The International Formation Commission of the Order organized an on-going formation programme entitled “Back to the sources” in the Holy Land from the 29th August to 12th September 2012. There were 38 participants coming from most of the provinces around the world from North and South America, Asia, Africa and Europe; a truly international group. The Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, O.Carm. joined them for the first week and gave a talk entitled “Titus Brandsma: in the spirit of Elijah.” The first week was based at the OCD Centre “Stella Maris” on Mount Carmel, where the group experienced great hospitality on the part of the Carmelite Sisters who run the centre, and the fraternity of the local Discalced community. From there they were able to visit the Carmelite sites at the Wadi 'ain es-Siah (site of the original foundation) and Muhraqa (site of the encounter of the Prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal). They also visited the area of Galilee, including many of the places associated with the life and ministry of Jesus. The second week was based in Jerusalem. From there, they visited Ain Karem, Bethlehem and Bethany and many of the main pilgrim places in the city.
The course was structured in such a way as to facilitate a deeper experience of the part of those taking part, through moments of prayer and silence, the reading of biblical and Order texts at the various locations visited, presentations on topics related to the the Scriptures and the history and charism of the Order, a day of desert reflection and a very rich guided introduction to each of the places visited. The team leading the course were: Fr. John Keating, Delegate for Formation (who gave the course introduction and reflection for the day of retreat), Fr. Christian Körner, Vice Prior General (speaking on the geography and history of the Holy Land, and Carmelite fraternity in the context of the early Christian community), Fr. Raúl Maraví, Councillor General (speaking on Galilee and Jerusalem in a scriptural context), Fr. Mario Alfarano, Secretary General and of the Formation Commission (speaking on the “Rubrica Prima” and also leading the lectio divina). Also part of the team were Frs. Míceál O’Neill (Hib), Prior of CISA, who was translator and Fr. Nicola Sozzi (Ita) who was responsible for the liturgy. Fr. Paco Negral OCD was the official guide throughout the journey. The final evaluation of the group was very positive and many spoke about the deep experiences they had during the two weeks.
Daily Lectio Divina for September 2012
General Intention: That politicians may always act with honesty, integrity, and love for the truth.
Missionary Intention: Help for the Poorest Churches. That Christian communities may have a growing willingness to send missionaries, priests, and lay people, along with concrete resources, to the poorest Churches.
Lectio Divina September – Septiembre – Settembre 2012
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- Saturday, September 1, 2012
- Sunday, September 2, 2012
- Monday, September 3, 2012
- Tuesday, September 4, 2012
- Wednesday, September 5, 2012
- Thursday, September 6, 2012
- Friday, September 7, 2012
- Saturday, September 8, 2012
- Sunday, September 9, 2012
- Monday, September 10, 2012
- Tuesday, September 11, 2012
- Wednesday, September 12, 2012
- Thursday, September 13, 2012
- Friday, September 14, 2012
- Saturday, September 15, 2012
- Sunday, September 16, 2012
- Monday, September 17, 2012
- Tuesday, September 18, 2012
- Wednesday, September 19, 2012
- Thursday, September 20, 2012
- Friday, September 21, 2012
- Saturday, September 22, 2012
- Sunday, September 23, 2012
- Monday, September 24, 2012
- Tuesday, September 25, 2012
- Wednesday, September 26, 2012
- Thursday, September 27, 2012
- Friday, September 28, 2012
- Saturday, September 29, 2012
- Sunday, September 30, 2012
Br. Gunter Benker, O.Carm. is a member of the Province of Upper Germany. He has many years working in the formation program of the Province, he is and also a member of the Formation Commission of the Order. He has Published many articles on Carmelite Charism and Spirituality.
The future hasn't been revealed to me, yet Jesus has pulled back the curtain and I have glimpsed the beautiful shores of Carmel.
St. Teresa of Jesus of the Andes
One cannot desire freedom from the Cross when one is especially chosen for the Cross.
Edith Stein
God desires the smallest degree of purity of conscience in you more than all the works you can perform.
St John of the Cross
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To be taken with love for a soul, God does not look on its greatness, but the greatness of its humility.
St John of the Cross
We, Carmelites, have always thought of Mary as the Patron of the Order, its Mother and Splendour; she is constantly before our eyes and in our hearts as “the Virgin Most Pure.” Looking to her, and living in spiritual intimacy with her, we learn to stand before God, and with one another, as the Lord’s brothers.
(Carmelite Constitutions)
Carmelites see in the Virgin Mary, Mother of God and archetype of the Church, the perfect image of all that they want and hope to be.
(Carmelite Constitutions)
From Elijah, Carmelites learn to be people of the desert, with heart undivided, standing before God and entirely dedicated to his service, uncompromising in the choice to serve God’s cause, aflame with a passionate love for God.
(Carmelite Constitutions)
