Immersed in Carmel — Attending the Chicago Convocations

by Nancy Azzaro, T. O.Carm. Whitestone Lay Carmelite Chapter, Queens, New York

It was truly a blessing to be in Chicago the week of July 17th-25th. The Lay Carmelite Convocation, “Encountering the Rule,” was held from July 17th-21st and it was followed by the Carmelite lnstitute Conference, “Carmel As a Sign of Hope and Healing in our Troubled World.” I attended both convocations with two other Lay Carmelite friends from my chapter in Whitestone, Queens.

	Nancy (center, in blue) and her Lay Carmelite Chapter from the Saint Elias (NY) Province

Our Chapter is part of the Saint Elias Province. The Very Reverend Michael Kissane, O.Carm., the Prior Provincial of the Saint Elias Province attended both convocations and showed great support for the Lay Carmelites by his presence there for the week.”

It was my first trip to Chicago and I was anxious, as were Marie Hinners and Arlene Mercker, members of my Chapter who also attended, to do as much sightseeing as we could in a week, while still attending all the liturgies and conferences. Marie and Arlene were my constant companions and we got along remarkably well, considering we all stayed in the same room.

The hotel accommodations at the Palmer House Hilton were fabulous. We were so impressed with everything about the Palmer House. It is an elegant hotel, centrally located in the city, within walking distance to the new Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago. The lobby of the hotel was magnificent with a muraled ceiling. The week had a dream-like quality as we attended Mass, ate a few meals and listened to lectures in magnificent ballrooms. I overheard a Carmelite friar tell someone, that he felt like he was in a movie, staying at the Palmer House. It was quite an experience. And the rates were so reasonable that we could hardly believe we were able to stay at a Hilton hotel for such a good rate. It certainly pays to be a Carmelite. As a Carmelite, you might have to suffer, face trials, dark nights of the soul and be misunderstood—but there are perks too. You just have to be patient because if you stick with it, the sun always shines, hope reigns and you might even get to stay at a Hilton hotel for $35.00 a night (per person). It happened to us!

So the trip to Chicago was a great experience. I loved the city. But I also love New York, though Chicago was not as fast-paced. Chicagoans seemed more relaxed than New Yorkers.

On the first day, after unpacking, we headed to the newly opened Millennium Park. This park was supposed to open four years ago, but it was delayed and just happened to open the weekend we arrived. The old park was transformed into a world-class public space and planners hired the world’s most sought after artists to ensure it would be a special place. There were two magnificent fountains, made of two 50-foot glass brick towers facing each other across a black granite plaza, which had water cascading down their sides. Children played in the fountain and they would squeal with excitement every time the water would fall on them. It was fun and uplifting just watching them enjoy themselves so much.

Another highlight of the week for us was the day trip to the National Shrine of Saint Thérèse in Darien, Illinois. Those who opted for the day trip to Darien were given the opportunity to view the collection of relics, personal effects and memorabilia of Saint Thérèse. At the Shrine I was especially thrilled to see the chair from Thérèse’s cell from the convent in Lisieux. I read that Thérèse had sat in the chair while writing her famous autobiography, “Story of a Soul.” The Shrine also contains an original oil painting of Thérèse, done by her sister Celine. There is an antique reliquary containing five first-class relics with cases made in the form of roses. There is also a magnificent wood carving above the reliquary which depicts the events in the life of Thérèse— awe-inspiring! The visit to the Shrine was especially thrilling for me, since I have a great devotion to her. I would love to go to Lisieux someday. This was the next best thing for me.

Children at prayer during a visit to the Shrine of Saint Thérèse

Mass was celebrated at the Shrine for us by Father John-Benedict Weber, O.Carm., who is the Provincial Director of the Lay Carmelites for the Most Pure Heart of Mary Province. Father John-Benedict and those who assisted him, worked very hard to make the Lay Carmelite Convocation a positive experience for us. Father John did his best, pouring himself out for the good of the Carmelite Order. I’m impressed by his dedication.

The Lay Carmelites who were in Darien that day spent a lot of money in the well-stocked gift shop. I was one of them! I bought lots of prayer cards and after touching them to the reliquary and having them blessed, I have given them to friends.

We learned a lot that week. The conferences and the speakers at both convocations were excellent. Most Reverend Joseph Chalmers, O.Carm., the Prior General of the Order of Carmelites, said in his talk, “that we should learn to trust in God and not in our own strength. Hope is a fundamental Christian virtue. Hope is based on our faith. If we live according to the Divine will, all shall be well. As we grow in our relationship with God, we will love as God loves.”

He also said, “We should cultivate profound silence within, so we can discern what God is saying to us. We are called to be in union with Jesus Christ,” and “God is trying to create a masterpiece in us, we are called to profound purification. True prayer is always fruitful. God can work wonders in a person who belongs completely to Him.” It was great having Fr. Joseph at the convocations. He was very affable and he signed autographs and took pictures with Lay Carmelites. He did a very good job that week in making Lay Carmelites feel important and a vital part of the Order.

Father John Russell, O.Carm., Prior Provincial of the Most Pure Heart of Mary Province gave an excellent talk on, “The Presence of the Rule in the Life of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux.”

After the Lay Carmelite Convocation, many of us attended the Carmelite Institute Conference. Father Steven Payne, OCD, Director of the Insititute began by saying, “We think the speakers are especially qualified.” All I san say is that they certainly were. Again, there was so much to absorb. It would take many articles to express it all. I have to mention that it was an honor to have Archbishop Jean Sleiman, OCD, the Latin Patriarch of Baghdad, at the conference. As he spoke about the difficulties in Iraq, it was evident that the only hope for that part of the world is deep prayer and better communication. He spoke about all the complications that exist, which are hampering peace. All I could think of, and others said this as well, is that prayer is needed because it is going to take a miracle to straighten that situation out. So pray for that please!

Father Luis Arostegui Gamboa, OCD, Superior General of the Discalced Carmelites, said at the closing liturgy that it was good for both branches of the Order to come together, to learn, to share and experience. He said, we should continue these convocations in the future.

Back in New York, at our last Lay Carmelite Chapter Meeting, Arlene gave a presentation and tried to summarize some of what we learned that week. When she finished, I said that we had a great learning experience. We also were part of beautiful liturgies and diverse prayer experiences. I told all the Lay Carmelites that when there are future convocations, they should try to attend. It was certainly a great experience and being there with so many wonderful priests, nuns and laypeople made it all the more special. Yes, it was good and enriching for all who took part. I was glad I made the effort to be there. It was worth the trip!