Retreat for Young Carmelite Living in Europe – Prophetic Fire: Renewing Our Carmelite Heart in the Land of Mary.

On July 25-31, 2026, the younger Carmelites living in Europe met for a retreat at Casa São Nuno, Fátima in Portugal). This included the simply professed, newly solemnly professed, and newly ordained Carmelites from the various entities within Europe. In total, there were 29 participants.

The week together was also an important opportunity for those who have recently joined the Order in diverse European countries to get to know each other and create connections for the future. Translation was provided in the official languages of the Order.

In welcoming the participants, the Commissary General of Portugal, Fr. Altamiro Tenório da Paz, O. Carm., noted that the participants came from many different nations and languages of Europe. He said that, “It is with profound joy that I welcome you, on behalf of the Commissariat General of Portugal, here at Casa São Nuno, beside the Sanctuary of Fátima and the small Chapel of the Apparitions, where Mary chose to speak to the world through the simplicity of three shepherd children.”

The retreat was led by Dr Donna Orsuto, an expert in Carmelite spirituality, who has been a professor in the Gregorianum since the 1990s, and, who is also an honorary member of the First Order. She is also a member for the Dicastery for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments. The retreat was entitled: Prophetic Fire: Renewing Our Carmelite Heart in the Land of Mary.

In opening the retreat, Dr Orsuto noted that Carmelite life begins in listening to God. It is deepened in silence, renewed by conversion, strengthened in fraternity and sent forth with prophetic fire to serve the Church and the world.

As well as celebrating the liturgy in Casa São Nuno, the participants participated in the International Sunday Eucharist at the Sanctuary of Fátima and also attended the nightly rosary and candlelight procession at the Shrine of Fátima. They led the Eucharist at the Chapel of the Apparitions on one of the afternoons.

The group also prayed the Via Crucis (The Way of the Cross) which is along the route the three visionaries took from their home village in Aljustrel to Fátima. At the end of the Via Crucis, the group celebrated the Eucharist in the Chapel of St Stephen. An excursion to Nazaré was made on one of the afternoons which included a visit to the famous Chapel of Remembrance to see the image of the Sítio de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré.

In evaluating the retreat, as well as noting the incredible hospitality of Casa São Nuno, the participants expressed their gratitude for the profound Carmelite input in such an important Marian location. They found the ten conferences given by Dr Orsuto to have been very concrete and challenging. Sharing with brothers from different provinces and realities was found to be especially enriching. There was a strong desire to repeat these experiences in the future.