The Carmelite Family of the Iberian Region Gathers for Days Together

A annual gathering of the Carmelite Family of the Iberian Region is a long-standing event that brings together the various sectors that share the charism of the Carmelite Order in Spain and Portugal—the Iberian Peninsula.

Included in these gatherings are priests and brothers as well as nuns from the contemplative communities. Religious from the various congregations and institutes that are affiliated with the Order also participate. Lay people from secular Carmel, confraternities, parish communities, and alumni are also welcome to come. There are also young people and educators from the Order’s schools and youth movements.

This time of the year gives each of the people attending to recognize themselves as part of one family who share common experiences, realities, and projects.

These gatherings always center on deepening the Carmelite identity. Drawing inspiration from the Rule of St. Albert, the days are filled with lectures, roundtable discussions, and workshops which focus on prayer, fraternity, and maintaining a contemplative stance in the midst of the world.

The work of evangelization and prophetic service is shared among the participants. There is usually a strong presence of Karit, Solidarity for Peace which is the NGO of the Carmelite Family in the Iberian Region. The organizations goal is to promote joint solidarity projects in various parts of the world.

The liturgies— the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours in common and the Eucharist— are at the heart of the gatherings. Participants celebrate together the deep Marian devotion that unites them under the patronage of Mount Carmel.

This was the 31st such gathering of the Carmelite Family from the Iberian peninsula.