Spain: First World Meeting of Secular Carmelites in Avila

English Secular Carmelites during the gathering

Nearly a thousand people gathered in Avila, the birthplace of Saint Teresa of Jesus, from 80 countries and participated in the first World Meeting of the Secular Order of the Discalced Carmelites. Though readers should note that it was felt that 'encuentro' or encounter was a better word than meeting or conference, because this really was a tangible experience of the Teresian family being together and learning from each other. It included not only Seculars but also our Nuns and Friars, who together form the Discalced Carmelite Order.

The theme of the gathering was: 'Witnesses of the experience of God: identity and mission'. These words influenced the rich variety of topics being discussed which included: identity, belonging, co-responsibility, formation, ministry, the Teresian community, prayer, fraternity, creative fidelity and mission.

It was helpful for everyone to be reminded of the lay origins of our Order as hermits on Mount Carmel. We also considered the enduring gifts of Carmelite spirituality, our current strengths and the key challenges for the future. Most of those talks were led by Secular Carmelites from Italy, USA, Ecuador, Madagascar and the Philippines.

Each day the gathering celebrated Mass together in different languages and ended the day with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

The final day was an opportunity to develop our appreciation of the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Discalced Carmel. Groups of OCDS visited Alba de Tormes, Salamanca and Duruelo, Medina del Campo, Fontiveros, Segovia and Avila. All of these provided an opportunity to encounter Saint Teresa of Jesus, the origins of the Discalced Carmel and also acknowledge Saint John of the Cross because we are currently celebrating the third centenary of his Canonization and the first centenary of his declaration as a Doctor of the Church.

Prior to the meeting there had been an international census of all Secular Carmelites. It was fascinating to learn what had been discovered, all of which has now been published on DigiCarmel, the link can be found below. There are currently 32,038 Secular Carmelites (OCDS) distributed across 92 countries on five continents. Asia has the most OCDS members (9,684) with the United States next in line numbering 6,000 members.

One of the many highlights was a wonderful cultural interaction with different nationalities, which included the Philippines, Poland, Brazil and Mexico. It was a delight to see our Father General, Father Miguel, dancing and doing it with great style.

The gathering concluded with Mass in Avila Cathedral. This was a special moment for us to be together and be united with the Church and to almost hear Our Holy Mother, Teresa of Jesus, whispering the words, 'in the end, I am a daughter of the Church'. We all departed with a strong sense of the strengthened communion amongst our OCDS communities around the world and we continue to give thanks for those very happy and blessed days.

For further information please see:

UK Secular Carmelites: www.secularcarmel.org.uk/

Mount Carmel Magazine: https://mountcarmelmagazine.com/

Discalced Carmelites: www.carmelitaniscalzi.com/en/

DigiCarmel: https://digicarmel.com/

OCDS Encuentro Mundial: https://ocdsavila2026.com/