"With One Accord and One Voice" - Carmelite Superiors of the Americas Meet in São Paulo

From October 19-23, 2026, the Carmelite superiors from North, Central, and South America as well as  the Caribbean gathered in São Paulo, Brazil, to strengthen fraternity and explore new possibilities for cooperation among the different entities of the Order. The meeting was attended by the Prior General, Desiderio García Martínez, O. Carm., and organized by the General Councilor for the Americas, Rolf Nepomuk Willemsen, O. Carm. The Rio de Janeiro Province, under the leadership of its provincial, Thiago Borges, O. Carm., generously hosted the gathering.

Inspired by conversations during the General Chapter in Indonesia in 2025, the meeting took as its theme “Serving Unity: Contemplative Fraternity on Mission in the Americas,” drawing on St. Paul's invitation to glorify God “with one accord and one voice” (Rom 15:6).

The program provided opportunities for the superiors to share the experiences, challenges, and hopes of their respective provinces, commissariats, and delegations. The conversations revealed both the diversity of Carmelite life throughout the Americas and the many concerns shared across geographical and linguistic boundaries. Particular attention was given to safeguarding, collaboration in formation, vocational ministry, and strengthening relationships within the wider Carmelite Family. 

In his closing remarks, Fr. Desiderio drew on Ray Bradbury's novel Fahrenheit 451, comparing each superior to a living book carrying the story of his entity, including its history, achievements, hopes, and vulnerabilities. Together, he suggested, these stories form a living Carmelite library, rich in experience and open to the future. He also emphasized three important challenges facing the Order: internationality, interculturality, and restructuring, encouraging the brothers to approach difficult questions with courage, mutual trust, and a spirit of discernment.

The gathering concluded with several concrete proposals for continued cooperation, particularly in formation and vocational ministry. Plans were also presented for establishing a Carmelite Family Commission for the Americas and strengthening collaboration through existing regional structures. 

Above all, the meeting offered an opportunity to listen to one another, deepen relationships, and recognize that the future of Carmel in the Americas is a shared responsibility. The willingness to continue these conversations and take practical steps together provides a hopeful foundation for the years ahead.