In the last two days, the members of the General Chapter have been discussing various proposals and recommendations and voting on them. These proposals concerned changes in the constitutions, matters of formation, liturgy, mutual economic support, etc.
Two significant changes in the constitutions were approved: instead of a council of provinces, a general assembly will take place three years after the General Chapter. Instead of convening councils of provinces, it is recommended to organize local meetings at various levels.
The Chapter also decided to create a commission that will deal with the revision of the order's constitutions from 1995 in light of new documents from the magisterium and considering the changing reality in which we live.
There was a discussion about the need for solid preparation of formators and individuals in formation. The need for ongoing formation of the brothers was emphasized, and there was also a focus on vocation pastoral care.
Recent measures from the Holy See regarding the protection of minors were discussed, along with the necessity to ensure this protection through necessary steps in all our works.
In discussions about the quality of our communities, the need to live the Carmelite charism authentically and faithfully was emphasized multiple times.
On the final day, all present approved the concluding message of the chapter.
In his closing speech, the General Superior, Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, thanked everyone who contributed to the preparation and the course of the chapter. He encouraged the chapter fathers to return home with hope. He repeated three words to them that Pope Francis told him and Vicar General Fr. Christian Körner during the general audience: “Carmelites are to be people of prayer, sacrifice, and those who avoid worldliness.”
Among other things, Fr. Fernando also called for more intensive study of the official languages of the order and spoke about the necessity of creating good translations for those who do not know the official languages, so that all members of the order can be informed about what is happening in the order and can communicate better with one another.
After Fr. Fernando's speech, the members of the chapter gathered in white cloaks for the final ceremony of reading and signing the acts of the chapter. They then sang Te Deum and proceeded in procession to the chapel singing Flos Carmeli, where they celebrated the Mass in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Official page of the chapter: Here...
Program of the General Chapter (PDF): Here...
General Chapter in photographs: http://www.facebook.com/ocarm.org
