CARMELITES GATHER IN ST. LOUIS

Sisters Marjorie, Michaelene, Marita and Carolyn were privileged to attend an historic gathering of 160 Carmelite nuns from monasteries throughout the U.S. and Canada. The presence of Fr. Saverio Cannistrà, superior general of Discalced Carmelites, along with friars from Rome and the U.S. added to the profound feeling of “family” which pervaded the three-day meeting.

The focus of the meeting was Pope Francis’ recent Apostolic Constitution addressed to contemplative women. Fr. Saverio and two other friars delivered excellent presentations on essential aspects of the contemplative life in light of the vision of our foundress, St. Teresa of Jesus.

Evident was the rich diversity and vitality of today’s lived expression of the Carmelite charism. Periods of formal and informal sharing, as well as the beautiful liturgies of the Easter season, witnessed to the unity and warm sisterly/brotherly bonds within the Carmelite family.

None of this could have happened without the extraordinary planning and organization that made for a flawless gathering from start to finish.