With a nod to the statistics that appear to indicate the Order is growing most rapidly in the southern hemisphere, the 2005 General Congregation discussed how the Order might prepare for these changes. The General Council, having reviewed the statistics during its meetings, asked the question of how the Carmelites will serve the church and the world in this era of change.

Patrick McMahon, praeses of the Institutum Carmelitanum in Rome, was also present for a portion of the meeting. He encouraged the provinces, commissariats, and delegations to take seriously their responsibility for the culture of the Order. During breaks, a power point presentation developed by the Institutum Carmelitanum focused everyone’s attention on the rich heritage that Carmel has and the need for the present generation to contribute for the benefit of this and future generations.

Mark Attard, the General Delegate for Culture, spoke about the on-going project to collect information on advanced degrees held by members of the Order. He also reviewed the progress made by the Association of Carmelite Librarians during recent meetings and their plans for the future.

Renowned Peruvian theologian, Gustavo Gutiérrez gave the retreat to the members of the Congregation insisting that our eyes be constantly fixed on the goal of Christ and not the means. Using examples from the Scriptures, Gutiérrez made the connection between memory of the past that must be brought forward to the current day.

He encouraged the members to guard against making anything absolute.

"Liberation theology is relative. The Order of Carmel is relative," said Gutiérrez, one of the leaders in the Liberation Theology movement. "What is important is Christ."

Gutiérrez suggested that the Order might wish to follow the example of the Old Testament Prophet Jeremiah who followed the will of God to buy a piece of land in Anathoth. This he said would be our declaration of where we stand.

The 2001 General Chapter mandated a commission to study "the structure of the central government" and legislated that "this Commission will make its concrete proposals at the next General Congregation in 2005." The report, as well as a written report from the General Council, provoked some discussion and showed that there is little consensus on some of the key issues, such as the composition of the General Council and the role of the Vice General.

It became clear that more work needs to be done in order to bring concrete proposals to the 2007 General Chapter. By a vote of 32 in favor and 4 abstentions, the members approved the creation of a new Government Commission which would use the services of an outside consulting firm which specializes in religious organizations. (See related article, this page)

Taking advange of the presence of representatives from each Province and Commissariat, the members of the General Council held a series of "regional meetings." These gatherings often provide valuable discussions among the members of a particular region.

The meeting of Northern and Central European Region with the Mediterranean Region, both of whom already meet separately each year, was a follow-up to their meeting in Fatima two years ago. They agreed to meet together in September 2006 for a more extended period on the theme of "How to Manage the Changes in Europe".

The General Council proposed that the celebration of the 800th anniversary of the Rule be used as an occasion to bring together representatives of the entire Carmelite Family—cloistered nuns, Superiors General of affiliated congregations, and Lay Carmelites. The Order could take advantage of their presence to discuss with them some of the implications of our spirituality for the entire Carmelite family as well as other common issues. This celebration would occur sometime around September 17, the feast of St. Albert of Jerusalem.

It was proposed that the Lay Carmelite Congress, which will take place in 2006, suggest some system of representation from among the many Lay Carmelite groups around the world. Overall some 50-55 people would be invited.

The proposal passed 34 in favor and 2 abstentions.

The traditional visit of the Prepositum General of the Discalced Carmelites to the General Chapter, together with some of his Council, will coincide with the celebration of the Rule.

In his closing address to the Congregation, the Prior General pointed out that the General Council had spent many sessions planning this meeting and reminded the participants that the purpose was to look forward.

"I hoped we would listen to the Holy Spirit and to any ways the Holy Spirit might want to lead us."

Picking up on the image of the prophet Jeremiah buying a piece of land which Gustavo Gutiérrez used during the retreat, Fr. Joseph asked, "Are we willing to take that kind of risk?"

He recalled Gutiérrez’s observation that from trial comes hope using the presentation of the Pernambuco Province’s vocation project as one example. He reminded the group that the Province was ready to shut down but has begun to flourish anew.

He said there is a movement towards beginning to see as God sees and to love as God loves. "We want to live this possibility with enthusiasm."

He asked for God’s blessing on the whole Order and for Mary to continue to be with us in our work and lives together. "May they accompany us on the journey."

While the participants met in small groups, the members of the General Council also met together. Besides dealing with routine business that had arrived since their May meeting, the Council took the opportunity to meet with various provincials and delegates to discuss particular situations in their Provinces.

The meeting took place at Centro Santa Fe, a retreat center and educational center located on the outskirts of São Paolo.

One reason for holding the 2005 General Congregation in Brazil was to celebrate the refoundation of the Rio de Janerio Province by the Dutch Province in 1904. To close the anniversary year, the members of the General Congregation traveled to the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in São Paulo to join with other members of the Carmelite Family from Brazil.

The basilica was filled with the various groups of the Carmelite Family from around Brazil. They were treated to songs, presentations, introductions, and more songs. The organizers took the opportunity to show a multi-media presentation of the history of the Carmelites in Latin America. A Eucharist, led by the Prior General, Bishops Paulo Cardoso and Vitalis Wilderink, the three Brazilian Provincials and Provincial Commissary and the Provincial of the Dutch Province, became a festive celebration of the whole Family.

Following the Mass, the members of the General Congregation were hosted for dinner in the monastery refectory.

1) The viaduct in Rio de Janeiro where some of the São Martinho children sleep.

2) Some of the 45 residents of the São Martinho Family home located in the Carmelite parish in the Vincente de Carvalho area of Rio de Janeiro. (CITOC photo)