 |
|
In attendance in Peru for the Congress on the Rule were from left: Reverend Paul Henson, O.Carm., Reverend Thomas Jordan, O.Carm., Reverend Michael Bacigalupo, O.Carm., Reverend Herbert Jones, O.Carm., Reverend Raul Maravi, O.Carm., Reverend William Harry, O.Carm., Most Reverend Michael Lafay, O.Carm., and Reverend Charles Countie, O.Carm.
|
|
By: Reverend Alban Quinn, O.Carm.
From the 25th to the 29th of October, 123 Carmelites from some twenty counties, gathered in our retreat center, Villa Carmelitas, for a congress on the Carmelite Rule. The motive was to celebrate the 800 years of our Rule. The Prior General, the Most Reverend Joseph Chalmers, O.Carm., and the Superior General of the Discalced Carmelites, Most Reverend Luis Arostegui Gamboa, OCD, were also present and gave talks on the Rule. The entire Carmelite family was represented: lay, religious, nuns and friars. An excellent infrastructure and a very fraternal atmosphere were assets to a very fine congress. People were delighted with everything and also with Peruvian hospitality. Talks were given on different aspects of the value of the Rule in Latin America: for young people, for lay people, for the contemplative life, and the use of the Bible.
To meet with other Carmelites who could not attend the meeting, there was a Solemn Mass in our church for all, followed by refresh-ments in our parish center. Then we all went to our high school for an excellent show on the history of the Carmelites in Peru and the founding of the school fifty years ago. The show, mostly done with music and dance, was a masterpiece; our students really outdid themselves. Some three thousand people were there in attendance.
The next Carmelite Congress is scheduled for 2009 in Columbia.
|
