Lay Carmelites of all ages from 24 countries, ranging from Timor Leste to Trinidad; Brazil to Britain; Portugal to Puerto Rico journeyed to Instituto Il Carmelo in early September.

They went to this Carmelite spiritual centre in Sassone, situated just outside Rome and set in a lush landscape of vineyards, pine, rosemary and oleander. For seven days their home was a well-appointed edifice of marble, stone, statuary, sculpture, paintings and glass, all made more comfortable by housekeeping services of which Italy is proud.

In this setting, free of distractions from the secular world they sought to achieve the objectives of the Congress. The relevant theme for these times was Formation and Communication at the Service of Community.

The stated intentions were also for this international body of lay Carmelites to rekindle relationships, get to know each other, share our hopes and dreams as well as our plans for the future.

That it was the meeting of the Carmelite Family was everywhere in evidence. We were privileged to have Prior General Joseph Chalmers, O Carm in attendance together with the Carmelite hierarchy of friars, enthusiastic seminarians, nuns, sisters, members of the Third Order, and Carmelite lay movements, and a representation of the domestic Church - an Italian couple and their children.

The Congress viewed Formation as a gradual journey to transformation along the path of Carmelite spirituality in order to be fully conformed to Christ. Secondly, Communication among ourselves and with others was expected as a response to our calling as children of God who has revealed Himself to us so that we may know Him.

The theme was deconstructed through meticulously chosen topics and delivered by erudite presenters followed immediately by small group workshops. Carmelite spirituality was reviewed through “The Values and Fundamentals of living the Carmelite Way”.

The heights of contemplation were approached through the masterly teaching of St John of the Cross, and in another offering there were suggestions for translating the call to contemplation into the everyday life of lay people.

The topics of formation were also dealt with comprehensively with the sharing of various experiences of eight participants from countries as culturally different as the United States, Kenya and Indonesia.

There was explication of the important area of communication among Lay Carmelites and what can be done in the future; the different possible contexts for communication also being outlined.

The presentation at the final plenary session looked at “Mary and Elijah” – two lives transformed by God’s spirit and the eloquence with which they are able to speak to one and all, at all times and in all places. These two inspiring lives have become increasingly relevant for us, their spiritual children in today’s world.

We were resolved to improve our formation practices as in the group sessions there was a plethora of suggestions and experiences which when distilled can help us to find a new impulse in order to move ahead together along the same path and with the same purpose.

We were also resolved to communicate more and better among ourselves, so that our sense of family will increase and enable us to enjoy full communion; and with others so that we can all appreciate the good news that God looks after each one, that He wants us to be fully alive and happy; that He wants us to be sisters and brothers without distinction of language, race, religion or culture.

Some proposals were also outlined:

• To continue the efforts to organise the Carmelite family at an international level through the work of the General Commission.
• Develop the International Secretariat so that it promotes increased communication among all parts of the Carmelite family, in the most suitable ways open to the new possibilities offered by technology, so that the Secretariat can continue its work. Funds must be identified to pay for its work.
• Improve our formation along agreed lines. To this end we would encourage the publication of a guide for formation which indicates the essential framework for the process and which could be adapted and fleshed out in each region or province according to various cultural contexts the needs of both the Church and society.

The Congress was a truly spiritual occasion and the planning and preparation of all activities ensured that there would be unforgettable moments for the delegates. The four languages spoken by the largest attending groups: English, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish were used at every conference presentation or liturgy.

At the latter there was always the official language of the Church with the Pater Noster said every time. Anthems to the Blessed Virgin - Flos Carmeli, Salve Regina, Ave, Regina caelorum were sung in Latin. The liturgy was also further enriched with Spanish, Portuguese, and English offerings. The musical accompaniment of organ, flute and guitar always elevated our spirits.

The Rosary on one afternoon was prayed in the various languages, dialects and vernaculars of the participants with Sancta Maria, mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc et in hora mortis nostrae Amen completing the prayer after the first part.

This was a practical demonstration of globalisation which the Church facilitated two thousand years ago at Jesus’ command. Lectio Divina, as an inspiring prototype skillfully delivered, left us with the Word through the text Matthew 11: 25-30in our hearts and in our mouths.

Lay Carmelites, on the auspicious occasion of their Congress, were also privileged to be invited to a General Papal Audience, where we were ushered up close to the dais where the Pontiff officiated.

 The sheer magnitude and scale of St Peter’s is always a reminder of man’s mortality and the eternal quality of the city. Pope Benedict XVI mentioned us Carmelites by name and gave the Apostolic Blessing to us and to our families all over the globe.

Evening Mass at Sancta Maria in Traspontina was an opportunity for us to worship at this ancient Carmelite Church with its tapestries and frescoes. The coach ride back to Sassone took us through ancient and modern Rome, past fashionable shop windows.

The group of ten persons representing the Caribbean region, two from St Lucia and the rest from Trinidad, led by the Regional Director, Sr Adriana Noel did the region proud on culture night. There was appreciative applause and congratulations for our Caribbean offerings which gave a sampling of the rich and diverse heritage of the region.

All too soon came the time for Solemn Mass with Final Message and Renewal of Commitment, which was, appropriately on the birthday of Our Lady. After the Mass at the Capella Grande we moved in procession to the grotto in the gardens with vigil lights in procession preceded by Our Lady’s icon which was then positioned on a textile- blanketed table.

Tokens were distributed and there was much camaraderie later at the dinner where presentations were also made to the leaders of delegations.

Another Congress had ended but the delegates were indeed forever transformed. Personally, I have been moved by the silence we observed so religiously every day and which nourished the soul yearning for peace in this boisterous space. As I ease back gradually into the secular world, I seek to hold on to the sentiments and purpose of

Ubi caritas, et amor, Deus ibi est – where there is charity and love, there is God