Global Plan of the General Council 2019-2025

Conrad Mutizamhepo, O.Carm.

All are to remain in their cells or near them, meditating day and night on the Law of the Lord and keeping vigil in prayer, unless they are occupied with other worthy activities (Rule, 10).

From the beginning, the Carmelite Order has taken on both a life of prayer and an apostolate of prayer. Prayer is the centre of our lives, and authentic community and ministry spring from this source. The prayer of the Carmelite community is a sign of the praying Church to the world (Con. 67).

Inspired by the fundamental directions of our charism and by present-day ecclesial and social contexts, the fol­lowing guidelines are offered for the discernment of our apostolic mission:

• a life of brotherhood and prayer in the midst of the people;
• a response to the needs of the local and universal Church;
• a preferential service to the poor and the marginal­ized;
• a special attention to issues concerning women;
• a commitment to justice and peace;
• a care for those who show an interest in the spirit, the spiritual heritage, and the life of Carmel.

In these ways we commit ourselves to listening to God, as he speaks to us in Scripture and in the history of our people (Con. 94).

Carmel of the ancient observance (O.Carm.) is present in seven African countries: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Dem­ocratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanza­nia and Zimbabwe. Our brothers of the Teresian Reform (OCD) are in a lot more countries than ourselves. The pur­pose of our presence in Africa is the joyful evangelization of the peoples of Africa by participating in witness, spread and inculturation of the Gospel of Christ according to the Carmelite charism. We can engage in the mission of evan­gelization by responding in a specifically Carmelite way by striving to be: “a) authentic men and women of prayer; b) to live an evangelical community life, open to dialogue and building relationships in the areas we live and serve; and c) to be prophetic in our ministries” and recognizing that “a new reality of Church is emerging, on that is synodal, dialogical, collaborative, inclusive and accountable”.^[1] We need to bear in mind that mission is, first of all, a matter of being and secondarily a matter of doing. Pope Benedict XVI and his successor Pope Francis have stated with clar­ity that “It is not by proselytizing that the Church grows, but ‘by attraction’.^[2] For all peoples everywhere, but more specifically for Africans, the Gospel “fully humanizes, inte­grally dignifies persons and peoples, and brings fulfilment to every heart and the whole of life”.^[3]

It is in this context that we need to stress on Carmelites deepening their reception, ownership and interiorization of the charism that has been handed down to us by succes­sive generations of Carmelites so that we can make it our way of life.

Plans

1. To engage in fraternal visits in order to cultivate first hand knowledge of realities and development in entities;
2. To assist in raising awareness on the General Chapter 2019 Decree, updating of Carmelite Constitutions, pri­orities, proposals and recommendations;
3. To encourage friars to reflect on the following priorities for building a more robust Carmelite presence:
   • Formation: Vocations Promotion, Accompaniment, Discernment and Evaluation;
   • Interiority: Fidelity to prayer and contemplation through cultivation of friars’ personal relationship with God;
   • Witnessing Communities: Building communities of presence, encounter, prayer, respect, care and mutual accompaniment;
   • Prophetic reading of the signs of the times and respond­ing to them through service of people: re-evaluating our ministerial choices in line with our charism and the needs of the people especially the minores recog­nizing that the Gospel offers a profound connection between evangelization and human advancement;
   • Financial self-sustainability of new entities: to learn, explore and find ways of fundraising for consolida­tion and sustainable growth of the charism in new presences;
   • The Carmelite Family: Transmission and incultura­tion of the Carmelite spirituality among youth, men and women;
   • Safeguarding of Minors and Vulnerable Adults: Com­mitment to following best policy and practice and promoting the welfare all persons and ensuring an environment free from abuse and harassment of any form.
4. To encourage intra-African dialogue and exchange with­in and across language blocs through formation of a fo­rum to network local entity leaders and formators;
5. To conduct a workshop-conference for vocation pro­moters and formators on vocation discernment, accom­paniment, nurturance and evaluation;
6. To conduct a workshop-conference for leaders and bur­sars on Leadership, Financial Accountability and Self-Sustainability;
7. To conduct a workshop-conference on prophetic read­ing of the signs of the times and responding to them in light of the Gospel for pastoral ministers on ministry review, evaluation and alignment of ministries with our charismatic endowment and skills pool.
8. To encourage entities to conduct conferences on the theme of the Carmelite Family in their countries or re­gions to share experiences on witnessing to the Carmel­ite charism in the various states of life and explore ways in which Carmel may respond more appropriately to the cry for spirituality in our times.

^[1] O.Carm.-OCD General Councils Meeting, We are Mission: because We are God’s Love Poured Out, 27-31 Mary 2019, Gort Muire, Dublin. See: https://ocarm.org/en/carmel/statement-ocarm-ocd-general-councils-meeting.dublin-ireland-may2019#English.

^[2] Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, Apostolic Exhortation On the Proclamation of the Gospel in Today’s World, Città del Vaticano: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2013, no. 15.

^[3] Pope Francis, Querida Amazonia, Post-synodal Apostolic Ex¬hortation to the People of God and to all persons of good will, Città del Vaticano: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2020, no. 76.

Global Plan of the General Council 2019-2025

Luis José Maza Subero, O.Carm.

“The People of God ecclesiology underlines the com­mon dignity and mission of all the baptised, in the exer­cise of the pluriform and ordered wealth of their charisms, their vocation and their ministries. The concept of com­munion, in this context, expresses the Deep substance of the mystery and the mission of the Church, that finds its Summit and source in the Eucharistic banquet. This con­cept defines the “res” of the Ecclesial Sacrament: the union with the Trinity that is God and the unity among people that is the work of the Holy Spirit in Jesus Christ. Synodal­ity, this this ecclesiological context, points to the specific form of living and working (modus vivendi et operandi) of the Church as People of God, that shows forth and accom­plishes its communion in concrete ways, in walking with others, in coming together in assembly and when all its members share actively in the mission of evangelisation.” (Synodality in the Life and Mission of the Church, International Theological Commission, 2018).

Carmelites are people who walk together, in ways that express the values of our spirituality. The multiform in­carnation of the Carmelite charism is a great treasure for society. Its theological dimension and its values lead to bal­ance, harmony, and justice, and very often, when these are the focal point of the incarnation of Carmel, they help us to discover our prophetic role, our way of becoming part of a dialogue with the world, especially the world of the very poor.

The Carmelite Family includes sixteen congregations spread throughout the five continents, men and women who by their commitment and dedication to evangelisa­tion, strive to understand and penetrate the culture of the people in order to inculturate the Gospel.

Plans

1. In this six-year term, hold two meetings of the Superiors General of the Congregations affiliated to the Order, and foster their participation in the Carmelite Family.
2. Foster, the reciprocal collaboration of the Congregations affiliated to the Order, in the areas of vocation ministry, formation, deepening our spirituality and evangelisa­tion. (cf. Con 113.)
3. Study how there can be more effective communication among the Congregations and between the Congrega­tions and the General Curia.

Global Plan of the General Council 2019-2025

Conrad Mutizamhepo, O.Carm.

The breastplate of justice is to be put on, that you may love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your strength and your neighbour as yourselves (Rule, 19).

An authentic faith – which is never comfortable or com­pletely personal – always involves a deep desire to change the world, to transmit values, to leave this earth somehow better than we found it. We love this magnificent planet on which God has put us, and we love the human family which dwells here, with all its strategies and struggles, its hopes and aspirations, its strengths and weaknesses. The earth is our common home and all of us are brothers and sisters… All Christians, their pastors included, are called to show concern for the building of a better world (Evangelii Gaudium, 183).

We are always capable of going out of ourselves towards the other… Disinterested concern for others, and the rejection of every form of self-centredness and self-absorption, are essen­tial if we truly wish to care for other brothers and sisters and for the natural environment. These attitudes also attune us to the moral imperative of assessing the impact of our every action and personal decision on the world around us. If we can overcome individualism, we will truly be able to develop a different lifestyle and bring about significant changes in society.

Christian spirituality proposes an alternative understanding of the quality of life, and encourages a prophetic and con­templative lifestyle, one capable of deep enjoyment free of the obsession with consumption. We need to take up an ancient lesson, found in different religious traditions and also in the Bible. It is the conviction that “less is more” (Laudato Si, 208, 222).

Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation is the integra­tion of prayer, reflection and action inspired by God’s own commitment to human wellbeing. Its thrust is to guide our prayer and theological reflection into transformative action. Our prayer and theology must enlighten us about cultivating and maintaining a proper relationship with my neighbour, for whose care and custody I am responsible, a constructive relationship with my own self, with others, with God and with the earth (Cfr. LS, 70).

It is therefore the aims of Carmelite General Commis­sion for JPIC to promote greater awareness, clearer analy­sis and more effective action in matters of justice, peace and integrity of creation. The values that will energize the Commission for JPIC are prayer, sharing, service, partici­pation, communication and collaboration. The words of Pope Francis in his address to 2019 Chapter participants encourage us that “the true prophet in the Church is he and she who comes from the desert, like Elijah, rich in the Holy Spirit, and with the authority that belongs to those who have listened in silence to the subtle voice of God” (cf. 1 Kgs 19:12) and that “the contemplative has a compas­sionate heart”.

During this sexennium the Carmelite Commission for JPIC will seek to invite the whole Carmelite Family – friars, nuns, sisters of affiliated congregations and laity – to pray, reflect, share and implement the guide, From Contempla­tion to Action: Handbook for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation in the Carmelite Tradition (2019) compiled by the Carmelite Order General Commission for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (2013-2019). We will continue to work with the international community through the Car­melite NGO at the United Nations and seek to link in with the other NGOs within the Carmelite Family.

Plans

1. To promote the personal and communal encounter and relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ of Carmelites through reflection and meditation on the Scriptures by participating in Lectio Divina;
2. To promote the formation, development and animation of Carmelite JPIC structures;
3. To encourage dialogue, discussions, reflections during days of study of Social Teaching of the Church;
4. To raise awareness of and implement known practical steps to reduce our carbon footprint through adopting the Church’s teaching to address Climate Change
5. To collaborate with the Carmelite NGOs in promoting Sustainable Development Goals in Carmelite ministries around the world especially in the areas of education, religious freedom and human rights;
6. To raise awareness and move towards divesting from fossil fuels;
7. To advocate for the appointment of JPIC contact per­sons in Provinces, Commissariats and Delegations of the Order in order to facilitate communication, cooper­ation in the regions and with the General Commission of JPIC;
8. To encourage Carmelite Provincials (Commissaries and Delegates) to send young Carmelites for academic and spiritual formation/training for conscientious involve­ment in JPIC ministry;
9. To encourage all members of the Carmelite Family – friars, nuns, active sisters and laity – to initiate, culti­vate and promote JPIC activities in their communities, parishes, schools as well as participate in Justice and Peace programmes of Episcopal Conferences and Dioc­esan structures;
10. To plan programmes to promote, disseminate and im­plement the insights contained in From Contemplation to Action: Handbook for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation in the Carmelite Tradition;
11. To plan for an international Carmelite Family JPIC Conference to share experiences on working in JPIC ministries as well as explore ways of implementing the document, From Contemplation to Action.

Members

• Conrad Mutizamhepo, O.Carm.
• Franciscus Xaverius Hariawan Adji, O.Carm. (Indonesia)
• Aureliano Pacciolla, O.Carm (Italian, Neapolitan)
• José Luis Gutierrez Berrendero (Betica, Spain)
• Eduardo Andrés Agosta Scarel, O.Carm. (ACV, Spain)
• Christian Buenafe, O.Carm. (Philippines)

Global Plan of the General Council 2019-2025

Luis José Maza Subero, O.Carm.

For the Church, evangelizing means bringing the Good News into all the strata of humanity, and through its influence transforming humanity from within and making it new [...] through the power of the Gospel (EN 18-19).

The geographical and political dimensions of the Ameri­can continent are very varied. This continent is the sec­ond largest of our common home, possessing a plurality of cultures and the most varied ecosystems and natural re­gions of the world. It is also the scene of enormous social inequality, of a un-even economic development, in which in some countries an adequate standard of living cannot be maintained, which means that there is a constant flow of migration from the developing countries into the de­veloped countries that in some way control the financial and political conditions of the majority of the countries of the American continent. The continent, North-South, is marked by the presence of different religions, with a sig­nificant expansion of ideology based religions.

That is the pluralistic reality in which Carmelites live today, spread out into various countries, which themselves have a variety of geographical areas and cultures: Brazil, the United States of America, Canada, Spanish speaking Latin America and the Caribbean. At the moment, we have four provinces there, 2 in the United States of America and 2 in Brazil, a General Commissariat in Brazil, three provin­cial commissariats in the Antilles (ACV), Venezuela, (Baet) and Peru (PCM), the General Delegation of Titus Brandsma in Colombia as well as a number of communities that depend directly on provinces in the U.S.A., Malta, Italy and Spain.

Despite our limitations, Carmelites in this geographi­cal area work very well. They are open to the interchange of personnel as a way of supporting weaker communities. They share the work of initial formation, and they promote the spirit of the Carmelite Family.

Plans

1. Create a secretariat for this geographical area, which will help in the organisation of events aimed at root­ing, strengthening, and consolidating Carmelite life in America.
2. Encourage meetings within countries that will help the spirit of fraternity to grow among the different Carmel­ite groups and foster the shared mission that will lead to the spreading of Carmelite spirituality.
3. Examine the possibility of organising meetings of the Carmelite Family in the different areas within the Americas, North America, South America (Brazil and the Spanish speaking countries), Central America and the Caribbean.
4. Undertake visits in order to get to know the Carmelite realities in America with the purpose of encouraging the members of the Carmelite Family in their pastoral work.
5. Programme in the six-year period, two meetings of the leaders, men and women, of the Carmelite Family, to talk about the common projects that might be devel­oped in this geographical area.
6. Programme in this six-year period two meetings of FO­CAL (Carmelite Formators of Latin America) as mo­ments of formation for Carmelites in the geographical area.
7. Foster the relationship between Carmelites, O.Carm. and O.C.D. by taking part in the ALACAR and the Car­melite Forum.
8. Raise awareness of the need for collaboration to strengthen the presence of Carmelites in this geograph­ical area.
9. Promote the conclusions of the Synod of the Amazon in our pastoral activities, focusing our thoughts and reflections as a Carmelite Family, as a Church that is going out on mission to the poorest and most margin­alised in our society.
10. Develop a formation Project (long, short, and medium term) for the members of the Carmelite Family to help them be witnesses in and respond to the demands of today’s society.
11. Draw on our history and memory in regard to our pres­ence in America. Hand on to the new generations our story and experience as Carmelites in this continent, bearing in mind that where memory is lost the direc­tion for the future of the journey is also lost.

Global Plan of the General Council 2019-2025

Robert Thomas Puthussery, O.Carm.

“As a contemplative brotherhood, we seek the face of God also in the heart of the world… as an open fraternity, able to listen to the world it lives in, and willing to be questioned by it; ready both to meet life’s challenges and to give an authen­tic, evangelical response based on our charism” (Con. 21).

Asia-Australia-Oceania area is known for its rich diversi­ty and the wealth of its personnel. Firstly, the socio-cultural and politico-religious diversity is both an asset and a chal­lenge for the geographic area. On the one hand the constant dialogue with other religions and cultures strengthens the Carmelite witness. On the other hand, the anti-religious and political attitudes in the different regions of this geo­graphical area pose a significant challenge to our Carmelite presence and ministry. However, “if we really believe in the abundantly free working of the Holy Spirit, we can learn so much from one another! It is not just about being better informed about others, but rather about reaping what the Spirit has sown in them, which is also meant to be a gift for us”(EG, 246).

In this time of expansion, inclusion and inculturation, ways should be sought to ensure that the living tradition and charism of Carmel are expressed authentically to form a just society in the context of this geographic area. Sec­ondly, the richness of this area can be found in its every in­creasing numbers of young people. This richness gives re­newed vitality and freshness to the Order in its mission in Asia-Australia-Oceania and elsewhere. It is a richness that needs to be strengthened through the Carmelite charism in order to empower the geographic area and to support those geographic areas of the Order that needs personnel assistance through mutual collaboration and planning. An earnest attempt to tap into the diversities and the resources in the area in order to create a positive change can be ac­complished through various collaborative programs in the geographic area as well as inter-nationally.

Plans

1. Convene regular and timely meetings of the regional su­periors for focused collaboration in the area.
2. Engage in fraternal visits to know and encourage the brothers and sisters in their areas of ministry.
3. Work towards promoting vocations and effective forma­tion seeking to give authentic expressions of the living traditions and charism of Carmel in the particular so­cio-anthropological-cultural context of Asia-Australia-Oceania.
4. Encourage the friars to develop expertise in Asian/Ori­ental spirituality in order to have an effective ministry in the geographic area.
5. Foster intra-geographical collaboration through ex­change of expertise in various fields, especially forma­tion, with a view to supporting emerging entities in the area in conjunction with the relevant Commissions.
6. Organize common programs in the area for initial and on-going formation.
7. Explore and support the idea of forming international communities in different parts of the Order through promoting mutual collaboration of the different geo­graphical areas.
8. Promote initiatives among major superiors to support young Carmelites of this area for personal enhancement through higher studies, pastoral training and mission experience with a view to strengthening the life of the Order wherever necessary.
9. Collaborate with the Commission of JPIC to address the various challenges in this geographical area.

Global Plan of the General Council 2019-2025

Richard Byrne, O.Carm.

Europe is the continent of the great pilgrim paths. Among its people there continues to be a deep hunger for God. Undoubtedly, there has been a shifting away from Christianity as European society has become more secu­larised. Indeed, many of the countries in Europe could be described as post-Christian: the elements of Christian faith are present but without a shared “Christian memory and heritage” (Ecclesia in Europa). However, belief is not ab­sent, although people are more interested in spirituality than doctrine. The failure of the Church in safeguarding the weakest in society has had a devastating impact. Eu­rope is also a land of increasing diversity and pluralism which afford the possibility of dialogue among people of different faiths and none. Europe faces many challenges especially those coming from immigration and the devas­tating impact of Covid-19.

Within Europe, Carmel still continues to bear fruit, as many Carmelites with hard work and dedication serve the Gospel. Carmelites are uniquely placed to offer a voice from our tradition in this complex and challenging Europe.

Living in “allegiance to Jesus Christ”, in moments of en­counter, Carmelites can speak of our personal and living relationship with Christ while recognising the plurality of religious positions. Our communities say to those who seek to exclude people from society that we Carmelites discover in each of our sisters and brothers the presence of God and can walk together towards God (Con. 19). As once we were the immigrants in Europe, our service in the midst of the people now allows us to joyfully accept the invitation “to encounter people on the ‘peripheries’ and share the Gospel with them” (Con. 101).

At the same time, it is true that challenges exist for Car­mel in Europe which faces painful choices in how best to preserve the Carmelite charism while letting go of existing structures. Yet, Carmel in Europe must also commit itself anew “to wake up the world” and not become closed in on itself or a hostage to its problems. As compassionate con­templatives we must always be wary of a ‘lukewarmness’ creeping into our lives, of an “inertia of immobility” and “the temptation to keep our distance from the wounds of Christ’s body” (Pope Francis, Carmelite General Chapter, 2019). Instead, like all the members of the Church, Carmelites are called to continue to “light a fire in the heart of the world” (Evangelii Gaudium, 271).

Confident that God continues his initiative of calling people to the Church and to Carmel, our vocations minis­try is not so much about “brilliant vocation programs” but serves by helping people to discover the gift within them­selves so they can choose the lifestyle which corresponds to it. This is a priority. European Carmelites are challenged to “open our eyes and our hearts to a new understanding and expression of our Carmelite tradition to which young people can relate” which opens Carmel to a process of con­version, daily discernment and ongoing formation.

Youth ministry, which should be a primary ministry of every entity within Europe, provides opportunities to “en­counter young people, to travel with them and to listen to them”.

Plans

1. To facilitate meetings of Vocation Promoters with their provincials, commissaries and delegates so as to pro­mote the prioritisation of the ministry of vocations within Europe.
2. To continue the work of the Awakening project and its ministry to young people promoting youth ministry as a primary ministry of each entity in Europe.
3. To establish an ad hoc Commission for Ongoing Forma­tion in Europe to offer, prepare and organise a regular ongoing formation programme and to persuade Car­melites of its necessity.
4. To facilitate a process in preserving faithfully the char­ism of Carmel in Europe.
5. To explore and facilitate the unification of provinces where necessary especially through the development of strategies for co-operation.
6. To organise and facilitate an annual meeting of the Pro­vincials and Commissary Provincials and Delegates.
7. To research and present possibilities for a common Eu­ropean student house for those in simple profession.

Global Plan of the General Council 2019-2025

Aware of the growing importance of the ministry of community for evangelisation – especially by means of so­cial networks (Con. 35) – the Carmelite Order seeks to speak words of hope and of salvation “more by our life than by our words” (Con. 24) to all women and men wherever they may be but especially to anyone “who draws their inspira­tion from the Rule of St Albert” (Con. 28). The primary fo­cus of all communications from the Carmelite Order is the message of the Gospel, the Good News of the Kingdom of God, which we have received from Christ the living Word, expressed through the charism of the Carmelite Order us­ing a wide variety (media) of means of communication.

The Carmelite Order embraces the use of different me­dia including websites, social networks, publications and video/music productions for both internal and external communication. Our ministry of communication does not aim to simply generate information for consumption but instead wishes to foster mutually respectful encounters in which human beings can truly listen to each other and grow in understanding and knowledge (Pope Francis, 2015, World Communications Day). In addition, Carmelites acknowledge that it is not a matter of simply advertising ourselves but instead of “bearing witness to what the Spirit writes in our hearts” (Pope Francis, 2020, World Communications Day).

In particular, in our use of social networks, Carmelites wish to foster mutually respectful encounters in which human beings can truly listen to each other and grow in understanding and knowledge. In the public square of the digital world, we have “a responsibility for our neighbour whom we do not see but who … has a dignity which must be respected” (Pope Francis, 2016, World Communications Day). Keeping mind that the Prophet Elijah recognised the voice of God not in the great and strong wind nor in the earth­quake or the fire, but in “a still small voice” (1 Kg 19:11-12), Carmelites are aware that the “truth which we long for does not derive its worth from its ‘popularity’ or from the amount of attention it receives” (Pope Benedict XVI, 2011, World Communications Day).

Communication within our Carmelite Family allows us to recognise each other and creates a closeness by which our common vocation can be recognised and fostered. The General Curia acknowledges that it has an important role to play in this ministry and, consequently, wishing to strengthen and update this important ministry, the General Council establishes a Task Force with the following terms of reference.

Plans

1. To evaluate and update the General Curia’s current on­line presence and use of social networks.
2. To explore different possible methods of providing the Order’s desired online presence (external agencies, in­ternal appointments) and make a proposal to the Gen­eral Council with a proposed budget.
3. To evaluate and propose a structure for the General Cu­ria’s Communications Office.
4. To propose a job description for the office of the Del­egate for social communication (Con. 323).
5. To explore and propose ways in which communica­tion can be fostered between the General Curia and the various areas of the Order (internal) and to those who feel drawn to the values of Carmel (external).
6. To propose a Communications Plan for the Carmelite Order.
7. In consultation with the Task Force for the Reform of the Institutum Carmelitanum, to evaluate the mission and structure of Edizioni Carmelitane (including how its publications are distributed) and, if necessary, propose how this might be updated.

Members

• Richard Byrne, O. Carm.
• William Harry, O. Carm. (PCM, USA)
• Manuel R. Freitas, O. Carm. (Portugal)
• Andreas Dedy Purnawan, O. Carm. (Indonesia)
• Mons. Janvier Marie Gustave Yameogo (Vaticano)
• David Hoffman, O. Carm. (Australia)

Global Plan of the General Council 2019-2025

Richard Byrne, O.Carm.

Carmelites live their life of allegiance to Jesus Christ in a contemplative attitude exercised in a life of prayer, fraternity and service in the midst of the people. The orientation towards contemplation is not merely one of these elements of our charism; it is the dynamic ele­ment which unifies them (Con. 14).

Prayer is the way we relate to God both as individuals and as community. In prayer we become open to God who gradually transforms us through all the events of our lives, whether great or small (Con. 18).

The Rule of Carmel puts liturgical life at the centre of our community life both in practice and symbolically (RIVC, 39).

In the midst of a globalised and pluralist world, our faithful commitment to prayer allows us as Carmelites to witness to the “living and mysterious presence of God” (Con. 18). Our prayer reminds us that the life of Carmel is Christocentric. Permeating through every aspect of a Car­melite’s life, prayer not only nourishes our spiritual lives, but also through gradual transformation enriches our fra­ternal life and makes us better able to serve in the Church with compassion in a spirit of solidarity with our sisters and brothers.

While prayer can assume many forms, Carmelites re­gard liturgical prayer – especially communal – as a central part of our overall spiritual life (Liturgical Congress, 2018, Final Message). Intimately linked with our personal prayer, our liturgical prayer is the visible sign of the Order at prayer (RIVC 39). Our contemplative way of living keeps our liturgical celebrations always Paschal with a Resurrec­tion orientation. Consequently, formation in liturgy is vital for Carmelites and is not just about “liturgical studies for ministry or knowledge of the rubrics, but about a frater­nal celebration of who we Carmelites are” (RIVC, 39). Car­melites are particularly nourished in the Word and in the Eucharist.

As the bread is broken and shared, the daily Eucharist builds our Carmelite community, not just symbolically, but as a sign of our “sharing in the mystery of God and with the community of those in need” (RIVC, 39). In the Eucha­rist we offer our daily lives in total sacrifice in an intimate union with Christ’s paschal mystery (Con. 73).

Pondering the Word is an essential element of our char­ism and Carmelite identity and Lectio divina is given a prominent role in our prayer life (Con. 85). The communal celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours, especially with the faithful, is central to our identity.

The Carmelite way is marked by silence (RIVC, 36). In­deed, our spirit of contemplation can be greatly nurtured by silent prayer. In addition, retreats, days of recollection and the reading of the writings of our Order are important for Carmelites.

Alongside our devotion to the Saints of Carmel, Carmel­ites especially venerate the Blessed Virgin Mary and, con­sequently, our Marian shrines are held in high regard not only as centres of the Word and liturgical life but also as centres of evangelisation, solidarity and places of encoun­ter with those of other faiths and none (Con. 89-93).

Plans

1. To continue updating the Liturgical Rites and Books of the Carmelite Order (including but not limited to the Carmelite Ritual, the Lectionary, the Liturgy of the Hours) as well as seeking their approval, translation and publication;
2. To continue to prepare additional materials from Car­melite authors for the Carmelite Office of Readings for the Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday and on other days of particular devotion to Our Lady of Mt Carmel;
3. To seek a collaborative project with the General Com­mission on Formation regarding (a) the liturgical prepa­ration of the brothers in formation, (b) liturgical stud­ies from the Carmelite tradition as part of ongoing for­mation courses for the Order, and (c) the promotion of good preaching (General Chapter Decree, 2019);
4. To promote an uptake in the study of Liturgy at an ad­vanced level in dialogue with the relevant people (Gen­eral Chapter Recommendation, 2019);
5. To explore and promote ways of celebrating the Liturgy from a Carmelite perspective;
6. To explore ways in which the shrines of the Order could be fostered at an Order level;
7. To organise congresses and meetings that foster the li­turgical and prayer life of the members of the Carmelite Family.

Members

• Richard Byrne, O.Carm.
• Désiré Unen Alimange, O.Carm. (Congo)
• Pius Robert Manik, O.Carm. (Indonesia)
• Alexander Vella, O.Carm. (Malta)
• John Keating, O.Carm. (Ireland)
• Nerina de Simone, CMSTBG

Global Plan of the General Council 2019-2025

Robert Thomas Puthussery, O.Carm.

I ask you to be revolutionaries, to swim against the tide; yes, I am asking you to rebel against this culture that sees eve­rything as temporary and that ultimately believes that you are incapable of responsibility, that you are incapable of true love (Pope Francis, World Youth Day, Rio de Janeiro, 2013).

You are not the ‘tomorrow’, you are not the ‘meantime’, you are the ‘Now’ of God (Pope Francis, World Youth Day, Pan­ama City 2019).

Young people are both a challenge and a mission of the Church today. “We believe that even today God speaks to the Church and to the world through the young, their cre­ativity and their commitment, as well as their sufferings and their pleas for help… with them we can read our era more prophetically and recognize the signs of the times…”(Synod on Young Final Document, 64). It hardly needs to be said, but young people matter and what they think, speak and do has a huge influence and impact on the Order and the world today.

Much valuable ministry with young people already takes place in the Carmelite Family. Naturally, this takes many forms as it exists in different contexts and cultures. How­ever, the Carmelite Order is particularly well placed for this ministry and our approach to contemplation, community, and of being of service to others – as well as the heroes of our Order (our Saints and Blesseds) – can appeal to many young people.

Our different forms of ministry with young people can broadly be divided into two groups: with those who are of school-going age and with those older young people who have completed their primary and secondary education. Understandably, the needs of these two groups may be dif­ferent. Some of the ministry with younger people will take place in our Carmelite schools (Con. 102) which remain “es­sential places for the evangelization of the young” (Chris­tus Vivit, 222). Carmelites recognize that Christian service (especially to the poor), pilgrimages, mission activities, sports, music and the arts can all provide enormous oppor­tunities for young people to grow and discover life in Christ and in the Church.

Carmelites seek always to be flexible in our ministry with young people which involves journeying together in such a way that the charisms that the Holy Spirit has given to each of the Church’s members are respected. We must acknowledge that “young people themselves are agents of youth ministry” (Christus Vivit, 203) and Carmelites will avoid assigning a passive role to the young. We too must be humble enough to listen to them and even be open to be questioned by them. We will seek to make all our ministries more welcoming to young people and inclusive (Con. 30).

Whatever the context, Carmelites acknowledge that young people do not need to be preached at or given a great deal of doctrine. Instead, we seek to always provide oppor­tunities for young people to be drawn into an “encounter with God through Christ’s death and resurrection” (Christus Vivit, 212). Carmelites walk alongside young people as they discern their personal vocation. Our ministries will have a particular emphasis on the Word of God and on learning to see the world as God sees it. Safeguarding will be a vital part of all our Carmelite ministry, especially with young people.

Bearing in mind the great influence young people have today in the world, and mandated by the General Chapter, the Carmelite Youth Commission (CYC) has taken upon it­self the mission to recognize, acknowledge and celebrate the enormous wealth of potential young people have today. Arising from our charism, and in meaningful and relevant ways, we seek to accompany, listen and work alongside young people in order to transform the world for the Lord so they can answer the question Pope Francis poses: “For whom am I?” (Francis, Vigil in preparation for World Youth Day, 2017). We aspire to “rediscover and reawaken the Church’s constant freshness and youth, opening ourselves to a new Pentecost” (Synod on Young People, Final Document, 60). We take the Emmaus story of the gospel (cf. Lk 24:13-35) “as paradigmatic for our understanding of the Church’s mis­sion to the young” (Synod on Young People, Final Document, 4). “Jesus walked with them” (Lk 24:15), listening to their stories and talked to them and broke the bread and “their eyes were opened” (Lk 24:31), and “they set out at once” (Lk 24:33). This mission of accompaniment, animation and em­powerment can be achieved through collaborative works at different levels in the Order.

Plans

1. Dialogue with the leadership in the different geographic areas of the Order to become familiar with their youth programs and to identify the specific needs of each area in order to promote and organize events and programs for that geographic area.
2. Promote initiatives in each geographic area to form youth animators team for collaborative work.
3. Organize workshops, seminars, and training programs for youth animators to empower them for a focused and effective ministry.
4. Encourage Carmelite leadership to train young Carmel­ites spiritually and academically for the present and fu­ture youth mission of the Order.
5. Collaborate with the Formation Commission to initiate programs and events for young friars in formation to help them develop skills and tools for youth ministry.
6. Work for the development of a network of all those who work in youth ministry in the Order.
7. In collaboration with the Communication Task Force of the Order search for ways and means of greater collabo­ration.
8. Organize an international program of Carmelite schools and work towards an understanding of the Carmelite charism in education.
9. To assist in the facilitation of international events of young people especially at World Youth Days.

The Carmelites in Portugal commissioned a video for the World Youth Day held in Lisbon in 2023. Please click here to view the video:

Members

• Robert Thomas Puthussery, O.Carm.
• Luca Sciarelli, O.Carm. (Italia)
• Éanna Ó Hóbain, O.Carm. (Ireland)
• Joyson George Pottackal, O.Carm. (India)
• Fransiskus Xaverius Sulistija Heru Prabawa, O.Carm. (Indonesia)
• Iñigo Bermejo Batanero (Lay, Betica)

Global Plan of the General Council 2019-2025

God has called us to be good administrators of the gifts we have received. We have the task of taking good care of what has been entrusted to us. We strive to be better in our responsibility, transparency and solidarity in the adminis­tration of the material goods entrusted to us. Thus, we con­tinue to implement the ideal established by our Constitu­tions: “In our use of material goods, it is our responsibility before God to observe faithfully the poverty which we have freely professed, keeping in mind that we make the vow of poverty in order to live a simple life, individually and within our communities, avoiding whatever might offend the sensibilities of the poor” (Con. 60). “To ensure that the economic structure of our religious life does not resemble existing global systems of unjust inequality, fraternity with­in the Carmelite family should find expression in concern for and sharing with communities throughout the Order, in particular the poorer among them”(Con. 38).

Christian Körner, O. Carm.

Plans

1. Meet annually with the General Commission for the Economy for reviewing the economy of the Order.
2. Look for other sources of funding the General Curia.
3. Repay the interest and the loan received from the Prov­inces for the ex Domus Carmelitana.
4. Create a central fund for our missions and draw up statutes for it according to the decisions of the General Chapter.
5. Collaborate with the General Commission for the Coor­dination of the New Foundations of the Order.
6. Review the contribution percentages of the Provinces, promoting the participation of all.
7. Organize in 2021 and 2024 international meetings of the bursars of the Provinces, General Delegations and Com­missariats.
8. Continue updating the Economic Directory by imple­menting the new directives of the Holy See (e.g. stable patrimony).

Members

• Christian Körner, O. Carm.
• Günter Benker, O. Carm. (Germany)
• Anna di Giglio (Neapolitan, Italy)
• Shiju George Njaralampuzha, O. Carm. (India)
• Javier Domingo Garmón i Calvo, O. Carm. (Catalunia, Spain)
• Nixon Jacobus Silfanus (Jakarta, Indonesia)