The British Province held its 20th Provincial Chapter since its restoration in September 1969. The gathering was held April 13-17, 2026. The elections took place at an assembly in February. All those election were confirmed by the prior general, Desiderio García Martínez, O. Carm., on the first afternoon of the Chapter proper.
In opening the Chapter, Desiderio García Martínez, O.Carm., the Prior General remined the participants that our identity, being inspired by the Holy Spirit, is free and that “each member of the Carmelite family must find their own place.” He continued saying,
“We are proud of the individuals and groups (friars, nuns, sisters, TOC, lay people, Carmelite lay people, Carmel youth, Congregations, OCD) who are inspired by the Rule of Carmel, its tradition and the values of its history and spirituality, which constitute the Carmelite Family. Nobody has a monopoly on charism.”
The members of the province together with other members of the Carmelite Family spent the Chapter reflecting together on the previous three years while planning for the next triennium. A great fraternal spirit was evident throughout the week, as the participants shared their common concerns both in the Chapter Room, the Chapel, and at table.
After considering the usual reports, the Chapter considered its ministries (especially regarding the shrines within the province) and how they might be Carmelite in the future. Time was spent looking at vocations and communications while also exploring the role of partnership and collaboration.
The participants received updates and reflected further on the province’s Youth Centre Project. At the centre of this project will be the “Simon Stock Community”: a residential community made up of young adults (aged 18 to 30 years) who will live together in a purpose built house on the grounds of The Friars (Aylesford). Construction is currently underway and it is hoped that it will be complete by January 2027. These young adults will live, pray and serve together, supporting retreats, programmes and events for children and young people. During the chapter, the participants had a tour of the works that are underway.
The participants spent time (both in personal reflection and together in conversation groups) considering the next three years under four themes: Me as a Carmelite; We are Carmelite Community; Our Carmelite Family; and, Carmelites on Mission.
The following leadership elected or confirmed:
Prior Provincial | Prior Provincial | Priore Provinciale
Brendan Grady, O. Carm.
1st Councilor | 1er Consejero | 1o Consigliere
Gerard Walsh, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor | 2do Consejero | 2o Consigliere
Paul de Groot, O. Carm.
3rd Councilor | 3er Consejero | 3o Consigliere
Richard Green, O. Carm.
4th Councilor | 4to Consejero | 4o Consigliere
Pat O'Keefe, O. Carm.
