Fr. John Keating O.Carm.
In September of this year (2015), the Provincials, Commissaries and Delegates General of the European Geographical Area of the Order met at Saint Albert’s International Centre in Rome (CISA). This group meets every eighteen months to review the situation of Carmel across the continent and seek to address common endeavours for the future. At this meeting, conscious of the present situation of the peoples of the European continent and reflecting on the current crisis of those fleeing the dreadful situation in the Middle East, they sent a message to all European Carmelites concluding with these words: “Mindful that in the beginning we too were pilgrims, and urged by our contemplative and prophetic charism, we invite each community, to the extent that each one can, to be open to the kind of solidarity that this humanitarian situation demands and that the Church asks of us too.”
Regarding Carmelite life in Europe today, the provincials faced with the reality as they see it today looked for a common vision or strategy to be employed by the provinces in the future. There have been a number of provincial chapters over the past year, that have seen difficult but courageous decisions taken. The question of initial formation was high on their agenda. We now have an international European novitiate in Salamanca, Spain. Of the fifteen novices there this year nine of them are from Europe plus six from the Caribbean. A major building restoration of the residence in Salamanca is presently under way by the province of Aragon, Castile and Valencia (ACV), so as to provide for a new spiritual centre. Salamanca is not just a beautiful place, but symbolically important for the Order, as it was there at the convent of San Andres that Saint John of the Cross did his formation. Also, it was decided at the meeting to proceed with a common European formation community in Rome for those in simple profession. A group to study the practical implications of this decision is being established. Formation and vocations must be a major priority for all Carmelites in the European area so as to ensure that the mission of the Order can continue into the next generation. There are always challenges, and the ‘old continent’ faces a constantly changing reality both spiritually and socially. One cannot look upon this in a negative way, as it must be seen positively with a new hope that comes from a Christian vision of life. Despite the fact that the numbers of friars are decreasing, there is the pressure of how to maintain a presence everywhere. Some places, sadly, will close. The presence and mission of the Order is still strong and a significant part of the mission of the Church in Europe today. The Prior General has sometimes used a football metaphor for our European future - “it is not possible to continue to field a full team of eleven players, if we have only seven fit and available to play.” The approach has to be one of profound discernment, including dialogue among those involved in decision-making and those affected by it. The mission of Carmel is much more than property and structures.
Right across Europe there have been wonderful celebrations, congresses and activities marking the 500th anniversary of the birth of Saint Teresa of Jesus. Most of these events have been published in CITOC-on-line. In 2016, we will mark the 450th anniversary of the birth of one of our great Carmelite woman mystics, Saint Mary Magdalene de Pazzi (of Florence). The presence of our nuns across Europe is significant and vitally important for the whole Order. We were reminded of this when in July 2015 the Prior General, Fernando Millán Romeral, O.Carm. led the solemn celebration of the Eucharist of thanksgiving for the 400th anniversary of the foundation of the Monastery of the Encarnación in Zaragoza (Spain). All these events recall the mission and charism of the Order, recalling for us the many wonderful things happening in our European area and once again the challenge for all European Carmelites is to strengthen the Order’s presence through the contribution of our friars, nuns, sisters and numerous lay groups. Many groups of Carmelite laity are meeting in different parts of the continent for prayer, spiritual reflection, social services and through the work of the seven Carmelite run schools. The first stage of the Carmelite European youth project “Awakening” has been completed, as you will see in this edition of our magazine.
The Prior General had the opportunity recently to visit our community in Luncani, Romania, which is part of the Italian province. The Carmelite community there lives in a beautiful location, a spiritual centre, that welcomes many people including Catholic and Orthodox. The Polish province is opening a community in Lithuania this autumn, following many years of involvement especially by the Dutch province, a ministry that has laid the foundation for this new European mission.
As CITOC-on-line recalls regularly for us the passing of many of our brothers and sisters in Europe, it is important to recall the passing of those who have made a significant contribution both in this part of the world and as missionaries. We note just one of the many recently deceased, Fr. Pablo M. Garrido Herrero (ACV) who has served the Order so well as one of our very significant historians. May he find peace in his heavenly home.
