General Chapter Continues With Reports from General Councilors on the Four Geographical Areas of the Order

There is a strong fraternal part of a General Chapter during the daily celebration of Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours as well as during meals and casual gatherings following the evening meal. However, much time during a Chapter is spent in the Chapter Hall updating the members about the situations in each area of the Order, outlining the activities that have taken place during the last six years and highlighting areas of concern. CITOC highlighted the prior general’s talk during its September 10th update. We now turn to other reports.

The four General Councilors gave their reports on Wednesday and Thursday. Each presentation was followed by period for small group discussion and then a plenary session reporting on the small group discussions. The full report of each General Councilor will be published in Analecta (2025) #2 by Edizioni Carmelitane.

General Councilor for Europe

First to report was the General Councilor for Europe with its 15 entities divided into three regions. The Area’s six-year plan was to facilitate meetings of the vocations promoters, to continue the work of the Awakening Project and its ministry to young people, to establish an ad hoc Ongoing Formation Commission, to facilitate a process for preserving faithfully the charism of the Carmel in Europe, to explore and facilitate the unification of provinces, to organize and facilitate an annual meeting of the superiors of the area’s entities, and to research the possibilities for a common European student house for those in simple vows.

The annual meetings took place (two were online because of the covid pandemic), each with a distinct theme or topic. A committee developed an online program of formation, each meeting lasting for 90 minutes. The common student house has been a topic for about ten years. Three potential locations were selected but there was no consensus around any of the three.

A gathering and retreat of “young Carmelites” was held in the summer of 2024 in Nocera Umbra, Italy. Thirty-three Carmelites took part. Participants thought more such gatherings should take place. The Carmelite European Youth Committee (CEYC) held a gathering for the Jubilee of Youth in the summer of 2025. Approximately 240 young people and leaders took part and was in conjunction with Pope Leo’s prayer vigil at Tor Vergate and the Sunday Eucharist.

Several events connected with the canonization of St. Titus Brandsma were coordinated by the General Councilor for Europe and Benny Phang, the Vice General including Eucharistic celebration in churches around Rome before and after the canonization. Leaflets were created examining different aspects of Titus’s life and spirituality as well. For the Jubilee Year a series of leaflets on various Carmelite themes were also developed but can be used beyond the Jubilee Year.

Together with Christian Körner a Jubilee Year celebration for the two General Councils (OCARM and OCD) was organized. Finally, much information was also given about the activities of the various regions within the European area.

General Councilor for Africa

Conrad Mutizamhepo, General Councilor for Africa, spoke on the situation of the Order in his area, focusing on statistics, realities, challenges, and opportunities for the Carmelites. The Order is now present in six African countries, five being dependent on European provinces and one on a province in South America. Vocation discernment, formation, and ongoing formation are focuses of the area. While formation programs take place in each country, there is a common novitiates in English in Zimbabwe. The Final Message of African Leaders and Formators Conference in 2024 acknowledged some areas to be addressed in the formation program, including the publication of the Constitutions in French.

While there are some challenges to life in common, overall, the general approach to communal life is good. Priors are being trained to take a lead in developing stronger community life. Members are being offered periodic workshops on community dynamics and some practical issues that if dealt with properly could improve community life.

The Carmelites in Africa are serving in a wide variety of ministries, from twenty houses. Carmelites minister in twenty-two parishes. Carmelite houses are centers of prayer and spiritual accompaniment. An increasing number of lay people commence their day participating in Morning Prayer and Eucharist in some Carmelite communities.

Founding provinces have made large financial investments in Africa. These provinces have continued to bear the financial burden. So, along with the absence of missionary Carmelites, two of the major questions for the future concern leadership and the financial viability of entities. Of course, socio-political and economic instability is beyond the control of the individuals or the Order. Unfortunately, a dependency syndrome has developed in some places. It is felt that more reflection by the Carmelites in Africa is needed for healthy development to take place.

Carmel in Africa is young, vibrant, and hopeful. There are many opportunities for Carmel to live on her own resources from the fruits of her labors. But to counteract the dependency syndrome, African Carmel needs capacitation and fraternal accompaniment to enable her to grow the Carmelite charism and values as she grows numerically.

General Councilor for the Americas

The first report on Thursday, September 11, was dedicated to the General Councilor for the Americas, Luis Maza. Communities of Carmelites are present in 12 countries in the Americas. Each of these countries has its own challenges and difficulties. There has been an increase of vocations in Hispanic America and Brazil. While there is concern around the reduced number of vocations in Canada and the United States, there is great dedication to vocation ministry in the area.

There is an online formation program for the Portuguese and Spanish-speaking Carmelite Family, sometimes open to English speaking Carmelites. The long-established project of formation for formators of Latin America (FOCAL) has been changed to include the two North American provinces (FOCAM) and to include as well the nuns, religious, and lay people. FOCAM was held twice this six-year period. ALACAR (Latin American Carmelite Association), a joint project with the OCDs, was not held during this six-year period.

Considerable work has been done with the presence of Carmelite youth in the Americas (JUCAR). Many young people participated. Some participated in the World Youth Day in Lisbon and the Youth Jubilee in Rome. Other initiatives have been quite successful: 600 people participated in a July 4, 2021, online youth meeting. They shared their Carmelite experiences in a WhatsApp chat. Local efforts also result in week long missions, camps, retreats, formation presentations, charity work, virtual rosary prayers and discussions with young people which is called “A Coffee with Titus.”

A Mission was carried out for 10 days in the Prelature of Itaituba in March 2024. Carmelite bishop, Wilmar Santin, is the local bishop. The participants learned about the pastoral reality of the region and its many challenges. Besides Bishop Santin, the Sisters of the CDP and the CMSTMJ Congregations are present in the prelature.

Finally, Luis concluded by enumerating the meetings that took place in each of the years of the sexennium and highlighted the scheduled ALACAR meeting in October 2025 and the III FOCAM meeting in Camocin de São Felix, Brazil in September 2026.

General Councilor for Asia/Oceania/Australia (AAO)

The final report from the four geographical areas of the Order was given by Robert Puthussery, the General Councilor for Asia/Oceania/Australia. While it is one of the most vibrant and dynamic areas of the Order today, it is marked by immense cultural, religious, and linguistic diversity as well as the presence of the world’s major religions and a multitude of indigenous and traditional spiritualities.

There is an ever-growing number of young vocations testifying to a flourishing spiritual thirst and missionary zeal. In March 2025, there were five provinces, one general commissariat, and two provincial commissariats with a total of 793 members— 530 solemnly professed, 192 temporarily professed, and 71 novices.

The global plan for the Area called for canonical visitations; regular meetings of the regional superiors; encouraging members to develop expertise in Asian/Oriental spirituality; foster intra-geographical collaboration; organize area wide programs in initial and ongoing formation; explore and support forming international communities throughout the Order; promote initiatives to support young Carmelites in higher studies; and, collaborate with the JPIC Commission.

Some challenges were highlighted for reflection: approaches for accommodating and forming the increasing number of vocations; innovative strategies and methods to engage the younger generation in vocation ministry; cultivating “vocation-friendly communities.”

There are 47 formators in the Asia/Oceania/Australia area. While initial formation and the novitiate are seen as working well, there is growing concern that after first profession, the formation in Carmelite spirituality—both in terms of knowledge and lived experience—tends to become vague and diluted. To foster a deeper sense of internationality within the Order, there should be a concerted effort to encourage the learning of the three official languages of the Order from the earliest stages of formation. There is a recent decision to plan and implement a formators’ training program within this geographical area.

Principal among the major activities that took place during this sexennium is, perhaps, the erection of the Eastern Indonesian Province (Ordo Karmel Provinsi Indonesia Timur) on March 25, 2025. The province has 21 communities with 4 canonically erected houses. There are three formation houses. The province consists of 117 solemnly professed, 65 simply professed, 33 novices, and 60 postulancy candidates. Its territory included the ecclesiastical provinces of Makassar, Ende, Kupang, and Merauke.

To promote inter-geographical collaboration and to coordinate key initiatives, three commissions were established:  the Commission for Formation; the Youth Commission; the Commission for Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation (JPIC). Each commission met 4 times each year. A list of the activities of each commission was outlined.

Robert concluded with a reflection on the Area’s future challenges: collaboration (intra-inter-geographical); financial stability; and development of regional expertise to better serve the Order and society.

Friday and Saturday’s presentations are from the various International Commission and the Curia officials who head up offices within the General Curia.

Malang has provided the members of the General Chapter with some wonderful experiences of the Indonesian culture. The opening ceremony, a traditional Javanese welcoming ceremony for important guests, was just the beginning of inculturation. Many of the Indonesian Carmelites, dressed in traditional garb, handed out kain batik, a dyed fabric with Javanese pattern, to each participant. This cloth was then carried into the Chapel over the shoulders of the members.

The chapel, used for daily mass as well as Morning and Evening Prayer, provides a blending of the traditional Church and Indonesian culture. Perhaps most prominent of many examples is the statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the Child Jesus.

Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, a former prior general, who has visited Indonesia on many occasions posted this on his Facebook page: The vitality of a charism is manifested in its ability to incarnate itself in different cultures, to manifest itself in different languages, and to express itself in the artistic styles of different peoples.

He was speaking directly about Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the chapel of the chapter.

Chapter Logo Captures Spirit of 2025 General Chapter

On the first day of the Chapter, Christian Buenafe, president of the preparatory commission of the General Chapter, took a few moments to introduce the logo and its significance to the members of the Chapter. We thought is useful to bring to your attention the creative logo for the 2025 Chapter. It seems to have capture well the spirit present in the Chapter as well as our lives together as Carmelites.

Open Hands:  As a Symbol of Prayer, Also Hard-Working Hands

The Carmelite charism is a gift from God to the Church and the world. One of them is Prayer: Prayer is the root and support all working activities in the Carmelite Order including fraternity and service. The colors refer to national flag of Indonesia.

Carmelite Shield: Shows the Uniqueness of the Carmelite Order: Prayer, Fraternity and Service Inspired by the Prophet Elijah and Mother Mary 

The symbol of a brown mountain on a white background area, has the meaning of the majestic name of Carmel as the charisma of the Order which always longs for and fights for unity with God through a life of prayer and contemplation which has begun since the beginning of the Carmelites.

The Cross of Christ: Symbol of Christ, the Source of Life for the Carmelites 

The cross is the source of strength for the Carmelites. They work not because of their abilities or their individual charisma but the Christ’s cross as their power.

Five People Gathered Symbol of Fraternity 

The Carmelite Fraternity is a brotherhood born of contemplative life. This brotherhood is bound by one strength, the cross of Christ. Differences will always exist but they are called to be one in community. Living in community bound by the cross of Christ will bring the spirit of mission to all continents represented by 5 colors:

• white: Europe,
• green: Africa,
• red: America,
• blue: Oceania/Australia,
• yellow: Asia

Five People with Outward Movement as a Symbol of Service

The Carmelite Service is born from brotherhood. There is no personal work. There is only shared work, because it is bound by one power, namely the cross of Christ. Together moving outward, having achieved union of love with Christ.

The Congregation of Saint Elias held their Third General Chapter in Cikanyre, Indonesia, on August 5-11, 2025

While the Congregation was founded in July of 1986, it was aggregated to the Carmelite Order on December 19, 2002. In 2023, there are just over 100 members residing in 10 houses. 

Its website is www.carmeliaindo.org.

The following members were elected to leadership:

Minister General | Ministro General | Ministro generale
Sergius Paulus, CSE
1st Vice | 1^er Vice | 1^o Vice
Elisa Maria, CSE
2nd Vice | 2^o Vice | 1^o Vice
Joseph Krisostomus, CSE
1st Councilor | 1^er Consejero | 1^o Consigliere
Eugene de Jesus, CSE
2nd Councilor | 2^o Consejero | 2^o Consigliere
Georgius Paulus, CSE
3rd Councilor | 3^er Consejero | 3^o Consigliere
Athanasius Maria, CSE
4th Councilor | 4^o Consejero | 4^o Consigliere
Epiphanius Maria, CSE

Not to Condemn, But to Save
(John 3:13-17)

• pdf Celebrating At Home - Exaltation of the Holy Cross [PDF](3.43 MB)
• default Celebrating At Home - Exaltation of the Holy Cross [ePub](3.05 MB)
• pdf Celebrando en Familia - La Exaltación de la Cruz(506 KB)
• pdf Celebrando in Casa - Esaltazione della Santa Croce(503 KB)
• pdf Celebrando em família - A Exaltação da Cruz(501 KB)

General Chapter of the Institute of Our Lady of Carmel (INSC) Held in Rome on July 21 through August 10  

From July 21 to August 10, the General Chapter of the Institute of Our Lady of Carmel (INSC) was held at the mother house in Via dei Baglioni. In a fraternal atmosphere, important issues such as dissemination and internationality were addressed. Some new articles were added to the Constitutions regarding the possibility of having provinces within the Institute. The election of new leadership was very positive.

The Institute was founded in the Italian city of Montevarchi (Arezzo) on October 15, 1854 by Maria Teresa Scrilli (1825-1889). Her goal was to assist in the moral, Christian, and civil education of girls. The Institute received diocesan approval on December 13, 1854.

The sisters, although dispersed due to the abolition of the school by order of the public authority in December 1859, remained under the care of the foundress until 1875, when the foundress herself re-established the community in the city of Florence. After the death of Blessed Scrilli, the Institute received many new members, attributed to Clementina Mosca (Sr. Mary of Jesus, 1862-1934). Sr. Mary of Jesus also obtained a new diocesan approval of the Institute on January 19, 1929.

The affiliation to our Order took place on March 31, 1929. The apostolate of the sisters continues to be carried out with the education of youth, health care, and in the care of the poor. The Institute exists today in Italy, the United States of America, Canada, Poland, India, Brazil, the Czech Republic, the Philippines, Indonesia and the Holy Land.

On October 8, 2006, Maria Teresa of Jesus Scritti was beatified; her liturgical memorial is celebrated on November 13.

The website of the Institute is: www.inscarmelo.it

The General Chapter elected the sisters who will form the general government of the Institute during the next six-year period. They are:

General Superior | Superiora General | Superiore generale:
Sr. Wilma Moly Pinherio

1st Councilor | 1ª Consejera | 1ª Consigliera
Vicar General | Vicario General | Vicario Generale:
Sr. Adriana Stellin

2nd Councilor | 2ª Consejera | 2ª Consigliera:
Sr. Germeena Naduvathezhathu

3rd Councilor | 3ª Consejera | 3ª Consigliera:
Sr. Barbara Elzbieta Ogonowska

4th Councilor | 4ª Consejera | 4ª Consigliera:
Sr. Chona Torremocha

General Chapter Officially Opens With Cultural Celebration and Mass

The members of the Carmelite General Chapter gathered at the front entrance to the Harris Hotel in Malang, Indonesia to be officially welcomed to Indonesia and the Chapter. The prior provincial, Franciscus Xavier Hariawan Adji and members of his council offered words of welcome.

All the Chapter participants were then given a batik scarf by members of the province. A traditional Javenese Gembyong dance was then performed by students from St. Albert’s College, the Carmelite school in Malang. Music accompanying the dance was provided by students and teachers and Carmelites  from St. Albert’s.

That was followed by a procession into the chapel for the General Chapter. The prior general presided and the members of the outgoing General Council concelebrated. Music at the Mass in Kroncong style (a combination of Javenese and Dutch instruments) was provided by the Carmelite students in formation.

The events were graced with the presence of the local bishop, Carmelite Henricus Pidyarto Gunan. Bishop Pidyarto is well-known to and friends with many of the participants at the Chapter because of his studies at CISA in the 1980’s and his participation in the life of the Order over these many years.

During his homily, the prior general presented 3 questions. Who are we? Why have we come here? And what are we going to do? It is important to see ourselves as we are: having been called and to accept that calling and live in every way in allegiance to Jesus Christ. That is who we are—with our calling and our gifts. And with these gifts we are to celebrate this chapter of brothers, as contemplatives, to discern the will of God for us and what God wants us to do to spread the Gospel.

In the afternoon of Day 1, the prior general, Míċeál O’Neill gave his report to the Chapter. This report on the spiritual and temporal state of the Order is mandated by the Constitutions of the Order. The prior general explained that his original talk was 28 pages long but that he would give a much-shortened version to the Chapter assembly. It is his desire that the report, as well as those in the days to come regarding the various regions, will spark some discussion among the delegates.

Pope Leo Tells Carmelites to Use General Chapter as Time of Spiritual Renewal

Pope Leo XIV wrote the members of the General Chapter being held in Malang, Indonesia. Through the letter, he imparted his Apostolic Blessing on “all in the Order as a pledge of wisdom, joy, and peace in the Lord.”

Fr. Míċeál O’Neill read the letter to those present at the end of the Mass to open the General Chapter.

The pope, himself an Augustinian, sees the work of religious “whether through preaching retreats, spiritual accompaniment, parish work, or education youth” as a way of bearing “witness to the gift of unity, especially in those parts of society fractured by division and polarization.”

“Trust that this time together will be an occasion of spiritual renewal,” wrote the pope, "holding fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful," a quote from the Letter to the Hebrews.

                    Read the entire Letter ...

From the General Chapter | September 9-26, 2025
Livestream of Opening Mass of the General Chapter on Tuesday, September 9 at 8:30AM (GMT +7)

The Opening Mass of the 2025 General Chapter will be livestreamed from Malang, Indonesia courtesy of the Communications Office of the Indonesian Province. A recording will also be posted on the Order’s Youtube channel for the convenience of those who would like to watch it later.

The livestream starts at 8:15AM (GMT +7). The link to the Indonesian province’s YouTube channel is https://www.youtube.com/live/mBsVy3BWqn0

The 2025 General Chapter of the Carmelite Order begins on Tuesday, September 9, in Malang, Indonesia. It will be the first General Chapter outside Europe. It will take place at the Harris Convention Center and Hotel. The Chapter is scheduled to run through Friday, September 26.

On Sunday, September 21, the Chapter members will travel to Saint Albert Dempo High School for celebration of Indonesian Day. Monday, September 22, is designated Carmelite Family Day—a time for conversation with cloistered nuns, active sisters, Third Order, and youth. Another highlight will be a retreat day with Bishop Henricus Pidyarto Gunawan, O. Carm., of the Diocese of Malang, on Thursday, September 18, a day prior to the start of the elections.

On the afternoon of September 26, the Chapter will move to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Malang for a closing Mass and the signing of the Acts of the Chapter.

The Communications Office of the Order in conjunction with the Indonesian Province Communications Office plans on bringing periodic updates from the Chapter to subscribers to CITOC and our other social media platforms throughout the Chapter.

In the meantime, we invite you to join with the members of the General Chapter in prayer. You can download the Chapter Prayer in English, Spanish, or Italian from the OCARM website (ocarm.org).