On the 24th of August, at 10.00 a.m. the Postulator General will be present at the canonical recognition of the mortal remains of Blessed Baptist Spagnoli, in the Cathedral of Mantua (Italy). On the following 1st of September, the body will be transferred in solemn procession from the Mantua Cathedral to the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, in San Felice del Benaco, where it will remain exposed for the veneration of the faithful until the 15^th of October.

The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Porlamar, Venezuela, was held 18 August 2016. The following were elected:

• Prioress:  Sr. Ana Violeta Pereira Montilva, O.Carm.
• 1st Councilor:   Sr. Norma del Carmen Sánchez Mora, O.Carm.
• 2nd Councilor:  Sr. Mariela del Carmen León León, O.Carm.
• Director of Novices:  Sr. Norma del Carmen Sánchez Mora, O.Carm.
• Treasurer:  Sr. Mariela del Carmen León León, O.Carm.
• Sacristan:  Sr. Anyanette Coromoto Navas Ochoa, O.Carm.

Fr. Antonio,

Virtually everyone is familiar with the parable of the merciful father who welcomes back the prodigal son, as it has been told and imitated a thousand times in Christian history. Here, however, we would like to describe an actual historical exemplification of this parable. In the following story, fatherhood is encapsulated in the act of the merciful “regeneration” of a lost soul who converts even as she is responsible for killing the person who prompted her regeneration.

What follows is the powerful story of Father Titus Brandsma (1881-1942), a Dutch Carmelite priest who was deported and killed by the Nazis in the infamous Dachau concentration camp. (Source: Romeral, F. Millan. II coraggio della verita. Il Beato Tito Brandsma. Ancora, 2012.) At 59 years old, Father Brandsma was a professor of philosophy and the history of mysticism at the Catholic University of Nijmegen in the Netherlands, where he also had the title of Rector Magnijicus.

As early as 1936 — in an era when news was not well disseminated or very reliable — he collaborated on a book entitled Dutch Voices on the Treatment of Jews in Germany. He wrote: “What is happening now against the Jews is an act of cowardice. The enemies and adversaries of that people are truly wretched if they believe they must act in such an inhumane way and if they think such action manifests or increases the strength of the German people. This is an illusion of weakness.”

German officials responded by classifying him an “evil professor.” Yet he was aware of his responsibility as a teacher, and he did not back down. In the academic year of 1938-39, he was already teaching on the “disastrous trends” of National Socialism (Nazism). His course dealt with the following fundamental arguments: the value and dignity of each and every human being whether healthy or sick; the equality and inherent goodness of all races; the indestructible and primary value of natural law over ideology; the presence and guidance of God throughout human history against political messianism; and idolatry of power. And all the while, he was aware that there were (Nazi) party spies present in his audience.

In 1941, the question exploded as to whether or not Catholic newspapers in the Netherlands should publish press releases and advertisements of the Dutch National Socialist Movement as required by a new law. Father Titus — who was then spiritual director to Catholic journalists — wasted no time in circulating the following memorandum: “Publishers and editors should know that they will have to formally reject such communications if they wish to preserve the Catholic identity of their newspapers. And they should do so even if such refusal leads to the newspaper being threatened, fined, or suspended temporarily or even permanently. There is nothing else possible to do. With this, we have reached our limit. Otherwise, they shall no longer be considered Catholic ... and they shall not, nor will they be able to rely on Catholic readers and subscribers any longer, and they shall end in disgrace.”

A few months later, Professor Brandsma was arrested and deported to the notorious Dachau concentration camp where he was subjected to every manner of humiliation and torture. And when it finally became necessary to admit him to the field hospital, his fate was sealed. We know what happened due to an exceptional eyewitness: the following account comes from the woman herself who killed him and who later converted because she could not rid herself of the memory of Father Titus.

She was a nurse by profession, but she obeyed the inhumane orders of the medical officers out of fear. She said that when Father Titus “was admitted into the infirmary, he was already on the ‘dead list.”’ She also described how sick experiments were performed on the patients (which she opposed) — including on Father Titus — and how its memory was burned within her. She said that the priest endured the abuse, repeating over and over, “Father, not my will, but may yours be done.” She related how all the patients hated her and routinely insulted her with the most disparaging names. (Such hatred was cordially reciprocated.) However, she was struck by the way the elderly priest treated her, instead, with the gentleness and respect of a father. She said, “He once took my hand and said to me, ‘What a poor girl you are, I will pray for you.’”

The prisoner gave her his own poor rosary made of copper and wood. However, this only irritated her, and she said she had no need of such an object because she did not know how to pray. Father Titus, however, responded: “You need not say the entire Hail Mary. Say only, ‘Pray for us sinners.’”

On that fateful day of July 25, 1942, the ward doctor handed her the syringe filled with carbolic acid to inject into Father Titus’ veins. It was a routine procedure which the nurse had already done hundreds of times. Yet the poor woman later recalled “feeling sick for the rest of the day.” The injection was administered at 1:50 p.m. and Father Titus died at 2:00 p.m. “I was there when he died,” the nurse later testified. “The doctor was sitting next to his bed with a stethoscope for the sake of appearances. When Father Tito’s heart stopped beating, he commented, ‘This pig is dead.’”

Father Titus always spoke well about his captors and torturers: “They, too, are children of the good God, and perhaps something still remains within them.” And God would grant him this final miracle. The camp doctor sarcastically referred to the poisonous syringe as an “injection of grace.” And while the nurse injected it into his veins, it was the intercession of Father Titus that truly instilled the grace of God within her. And during the process of canonization, the poor woman explained that the image of that old priest remained forever impressed in her memory. She saw something in his face that she had never before experienced. She said simply: “He had compassion on me.” Like Christ.

A few days ago, on the 14th of August, the episcopal ordination of Frei Francisco de Sales Alencar Batista, O.Carm. bishop of Cajazeiras (Paraiba, Brazil) was celebrated in Araripinha (Pernambuco, Brazil). The celebration was led by Dom Frei Antônio Muniz Fernándes, O.Carm., Archbishop of Maceió as the principal ordaining prelate, along with Dom Antonio Fernando Saborido (Archbishop of Recife) and Dom José Gonzalez Alonso (retired bishop of Cajazeiras). Eight other bishops took part, including the Carmelites, Dom João Costa (Coadjutor bishop of Aracajú  and Dom Wilmar Santin, (bishop of the prelature of Itaituba). The Prior General, Fernando Millán Romeral, O.Carm. was there also along with the Councillor General for the Americas, Raul Maravi, O.Carm. as well as the Prior Provincial of the province of Pernabuco, Frei Altamiro Tenório da Paz, O.Carm., the province to which Frei Francisco de Sales belongs, the Prior Provincial of the province of Rio de Janeiro, Frei Evaldo Xavier Gomes, O.Carm., and Frei Francisco Manoel de Oliveira who represented the General Commissariat of Paraná, and many other priests and religious from Cajezeiras. There were also many representatives of Carmelite womens’ congregations and several members of the Carmelite Third Order from different parts of the North-east of Brazil.

There was an air of festivity about the well-attended ceremony. The new bishop, at the end of the celebration, spoke about his gratitude to God, to his family, and to the Carmelite Order and he underlined his intention to serve with great hope and generosity the diocese that has been entrusted to him. The Prior General spoke of the three recent appointments of Carmelites bishops as a recognition of the generous service that the Order has given to the local and universal church and he thanked Frei Francisco de Sales for the service he gave to the Order as its Secretary General.

On the 4th of September, Bishop Francisco de Sales will take possession of the diocese of Cajazeiras.

The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Cabanatuan, Philippines, was held 13 August 2016. The following were elected:

• Prioress:  Sr. M. Dorotea Marcelino Santiago, O.Carm.
• 1st Councilor:   Sr. M. Leoncia Santiago Sampana , O.Carm.
• 2nd Councilor:  Sr. M. Teresa Escaño Canillo, O.Carm.
• 3rd Councilor:   Sr. M. Wilma Custodio Galang, O.Carm.
• 4th Couniclor:   Sr. M. Elena Leongzon Santos, O.Carm.
• Director of Novices:  Sr. M. Teresa Escaño Canillo, O.Carm.
• Treasurer:  Sr. M. Wilma Custodio Galang, O.Carm.
• Sacristan:  Sr. M. Raquel Claveria Ylagan, O.Carm.

The Elective Chapter of the Carmelite Monastery of Jaboticabal, Brazil, was held 30 July and 3 August 2016. The following were elected:

• Prioress:  Sr. Maria do Carmo Silveira Moraes, O.Carm.
• 1st Councilor:   Sr. Francisca Marlene Rocha, O.Carm.
• 2nd Councilor:  Sr. Margarete da Silva Tavares, O.Carm.
• Director of Novices:  Sr. Silvana Cristina Gameiro, O.Carm.
• Treasurer:  Sr. Francisca Marlene Rocha, O.Carm.
• Sacristan:  Sr. Margarete da Silva Tavares, O.Carm.

To the Most Reverend Fathers 
Joseph Chalmers,
Prior General of the Order of Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel (O.Carm.)
and
Camilo Maccise,
Superior General of the Order of Discalced Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel (O.C.D.) 

1. The providential event of grace, which the Jubilee Year has been for the Church, prompts her to look with trust and hope to the journey we have just begun in the new millennium. "At the beginning of this new century", I wrote in the Apostolic Letter Novo millennio ineunte, "our steps must quicken.... On this journey we are accompanied by the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom ... I entrusted the third millennium" (n. 58).

I therefore learned with deep joy that the two branches of the Order of Carmel, the ancient and the reformed, intend to express their filial love for their Patroness by dedicating the year 2001 to her, invoked as the Flower of Carmel, Mother and Guide on the way of holiness. In this regard, I cannot fail to stress a happy coincidence:  the celebration of this Marian year for the whole of Carmel is taking place, according to a venerable tradition of the Order itself, on the 750th anniversary of the bestowal of the Scapular. This celebration is therefore a marvellous occasion for the entire Carmelite Family to deepen not only its Marian spirituality, but to live it more and more in the light of the place which the Virgin Mother of God and of mankind holds in the mystery of Christ and the Church, and therefore to follow her who is the "Star of Evangelization" (cf. Novo millennio ineunte, n. 58).

2. In their journey towards the "mountain of God, Christ the Lord" (Roman Missal, Opening Prayer of the Mass in honour of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 16 July), the various generations of Carmel, from the beginning until today, have sought to model their lives on Mary's example.
In Carmel therefore and in every soul moved by tender affection for the Blessed Virgin and Mother, there has thrived a contemplation of her, who from the beginning knew how to open herself to hearing God's Word and to obeying his will (Lk 2: 19, 51). For Mary, taught and formed by the Spirit (cf. Lk 2: 44-50), was able by faith to understand her own history (cf. Lk 1: 46-55) and, docile to the divine promptings, "advanced in her pilgrimage of faith, and faithfully persevered in her union with her Son unto the cross, where she stood, in keeping with the divine plan (cf. Jn 19: 25), enduring with her Only-begotten Son the intensity of his suffering and associating herself with his sacrifice in her mother's heart" (Lumen gentium, n. 58).

3. Contemplation of the Virgin presents her to us as a loving Mother who sees her Son growing up in Nazareth (cf. Lk 2: 40, 52), follows him on the roads of Palestine, helps him at the wedding at Cana (cf. Jn 2: 5) and, at the foot of the Cross, becomes the Mother associated with his offering and given to all people when Jesus himself entrusts her to his beloved disciple (cf. Jn 19: 26). As Mother of the Church, the Blessed Virgin is one with the disciples in "constant prayer" (Acts 1: 14); as the new Woman who anticipates in herself what will one day come to pass for us all in the full enjoyment of Trinitarian life, she is taken up into heaven from where she spreads the protective mantle of her mercy over her children on their pilgrimage to the holy mountain of glory.

Such a contemplative attitude of mind and heart prompts admiration for the Virgin's experience of faith and love; she already lives in herself all that every believer desires and hopes to attain in the mystery of Christ and the Church (cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium, n. 103; Lumen gentium, n. 53).

Therefore, Carmelites have chosen Mary as their Patroness and spiritual Mother and always keep before the eyes of their heart the Most Pure Virgin who guides everyone to the perfect knowledge and imitation of Christ.

Thus an intimacy of spiritual relations has blossomed, leading to an ever increasing communion with Christ and Mary. For the members of the Carmelite Family, Mary, the Virgin Mother of God and mankind, is not only a model to imitate but also the sweet presence of a Mother and Sister in whom to confide. St Teresa of Jesus rightly urged her sisters:  "Imitate Our Lady and consider how great she must be and what a good thing it is that we have her for our Patroness" (Interior Castle, III, 1, 3).

4. This intense Marian life, which is expressed in trusting prayer, enthusiastic praise and diligent imitation, enables us to understand how the most genuine form of devotion to the Blessed Virgin, expressed by the humble sign of the Scapular, is consecration to her Immaculate Heart (cf. Pius XII, Letter Neminem profecto latet [11 February 1950:  AAS 42, 1950, pp. 390-391]; Dogmatic Constitution on the Church Lumen gentium, n. 67). In this way, the heart grows in communion and familiarity with the Blessed Virgin, "as a new way of living for God and of continuing here on earth the love of Jesus the Son for his Mother Mary" (cf. Angelus Address, in Insegnamenti XI/3, 1988, p. 173). Thus, as the blessed Carmelite martyr Titus Brandsma expressed it, we are put in profound harmony with Mary the Theotokos and become, like her, transmitters of divine life:  "The Lord also sends his angel to us ... we too must accept God in our hearts, carry him in our hearts, nourish him and make him grow in us so that he is born of us and lives with us as the God-with-us, Emmanuel" (From the report of Bl. Titus Brandsma to the Mariological Congress of Tongerloo, August 1936).

Over time this rich Marian heritage of Carmel has become, through the spread of the Holy Scapular devotion, a treasure for the whole Church. By its simplicity, its anthropological value and its relationship to Mary's role in regard to the Church and humanity, this devotion was so deeply and widely accepted by the People of God that it came to be expressed in the memorial of 16 July on the liturgical calendar of the universal Church.

5. The sign of the Scapular points to an effective synthesis of Marian spirituality, which nourishes the devotion of believers and makes them sensitive to the Virgin Mother's loving presence in their lives. The Scapular is essentially a "habit". Those who receive it are associated more or less closely with the Order of Carmel and dedicate themselves to the service of Our Lady for the good of the whole Church (cf. "Formula of Enrolment in the Scapular", in the Rite of Blessing of and Enrolment in the Scapular, approved by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, 5 January 1996). Those who wear the Scapular are thus brought into the land of Carmel, so that they may "eat its fruits and its good things" (cf. Jer 2: 7), and experience the loving and motherly presence of Mary in their daily commitment to be clothed in Jesus Christ and to manifest him in their life for the good of the Church and the whole of humanity (cf. "Formula of Enrolment in the Scapular", cit.).

Therefore two truths are evoked by the sign of the Scapular:  on the one hand, the constant protection of the Blessed Virgin, not only on life's journey, but also at the moment of passing into the fullness of eternal glory; on the other, the awareness that devotion to her cannot be limited to prayers and tributes in her honour on certain occasions, but must become a "habit", that is, a permanent orientation of one's own Christian conduct, woven of prayer and interior life, through frequent reception of the sacraments and the concrete practice of the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. In this way the Scapular becomes a sign of the "covenant" and reciprocal communion between Mary and the faithful:  indeed, it concretely translates the gift of his Mother, which Jesus gave on the Cross to John and, through him, to all of us, and the entrustment of the beloved Apostle and of us to her, who became our spiritual Mother.

6. A splendid example of this Marian spirituality, which inwardly moulds individuals and conforms them to Christ, the firstborn of many brethren, is the witness to holiness and wisdom given by so many Carmelite saints, all of whom grew up in the shadow and under the protection of their Mother.

I too have worn the Scapular of Carmel over my heart for a long time! Out of my love for our common heavenly Mother, whose protection I constantly experience, I hope that this Marian year will help all the men and women religious of Carmel and the devout faithful who venerate her with filial affection to grow in her love and to radiate to the world the presence of this Woman of silence and prayer, invoked as Mother of Mercy, Mother of Hope and Grace.

With these wishes, I gladly impart my Apostolic Blessing to all the friars, nuns, sisters and lay people of the Carmelite Family, who work so hard to spread among the people of God true devotion to Mary, Star of the Sea and Flower of Carmel!

From the Vatican, 25 March 2001.

Joannes Paulus II

To the Most Reverend Father

JOSEPH CHALMERS

Prior General of the Order of the Brothers
of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel

1. It is with great joy that I learnt that the ancient Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel is celebrating its General Chapter and is animated by the desire to continue to serve Christ and the Church in complete fidelity to its charism and to the directives of the pontifical Magisterium.

This intention takes on a particular eloquence at the beginning of this third millennium on which the Church is embarking trusting to the future with her eyes fixed on Christ – the ‘Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the beginning and the end’ (Rev. 22:13). She makes every effort to complete the mission that He himself gave to her.

I cannot help but notice how the General Chapter also falls in the year of the 750th anniversary of the giving of the scapular. To mark this particular jubilee last 25th March I sent a special message to the whole Carmelite Family. This year also sees the 7th centenary of the birth of the great Carmelite bishop, Saint Andrew Corsini, who is rightly remembered as an example for all pastors and a model of consecrated life for all religious women and men.

While I am spiritually with you in your capitular assembly, I call the Spirit of the Lord down on your works and I greet you, Most Reverend Father, and thank you for the service you have rendered to the Carmelite Order and to the Church in this last 6-year period. I also greet the participants in the General Chapter who come from a variety of nations, and through them I extend my affectionate greetings to the whole Carmelite Order.

2. The theme of the Chapter is The Journey Continues. This reference to human experience is typical of Carmelite spirituality. Ever since the first hermits settled on Mount Carmel as pilgrims in the land of the Lord Jesus, life has been represented as an ascent to the holy mountain who is Jesus Christ our Lord (cf. Roman Missal, Collect for the Mass in honour of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 16th July). Two biblical figures who are dear to the Carmelite tradition give direction to this interior pilgrimage: the prophet Elijah and the Virgin Mary.

The prophet Elijah burnt with zeal for the Lord (cf. 1 Kings 19:10) and made his way to Mount Horeb, and even though he was tired, he continued to walk on until he reached his goal. Only at the end of his somewhat difficult journey did he meet the Lord in the murmuring of a gentle breeze (cf. 1 Kings 19:1-18). Looking to him as an example, the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel understand more profoundly that only the one who has trained himself to listen to God and to interpret the signs of the times can meet God and recognise Him in the events of daily life. God speaks in many ways, even in ways which can seem insignificant.

The other icon is that of the Virgin Mary whom you venerate under the titles of Sister and Beauty of Carmel. Mary set off on a journey to visit an ageing relative, Saint Elisabeth. As soon as she received the message on the part of the angel (cf. Luke 1:26-38) she left in all generosity, almost running along the mountain paths (cf. Canticle 2:8; Is 52:7), having learnt that Elisabeth needed help. When she meets her cousin a song of joy is released by her spirit: the Magnificat (cf. Luke 1:39-56). This is a song of praise to the Lord and a witness to her humble availability to serve her brothers and sisters. In the mystery of the Visitation each Christian finds his model of vocation. Let this be true for you in a special way, as you are gathered together in General assembly to give a new ascetical and missionary impetus to the Order. With a heart full of praise for the Lord as you silently contemplate his mystery, move forward joyfully on the paths of charity and open yourselves to welcoming all in a fraternal way as credible witnesses to the merciful love of the Word of God made man to save the world.

3. ‘The Journey continues’ Yes, my brothers indeed it does in the world today. You are called to re-read your rich spiritual inheritance in the light of today’s challenges so that ‘the joys, the hopes, the sadnesses and the anguish of humanity today, of the poor and above all of those who suffer’ are ‘the joys and the hopes, the sadnesses and the anguish of Christ’s disciples,’ (Gaudium et spes, n. 1) and in a special way of every Carmelite.

In the year when you are commemorating the 750th anniversary of the gift of the scapular how is it possible for you not to make your commitment more vigorous and more decisive and to allow yourselves to be clothed in Christ? (cf. Rom 13:14) Ask Mary, who is so concerned for and gentle to the child Jesus (cf Luke 2:7b) to clothe each one of you in the wisdom and love of her divine Son. You are well aware of the mission God has given to your order, so offer the world the witness of your fidelity so that Christ may be known by all and received as the only Saviour of humanity, yesterday, today and always. (cf Heb 18:8)

To this end I invoke an abundance of divine grace on you. Just like a second Pentecost, may the Holy Spirit descend on you and illuminate you so that you may discover the will of your heavenly and merciful father. In this way you will be able to speak to men and women in forms which are familiar to them and efficient. (cf Acts 2:1-13)

With these thoughts then, I impart a heartfelt Apostolic Blessing on you, on the Chapter brothers, on the entire Carmelite family, imploring for each one of you the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, together with the intercession of Elijah and all the numerous holy men and women of the Order.

Castel Gandolfo, 8 September 2001
Johannes Paulus II

Carmel - The Journey Continues

"In holiness and justice before God all the days of our life"

(Luke 1,75)

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Carmelite Family.

The grace of the Holy Spirit be with you all. We greet our brothers and sisters in Carmel throughout the world and we would like to share with you some of the fruits of the grace-filled days of the Chapter of the First Order.

The General Chapter of 2001 took place at Sassone in Italy from the 4^th to the 21^st September. as its theme, "Carmel: The Journey Continues." We stood at a an important point in history and looked briefly backwards at the journey which Carmel had taken. We observed the continued vitality of the Rule to inspire, to challenge and to bring forth new forms of life. We sought through a Lectio divina method to grasp what God might be saying to us and to find help in following his way. We considered the point at which where we have arrived, and found many reasons for thanksgiving and joy. We also thought of the journey ahead. Planning for such a journey is difficult, because we do not know in what ways the Holy Spirit will continue to surprise us. We are also an Order that is ancient and in some places very young. It is an Order rich in pluriformity and new forms of life; General Chapter did not, therefore make very specific recommendations for different places and for the years ahead; the main implementation of the Chapter will be at more local levels. Our hope is for continued growth and the favour of the Lord. Our journey continues.

New Life

The General Chapter sees as one of its major task to evaluate, to encourage and to build up the Order. We observed with great joy the expansion of the Order in new countries. Since the last General Chapter in 1995 there are new signs of life in different countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and Oceania. We were very impressed by the generosity and vision of the older provinces of Europe, the Americas and Australia which, often with diminished manpower, have planted Carmel anew in other places. We look forward to ever deeper riches coming to the Order from these new foundations specially in the "Third World".

We heard of new forms of community life, often arising from renewed pondering of the Rule and the post-Vatican II documents of the Order. From these we saw new expressions of Carmelites "living in the midst of the people" but always as a contemplative fraternity (see CON 15). We were inspired by new forms of parish life, by the rediscovery of the values of the common life together with the laity, by genuine options for the poor, and by solidarity with those whose lives were broken. With these new forms of community life, we also found new outreaches to various places of need in the Church and world. Whether we looked at new communities or at established ones, we were constantly reminded of the need for initial and for an on-going formation which is life-long. We were also challenged by weakness in community life and the need for renewal of community (see Relatio of Father General). In recent years we have produced life-giving documents but we have to receive them more profoundly by reflecting on them in our own prayer and along with our brothers and sisters.

The Call to Peace

We were shocked and profoundly saddened by the terrorist atrocities in the United States of America on 11 September 2001. How can we respond to this depth of disregard for human lives? We look to our faith and to our spiritual resources which hold up to us the sacredness of human life and the primacy of God whose name and image must not be used to serve anything other than God’s own will. This tragedy, which also reflected the violence of our world, invited us to turn again to what our Constitutions say to us about Justice and Peace (see CON ch. 9). We must respect the sacredness of all human life and seek to plant seeds of a new humanity.

Encouragement

As we pondered the Rule and our documents, we heard again the voice of St. Paul speaking across the ages to us. We see his care for the Churches, his fidelity to the Risen Lord and his matchless discernment of the Spirit at work. We saw him constantly building up and encouraging the young communities as well as challenging those Hebrews who had long been servants of Yahweh. We offer the Order a short reflection based on the conclusion of Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians, a letter which we find quoted in the Rule itself.

Ours too is an exhortation to hope. Paul is writing to a community of Christians who were in situations not unlike many found today in the Order. They are living in a hostile environment; they are somewhat confused; they remained, however, constant in their faith, hope and love. Paul concludes with a powerful exhortation, which we can pray over for the various situations of the Order (I Thess 5: 12-24).

A Reflection an First Thessalonians 5:12-24

"We appeal to you brothers and sisters to respect those who labour among you and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you."

Our lawgiver St Albert begins our Rule by demanding that the hermits have a prior (B) to whom they are to promise obedience. The prior is a principle of stability for the community. After showing his role for the hermits, Albert again returns to him at the end of his Formula of Life, demanding obedience and that the brothers see the person and authority of Christ in the prior. Our world is marked by excessive individualism and frequently by moral and spiritual anarchy. Authority as service and obedience are certainly counter-.cultural values. In Carmel we are challenged to see that in community we have genuine Christian freedom (see Gal 5:1.13), a freedom that is not a selfish autonomy but a genuine perfection of our humanity. In the years ahead we need to look again at the values of Christian authority which we have vowed ourselves to follow. We seek to find ways of exercising authority which will avoid all authoritarianism or fear, and will be directed to love and to concern for the physical, psychological and spiritual needs of the brothers and sisters.

"Be at peace among yourselves"

Our Rule several times encourages us to live according to ways that reflect a consensus in the community. Where there may well have been some discord and confusion on Mount Carmel, the hermit brothers went to Albert who showed them a way of peace in living with minimal but powerful structures along with a prior.

"Admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all."

Though there are many signs of life, we find in some places some discouragement and genuine difficulties in living community. The community of brothers is also a community of sinners. Our Rule envisages constant encouragement and also fraternal correction. This is also a counter-cultural value, as modern man likes to live in an isolated and proud autonomy. The truth, however, is that we all need both correction as well as encouragement. These two are for us daily in the Word of God, but there is also a time when words of encouragement and correction need to be spoken to us by a brother. Whereas in the past there was a great emphasis on our structures, now our common call to discipleship and more human values and along with communion must also come to the fore, along with genuine hospitality and welcome. Such fraternal help is an important way in which we seek to do good to one another and to all.

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of Christ Jesus for you."

As Carmel continues it journey these exhortation of Paul have a particular urgency. In one way it should be easy to continue rejoicing and giving thanks, for we are surrounded by so many blessings. Carmel can never cease from prayer: we are a contemplative community centred on the Word and on the Eucharist (Rule 10 and 14). The serious situations of our contemporary world not only call out for conversion, prayer and intercession, but our very response has to be conditioned by prayer and mediated through it. Our prophetic spirit demands that we be watchmen for the house of Israel (see Ezech 3:17; Is 21:8.11). But it is only through the Spirit that we will be able to hear and express the prophetic word (see 2 Pet 1:20-21). We, like those who have gone before us, must remain praying prophetic communities in the midst of the people.

"Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the word of prophets."

The wind or the spirit breaths where it wills (see John 3:8); the Holy Spirit gives gifts to each one in the Church (see 1 Cor 12:7 and Vatican II, Church LG 12). Each of us needs to recognise and accept thankfully the charisms we have received and to use them for the good of all. At the same time, we have always to be on the alert to the charisms of each of our brothers and sisters, so that we may encourage them in their use for the up building of the community (see 1 Cor 14:5; Vatican 11, Laity AA 3; Priests PO 9). The word of the prophet is frequently an uncomfortable one. We need at times to look behind the personality of the prophet to grasp the message of God given in all too human forms.

"Test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil."

The very abundance of the gifts of the Spirit makes discernment a crucial task. Discernment is a sensitive charism and art for it is easy to quench the Spirit. There are always false prophets, or those who seriously distorted or dehumanise a genuine message. Our world is marked by great evil, some of it cruelly obvious, but much is hidden and subtle. Our ability to abstain from evil will itself involves discernment, prophetic insight and constant prayer.

"May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus. The one who calls you is faithful."

In this great time of grace we are being called by our God who is faithful and the God of peace. We are constantly awaiting the coming of the Lord Jesus, not in an anxious spirit, but with hope that Jesus to whom we owe allegiance (Rule, 2) is both present and coming.

Towards the Future

"The journey continues." Therefore we look the future. The chapter echoes the address given to it by our Prior General when he said:

"I am very hopeful about the future. There are no major divisions within the Order and we have managed to enunciate clearly in our official documents what is our charism...There are obvious challenges which we face in the future...I believe that the biggest challenge for us is to respond faithfully to the vocation to which we have been called... We can be Carmelites in and through all sorts of apostolic commitments. There is no dichotomy between the service to which we are called and the contemplation to which we are equally called. A serious challenge for us is to integrate these two essential elements of our charism along with our commitment to fraternity in a healthy and balance lifestyle."

These ideas have been reflected in various proposals made by the Chapter which are addressed not just to the Order as a whole, but will require serious consideration at provincial and community levels.

Conclusion

The General Chapter delights in God’s work in our midst by so many of our brothers and sisters. It sees this Marian year as a time to look again to Mary, our Mother, Patron and Sister. The Holy Father in his message to the Chapter placed before us the inspiration of Elijah and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Referring to our journey to the holy mountain which is Jesus Christ our Lord, he wrote:

The prophet Elijah burned with zeal for the Lord (see 1 Kgs 19:10) and made his way to Mount Horeb, and even thought he was tired, he continued to walk until he had reached his goal...Looking to him as an example the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel understand more profoundly that only one who has trained himself to listen to God and to interpret the signs of the times can meet God and recognise Him in the events of daily life. God speaks in many ways, even in ways which can seem insignificant.

The Holy Father invited us to contemplate the scene of the Visitation (Luke 1:39-56), in which each Christian finds a model of vocation. He wrote to us:

"Let this be true for you in a special way, as you are gathered together in general assembly to give a new ascetical and missionary impetus to the Order. With a heart full of praise for the Lord as you silently contemplate his mystery, move forward joyfully on the paths of charity and open yourselves to welcoming all in a fraternal way as credible witnesses to the merciful love of the Word of God made man to save the world."

We find the same inspiration for our continued journey in our Constitutions where we read:

"All that we desire and all that we wish to be today was fulfilled in the lives of the Prophet Elijah and of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In their own way, both had "the same spirit...the same formation, and the same teacher - the Holy Spirit." By looking to Mary and Elijah, we can more easily understand and internalise, live out and proclaim the truth which makes us free." (CON 25)

We hope that this message will help all of us in the Carmelite Family to live in obedience to Jesus Christ (in obsequio Iesu Christi - Rule 1). And we commend all to the care of the Mother and Beauty of Carmel, our Patron and Sister.

The Participants at the General Chapter

21 September 2001

Sassone (Rome)

In preparation for the official opening of the World Youth Day with Pope Francis in Krakow, Poland, young people from our Carmelite communities around the world gathered in the beautiful garden of our Carmelite community in the centre of the city on the 27th July. In all, around 350 took part in this special Carmelite gathering of young people, hosted by the Prior Provincial, Fr. Bogdan Meger, the Prior of Krakow, Fr. Zbigniew Czerwien, the main organizer Fr. Marcin Siemek, members of the Krakow community and a wonderful team of young people. Among those present were Carmelite young people from Malta, Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Romania, Spain, Portugal, USA, El Salvador, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Venezuela and the largest group present were from the Italian Province with fifty-five young people. Most of the groups were led by Carmelite friars who were accompanying them to the World Youth Day.

As part of the day’s programme, the Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral presented his letter entitled “Young Carmelites: sowers of mercy” for reflection and discussion. He also presided at the Eucharist in our Basilica with a liturgical celebration of two Carmelite martyrs, Blessed Titus Brandma and Blessed Hilary Januszewski. Short presentations were also given by Fr. John Keating, Councillor General for Europe and by the Polish Provincial. The day afforded the young people an opportunity to meet and to get to know each other and to build up Carmelite contacts. Each provincial group presented the youth ministry of their respective provinces and ended this by entertaining all those present with song and dance. Gratitude must be extended to the Provincial and members of the Polish Province for the work they put into the organization and hospitality of the Carmelite Youth Day 2016. Until Panama in 2019, thanks to everyone who helped plan the event and especially to all our young Carmelites from around the world