On the last 12th to 14th of November, the closing of the 4th Centenary of the death of Fr. Jerome Gracián Dantisco took place in Madrid. For this occasion, a congress was held in the halls of our parish in Ayala. A number of expert in his biography and spiritual doctrine took part in the congress which was organised by the group called “Textos para un Milenio” (Texts for a Millennium”). A large number of the public attended. 

On the 13th, Fr. Emilio Martínez González, O.C.D. Vicar General of the Discalced Carmelites, made an official presentation of the letter written and addressed by the two Superiors General to the whole Carmelite Family for this occasion. The letter bears the title, “The Lord watches over the steps of his friends (I Sam 2:9), Jerome Gracián, A Man on a Journey”. It may be read in Spanish at link http://ocarm.org/es/content/ocarm/carta-circular-superiores-generales-fr-fernando-mill-n-romeral-ocarm-fr-saverio-cannis. Translations in various languages will be published shortly.

Lastly, on the 14th a solemn Eucharist was celebrated in memory of Fr. Gracián, who, despite his dying in Brussels, belonged officially to the community in Madrid. The Prior General, Fernando Millán Romeral, O.Carm. led the celebration, accompanied by Fr. Miguel Marquez Calle, O.C.D., Prior Provincial of the Discalced Carmelites of Castile, Fr. Francisco Daza Valverde, O.Carm., Prior Provincial of Betica and President of the Iberian Region, as well as a number of other provincials (both O.Carm. and O.C.D.) and friars. The Superiors General of the Spanish congregations of apostolic life: Maria del Carmen Aparicio Personal (HVMMC) and Rosario González Dominguez (HCSCJ), also attended.