FOCAM (Formators of the Carmelite Family of the Americas) will be hosting a workshop on August 26-28 on the theme “Living in Carmel in Allegiance to Jesus Christ: Memory Identity and Commitment.” FOCAM replaced FOCAL (Carmelite Formators of Latin America) earlier in the year.

On the first evening of the workshop, Marlene Frinhani, Enrique Laguna Vargas, Zilda Aparecida Rocha, and Nicolás H.D. Medina will reflect on the historical journey of the FOCAL from the perspective of formation.

Other speakers scheduled to address the participants are Carlos Mesters giving biblical reflections on “Elijah in the Formation Process of Carmel,” “Mary in the Formation Process of Carmel,” and “Elisha in the Formation Process of Carmel;” Carmelite Bishop Francisco de Sales Alencar Batista speaking on “Carmelite Identity: Living in Allegiance to Jesus Christ Today;” and Benny Phang on “Aspects that Challenge Us in the Formation Process of the Carmelite Identity.”

Talking from the formation point of view, Gilfranco Lucena will speak on “Living in Carmel in Allegiance to Jesus Christ as a Lay Person;” Rose Mary Lancelloti and Sabina Giraldo will speak on the experience of living the lay Carmelite vocation. Rosario María Vera Martin concludes this section with a talk entitled “Formation Plan for the Laity of the Order / Experience of Formation in the Order.”

On the final afternoon the topic “Encourage the Brothers and Sisters in the Commitment to ‘Live in Carmel in Allegiance to Jesus Christ’" with speakers Mícéal O’Neill, prior general, Consuelo Hernández Abreu, and Gildete da Silva. A lay person will also be joining the panel.

Because of the covid restrictions, the presentations will be held on Zoom.