In Nantes in western France, a meeting of Carmelites from around the world took place from August 29 to September 10. Our general delegate Fr. Josef Jančář, O.Carm. was invited from the Czech Republic. However, because he fell ill a few days before departure, he sent me as his representative.
The program of the meeting was divided into two parts: During the week from August 29 to September 4, the central theme was "The Family of Carmel". Representatives of the contemplative 2nd order from Spain and Italy, representatives of secular institutes, 3rd orders, and all those who are connected to the Carmelite family, for example through the scapular, were also present.
About 100 delegates from all communities were accommodated in the diocesan pastoral center in Nantes. After morning prayer at 7:30, breakfast followed, and then the morning program. After lunch at 12:30 and a short break, the program continued and culminated in the Holy Mass at 18:00. Dinner was at 19:30, followed by an opportunity for personal conversations and personal prayer.
After the introductory greeting from Fr. John Mally, the General Prior of the Carmelite Order, there followed presentations from various countries and communities. Perfect simultaneous translation was provided during the lectures. The working languages were English, Spanish, and Italian. I, with my "own" German, had to rely on the help of German-speaking brothers. The meetings in small groups of about 10 participants were particularly interesting. The results of these meetings were accessible to others. We considered the charism of Carmel, trying to formulate the essence of Carmel and the means leading to the goal based on different starting points and different cultural heritages.
The conclusion of the first week was a reception at the mayor's office in Nantes on Saturday evening, which was combined with a reception, and a Sunday festive service in the newly built church "Notre Dame de Lumiére" (Our Lady of Light), which was built along with the Carmelite convent by the city of Nantes on its territory in the Beuveil district.
Along with the foundation of fraternity, which we experienced in the first week despite differences in education, culture, race, etc., the Sunday morning service with the participation of two bishops and several other church representatives was a real highlight.
For me, with my totalitarian experience, it was incomprehensible that the city representatives, mostly non-believers and politically socialist, wanted to have Carmelites here and even built them a church with a monastery for more than 10 million francs. The French truly have their level and their culture, and within it, they have a firmly anchored interest in all things spiritual; we can say that they favor spirituality as such. And so, the Carmelites were able to come to Nantes without any difficulties: believers and non-believers alike are glad to have Carmelites in the city and contact them with great interest.
The bishop, when welcoming the Carmelites, also said that he does not ask them for help in spiritual administration and classic parish pastoral care but that they will be teachers of spirituality. The church "Notre Dame de Lumiére" is also not a parish church, but only a conventual church. The entire complex of the church and the monastery was built in two years – from December 26, 1991, to April 1994.
In Nantes, there are 5 brothers. They came from various provinces. They already have the foundation of a library that contains approximately 10,000 volumes and are diligently dedicated to their mission.
The second week of the World Meeting of Carmel began with a pilgrimage to the significant pilgrimage church dedicated to St. Anne in Auvay. On the return trip, we visited the convent of Carmelite nuns of Teresa's reform in Vannes.
Meanwhile, some of the brothers and lay sisters left, and by Tuesday morning only the provincials of the individual provinces, some with their advisors, and members of the General Curia from Rome were present. Organizational variants of leading the order were discussed together and in individual groups and materials were prepared for the General Chapter in 1995. Some proposed changes to the constitutions were also discussed.
Although the conclusion of the meeting was not until Friday evening, I had to apologize and leave already on Friday before lunch so that I could participate in the Sunday service in my parish. I had nearly 1700 km ahead of me.
Fr. Jan Fatka O.Carm.
