14). Contemplation: towards the renewal of fraternal and missionary life in Carmel.
Unfortunately, the Carmelites in Tanzania were unable to receive visas to attend the Chapter in Italy. Instead, they participated by electronic means.
The Chapter opened on Monday, 12th May 2025 with a Votive Eucharist to the Holy Spirit. Thereafter, the gremiales went to the Chapter Hall and listened to an address from the Prior General. As usual, the chapter reflected on the previous three years aided by the reports from the officials of the Commissariat. Over the course of the chapter, the gremiales spent a lot of time reflecting on the relationship between the Carmelites in Tanzania and those in Italy and, in particular, how the Carmelite presence in Tanzania might be developed. Towards the end of the Chapter, the elections for the General Commissary and his Councillors were held.
On the last day of the chapter, 14th May 2025, the Prior General celebrated the Eucharist on the Feast of St Matthias which coincided with the traditional Wednesday devotions to the Madonna of La Bruna in the Carmelite sanctuary which, as usual, were attended by a large number of the faithful. After the celebration of the Eucharist, the Acts of the Chapter were unanimously approved and signed by all present. With some final words of encouragement, and noting the rich history of the Commissariat, the prior general formally declared the chapter concluded.
The Commissariat is the heir to a tradition that dates back from 1524, when the convent of Carmine Maggiore in Naples was placed directly under the prior general. For awhile it became part of a province and, when this province disappeared due to the civil revolution, Carmine Maggiore was again placed under the jurisdiction of the prior general with the exception of the years 1910-1920 in which it was part of the Province of Naples. In 1947 a commissariat entitled "La Bruna" was set up to include Carmine Maggiore and two other houses. In October 2009 the foundation in Tanzania was established.
First page: www.santuariocarminemaggiore.
The following members were elected to leadership:
Commissary General | Comisario General | Commissario Generale
Alfredo Di Cerbo, O. Carm.
1st Councilor | 1er Consejero | 1o Consigliere
Luciano Di Cerbo, O.Carm.
2nd Councilor | 2do Consejero | 2o Consigliere
Dominic Somola, O. Carm.
