Global Plan of the General Council 2019-2025

Our spiritual masters have taught us a life of in obse­quio Jesu Christi, whose authentic meaning is that person­al encounter with Jesus Christ and discipleship is indis­pensable. This is the core of Carmelite formation. It is “a specific process through which a person learns to identify fully with the Carmelite ideal of life” (Con. 123), therefore it is “a continual process of conversion of heart and spir­itual transformation” (Con. 124). This formation should be presented in such a way that individuals can experience, understand and embrace it as a dynamic process which is to continue throughout their lives (RIVC, 19) enriched with the Carmelite tradition and grounded on the socio-anthro­pological-cultural context where the persons live.

To realize these formation ideals, we are once again challenged to live authentically the identity we constantly profess throughout our Carmelite history by way of focus­ing the formation in fostering and building praying and prophetic Carmelite communities for being able to be liv­ing witnesses of our Carmelite charism from one genera­tion to the next.

Benny Phang Khong Wing, O. Carm.

Plans

1. To foster a formation at any level focused on building a prophetic and praying Carmelite community for the bet­ter service to the Church and society.
2. To foster a formation at any level focused on being living and faithful witnesses of our Carmelite charism from one generation to the next.
3. To introduce a new office and role of Delegate for For­mation created in the General Chapter 2019.
4. To establish the Formation Commission and to work with them on the task of formulating a renewed ap­proach to formation by taking into account the resolu­tions and the recommendations of the General Chapter 2019, updated Constitutions 2019 and RIVC 2013.
5. To continue programs based on mystagogical or experi­ential method for those in initial formation, for forma­tors, on-going formation, and vocation promoters re­gionally and/or internationally.
6. To assess and assist in the development of the forma­tion programs in the Order in the collaboration with the formators, provincials and the general councillors for the geographical areas.
7. To continue examining the issue of vocations, formation of formation personnel, criteria for formation in partic­ularly newly emerging entities.
8. To foster the development of international formation ex­periences for those in initial formation as the expression of Carmelite brotherhood.

Members

• Benny Phang Khong Wing, O. Carm.
• Owen Kudumba, O. Carm. (Zimbabwe)
• Alejandro López-Lapuente Villalba, O. Carm. (AVC, Spain)
• Roberto Noel Rosas, O. Carm. (Philippines)
• Daryl Moresco, O. Carm. (PCM, USA)
• Martin Pulickal, O. Carm. (India)

Gen Z Carmelite International Course

The Carmelite Gen Z International Course took place from November 15-19, 2021 for participants from Europe, Africa and the Americas and from November 22-26 for those from Asia, Australia and Oceania.

The General Formation& Moderators were: José Cláudio de Alencar Batista, O. Carm., Delegate General, São Cristóvão, Brazil; Alejandro Lopez Lapuente Villalba, O. Carm., Salamanca, Spain; Robert Noel Rosas, O. Carm., Manila, The Philippines; Martin Pulickal, O. Carm., Thrissur, India; Daryl Moresco, O. Carm., Washington, D.C., USA and Benny Phang , O. Carm., President, Rome, Italy.

The keynote speakers, who spoke at the course, from Brisbane, Washington DC and Rome, were Cicilia Evi Yuwono, Brian Rhude, Benny Phang , O. Carm., Craig Morrison, O. Carm. and Donna Lynn Orsuto.

The Carmelite Gen Z from America, Africa, Europe who joined the meeting were: Daniel Ulises, O. Carm (El Salvador), João da Costa, O. Carm. (Portugal), Luca Zerneri, O. Carm. (Spain), Ashley Salima, O. Carm. (Zimbabwe), and in representation of Asia, Australia and Oceania participated: Joseph Tuan Bui, O. Carm. (Vietnam), John Lorenzo Morales, O. Carm. (Filipinas), Justin Shaji, O. Carm. (India) and Thomas Onggo, O. Carm. (Indonesia).

The conferences were held at Zoom for 5 days:

DAY 1
15 & 22 November 2021
Introduction
Psychological Perspective of Gen Z
DAY 2
16 & 23 November 2021
Socio
Cultural Realities of Gen Z
Morality for Gen Z
DAY 3
17 & 24 November 2021
Meet & Talk to Gen Z
Mapping the Generational Challenge
DAY 4
18 & 25 November 2021
Jesus Walks with Gen Z
Sharing the Gift of Carmel with Gen Z
DAY 5
19 & 26 November 2021
Final Statement,
Lectio Divina,
Evaluation

Read or Download: 

• MORALITY FOR GEN Z: Offering the Formation of Good Conscience and Virtues

• PATHS OF YOUTH: Gen Z: Who, Where, and how

• THE BEDROOM CULTURE OF GEN Z: Psychological perspective and strategies to engage Gen Z

• JESUS WALKS THE ROAD TO EMMAUS (Luke 24:13-33) with Generation Z the Woke Generation

• SHARING THE GIFT OF CARMEL With Generation Z

• HOW TO ENGAGE GENERATION Z? Being Faithful Witnesses to the Carmelite Charism from One Generation to the Next

• MAPPING THE CHALLENGE in the Inter Generational Relationship

• LECTIO DIVINA The Rich Young Man Matthew 19:16-26

• GEN Z CARMELITE INTERNATIONAL COURSE 2021 Watch on YouTube 

Global Plan of the General Council 2019-2025

Luis José Maza Subero, O.Carm.

“Go and make disciples of all nations (…) I will be with you always until the end of time.” (Mt 28,19). Evangelisation is a demanding task. However, Jesus will always be present with his consoling and comforting presence in all the situations that are part of the mission of evangelisation.

A Carmelite community is a community of witness: it is a living memory of the death and resurrection of Christ. In living in allegiance to Jesus Christ (Rule 2) the Carmelite discovers the meaning of mission, in its relationship to the Reign of God to be proclaimed to the poor and the mar­ginalised. Carmelites as contemplative people have compassionate hearts. When love becomes weaker, everything loses its flavour. A love that is attentive and creative is like balm for the weary and exhausted (cf. Mt 11,28), for those who suffer and are abandoned, those for whom God appears to be silent, those whose hearts and souls are broken (…). Those who love God must seek him in the poor (Pope Francis address to the Carmelites 2019)

Carmelites are sent to a world that is thirsting for God. In the words of Pope Francis, “Carmelites, masters of prayer, can help people to escape from the noise, the hurry, the spiritual dryness. Of course, this does not mean helping people to accumulate more and more prayers, but rather that they become men and women of faith, friends of God who walk the ways of the Spirit”.

Evangelisation is the primary mission of the Church. [...] today it represents the greatest challenge for the Church [...] we cannot be content to remain in our temples and wait passively for something to happen.» (EG 15). Carmelites share in the task of evangelisation, they engage in pastoral work as a way of proclaiming the Good News to the geographical and existential peripheries, looking at “immense opportunities in such areas as charity, evangelical proclamation, Christian education, culture, and solidarity with the poor, the marginalized, the oppressed, and those who suffer discrimination” (Con., 109).

New Carmelite foundations must be guided by a sense of Carmelite presence in the place where a foundation is to be considered. That means that it may be best to open a foundation within reasonable distance of other Car­melite presences, in order to give support to or receive support from other members of the Carmelite Family. In this way Carmelites can work together to renew peoples’ lives through our discernment and commitment on the peripheries.

Plans

For all of this, the 2019 General Chapter approved the setting up of a General Commission that will work closely with the General Council and with provincials who are re­sponsible for new foundations. The tasks of the Commission will be the following:

1. Examine the new presences of the Order evaluating the resources and the needs of each one of them.
2. Establish a system for the distribution of the economic resources available for our missions. Examine the requests made, and the financial help received by each project.
3. Promote collaboration, especially in formation, and in other areas such as ministry and administration.
4. Find new forms of financing in the New Foundations, not only with pastoral activities, but also training religious, according to their abilities, in other areas that could be sources of income for the community or for missionary endeavour, for example, teaching, crafts and trades, science, manual work.
5. Receive applications for new projects, evaluate them, and carry out a feasibility study regarding their missionary objectives, possible collaboration, support within the Carmelite family and financing.
6. Study and suggest possible ways of resolution for those Provinces that have difficulties in financing their missions.
7. Make recommendations, after the appropriate study, regarding suitable processes for the independence of a mission with respect to its province of origin.

Members

• Luis José Maza Subero, O.Carm.
• Altamiro Tenorio da Paz, O.Carm. (Pernambuco, Brazil)
• Francisco Daza Valverde, O.Carm. (Betica, Spain)
• Carl Markelz, O.Carm. (PCM)
• Victor Alphonse Biramoto, O.Carm. (Tanzania)
• Joseph Hung Tran, O.Carm. (SEL, Vietnam)

Global Plan of the General Council 2019-2025

Luis José Maza Subero, O.Carm.

Never be afraid to go and bring Christ, into any environment, reaching out to the existential peripheries, and those also who appear to be farther way and more indifferent …. The Lord seeks everyone, wanting everyone to be able to feel the warmth of his mercy and love. The Lord tells us to be mis­sionaries in the place where we live …. Because it is always good the share the joy of the Gospel. (Christus Vivit, 117)

Every lay Carmelite is like a spark of love thrown into the forest of life: they must be able to enflame anyone who ap­proaches them. (Third Order Rule, n.44)

The fruitfulness of the Carmelite charism is a reason for great joy. It is a proof of creative fidelity of people who un­der the influence of the Holy Spirit accept it with discern­ment and gratitude. Many people today take their inspira­tion from the Rule of St. Albert, thus adding to the Carmelite Family. In that family we find a plurality of ways of living in accordance with the charism: friars, nuns, affiliated congre­gations, Third Order and different expressions of lay life that seek their inspiration in Carmelite spirituality.

The diversity in the ways of living out the charism of our Order is an encouragement to us to open up new spaces for lay Carmelites, to foster their lay vocation which includes the three elements of formation, prayer and action aiding them to become witnesses to the lay mission in our society. Lay Carmelites are called to share in the mission of the Church and of our Order. In the words of Pope Francis, “we walk together, learning to listen and to discern, through our listening and our sincere dialogue with everyone”.

The mission of the lay Carmelite is caught up with the preferential service of the poor, living in close contact with the vulnerable and marginalised in our society. The Lay Carmelite must walk the streets, and be a Gospel leaven to those we meet there, supporting the initiatives of the Church and of our Order, as a Church that goes out, acting like the Prophet Elijah who defended the true face of God, denounced injustices and lived in the presence of the God revealed in the gentle breeze, prophets who know how to discern, where the Lord is, receiving from the Lord the gift of discernment (…) for the mission (…). “When the Lord chooses to give us a mission, and has work for us to do, he prepares us so that we can do it well, in the same way that he prepared Elijah” (Francis, Homily, 13th of June, 2014)

Plans

1. Provide, through the Secretariat for Laity, a formation manual for lay Carmelites, making it available to all the lay communities, to help them in their formation in such aspects as mission, prayer, fraternity, solidarity, and care for our common home.
2. Organise gatherings of formation directors of Third Or­der groups and of other expressions of lay Carmelite life on local and regional levels.
3. Accompany the Carmelite Family in a spiritual process of synodality and discernment that will be an impetus to a pastoral and missionary conversion of the lay Car­melite faithful.
4. Organise an International Meeting of Lay Carmelites during this six-year period, as a space for sharing experi­ences of the Carmelite vocation, its formation processes, and the ways in which in different situations, the Car­melite spirit is lived out. The Congress will be prepared with the help of an instrumentum laboris and will be held before the next General Chapter of the Friars 2025, with a view to formulating proposals for that Chapter.
5. Develop communication and collaboration with the In­ternational Commission for Youth, in order to work on aspects that are common to both working groups.
6. Foster the Carmelite charism among the people, with our preferential commitment to the poor, the vulnerable and the excluded.
7. Raise awareness in our shared mission in the different situations and places that the Carmelite family finds it­self, to promote the kind of evangelisation that will help us to grow in communion of life, of goods, sharing who we are, what we have, the great gift of the Carmelite charism.
8. Update the register of groups of Lay Carmelites, as a way of increasing communication and collaboration be­tween them.
9. Develop, for Lay Carmelites, a strategic plan of commu­nication in order to face the challenge of a digital cul­ture, as a means of evangelisation, with a view to help­ing formation and communication among the different lay Carmelite realities in our Order.

Members

• Luis José Maza Subero, O.Carm.
• Maria Monica Feifei Enhudjiana, TOC (Indonesia)
• Amos Ochieng, TOC (Kenya)
• Michele Bonanno, TOC (Italia)
• Rosario María Vera Martin, TOC (Betica, Spain)
• Paolo Daher, TOC (Brazil)
• Aideen Ryan, TOC (Ireland)

Our Foundation on Mount Carmel

The Greek Monk, Phocas, records that “St. Berthold, “a monk white with age and invested with priestly dignity, came to Carmel in 1155, built a small chapel and collected ten brothers.” Exactly when and how these men came to settle around the fountain of Elijah in the wadi ‘ain es-Siah remains a point of conjecture. However, by the time they entered the valley forwards the end of the 12th century, western hermits had a long tradition and history.

In his writings, Jacques Vitry, bishop of Acre from 1216-1228, mentions the eremitical life in Palestine.

“Others in imitation of the holy anchorite, the prophet Elijah, led solitary lives on Mount Carmel, especially on that part … now called Haifa, near the well called Elijah’s Well, … where in little comb-like cells, those bees of the Lord laid up sweet spiritual honey.”

This group of hermits, a voluntary association probably composed mostly of lay people, approached the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Albert Avogadro (1150-1214), to write a formula of life establishing  and changing the community of lay hermits into a religious order. The formula of life that these hermits received became their Rule and is often referred to as the “Rule of Saint Albert”. While the original document has been lost to history, modifications made in 1247 by Pope Innocent IV moved the Carmelites away from an eremitical to more of a mendicant life.

Of course, the settlement of the early Carmelites near the well of Elijah, the Prophet of the Book of Kings in the Bible, had an impact on the spirituality of the hermits. No less an authority than St. Anthony, a Christian monk of the third and fourth centuries, declares that “the ascetic should model his life as in a mirror after the example of the great Elijah.”

St. Jerome, a Saint and Doctor of the Church from the third and fourth centuries, proposed a list of figures to be emulated and concludes with “our leader Elijah, our Elisha, our sons of the prophets, who dwelt in the fields and solitary places and pitched their tents by the waters of the Jordan.” Many considered Elijah as the original hermit. From Elijah Carmelites learn to be people of the desert, with heart undivided, standing before God and entirely dedicated to his service, aflame with a passionate love for God.

The Marian inspiration on the Order comes from its earliest days. In an account of 1231, we know that an oratory dedicated to Mary under the title “Our Lady of the Place” stood in the midst of the cells on Mount Carmel. Over time, the hermits of Mount Carmel became known as the “Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.” Carmelites see in the Virgin Mary, the perfect image of all that they want and hope to be.

Movement to Europe

In approximately 1238, the Carmelites were forced to abandon their home on Mount Carmel due to incursions and persecutions by the Saracens. Most of the Carmelites went back to their country of origin in Europe to establish the Order there.

The loss of Mount Carmel provided the Order with the challenge of adapting to European life, particularly with the emerging mendicant movement of the religious orders— principally the Dominicans, Franciscans, and Augustinians.

At the General Chapter of 1297, the first Carmelite doctor at the University of Paris, is elected prior general. As all the previous prior generals had been hermits and Carmel a predominately eremitical existence, this was an important moment in the development of the Order.

Expansion in the Late Middle Ages

The relocation to their native countries also provided the Carmelites with the benefit of the emerging university system. In order to adequately prepare for ministry,  Carmelites availed themselves of professional theological preparation. The Carmelites also became teachers and writers at the universities throughout Europe.

Inevitably, Carmelite life been much adapted because of the move from Mount Carmel to Europe. Yet, with such change came calls to return to what used to be. There were multiple efforts to better adapt to life to Europe while remaining faithful to the life they had previously lived on Mount Carmel. This became an ongoing tension in the life of every Carmelite. Multiple reforms develop over the coming centuries.

One reform started Carmelite nuns in the Order. From the earliest days in Europe women associated themselves with the Order in varying degrees. With papal approval in 1452, the incorporation became official with the women living in their own communities.

The Council of Trent and Its Aftermath

Most reforms remained movements within the Order. Some aspects of these reforms can be seen in the lives of Carmelites to this day. The Discalced reform of the 16th century, led by Teresa of Avila, resulted in a separate Order following the death of Saint Teresa and Saint John of the Cross.

The Protestant Reformation severely challenged the Order, particularly in northern Europe. Lutheranism gained little ground in Italy due to decisive action by the ecclesial authorities. The Inquisition in Spain kept heresy to a minimum. The contributions of the Order at the Council of Trent were modest. But the reforms of religious life called for in Trent were implemented by the Order.

Carmel in the Modern Period

Following the energy brought about by Trent, the Order continued to produce members noted for their holiness. The writings of this period also are noted as some of the finest ever produced.

At the dawn of the French Revolution, the Carmelite Order was established in a good portion of the world. Its 13,000 members were divided into 54 provinces. By the end of the French Revolution, the Order suffered great losses with its flourishing French provinces completely destroyed. By the end of the 19th century, the Order counted just 8 Provinces and 727 religious.

In the late 20th century it was this small band of religious and some phenomenal leaders who, with determination and courage, re-established the Order where it had been and in new lands.

Since the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), Carmelites have reflected at length on their identity, on their charism, on what is fundamental in their lives. They have “returned to their roots” as the Council called upon all religious orders to do and have re-discovered that it means “to live in allegiance to Jesus Christ” in today’s world.

Carmel Today

Today the Carmelite Family, approximately 2,000 Carmelite men, 800 contemplative nuns, 2,300 members of affiliate congregations and 9,200 Lay Carmelites, live in 47 countries throughout the world. A rich ministerial life includes houses of prayer, centers for spiritual exercises, parishes, Marian sanctuaries, secondary schools, religious associations, media, and initiatives for Justice and Peace.

The Order’s members express their allegiance to Christ by their commitment to seek the face of the living God (contemplative dimension), in living in fraternity (community) and service (diakonia) in the midst of the people. The exemplary models of this life continue to be  the prophet Elijah and the Blessed Virgin Mary as well as many of those Carmelites considered to have lived the life in an exemplary way over the centuries.

Initium Novitiatus

• 22-11-20 Charles Pabst (LAK), Lake Elmo, USA
• 08-12-20 Maria Teresa Borden (CHR), Christoval, USA
• 14-12-20 Constantino Barreto Amaral (Aust), Hera, Timor Leste
• 14-12-20 Moises Soares (Aust), Hera, Timor Leste
• 14-12-20 Manuel Xavier Gonzaga (Aust), Hera, Timor Leste

Professio Temporanea

• 09-12-20 Maria Paola Nanni (OST), Ostuni, Italia
• 11-12-20 Virgilio de Jesus Brites (Aust), Hera, Timor Leste
• 11-12-20 Honorio Pereira Babo Lobato (Aust), Hera, Timor Leste
• 11-12-20 Ponciano Norberto de Deus (Aust), Hera, Timor Leste
• 11-12-20 Natasio de Jesus Maia (Aust), Hera, Timor Leste
• 11-12-20 António Preto da Costa Soares (Aust), Hera, Timor Leste
• 26-12-20 Tereso de Jesús Benítez López (PCM-Sal), San Salvador, El Salvador
• 26-12-20 Jairo Augusto Hernández Jiménez (PCM-Sal), San Salvador, El Salvador
• 27-12-20 Anderson da Silva Gonçalves (Par), São Cristovão, Brasil
• 27-12-20 Alexandre De Oliveira Mendonça (Pern), São Cristovão, Brasil
• 27-12-20 Bruno Gabriel de Souza (Pern), São Cristovão, Brasil
• 27-12-20 Dimas da Silva Ferreira (Pern), São Cristovão, Brasil\
• 27-12-20 José Henrique dos Santos (Pern), São Cristovão, Brasil
• 27-12-20 Talison dos Santos Carmo (Pern), São Cristovão, Brasil
• 27-12-20 Wedson Almeida da Rocha Filho (Pern), São Cristovão, Brasil

Professio Solemnis

• 11-12-20 Amandio Soares Salsinha (Aust), Hera, Timor Leste
• 11-12-20 Narcizio da Costa Vilanova (Aust), Hera, Timor Leste
• 11-12-20 Silvestre Alves (Aust), Hera, Timor Leste
• 11-12-20 Agostinho Dos Santos (Aust), Hera, Timor Leste

Ordinatio Diaconalis

• 08-12-20 Bruno Castro Schröder (Flum), São Paulo, Brasil
• 14-12-20 Edgar Lucio Lezama Aparicio (PCM-Sal), San Salvador, El Salvador
• 19-12-20 Paolo Maria Guerrini (Ita), Roma, Italia
• 19-12-20 Giovanni Paolo Sarcinella (Ita), Roma, Italia

Ordinatio Sacerdotalis

• 05-12-20 Marius Simpaoré (Baet-Bur), Bobo-Doiulasso, Burkina Faso
• 05-12-20 Julien Gansoré (Baet-Bur), Bobo-Doiulasso, Burkina Faso
• 05-12-20 Gregory Dabiré (Baet-Bur), Bobo-Doiulasso, Burkina Faso
• 08-12-20 Carlos André Bezerra de Lima (Flum), São Paulo, Brasil
• 08-12-20 Juliano Luiz da Silva (Flum), São Paulo, Brasil
• 08-12-20 William Pereira Barboza (Flum), São Paulo, Brasil
• 27-12-20 Vincenzo Boschetto (Ita), Catania, Italia

Initium Novitiatus

• 26-10-20 M. Mercedes Justo (BUR), Burgos, Pilipinas

Ordinatio Diaconalis

• 07-11-20 Salvatore M. Asta (Ita), Trapani, Italia
• 14-11-20 Néstor Luis Prieto Suárez (Cat-Ven), Caracas, Venezuela

Ordinatio Sacerdotalis

• 14-11-20 João Manuel Oliveira da Costa (Lus), Guimarães, Portugal
• 14-11-20 Herbert Nyamangwanda (Hib-Zim), Mutare, Zimbabwe
• 14-11-20 Paul Charidza (Hib-Zim), Mutare, Zimbabwe
• 14-11-20 Vitalis Chiromba (Hib-Zim), Mutare, Zimbabwe
• 15-11-20 Nikolaus Jata (Indo), Wairklau-Maumere, Indonesia
• 15-11-20 Stefanus Fua Tangi (Indo), Wairklau-Maumere, Indonesia
• 15-11-20 Antonius Iki (Indo), Wairklau-Maumere, Indonesia
• 15-11-20 Fransiskus Febriano Wutun (Indo), Wairklau-Maumere, Indonesia

P. Lorenzo Saura, (Ita)
24-12-20
Ortus: 28-08-37
P. Temp.: 03-10-56
P. Soll.: 03-10-59
Ord.: 21-07-63

P. Claudemir Rozin, (Par)
29-12-20
Ortus: 09-03-72
P. Temp.: 23-01-94
P. Soll.: 12-07-98
Ord.: 15-12-01

Fr. Sean Keefe, (PCM)
06-01-21
Ortus: 29-08-46
P. Temp.: 22-08-67
P. Soll.: 11-05-74

P. Berthold Anton Pareira, (Indo)
08-01-21
Ortus: 07-08-60
P. Temp.: 07-08-63
P. Soll.: 24-07-66

Sr. Sônia Teles da Silva, (JAB)
12-01-21
Ortus: 11-01-42
P. Temp.: 27-03-57
P. Soll.: 25-03-81

P. Roman Dąbrowski, (Pol)
23-01-21
Ortus: 21-04-61
P. Temp.: 15-09-84
P. Soll.: 19-03-89
Ord.: 23-06-9

P. Angelus Soepratignjo, (Indo)
24-01-21
Ortus: 18-02-44
P. Temp.: 28-08-66
P. Soll.: 26-08-71
Ord.: 16-07-74

P. Carlo Cicconetti, (Ita)
25-01-21
Ortus: 06-02-34
P. Temp.: 13-10-51
P. Soll 27-04-55
Ord.: 06-07-58
1979-1983 Procurator Generalis
1983-1989 Consiliarius Generalis
2001-2007 Vices Generalis

Rest in Peace