At the General Chapter (held every six years) four friars are elected to be the General Councillors representing the four geographical areas of the Order: (1) Africa, (2) the Americas, (3) Asia-Australia-Oceania and (4) Europe. The General Councillors are a link between their respective geographic areas and the General Council. Together with the other members of the General Council they also share in the responsibility of promoting the common good of the entire Order.
At the General Chapter in September 2025, Fathers Eric Chrisostome N'Do (Africa), Rolf Nepomuk (Nepi) Willemsen (the Americas), Robert Thomas Puthussery (Asia-Australia-Oceania) and Richard Byrne (Europe) were elected as the General Councillors for the Order.
Fr. Rolf Nepomuk (Nepi) Willemsen, O. Carm., General Councillor for the Americas
Father Rolf, originally from Germany, is a member of the Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary (PCM) and serves as First Counselor of the Province.
He is also prior and Director of Formation at Whitefriars Hall in Washington, D.C. Nepi has professional experience in social work, community organizing, and international health.
Within the Order, he previously taught theology for six years and now oversees the Carmelitana Collection, promoting research on Carmelite spirituality.
His ministry focuses on formation, theological education, and vocational accompaniment.
At the General Chapter in September 2025, he was elected for a six-year term, from 2025 to 2031.
