Friday, August 12, 2005
Genital Herpes Outbreak During Pregnancy
OCDS International Congress - San Juan de los Lagos, Jalisco, Mexico - 1-7 September 2000
Curtain Rod Shapes In India
CHRONICLE
As continuation of the First International Congress of the Secular Order of Caramel Teresiano, held in Rome in 1996, it was decided to prepare enthusiastically second Congress, this time based in San Juan de los Lagos in Mexico.
August 31
Arrival at Guadalajara: Hotel accommodation "Casa Grande" from 8 to 15.
- Delivery of materials
- Carriage House at the Pastoral
- Distribution of the rooms and the keys
- Accommodation in the hotel rooms
- General
19.30: Dinner.
Welcome
After the meticulous preparation of the Congress, the Secular Order's general coordinators came from Rome to Guadalajara. We are prepared to welcome the members of the Secular from 33 countries worldwide and 42 districts of the Order.
The reception and registration took place in Hotel "Casa Grande", located at the airport in Guadalajara. Once registered participants, we traveled by bus to the Special Diocesan Pastoral House "John Paul II", located just 4 km. from San Juan de los Lagos. This is a city where there is a shrine Mexican second in importance only to that of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
On arrival at the Pastoral Center, Secular Carmelites were received and placed in the House by members of the Mexican National Council of the Secular and employees of the same order.
same day, once settled, we went to share a welcome dinner, start the experience of community life for the whole duration of the Congress. As the melody of a symphony, you could catch the voice of several tools in different languages, gathered in the Carmelite Church concert by the same director, the Holy Spirit. The climate of the dinner was joyous for some joy aroused by the fact that the brothers meet again, for others a joy due at auction that accompanies the discovery of new faces, lives and experiences. Some faces from far away countries, almost unknown, others from neighboring countries and the same nation. The ambience reflects the spirit of the Church, its unity in diversity of languages, races and nations. A wonderful diversity of people united by the same name, the Secular Order of Caramel Teresiano, under the protection of a single Mother, Our Lady of Mount Caramel, with the same charism and mission work in the vineyard, all united in the same Lord and brother, Jesus Christ.
September 1
OPENING OF CONGRESS
The following day, September 1, 200, Jubilee year, the motto "Only one Order with the same charisma," we met at nine o'clock in the morning of the hearing room of the house Pastoral Care for the inauguration. From the desk of the leader, the father Flavio Caloi OCD, Vicar General of the Order of Caramel Teresa, the Director General and Coordinator of the Secular Order of this Congress, P. Aloysius Deeney, began the OCDS International Congress of San Juan de los Lagos, in the absence of the father Camilo Maccise. Then his father Nicolas Garcia Rodriguez OCD, Provincial of the Province of St. Albert of Mexico, appointed by Father General, still absent, he read out the letter of welcome from the Father General to direct all of us attending the Congress. In addition to the letter, Father Nicolas has exposed the audience, eager to listen to the words of his father General always stimulating, even the conference he had prepared for this occasion: "The contribution of the Secular to the Church, shared responsibility and cooperation."
The words of the document, the broad, transcendent of our leaders, as well as its confidence in our renewed effort, have rekindled in us the desire to continue to sail on the wide boat, hopefully creative and responsible, in collaboration with other styles life of Caramel Teresian it in the sea of \u200b\u200bthe world. We took our mission clearly in the light of the exposure of documents Vatican Council II, and especially christifidelis Laity. Our minds were lit to begin the work-driven actualization of the Rule of Life and Articles of Association of the OCDS, with fidelity to the charisma and creativity to face the challenges and demands of our time, transition time, and accelerated change in all the world. There has also been reported the importance of creative fidelity with a new vision of the Church, which allows us to work as lay priests, bringing the plans for the actualization of charisma.
In summary, to achieve the transformation that the world needs to Caramel Teresa, Father General has reminded us of the need to be secular well formed, capable of being truly Christian with discernment, determination to complete the works undertaken to design the vision of charisma in all areas of the Church and the world, in response to a universal call to holiness of Christ.
providing further information on what the specific duties of the Secular according to his abilities, skills and works, the fruits of a solid, Camilo's father also insisted on the importance to engage responsibly in their training of the Carmelites, under the charism of the Order , gift of the Spirit for the Church. He also referred to as such a gift to be crystallized in following the rules and constitutions of the Order.
These are the models for living the essence of our charism, shaped along the following lines.
configuration to Christ.
1. Union with God in prayer and apostolate.
2. Living in growing friendship with God, aided by the Word and the personal and liturgical prayer.
3. Permeated with apostolic zeal and charity.
4. Embody the charisma in a theological perspective. Finally
said as such features are possible thanks to a comprehensive education that enables the Carmelite to be an apostle in the Church to meet the challenges of transforming the world of Christian values \u200b\u200band imbues it illuminated by the doctrine of John of the Cross and Teresa.
After a short break, we were divided into 8 groups to respond to issues raised by Father Camilo. Each group has appointed a coordinator and a secretary, the first to coordinate the participation and a certain order, the second to pin the contributions of each participant in order to make following is a summary of all responses. Each of these summary then, was presented in the plenum.
After lunch, Fr Italian Attilio Ghisleri presented in his lecture, entitled "Training for the new millennium." His presentation was interesting, timely and of great importance for us lay Carmelites in front of the third millennium.
If the conference in the morning Father Camilo enthusiasm has inspired us to renew our charter, our responsibility and importance in the Order, the Conference of the father Attilio, the last of this September 1, added lines of concrete in the pursuit to give answers as Christians and Carmelites in all areas of being and acting human.
After the break, as usual, we gathered in groups to answer the questions raised by his father Attilio.
We then gathered for language groups for the recitation of vespers and prayer.
The day ended with dinner, during which he is on sharing the experiences of the first day.
September 2
The following day, September 2, after the morning prayer and a delicious breakfast, we had the opportunity to listen to Teresa Ee Choo. His presentation, entitled Co-responsibility in the apostolate of the Secular spirituality, has opened several windows. Through these openings, we have opened our first commitment in the secular church, opening the second took our eyes on two other points: the apostolate and prayer as a means to pursue our mission in the world agreement with the Christifideles Laity and our special responsibility as the laity in evangelization of those places, cultures, societies, work places where only we can get. In the third window has reawakened our concern for the whole world, for its current circumstances, our commitment to each according to his abilities in all fields of the Church.
more aware of our mandate and lay the Order in the Church, as well as our commitment to self-formation as Carmelites to be faithful witnesses of Christ through the charism of Caramel Teresiano, we went to the training of groups in order to analyze the our realities, and draft proposals.
The following theme was presented by Marie Claire Icery, under the title secular and Missions of the Order. Marie Claire has presented us with the view of the Order in its missionary dimension in two respects: the current work of the Carmelites in the various mission areas and the pressing needs of evangelization "Ad Gentes."
As planned, we have discussed in groups on the subject, we answered questions and suggestions.
on this subject showed the following points: the diverse terrain of Mount Caramel Missionary Teresa is a vast area to cover in this vineyard, full of the needs of men and women in front of which the Carmelite Secular is called to give his answers .
I should also mention that the Carmelite Order is primarily "Christian" and as such form part of a community: the Church, which gives us the criteria, there is a series of duties, invites us to extend the evangelization of all peoples in all their documents apostolate lay.
Finally we realized that it is an essential part of being a missionary vocation of the Carmelite not only at home but also "Ad Gentes."
September 3: visit to the city of Guadalajara
Sunday, September 3 was a day of rest. The organizing committee had planned to take us to visit the nearby city of Guadalajara with some buses. After the morning Eucharist and breakfast, those who wished they could visit the city of Guadalajara and the nearby town of Tlaquepaque, where they spent the whole day. Others remained at the Pastoral Centre to continue its work. The trip was a visit to the city center, learn about different buildings and churches, lunch at a local restaurant in Tlaquepaque, accompanied by a group of Mariachis "(folk group in the region), and ended at 18, and The day ended with dinner, where we exchanged fraternal impressions of the visit today. During dinner we had the joy to have with us General Camilo Maccise father who, although he did not feel very well health, wanted to be with us for at least 24 hours. His short visit was very enriching, and its presence, despite the difficulties, it was because of affectionate welcome from each of the participants.
September 4 Monday, September 4
father Aloysius Deeney, General Delegate for the Secular Order, has given us a broad view of the charism of the Order, in his lecture titled The Secular Carmelite apostolate of the Order. In short we said what is to seek the face of God in prayer to send it to the world in service and apostolate. Led us to deepen our engagement with two questions: "Why do you want Carmelite be? "" Why God wants you to Caramel? "
These two questions have helped us to analyze our identity as a secular Carmelite. Most of us found not to know or do not have clear ideas of this identity as the foundation of our life within the Order.
Fr Deeney has also expanded the importance of our involvement in the Church, already mentioned by previous exhibitors, stressing that our charisma meets the needs of the Church and the building of humanity. A charisma, shaped by the legislative documents of the Secular, far from being a pastime, hand, is a serious commitment that requires to be completed, lay trained and available.
Then as always we have passed the stage of discussion and scrutiny of proposals by groups. During the day, the father Camilo Maccise, General Order, again chaired the session. For the duration of one hour, there was an open exchange of questions and answers between the General Assembly and the father. This intervention has helped us to clarify doubts and has contributed enormously to chart new pathways for the renovation and animation of the Order in front of the Third Millennium.
The day ended cones vespers at the end of the discussions group and with dinner.
September 5
Day 5 was devoted to work in groups to develop responses and refine the proposals.
After lunch he walked around the city of San Juan de los Lagos, especially the Shrine of Our Lady where we prayed and sang "Hello." Then we visited the House of Culture and the Town Hall where we were received by the city authorities who have offered us an ice cream flavor.
the evening after dinner, we had a nice display of his father John Strina. He and Mrs. Anna de Barsy have told us of Father John of Jesus and Mary OCD She told us her story, her enormous contribution music and Order, his relationship with St. Therese of Lisieux as a teacher and transmitter of the teachings of Teresa of Jesus and St. John of the Cross. E 'state of highest interest to ascertain the amplitude of the work of Fr John of Jesus and Mary, unknown to many among us.
September 6
The last day we met in plenary session, during which each of us secretaries have submitted proposals to our respective groups.
At the end each group has a representative to the International Commission. The Commission's task will be to study, translate and collaborate on work that will follow this Congress, especially in the revision of Regla of Life.
the evening we had two hours of Mexican music, performed by a group of "mariachis" coming from the nearby town of San Juan de los Lagos. It 'was the music of the symphony started the final day of the Welcome to Congress. At the end we were treated to a delicious Mexican dinner gala.
September 7
After breakfast on day 7 there was the parting of the head table and the expression of our gratitude to all those who have contributed with their help to the success of the Second International Congress of Secular Order Teresian Caramel. 
As continuation of the First International Congress of the Secular Order of Caramel Teresiano, held in Rome in 1996, it was decided to prepare enthusiastically second Congress, this time based in San Juan de los Lagos in Mexico.
August 31
Arrival at Guadalajara: Hotel accommodation "Casa Grande" from 8 to 15.
- Delivery of materials
- Carriage House at the Pastoral
- Distribution of the rooms and the keys
- Accommodation in the hotel rooms
- General
19.30: Dinner.
Welcome
After the meticulous preparation of the Congress, the Secular Order's general coordinators came from Rome to Guadalajara. We are prepared to welcome the members of the Secular from 33 countries worldwide and 42 districts of the Order.
The reception and registration took place in Hotel "Casa Grande", located at the airport in Guadalajara. Once registered participants, we traveled by bus to the Special Diocesan Pastoral House "John Paul II", located just 4 km. from San Juan de los Lagos. This is a city where there is a shrine Mexican second in importance only to that of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
On arrival at the Pastoral Center, Secular Carmelites were received and placed in the House by members of the Mexican National Council of the Secular and employees of the same order.
same day, once settled, we went to share a welcome dinner, start the experience of community life for the whole duration of the Congress. As the melody of a symphony, you could catch the voice of several tools in different languages, gathered in the Carmelite Church concert by the same director, the Holy Spirit. The climate of the dinner was joyous for some joy aroused by the fact that the brothers meet again, for others a joy due at auction that accompanies the discovery of new faces, lives and experiences. Some faces from far away countries, almost unknown, others from neighboring countries and the same nation. The ambience reflects the spirit of the Church, its unity in diversity of languages, races and nations. A wonderful diversity of people united by the same name, the Secular Order of Caramel Teresiano, under the protection of a single Mother, Our Lady of Mount Caramel, with the same charism and mission work in the vineyard, all united in the same Lord and brother, Jesus Christ.
September 1
OPENING OF CONGRESS
The following day, September 1, 200, Jubilee year, the motto "Only one Order with the same charisma," we met at nine o'clock in the morning of the hearing room of the house Pastoral Care for the inauguration. From the desk of the leader, the father Flavio Caloi OCD, Vicar General of the Order of Caramel Teresa, the Director General and Coordinator of the Secular Order of this Congress, P. Aloysius Deeney, began the OCDS International Congress of San Juan de los Lagos, in the absence of the father Camilo Maccise. Then his father Nicolas Garcia Rodriguez OCD, Provincial of the Province of St. Albert of Mexico, appointed by Father General, still absent, he read out the letter of welcome from the Father General to direct all of us attending the Congress. In addition to the letter, Father Nicolas has exposed the audience, eager to listen to the words of his father General always stimulating, even the conference he had prepared for this occasion: "The contribution of the Secular to the Church, shared responsibility and cooperation."
The words of the document, the broad, transcendent of our leaders, as well as its confidence in our renewed effort, have rekindled in us the desire to continue to sail on the wide boat, hopefully creative and responsible, in collaboration with other styles life of Caramel Teresian it in the sea of \u200b\u200bthe world. We took our mission clearly in the light of the exposure of documents Vatican Council II, and especially christifidelis Laity. Our minds were lit to begin the work-driven actualization of the Rule of Life and Articles of Association of the OCDS, with fidelity to the charisma and creativity to face the challenges and demands of our time, transition time, and accelerated change in all the world. There has also been reported the importance of creative fidelity with a new vision of the Church, which allows us to work as lay priests, bringing the plans for the actualization of charisma.
In summary, to achieve the transformation that the world needs to Caramel Teresa, Father General has reminded us of the need to be secular well formed, capable of being truly Christian with discernment, determination to complete the works undertaken to design the vision of charisma in all areas of the Church and the world, in response to a universal call to holiness of Christ.
providing further information on what the specific duties of the Secular according to his abilities, skills and works, the fruits of a solid, Camilo's father also insisted on the importance to engage responsibly in their training of the Carmelites, under the charism of the Order , gift of the Spirit for the Church. He also referred to as such a gift to be crystallized in following the rules and constitutions of the Order.
These are the models for living the essence of our charism, shaped along the following lines.
configuration to Christ.
1. Union with God in prayer and apostolate.
2. Living in growing friendship with God, aided by the Word and the personal and liturgical prayer.
3. Permeated with apostolic zeal and charity.
4. Embody the charisma in a theological perspective. Finally
said as such features are possible thanks to a comprehensive education that enables the Carmelite to be an apostle in the Church to meet the challenges of transforming the world of Christian values \u200b\u200band imbues it illuminated by the doctrine of John of the Cross and Teresa.
After a short break, we were divided into 8 groups to respond to issues raised by Father Camilo. Each group has appointed a coordinator and a secretary, the first to coordinate the participation and a certain order, the second to pin the contributions of each participant in order to make following is a summary of all responses. Each of these summary then, was presented in the plenum.
After lunch, Fr Italian Attilio Ghisleri presented in his lecture, entitled "Training for the new millennium." His presentation was interesting, timely and of great importance for us lay Carmelites in front of the third millennium.
If the conference in the morning Father Camilo enthusiasm has inspired us to renew our charter, our responsibility and importance in the Order, the Conference of the father Attilio, the last of this September 1, added lines of concrete in the pursuit to give answers as Christians and Carmelites in all areas of being and acting human.
After the break, as usual, we gathered in groups to answer the questions raised by his father Attilio.
We then gathered for language groups for the recitation of vespers and prayer.
The day ended with dinner, during which he is on sharing the experiences of the first day.
September 2
The following day, September 2, after the morning prayer and a delicious breakfast, we had the opportunity to listen to Teresa Ee Choo. His presentation, entitled Co-responsibility in the apostolate of the Secular spirituality, has opened several windows. Through these openings, we have opened our first commitment in the secular church, opening the second took our eyes on two other points: the apostolate and prayer as a means to pursue our mission in the world agreement with the Christifideles Laity and our special responsibility as the laity in evangelization of those places, cultures, societies, work places where only we can get. In the third window has reawakened our concern for the whole world, for its current circumstances, our commitment to each according to his abilities in all fields of the Church.
more aware of our mandate and lay the Order in the Church, as well as our commitment to self-formation as Carmelites to be faithful witnesses of Christ through the charism of Caramel Teresiano, we went to the training of groups in order to analyze the our realities, and draft proposals.
The following theme was presented by Marie Claire Icery, under the title secular and Missions of the Order. Marie Claire has presented us with the view of the Order in its missionary dimension in two respects: the current work of the Carmelites in the various mission areas and the pressing needs of evangelization "Ad Gentes."
As planned, we have discussed in groups on the subject, we answered questions and suggestions.
on this subject showed the following points: the diverse terrain of Mount Caramel Missionary Teresa is a vast area to cover in this vineyard, full of the needs of men and women in front of which the Carmelite Secular is called to give his answers .
I should also mention that the Carmelite Order is primarily "Christian" and as such form part of a community: the Church, which gives us the criteria, there is a series of duties, invites us to extend the evangelization of all peoples in all their documents apostolate lay.
Finally we realized that it is an essential part of being a missionary vocation of the Carmelite not only at home but also "Ad Gentes."
September 3: visit to the city of Guadalajara
Sunday, September 3 was a day of rest. The organizing committee had planned to take us to visit the nearby city of Guadalajara with some buses. After the morning Eucharist and breakfast, those who wished they could visit the city of Guadalajara and the nearby town of Tlaquepaque, where they spent the whole day. Others remained at the Pastoral Centre to continue its work. The trip was a visit to the city center, learn about different buildings and churches, lunch at a local restaurant in Tlaquepaque, accompanied by a group of Mariachis "(folk group in the region), and ended at 18, and The day ended with dinner, where we exchanged fraternal impressions of the visit today. During dinner we had the joy to have with us General Camilo Maccise father who, although he did not feel very well health, wanted to be with us for at least 24 hours. His short visit was very enriching, and its presence, despite the difficulties, it was because of affectionate welcome from each of the participants.
September 4 Monday, September 4
father Aloysius Deeney, General Delegate for the Secular Order, has given us a broad view of the charism of the Order, in his lecture titled The Secular Carmelite apostolate of the Order. In short we said what is to seek the face of God in prayer to send it to the world in service and apostolate. Led us to deepen our engagement with two questions: "Why do you want Carmelite be? "" Why God wants you to Caramel? "
These two questions have helped us to analyze our identity as a secular Carmelite. Most of us found not to know or do not have clear ideas of this identity as the foundation of our life within the Order.
Fr Deeney has also expanded the importance of our involvement in the Church, already mentioned by previous exhibitors, stressing that our charisma meets the needs of the Church and the building of humanity. A charisma, shaped by the legislative documents of the Secular, far from being a pastime, hand, is a serious commitment that requires to be completed, lay trained and available.
Then as always we have passed the stage of discussion and scrutiny of proposals by groups. During the day, the father Camilo Maccise, General Order, again chaired the session. For the duration of one hour, there was an open exchange of questions and answers between the General Assembly and the father. This intervention has helped us to clarify doubts and has contributed enormously to chart new pathways for the renovation and animation of the Order in front of the Third Millennium.
The day ended cones vespers at the end of the discussions group and with dinner.
September 5
Day 5 was devoted to work in groups to develop responses and refine the proposals.
After lunch he walked around the city of San Juan de los Lagos, especially the Shrine of Our Lady where we prayed and sang "Hello." Then we visited the House of Culture and the Town Hall where we were received by the city authorities who have offered us an ice cream flavor.
the evening after dinner, we had a nice display of his father John Strina. He and Mrs. Anna de Barsy have told us of Father John of Jesus and Mary OCD She told us her story, her enormous contribution music and Order, his relationship with St. Therese of Lisieux as a teacher and transmitter of the teachings of Teresa of Jesus and St. John of the Cross. E 'state of highest interest to ascertain the amplitude of the work of Fr John of Jesus and Mary, unknown to many among us.
September 6
The last day we met in plenary session, during which each of us secretaries have submitted proposals to our respective groups.
At the end each group has a representative to the International Commission. The Commission's task will be to study, translate and collaborate on work that will follow this Congress, especially in the revision of Regla of Life.
the evening we had two hours of Mexican music, performed by a group of "mariachis" coming from the nearby town of San Juan de los Lagos. It 'was the music of the symphony started the final day of the Welcome to Congress. At the end we were treated to a delicious Mexican dinner gala.
September 7
After breakfast on day 7 there was the parting of the head table and the expression of our gratitude to all those who have contributed with their help to the success of the Second International Congress of Secular Order Teresian Caramel.
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OPENING OF THE CONGRESS - P. FLAVIO CALO, OCD
OPENING ADDRESS
On behalf of Father General of the Order and a friendly greeting and a cheerful "Welcome!"
The title of this Congress was a pleasant surprise for me and made me do a reflection.
There is no first, second and third order, but one family that shares the same spirit of Teresa. This Order only delivery to the nuns, friars and lay people a gift that is both a communion with God, fellowship and mission. We all live in the same charisma in different life contexts, to bring the world a spirituality that continues to offer the Holy Church and the world. In the Order
OCD The Secular Order is more than a Christian group or an association or a Catholic church movement, or an aggregate Institute, all of which may actually refer to different aspects of Caramel Teresa: the Secular Order is one of three components. Together with the nuns and friars, the OCDS is what we know as the Teresian Caramel. Go to each of us wish - brothers and sisters - that these days are crucial for living a creative fidelity in the discovery of God's gift, then you can share it with those who stand in our way. Good work! I wish you joy and happiness with the Virgin of Caramel, and all our saints. 
OPENING ADDRESS
On behalf of Father General of the Order and a friendly greeting and a cheerful "Welcome!"
The title of this Congress was a pleasant surprise for me and made me do a reflection.
There is no first, second and third order, but one family that shares the same spirit of Teresa. This Order only delivery to the nuns, friars and lay people a gift that is both a communion with God, fellowship and mission. We all live in the same charisma in different life contexts, to bring the world a spirituality that continues to offer the Holy Church and the world. In the Order
OCD The Secular Order is more than a Christian group or an association or a Catholic church movement, or an aggregate Institute, all of which may actually refer to different aspects of Caramel Teresa: the Secular Order is one of three components. Together with the nuns and friars, the OCDS is what we know as the Teresian Caramel. Go to each of us wish - brothers and sisters - that these days are crucial for living a creative fidelity in the discovery of God's gift, then you can share it with those who stand in our way. Good work! I wish you joy and happiness with the Virgin of Caramel, and all our saints.
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initial greetings - P.
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Carmelite
Welcome to this second International Congress of the Secular Order of Our Lady of Mount Caramel and St. Teresa of Jesus' was a great effort to organize this event. With sincere gratitude, for my part, I want to stress, time, energy that the Secretary General of the OCDS, Irma Estrada Franco, dedicated to organize this Congress. I would also like to thank the wonderful cooperation from the beginning of the Secular Mexico.
Why are we here? Let me stress that we are not here just to get together to meet other members of the OCDS. The meeting and the knowledge each other have a specific aim, to reflect together on projects in a responsible manner and to God that drew us to the Caramel, expressing our commitment and our response to that purpose in the legislation that governs our vocation. We are one family with a unique charisma. And each of us live this charism in its proper place and with his particular style of life.
This is the program of the Congress: the different speakers presenting various topics that touch our spirituality and its application to our times and places. You will be presented several questions in order to make you think and discuss. The different language groups in the group will respond to these questions. In preparation Congress, I asked the participants to familiarize themselves mainly with two documents, the Apostolicam Actuositatem and Christifideles Laity. I was also invited, through the Provincial and Provincial Delegates, a standard questionnaire that was discussed in the community and will also be reflected in the National and Provincial Councils, so that participants in the Congress knew the thoughts and ideas of each member OCDS. I would like to thank the Provincial Councils for their work. It 'been a really important job to coordinate the responses of individual communities with this questionnaire.
All work done on that questionnaire, and especially the discussions and the conclusions we will come here will form the basis for the revision of the present Rule of Life. At the end of the Congress, Thursday morning, September 7, you will be asked to appoint an International Committee OCDS that will actually work on the revision of the Rule of Life. The basis for such revisions will be the conclusions of the Congress of 1996, the responses for the preparation of the Congress, and the conclusions of this Congress. Once appointed, the Committee, coordinated the Secretariat General OCDS and canonical experts appointed by Father General, the work will be done. When it is finished, the result will be sent to all districts of the Secular Order for comments and feedback. Receiving the observations and comments, it will make the appropriate adjustments, and the document will be presented to the Holy See for approval.
The basic structure of the new Rule of Life will be as follows: a.
Rule of St. Alberto
b. Vocations of the laity in the Church and the Order
c. Charisma Teresiano as it is experienced by members of the OCDS
d. Discernment and training
e. Apostolate and training
f. Government structure and
g. Local statutes 
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Carmelite
Welcome to this second International Congress of the Secular Order of Our Lady of Mount Caramel and St. Teresa of Jesus' was a great effort to organize this event. With sincere gratitude, for my part, I want to stress, time, energy that the Secretary General of the OCDS, Irma Estrada Franco, dedicated to organize this Congress. I would also like to thank the wonderful cooperation from the beginning of the Secular Mexico.
Why are we here? Let me stress that we are not here just to get together to meet other members of the OCDS. The meeting and the knowledge each other have a specific aim, to reflect together on projects in a responsible manner and to God that drew us to the Caramel, expressing our commitment and our response to that purpose in the legislation that governs our vocation. We are one family with a unique charisma. And each of us live this charism in its proper place and with his particular style of life.
This is the program of the Congress: the different speakers presenting various topics that touch our spirituality and its application to our times and places. You will be presented several questions in order to make you think and discuss. The different language groups in the group will respond to these questions. In preparation Congress, I asked the participants to familiarize themselves mainly with two documents, the Apostolicam Actuositatem and Christifideles Laity. I was also invited, through the Provincial and Provincial Delegates, a standard questionnaire that was discussed in the community and will also be reflected in the National and Provincial Councils, so that participants in the Congress knew the thoughts and ideas of each member OCDS. I would like to thank the Provincial Councils for their work. It 'been a really important job to coordinate the responses of individual communities with this questionnaire.
All work done on that questionnaire, and especially the discussions and the conclusions we will come here will form the basis for the revision of the present Rule of Life. At the end of the Congress, Thursday morning, September 7, you will be asked to appoint an International Committee OCDS that will actually work on the revision of the Rule of Life. The basis for such revisions will be the conclusions of the Congress of 1996, the responses for the preparation of the Congress, and the conclusions of this Congress. Once appointed, the Committee, coordinated the Secretariat General OCDS and canonical experts appointed by Father General, the work will be done. When it is finished, the result will be sent to all districts of the Secular Order for comments and feedback. Receiving the observations and comments, it will make the appropriate adjustments, and the document will be presented to the Holy See for approval.
The basic structure of the new Rule of Life will be as follows: a.
Rule of St. Alberto
b. Vocations of the laity in the Church and the Order
c. Charisma Teresiano as it is experienced by members of the OCDS
d. Discernment and training
e. Apostolate and training
f. Government structure and
g. Local statutes
Can You Take Cipralex With Melatonin To Sleep?
ALOYSIUS CHURCH'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE JOINT RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SECULAR 'AND COLLABORATION - P. Camilo Maccise
Looking at this meeting I can not help but think of the mystery of the Church, the People of God, a pilgrim in the world. In fact here we lay, religious, priests, men and women of different races, different languages, and express a wide variety of cultures. We are united by our common faith in the Risen Lord, whose presence we must witness to the heart of the world. At the same time we are joined by Teresa Carmelite charism, the gift of the Spirit for the service of the Church and the world. You, the members of the Secular Order, you are part of the Carmelite Saint Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross.
This Second International Congress of Secular wants to be a step forward in the realization of your identity and lay Carmelite. Indeed, as already noted 13 years ago 'the post-synodal document Christifideles Laity, the Spirit has inspired new aspirations towards holiness and participation in many lay faithful. You are opening an egg style of active collaboration among priests, religious and laity flourish groups, associations, movements of lay spirituality and commitment. We are looking for a wider participation of women in Church and society. The challenge is to find concrete ways to achieve this theoretical reflection on the dignity and mission of the laity.
The theme that I was asked to develop, OCDS's contribution to the Church, shared responsibility and collaboration, has three dimensions, past, present and future. These dimensions give rise to the three parts in which I intend to divide my presentation.
I. CORREPONSABILITA ' OCDS AND COLLABORATION WITH THE CHURCH - THE PAST
The Secular previously lived in his service of co-operation and shared responsibility conditioned by the situation of the laity. This in turn depended on a hierarchical model of the Church too, where the laity were second-class members. They were asked a largely receptive attitude and stand against the authority of the Church. This, combined with a lack of catechetical formation, theological and biblical, did lay persons who are unable to provide a broad and effective cooperation in the field of evangelization.
Within the religious orders, known as third orders, even if it were part of the Religious Institute, had no clear secular identity. We ask them virtually to be "religious in the world." Co-responsibility and cooperation areas were reduced to very minor, generally not related to the charism and spirituality of the religious. Rather, it is very secondary issues-oriented and practical organization, such as activities, services, initiatives in relation to the celebration of religious holidays and as a private devotion to the scapular.
As a result of the situation of the laity on the one hand, and for lack of a strong charismatic and spiritual identity of the other, the OCDS could certainly take a shared responsibility and collaboration in the pastoral levels, in decision-making, the promotion of Christian life in the Church. Also lacked, with few exceptions, adequate training in the spirituality of Caramel. This reduces the real possibility of a distinctive contribution to the Church from the Carmelite charism. Certainly the fact of participating in the liturgical actions, the recitation of Parvo, to carry out some ascetic exercises (abstinence) and the practice of certain devotions, were a way to collaborate in the mission of the Church through prayer, the source of all service to evangelization. Likewise, the testimony Christian life was a way to evangelize others.
If we pass from the personal to the plane of the Secular Community, we find the vacation of a qualified service in the field of pastoral care. It was entrusted almost exclusively to priests and religious, both in the field as Church in Caramel. The Secular helped by what it referred to organizational structures or materials. It was still far from that indicated the Christifideles Lay saying that the images of the Gospel of salt, light and leaven that relate to all the disciples of Christ, apply more specifically to the lay faithful, as talk of a full and deep into the world and in the community men to spread the Gospel. Although in theory it was stated that not only the shepherds were instituted by Christ, and could only take upon himself the entire saving mission of the Church and the world, in real life the gifts of the laity and the services were not recognized, nor, consequently, his active collaboration in the field of evangelization.
The rediscovery of the Church as the People of God, carried out by Vatican II, marked the beginning of a new era for the Christian layman. It 'been recognized its dignity and its mission is rooted in the incorporation into Christ by Baptism, which integrates the People of God and gives him a share, in its way, the "function priestly, prophetic and kingly mission of Christ ", to carry out the Church's mission in the world and all Christian people for the part that belongs to him. Lay was invited to join in the work of the hierarchy just as it participates in the salvific mission of the world.
The Vatican starts talking about collaboration and co-responsibility of the laity in the Church. It stresses that are called to "make the Church present and fruitful in those places and in those circumstances in which it can not become the salt of the earth if not through them. [...] Grava then lay all the exalted duty of working to bring God's plan of salvation will reach every day all men of all time and all places on earth. So is their any way to open, according to their abilities and needs of the times, they also actively participate in the saving work of the Church. "
The pastors of the Church are invited to promote the dignity and responsibility of the laity in the Church, giving them freedom and opportunity to act, encouraging them to undertake works on their own initiative. I lay on their part have a duty to "make known their views on what concerns the good of the Church [...] This fact is strengthened in the laity a sense of their responsibility ...". The post-synodal exhortation
Christifideles Laity has highlighted some specific areas of the apostolate in which there is joint responsibility of the laity in the Church on mission: the promotion of human dignity, protection of life and religious freedom, the family as the first area of \u200b\u200bsocial commitment, the testimony of a charity manifested in solidarity, putting the human at the center of economic and social life and the evangelization of culture and cultures. It also spoke of the personal and aggregated forms of participation in the life and apostolate of the Church. The Secular Order is one of these forms of association to participate.
Finally, the post-synodal document that invites the laity to discover their own vocation and mission, speaking of the need to give them a holistic education so that they may live into their human and Christian vocation. To achieve this vital synthesis, it should be, first, a spiritual and doctrinal formation that they may be fit to face the challenges of our time and of the socio-cultural perspective of the Christian faith and from the announcement of the Gospel.
These changes and new requirements in relation to the laity of the Church, have deeply questioned the structures and purposes of the Secular Order of Religious Institutes. Without prejudice to their legal belonging to their respective religious orders, new challenges have appeared and rich perspective to this and for the future.
II. CORREPONSABILITA 'OCDS AND COLLABORATION WITH THE CHURCH - IN THIS
After placing as a backdrop for our discussion is a quick panoramic look at the past about the near and far vision and the situation of the laity, we can now talk more specifically Secular Order and what it expects the Church in matters of shared responsibility and cooperation in his mission of evangelization.
The post-synodal document on Religious Life, speaking of communion and collaboration with lay religious institutes, specifically mention the so-called "Third Order", "Building on experience such as those of historical Secular or Third Orders, has begun a new chapter, rich in hope, in the history of relations between consecrated persons and laity. "
The same document focuses mainly on three areas in which the laity participate - in the case of the Secular Order as part of the Institute - in the life of Religious Institutes: charism, spirituality and mission. Only by keeping these three aspects we can understand and guide the collaboration and shared responsibility that requires the Secular Order of the Church today. This requires training which has as its fundamental objective, the discovery of his vocation lay from within the charism and spirituality of the Institute, so you can live in the fulfillment of a special mission and responsibility in collaboration with the Church.
Charisma is a gift bestowed by the Spirit, free and in the service of the Church. The charisma of each order or congregation of consecrated life is expressed in the Rule and Constitutions. Since then charisma emerges a style or a particular form of living the Christian life and religion, that is, a spirituality. It points out some elements of Christian life and from them, living as it is essential for all: life in Christ and the Spirit, received in faith, expressed in love, lived in hope. The charism and spirituality lead apostolic commitment in all areas of evangelization, and even if more specific guidelines to enable one of them. It 's like saying that provide an experiential and practical expertise to offer a quality service in the Church.
I think is important to remember in this connection, what are the essential elements of the charism and spirituality of Caramel Teresiano. In light of the Constitutions of the Friars, we can say that the primordial elements are as follows:
- live in allegiance to Jesus Christ, under the protection of B. Virgin, in imitation and in union with you, whose life lies before us as a model of being conformed to Christ
- Looking for the "mysterious communion with God" in the path of contemplation and apostolic activity, each welded to the service of the Church;
- give a special importance to prayer which, through hearing the Word of God and the Liturgy leads us to the friendly dialogue with God, not only in prayer but also in life, we aim to nurture this life of prayer with faith, hope and above all divine love, to experience the presence and the mystery of the living God;
- with the intention apostolic animate all our prayer and our lives in a climate of human and Christian brotherhood;
- live the evangelical self-denial in a theological perspective.
From this charism and spirituality of apostolic service there is a peculiar type, which should be given priority, the consecrated life as in the Secular: the apostolate or ministry of spirituality. Open to the needs of the Church and the world today, we must give first place in this apostolic ministry, even in the Secular Order. This would be the practical way of offering, in co-responsibility, work together more effectively to the Church, from our Teresian Carmelite identity.
Facing Lay Carmelites as the challenges of today's world
changes in the world are fast and Contin. Today there are changes that in a short time previously required centuries. On the other hand, these changes are universal today, because of the interdependence of scientific, political, economic, cultural and technical. Deep impact because they affect the whole human being in his own reality. Some people and groups causing the changes, others will suffer, but no one is excluded. You could also talk rather than change, a change of era, characterized by modernity and post-modernism, subjectivism and the ideologies of the crisis. In particular, there are phenomena such as secularization, liberation, globalization and the new ethics.
Secularization leads with it a transformation of the human relationship with nature, with others and with God 'the phenomenon of secularization in order to affirm the legitimate autonomy of the person, culture and technology. This gives rise to some imbalances between the autonomy of the human and the loss of a sense of transcendence that leads to secularism, between religious values \u200b\u200band new myths and idols. It opens to the Secular and the possibility of living to witness the presence of God in the heart of the world to help others discover the footprints of God in earthly realities, as have our saints, but would open at the same time to transcendence God is also in a deeper center of our being. He can accomplish this with the testimony of his life and an apostolic commitment that may take many forms.
Another phenomenon that can not be ignored is liberation. Individuals, groups, peoples and cultures do not want to be objects in the hands of those who hold power. They want to be actors in a situation of equality, accountability, participation and communion. This one lives as they arise new forms of oppression, marginalization and exploitation of the weakest. The awareness of the dignity of the human person goes to seek new ways for its realization through the recognition of his fundamental rights effectively recognized, protected and promoted. In this field you must enter the feminist movement that attempts to give the woman the space that corresponds, in society and the Church. The members of the Carmelite Secular Order are called to promote the defense of human dignity, in contemplating our saints proclaimed by the vocation of every human being to be transformed into God St. John of the Cross said that "man is worth a thought that all world and therefore God alone is worthy. " The spirituality of Caramel appears as a path to inner freedom, the source of all true liberation.
One element that characterizes the current situation is, of course, globalization. The World currently living a process of unification because of the increasing interdependence in all areas. The earth is a "global village", with economic, commercial, political and military. The media and communications have approached people in a world full of information, communications and meetings. It 's a process full of contradictions. Economic power is concentrated in few hands, and so the communication and information. There is total control. Appear deep imbalances between rich and poor, with the growing phenomenon of the masses of poor people in rich countries and rich minorities in poor countries. In globalization, there are several dimensions: technological, economic, political and cultural. The positive aspects are the possibility of a large interconnected world, access to information and the reduction of the distances that can improve the quality of human life. Of course there are downsides: the search of huge financial gain that reduces the person to the consumer, the growing gap between rich and poor, the gap of cultures and ways of living which seeks to standardize the globalization. Faced with this challenge, the Carmelite Secular is called to advocate the globalization of solidarity as a requirement of the Gospel. The Teresian Carmelite charism emphasizes the fraternity: to be "small college of Christ" as one of the Apostles and how the early Christian community, where believers "were of one heart and one mind ... and none of them was in need" (Acts 4, 32.34).
the basis of the changes is the crisis of ethics of the past and the search for a new ethic on the edge of religious institutions, and which relegates religion into the realm of God and the private sector. We are witnessing the development of bio-ethics, with the great challenges of genetic engineering that threatens to create a standardized human. By manipulating the human gene, scientists sometimes claim to "play at being God." Becomes urgent ethics based on the dignity of the human person created by God, the only absolute. Even here the experience of our Carmelite saints track routes in the testimony and commitment in decision-making.
No doubt not all bad in these changes. There are also positive trends such as awareness of the value of the person and his fundamental rights, the search for a new harmony between human beings and nature, sensitivity to the problem of life, justice and peace, consciousness the value of their cultures, the search for a new international economic order, the growing sense of responsibility of the human face of the future, a greater sensitivity of religious and mystical experiences as a means for a process of liberation and personal growth, a new situation of women in society. In all these areas, the spirituality of Caramel has something to say, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Therese of Lisieux, Elizabeth of the Trinity, Edith Stein, Titus and many others, illuminate and argue with their experience and their teaching these signs of the times.
The Church asks the age-old Carmelo collaboration and shared responsibility to help her "to scrutinize the signs of the times and to interpret them in light of the Gospel so that, in a manner appropriate to each generation, it can respond to the perennial questions which people the meaning of life and future, and their mutual Report. To achieve this, we need practical and concrete means that routes in the Secular Order will facilitate the co-responsibility and collaboration with the Church. This opens up the possibilities of the future.
III. CORREPONSABILITA 'OCDS AND COLLABORATION WITH THE CHURCH - THE FUTURE
The invitation which the Church extends to religious and to renew their charisma with creative fidelity, can and should also apply to the Secular. Creative fidelity implies a return to origins in order to address the dynamic challenges of the present moment. This commitment must trace routes and point out practical means to help make operational fidelity creative.
practical routes
In an effort today to review the identity and mission of the Carmelite Secular, recourse has mainly three ways: that of spirituality, that the formation of the fraternity.
Spirituality is the first thing that must be borne in mind in the process of creative fidelity to the Secular Order. Only a spiritual experience can give authenticity to the quest for new forms of life and presence. This is a Christian spirituality in general and in particular of Caramel. Creative fidelity in spirituality has a strong point. It is their unifying element.
To live in fidelity dynamic renewal of the Carmelite Secular is also requires initial and continuing training. Initial training requires dialogue and cooperation with the new generations, from the reality in which they live and the challenges they face. In this way you can update the charism and spirituality of Caramel Teresa, from a secular perspective, discover that the dynamics that are locked up. The training has as its aim to enable us to a reinterpretation of charisma to make it capable of an existential language, intelligible to a world different from that of yesterday.
Another important point is that 'old is emphasized in Caramel fraternity. In fact, the community aspect of the history of salvation must be made well in relief by all Christians. We must therefore help to create a different mentality in the fraternity community, in ways that the commitments of the Carmelite Secular Order in the particular churches have not only an individual dimension, but also a collective. The communities must be able to make a discernment of faith in the light of the times and places, to create a single plan of service in the diversity of gifts and personal perspectives.
Means to pursue these routes
Among the means which experience has proved effective in raising awareness and especially for the realization of the marked routes, we first reflections community, provincial and general. These reflections are the starting point to open up new horizons and that the tensions of this moment of transition to levels remain manageable.
Another great help in this process is the organization of continuing education courses on the charism and spirituality of Caramel, and the new situation of the laity. This helps to reinforce its identity as a secular Carmelite, and facilitates the reading of the lay Carmelite charism of Teresa and her inculturation. A
half as effective are also regular meetings with regional leaders OCDS and the religious assistants. This hole extended in charge, one can assess the situation of the mallet and several districts could be set up projects with the certainty that the support will count equally responsible for those who animate the spiritual and apostolic life of the Secular Order members.
Finally, Congress national, regional and international, such as this, are valid means for the realization of what it is, and for a renewal in tune with the challenges of the present moment, a time of transition and looking for new models that ridonino Caramel secular existential intelligible language.
CONCLUSION
After these reflections we conclude that the new awareness of the Church and Carmelite is a moment of grace to reread the contribution of the Carmelite Secular Order must give to the Church and its sense of responsibility and cooperation.
the Secular is called to make the local Churches and of the universal Church, a specific collaboration in the likeness of one of the monks and nuns of Caramel Theresian witness and transmit the richness of the experience of God and prayer life as an opening to transcendence, a source of hope and commitment for dialogue with the Christian denominations and with the great religions. And this at all levels: popular religion, diffusinoe, academia, schools of prayer, biblical reflection, preaching of retreats, publications.
The various institutes are called upon to provide a service "specialist" that flows from its charism and spirituality. This special apostolate has increased considerably in recent years in the Order. We have now dedicated 159 homes in one form or another, this service characteristic of our charism in the Church: 68 retreat houses, 67 prayer houses, 24 schools of spirituality, 47 sanctuaries. The active presence of members of the Carmelite Secular Order in the reality of these undoubtedly enrich, and also reveal the secular face of the charism of Caramel. This should be the particular contribution Secular Order of Caramel to the Church.
Mary, Mother and Sister, we obtain from the Lord the attitudes of evangelical discernment and acceptance of the risk of faith and God's ways the beginning of this third millennium.
FOR REFLECTION
1. How old Caramel is located in your region in relation to this type of collaboration in the Church?
2. What are the main difficulties encountered in order to become a reality this new figure of the members of the OCDS? How to overcome?
3. What could be done by the Centre of the Order to facilitate this new responsibility and collaboration Secular Order? 
Looking at this meeting I can not help but think of the mystery of the Church, the People of God, a pilgrim in the world. In fact here we lay, religious, priests, men and women of different races, different languages, and express a wide variety of cultures. We are united by our common faith in the Risen Lord, whose presence we must witness to the heart of the world. At the same time we are joined by Teresa Carmelite charism, the gift of the Spirit for the service of the Church and the world. You, the members of the Secular Order, you are part of the Carmelite Saint Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross.
This Second International Congress of Secular wants to be a step forward in the realization of your identity and lay Carmelite. Indeed, as already noted 13 years ago 'the post-synodal document Christifideles Laity, the Spirit has inspired new aspirations towards holiness and participation in many lay faithful. You are opening an egg style of active collaboration among priests, religious and laity flourish groups, associations, movements of lay spirituality and commitment. We are looking for a wider participation of women in Church and society. The challenge is to find concrete ways to achieve this theoretical reflection on the dignity and mission of the laity.
The theme that I was asked to develop, OCDS's contribution to the Church, shared responsibility and collaboration, has three dimensions, past, present and future. These dimensions give rise to the three parts in which I intend to divide my presentation.
I. CORREPONSABILITA ' OCDS AND COLLABORATION WITH THE CHURCH - THE PAST
The Secular previously lived in his service of co-operation and shared responsibility conditioned by the situation of the laity. This in turn depended on a hierarchical model of the Church too, where the laity were second-class members. They were asked a largely receptive attitude and stand against the authority of the Church. This, combined with a lack of catechetical formation, theological and biblical, did lay persons who are unable to provide a broad and effective cooperation in the field of evangelization.
Within the religious orders, known as third orders, even if it were part of the Religious Institute, had no clear secular identity. We ask them virtually to be "religious in the world." Co-responsibility and cooperation areas were reduced to very minor, generally not related to the charism and spirituality of the religious. Rather, it is very secondary issues-oriented and practical organization, such as activities, services, initiatives in relation to the celebration of religious holidays and as a private devotion to the scapular.
As a result of the situation of the laity on the one hand, and for lack of a strong charismatic and spiritual identity of the other, the OCDS could certainly take a shared responsibility and collaboration in the pastoral levels, in decision-making, the promotion of Christian life in the Church. Also lacked, with few exceptions, adequate training in the spirituality of Caramel. This reduces the real possibility of a distinctive contribution to the Church from the Carmelite charism. Certainly the fact of participating in the liturgical actions, the recitation of Parvo, to carry out some ascetic exercises (abstinence) and the practice of certain devotions, were a way to collaborate in the mission of the Church through prayer, the source of all service to evangelization. Likewise, the testimony Christian life was a way to evangelize others.
If we pass from the personal to the plane of the Secular Community, we find the vacation of a qualified service in the field of pastoral care. It was entrusted almost exclusively to priests and religious, both in the field as Church in Caramel. The Secular helped by what it referred to organizational structures or materials. It was still far from that indicated the Christifideles Lay saying that the images of the Gospel of salt, light and leaven that relate to all the disciples of Christ, apply more specifically to the lay faithful, as talk of a full and deep into the world and in the community men to spread the Gospel. Although in theory it was stated that not only the shepherds were instituted by Christ, and could only take upon himself the entire saving mission of the Church and the world, in real life the gifts of the laity and the services were not recognized, nor, consequently, his active collaboration in the field of evangelization.
The rediscovery of the Church as the People of God, carried out by Vatican II, marked the beginning of a new era for the Christian layman. It 'been recognized its dignity and its mission is rooted in the incorporation into Christ by Baptism, which integrates the People of God and gives him a share, in its way, the "function priestly, prophetic and kingly mission of Christ ", to carry out the Church's mission in the world and all Christian people for the part that belongs to him. Lay was invited to join in the work of the hierarchy just as it participates in the salvific mission of the world.
The Vatican starts talking about collaboration and co-responsibility of the laity in the Church. It stresses that are called to "make the Church present and fruitful in those places and in those circumstances in which it can not become the salt of the earth if not through them. [...] Grava then lay all the exalted duty of working to bring God's plan of salvation will reach every day all men of all time and all places on earth. So is their any way to open, according to their abilities and needs of the times, they also actively participate in the saving work of the Church. "
The pastors of the Church are invited to promote the dignity and responsibility of the laity in the Church, giving them freedom and opportunity to act, encouraging them to undertake works on their own initiative. I lay on their part have a duty to "make known their views on what concerns the good of the Church [...] This fact is strengthened in the laity a sense of their responsibility ...". The post-synodal exhortation
Christifideles Laity has highlighted some specific areas of the apostolate in which there is joint responsibility of the laity in the Church on mission: the promotion of human dignity, protection of life and religious freedom, the family as the first area of \u200b\u200bsocial commitment, the testimony of a charity manifested in solidarity, putting the human at the center of economic and social life and the evangelization of culture and cultures. It also spoke of the personal and aggregated forms of participation in the life and apostolate of the Church. The Secular Order is one of these forms of association to participate.
Finally, the post-synodal document that invites the laity to discover their own vocation and mission, speaking of the need to give them a holistic education so that they may live into their human and Christian vocation. To achieve this vital synthesis, it should be, first, a spiritual and doctrinal formation that they may be fit to face the challenges of our time and of the socio-cultural perspective of the Christian faith and from the announcement of the Gospel.
These changes and new requirements in relation to the laity of the Church, have deeply questioned the structures and purposes of the Secular Order of Religious Institutes. Without prejudice to their legal belonging to their respective religious orders, new challenges have appeared and rich perspective to this and for the future.
II. CORREPONSABILITA 'OCDS AND COLLABORATION WITH THE CHURCH - IN THIS
After placing as a backdrop for our discussion is a quick panoramic look at the past about the near and far vision and the situation of the laity, we can now talk more specifically Secular Order and what it expects the Church in matters of shared responsibility and cooperation in his mission of evangelization.
The post-synodal document on Religious Life, speaking of communion and collaboration with lay religious institutes, specifically mention the so-called "Third Order", "Building on experience such as those of historical Secular or Third Orders, has begun a new chapter, rich in hope, in the history of relations between consecrated persons and laity. "
The same document focuses mainly on three areas in which the laity participate - in the case of the Secular Order as part of the Institute - in the life of Religious Institutes: charism, spirituality and mission. Only by keeping these three aspects we can understand and guide the collaboration and shared responsibility that requires the Secular Order of the Church today. This requires training which has as its fundamental objective, the discovery of his vocation lay from within the charism and spirituality of the Institute, so you can live in the fulfillment of a special mission and responsibility in collaboration with the Church.
Charisma is a gift bestowed by the Spirit, free and in the service of the Church. The charisma of each order or congregation of consecrated life is expressed in the Rule and Constitutions. Since then charisma emerges a style or a particular form of living the Christian life and religion, that is, a spirituality. It points out some elements of Christian life and from them, living as it is essential for all: life in Christ and the Spirit, received in faith, expressed in love, lived in hope. The charism and spirituality lead apostolic commitment in all areas of evangelization, and even if more specific guidelines to enable one of them. It 's like saying that provide an experiential and practical expertise to offer a quality service in the Church.
I think is important to remember in this connection, what are the essential elements of the charism and spirituality of Caramel Teresiano. In light of the Constitutions of the Friars, we can say that the primordial elements are as follows:
- live in allegiance to Jesus Christ, under the protection of B. Virgin, in imitation and in union with you, whose life lies before us as a model of being conformed to Christ
- Looking for the "mysterious communion with God" in the path of contemplation and apostolic activity, each welded to the service of the Church;
- give a special importance to prayer which, through hearing the Word of God and the Liturgy leads us to the friendly dialogue with God, not only in prayer but also in life, we aim to nurture this life of prayer with faith, hope and above all divine love, to experience the presence and the mystery of the living God;
- with the intention apostolic animate all our prayer and our lives in a climate of human and Christian brotherhood;
- live the evangelical self-denial in a theological perspective.
From this charism and spirituality of apostolic service there is a peculiar type, which should be given priority, the consecrated life as in the Secular: the apostolate or ministry of spirituality. Open to the needs of the Church and the world today, we must give first place in this apostolic ministry, even in the Secular Order. This would be the practical way of offering, in co-responsibility, work together more effectively to the Church, from our Teresian Carmelite identity.
Facing Lay Carmelites as the challenges of today's world
changes in the world are fast and Contin. Today there are changes that in a short time previously required centuries. On the other hand, these changes are universal today, because of the interdependence of scientific, political, economic, cultural and technical. Deep impact because they affect the whole human being in his own reality. Some people and groups causing the changes, others will suffer, but no one is excluded. You could also talk rather than change, a change of era, characterized by modernity and post-modernism, subjectivism and the ideologies of the crisis. In particular, there are phenomena such as secularization, liberation, globalization and the new ethics.
Secularization leads with it a transformation of the human relationship with nature, with others and with God 'the phenomenon of secularization in order to affirm the legitimate autonomy of the person, culture and technology. This gives rise to some imbalances between the autonomy of the human and the loss of a sense of transcendence that leads to secularism, between religious values \u200b\u200band new myths and idols. It opens to the Secular and the possibility of living to witness the presence of God in the heart of the world to help others discover the footprints of God in earthly realities, as have our saints, but would open at the same time to transcendence God is also in a deeper center of our being. He can accomplish this with the testimony of his life and an apostolic commitment that may take many forms.
Another phenomenon that can not be ignored is liberation. Individuals, groups, peoples and cultures do not want to be objects in the hands of those who hold power. They want to be actors in a situation of equality, accountability, participation and communion. This one lives as they arise new forms of oppression, marginalization and exploitation of the weakest. The awareness of the dignity of the human person goes to seek new ways for its realization through the recognition of his fundamental rights effectively recognized, protected and promoted. In this field you must enter the feminist movement that attempts to give the woman the space that corresponds, in society and the Church. The members of the Carmelite Secular Order are called to promote the defense of human dignity, in contemplating our saints proclaimed by the vocation of every human being to be transformed into God St. John of the Cross said that "man is worth a thought that all world and therefore God alone is worthy. " The spirituality of Caramel appears as a path to inner freedom, the source of all true liberation.
One element that characterizes the current situation is, of course, globalization. The World currently living a process of unification because of the increasing interdependence in all areas. The earth is a "global village", with economic, commercial, political and military. The media and communications have approached people in a world full of information, communications and meetings. It 's a process full of contradictions. Economic power is concentrated in few hands, and so the communication and information. There is total control. Appear deep imbalances between rich and poor, with the growing phenomenon of the masses of poor people in rich countries and rich minorities in poor countries. In globalization, there are several dimensions: technological, economic, political and cultural. The positive aspects are the possibility of a large interconnected world, access to information and the reduction of the distances that can improve the quality of human life. Of course there are downsides: the search of huge financial gain that reduces the person to the consumer, the growing gap between rich and poor, the gap of cultures and ways of living which seeks to standardize the globalization. Faced with this challenge, the Carmelite Secular is called to advocate the globalization of solidarity as a requirement of the Gospel. The Teresian Carmelite charism emphasizes the fraternity: to be "small college of Christ" as one of the Apostles and how the early Christian community, where believers "were of one heart and one mind ... and none of them was in need" (Acts 4, 32.34).
the basis of the changes is the crisis of ethics of the past and the search for a new ethic on the edge of religious institutions, and which relegates religion into the realm of God and the private sector. We are witnessing the development of bio-ethics, with the great challenges of genetic engineering that threatens to create a standardized human. By manipulating the human gene, scientists sometimes claim to "play at being God." Becomes urgent ethics based on the dignity of the human person created by God, the only absolute. Even here the experience of our Carmelite saints track routes in the testimony and commitment in decision-making.
No doubt not all bad in these changes. There are also positive trends such as awareness of the value of the person and his fundamental rights, the search for a new harmony between human beings and nature, sensitivity to the problem of life, justice and peace, consciousness the value of their cultures, the search for a new international economic order, the growing sense of responsibility of the human face of the future, a greater sensitivity of religious and mystical experiences as a means for a process of liberation and personal growth, a new situation of women in society. In all these areas, the spirituality of Caramel has something to say, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Therese of Lisieux, Elizabeth of the Trinity, Edith Stein, Titus and many others, illuminate and argue with their experience and their teaching these signs of the times.
The Church asks the age-old Carmelo collaboration and shared responsibility to help her "to scrutinize the signs of the times and to interpret them in light of the Gospel so that, in a manner appropriate to each generation, it can respond to the perennial questions which people the meaning of life and future, and their mutual Report. To achieve this, we need practical and concrete means that routes in the Secular Order will facilitate the co-responsibility and collaboration with the Church. This opens up the possibilities of the future.
III. CORREPONSABILITA 'OCDS AND COLLABORATION WITH THE CHURCH - THE FUTURE
The invitation which the Church extends to religious and to renew their charisma with creative fidelity, can and should also apply to the Secular. Creative fidelity implies a return to origins in order to address the dynamic challenges of the present moment. This commitment must trace routes and point out practical means to help make operational fidelity creative.
practical routes
In an effort today to review the identity and mission of the Carmelite Secular, recourse has mainly three ways: that of spirituality, that the formation of the fraternity.
Spirituality is the first thing that must be borne in mind in the process of creative fidelity to the Secular Order. Only a spiritual experience can give authenticity to the quest for new forms of life and presence. This is a Christian spirituality in general and in particular of Caramel. Creative fidelity in spirituality has a strong point. It is their unifying element.
To live in fidelity dynamic renewal of the Carmelite Secular is also requires initial and continuing training. Initial training requires dialogue and cooperation with the new generations, from the reality in which they live and the challenges they face. In this way you can update the charism and spirituality of Caramel Teresa, from a secular perspective, discover that the dynamics that are locked up. The training has as its aim to enable us to a reinterpretation of charisma to make it capable of an existential language, intelligible to a world different from that of yesterday.
Another important point is that 'old is emphasized in Caramel fraternity. In fact, the community aspect of the history of salvation must be made well in relief by all Christians. We must therefore help to create a different mentality in the fraternity community, in ways that the commitments of the Carmelite Secular Order in the particular churches have not only an individual dimension, but also a collective. The communities must be able to make a discernment of faith in the light of the times and places, to create a single plan of service in the diversity of gifts and personal perspectives.
Means to pursue these routes
Among the means which experience has proved effective in raising awareness and especially for the realization of the marked routes, we first reflections community, provincial and general. These reflections are the starting point to open up new horizons and that the tensions of this moment of transition to levels remain manageable.
Another great help in this process is the organization of continuing education courses on the charism and spirituality of Caramel, and the new situation of the laity. This helps to reinforce its identity as a secular Carmelite, and facilitates the reading of the lay Carmelite charism of Teresa and her inculturation. A
half as effective are also regular meetings with regional leaders OCDS and the religious assistants. This hole extended in charge, one can assess the situation of the mallet and several districts could be set up projects with the certainty that the support will count equally responsible for those who animate the spiritual and apostolic life of the Secular Order members.
Finally, Congress national, regional and international, such as this, are valid means for the realization of what it is, and for a renewal in tune with the challenges of the present moment, a time of transition and looking for new models that ridonino Caramel secular existential intelligible language.
CONCLUSION
After these reflections we conclude that the new awareness of the Church and Carmelite is a moment of grace to reread the contribution of the Carmelite Secular Order must give to the Church and its sense of responsibility and cooperation.
the Secular is called to make the local Churches and of the universal Church, a specific collaboration in the likeness of one of the monks and nuns of Caramel Theresian witness and transmit the richness of the experience of God and prayer life as an opening to transcendence, a source of hope and commitment for dialogue with the Christian denominations and with the great religions. And this at all levels: popular religion, diffusinoe, academia, schools of prayer, biblical reflection, preaching of retreats, publications.
The various institutes are called upon to provide a service "specialist" that flows from its charism and spirituality. This special apostolate has increased considerably in recent years in the Order. We have now dedicated 159 homes in one form or another, this service characteristic of our charism in the Church: 68 retreat houses, 67 prayer houses, 24 schools of spirituality, 47 sanctuaries. The active presence of members of the Carmelite Secular Order in the reality of these undoubtedly enrich, and also reveal the secular face of the charism of Caramel. This should be the particular contribution Secular Order of Caramel to the Church.
Mary, Mother and Sister, we obtain from the Lord the attitudes of evangelical discernment and acceptance of the risk of faith and God's ways the beginning of this third millennium.
FOR REFLECTION
1. How old Caramel is located in your region in relation to this type of collaboration in the Church?
2. What are the main difficulties encountered in order to become a reality this new figure of the members of the OCDS? How to overcome?
3. What could be done by the Centre of the Order to facilitate this new responsibility and collaboration Secular Order?
What Does Moc Moc Mean?
TRAINING AND OCD OCDS - Attilio Ghisleri, OCD
presentation of the topic
The heart of the Church is Christ the Lord. Of his earthly life is said in the Acts of the Apostles with a fast and wonderful synthesis that "He went about doing good and healing all" (10:38): for 2000 years this is the perfect paradigm of life that we can imagine and make in our lives. Whatever the formation process must lead to this goal.
There is yet another expression of the Gospel that we want to keep in mind in developing the argument I am presenting: "The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him" (Luke 4:16). it still continues in time the path of those who believe in him and thus ending the adventure of life.
The Church is placed in the world as light, yeast and salt Gospel, inspired and sustained by the Spirit of Christ's love in the press that each of us (2Cor.5, 14), thus continuing the mission and work of Jesus in the world and every creature. She 's the fertile womb of every vocation, dedication, mission.
On our way to the Spirit of God seeks us, finds us, forgives us, welcomes us, comforts us and advised us, transforms into true friends and family with God and with one another, communicating also all life and passion life of Christ.
E 'commitment to each, as a believer follow in the footsteps of Jesus, imitate the width of mind and intelligence, revived the memory compelling in every situation, looking with the heart to go beyond what is earthly and material.
S. Augustine offers us an evocative image of the traveler that goes, sing and walk (disc.256):
"Now our body is under the earth, then it will
the heavenly condition.
There will ring the party of God, certainly sounds too now, here.
Here, however, anxiety, there in peace.
here in the hope up there in reality.
by exiles and pilgrims here, up there in heaven.
sing well now not so much to enjoy the rest
but to raise the effort.
Sung by travelers.
Sing Walk, singing and walking. "
" Lay Carmelites are members of the Church in its own right: their identity is to be people of the Church in the heart of the world and people around the world in the heart of the Church.
E 'the world on their specific field of action, the witness of life, activity, making present God's plan for humanity: to live as children of God leaders, deepening human brotherhood, sharing with the world justice and peace. "(P. Camilo Maccise, The renewal of the Secular in the new evangelization, 1996, Congress Int. OCDS, Rome).
socio - RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM
is not a reality to the diviners, that are constantly evolving, leaves little room for a complete and accurate prediction of Christianity in relation to it. You can not even offer quick fixes or improvised about some phenomena. It should be said immediately clear that some indications of character essential teaching remain the same in the new millennium, the approach is equal to the integral values \u200b\u200bof Christianity, while the styles and means of change or should change. However
design an image of Christianity in society of 2000 requires first you have the knowledge of the complex web of issues that affect and stress. Such knowledge should not be desk analysis, but it has groped to create a discernment of the possibilities that are offered to modern man to do good, starting with their dignity as children of God, in a secularized world.
It 'also important to keep alive the awareness of a certain alienation of the Christian than the "earthly city" because all "we are guests and pilgrims," \u200b\u200band therefore temporary camp in the city, with the imperative to make concrete choices in the line of gospel. The reality of the Church is a mystery to which all belong and the sacrament of communion, so each area must remain open to the man as a crucial requirement.
Christians in the face of accelerating technological and social changes must not close our eyes, but seek to clarify the essence of his responsibilities, especially with regard to the imperative of love altogether, in the form of service, sharing of volunteer support to the initiatives planned by any group or movement. And 'again, and always from the Gospel and the Spirit's mysterious energy that qualifies the initiative of Christians in an original way.
In this state of affairs and the confrontation between faith and life styles and cultures and must be avoided that ceiling moral of the past, when every social change was seen as dangerous and therefore was denied (the Industrial Revolution, the birth of the labor movement, capitalism, lending at interest ..). The responsibility of the Lay Carmelite is to work in secular life this precious gospel of mediation between the absolute and ever-changing realities of daily life.
The believer must be trained in modern times to give priority to the ethics of accountability and responsibility for achieving the common good and to participate in the Church's journey in the way of evangelization and human promotion. Adult in faith, in adult the secular life becomes an active and irreplaceable in this role. Some actually takes him under pressure from close up to him and respond, react with the autonomy of his intelligence and his profession of faith.
There are social expectations in today's world, which unfortunately are delayed, creating paradoxical situations and potentially dangerous: endemic poverty, denial of civil rights, economic neo-colonialism creeping discrimination, refusal to profess their religion, injustice continues, strong migration , regional conflicts, ethnic claims, absolutist regimes, perennial imbalance between the populations themselves are older than those between North and South. The believer stands in reality these sick and rotten and shouts its presence as an agent of change in the name of the Lord. Spirituality and commitment you need to combine closely, in the sense of an embodied spirituality, a diaconate.
The civilization of the image has already produced a profound renewal in the costume of these years: to look not only acculturate, but to perceive, react, want, fear, hear and feel involved with respect to the flow of what you can presentato.Si achieve a genuine service to culture, knowledge, awareness, but you can also fake, pollute, distort the truth of the facts and the dignity of persons. The Lay Carmelite has its own responsibilities in the choice of media, or in adhering to projects that respect the man, nature, minorities. It 's the easier way to capture the consensus and also puts a strain on our rotten ways to present Christianity to our contemporaries.
microelectronics revolution wrought by information if one part is leveling organizational capabilities in the world of work and commerce at the global level, the other is even more humiliating the poor, cut off once again from any form of and are therefore potentially well-being.
we emphasize also the theme of globalization, a term now widely practiced by the society of economic power and that extends to many areas of life. On the one hand all around the world seems to be shortened by the possibility of operating direct communication and response, but on the other perpetuates the imbalances between rich and poor, because it springs from the logic of capitalism which by its nature is not to discount range anyone having as sole objective the pursuit of profit. The "new economy" as it is called today did not ultimately understood the common good in a moral sense, but in a sense the competition in a wicked game of relentless law firm, whose center is a consumer from persuade and entice you to consume. Capitalism, market company and the same individual in a liberal society is a melting pot of every possible interest omnivorous materiale.Giustamente it was noted that should keep an eye on the effects of globalization, why not add other ills in society is weak and does not create new needs and ephemeral consumption or worthless. They actually induce consumer behavior and attitudes, change the way of looking at life, evaluate it and to take powers and services. Globalisation is seen as a rapid response service for the poor and dispossessed can instead be a valuable instrument of evangelical charity. One difficulty
note for those who live today is to reconstruct in his mind the diversity of cultural stimulation, social and material it receives. Units to reduce the complexity of the world vital to find a viable way to her condition or personal or familial, or professional, or relational. There's nothing more traditional in this changing scenario that may help the individual, because even the most essential values \u200b\u200bare described and presented in another way, from other priorities explanatory or argumentative. Hence according to sociologists the sense of unease, uncertainty, anxiety and insecurity in contemporary society, but may find its greatest assets on which the ego engages the deep Christian faith.
The physical security or economic policy alone is not sufficient to guarantee the dignity of the person I am sure a qualified starting point, but alone would not raise the question of religion, which instead has at its root the encounter with Christ the Redeemer 's man. And 'this evidence of good that can still attract the person as always, just when it is sincere in listening to his soul in its material needs. The
live for the day, the testing continues to prefer the decision rather than stable, the same weak thought in vogue in the West (in sharp contrast to the strong thought that drove the last few centuries even within the Church), the deliberate omission of past as a land reference are the other environmental conditions which falls today the commitment of Christian living and shares hard gestational this society, taking from time to time of posting critical attitudes, supervision and backup., or reasoned action . Since the Church placed in the world as light, leaven and salt, continuing the mission and work of Jesus in the world and every human being.
NEEDS TRAINING
Life is a mystery and history walks: there is also a life long enough to understand it through and interpret the best of terms. The training helps us in this adventure
E 'prerequisite discover their role, or vocation, to choose the way of being in life, not to allow live wearily, or trailer of what others will require more or less veiled.
gifts, skills, el qualities and gifts that were donated, must be taken, scanned and enhanced and always placed in the circle of life: it is they who determine our personality. Of great help in this area are the human sciences and psychology.
There is a continuous evolution in the microcosm of the person (age, environmental conditions, unforeseen events, meetings determinants, cultural acquisitions, favorable or unfavorable aspects of life, unique opportunities), which in the macrocosm of history in which we live (political conditions , geographical, ideological struggles, discrimination, education, economy, national and international political alliances, political groups ...). For all these reasons taken individually or intertwined, it can not only endure, or passively accept everything, because what is at stake is the preservation of human dignity. Christian formation has a delicate and precious.
Fatigue inculturation of the faith in terms of time and place: all is not peaceful and easy to resolve, certainly outweigh the pressures and demands of such material, and sometimes it comes to being in the minority of their faith in a context of religiosity, or different or religious hostility, and often also the economic interests seeking to marry religious ones, with a humiliating and disgraceful practical outcome, in which some Christians, or the hierarchy sided with the powerful.
There are appalling conditions of life in some countries that require Christians to a free and clear choice of field, stable and fighting an option to change the situation.
The same weakness of people who believe sometimes generates fear, away from the problems, lack of sensitivity, in an ad disembodied escape the message of salvation.
not always obvious tracks to escape and / or recipes to solve some very complex issues: You feel very helpless and sometimes must rely on a long time, as more appropriate, check that the partial results: training is as a fixed point from which and to whom refer in the variety of temporary means to be used.
unfortunately still persists in a church clericalism dies hard in practice than in teaching the doctrine of official dominance of the hierarchy and in evaluating the problems in their management. The Catholic laity, as well as the world of women inside and outside the religious life, still lives today in a position ancillary to subordination, reverence, despite an increasing cultural background and spiritual formation received and absorbed. This is particularly true in Twilight the Western world, where there is only evidence of a shortage of priests or clerics to lead to greater openness of shared responsibility for the laity.
At this stage the groups and movements also continue to work with a strong push of proselytism, hermetic closure to them, a sense of superiority over other forms of secularism known as "generic" (in the sense of an unwanted combination of them), with a disregard to the collaboration, with a jealousy which flaunt the numbers as proof of their strength or international. Often in order to emerge begging for protection or a certificate of public esteem to the Bishops and Cardinals. Undoubtedly the layman believer, such as the Carmelites, can feel a sense of unease, of minority or marginalized in the face of such mass show of well-organized and often well nourished, economically. Caramel normally witness Teresa does not like the noise and advertising: it is only the holiness of its members that generates awe, admiration and a following even on a planetary level. (The two Theresas, Edith Stein, Elizabeth of the Trinity ...).
The same problem of combining faith and life, reason and the mystery remains cross dialectic, which places the believer in continuous need of conversion-change interior of repolish the objectives of his life, to verify the means of arriving a possible equilibrium although many of instability. And 'This is also the threshold for the initiation of any spiritual path, oriented to the perfection of charity.
Finally, there is a need now more informed through the media, to receive and accept the richness of the educational paths of others and other cultures, the need to dialogue, to learn better to know the open and friendly with others, be open to suggestions of all the good work in the world. It 'an immense spiritual, human and civic spaces comes to us and calls attention today can actually say that there are several barriers to realizing that we are not the only carriers of non-material values \u200b\u200band this allows us to better update our itineraries or authenticity of life.
formative stages for Lay Carmelites
the First BASIC TRAINING
knowledge of the fundamental values \u200b\u200bof Christianity, those that mark membership, according to a line of fidelity to Christ and his Gospel of salvation, just as there is was transmitted by the Apostles and as it is jealously guarded in its entirety and as you develop in the biblical and theological reflections.
This is not least for all members of the OS to have necessarily a complete and theological knowledge on every subject, but a personal attachment to everything the Church teaches and that Order remedy for a spiritual sensitivity, a certainty of the way, a company in the journey of faith. The goal is adultezza and stability of their faith, practiced and professed. Already
that is a sacramental formation process: from the Baptism Anointing of the sick there is the whole dynamic of the paschal character of life redeemed.
Even the cadence of the liturgical season can be a stimulus to faith education, if properly perceived as thought and fervent adherence to the liturgical Moneti.
Many are now possibilities for education according to their needs, from regular courses iaccademici mpegnativi, to the "Christian schools" which are very popular among mivimenti groups and also within the parish. This initiative is in place for many years in Italian Secular. Especially in the West there is no risk of illiteracy, in the sense that it was completely forgotten the initial training related to the sacraments of Christian initiation, and this has led to a disaffection with the important values \u200b\u200band uncertainty about the substance of their faith.
If it is true that Christianity means above all a total adherence to the Lord, it is equally important to break out of a devotional too often sterile, which eventually can paralyze any commitment, witness, or reduce to a private religion.
must also emphasize that God educates his people, so it is a duty of believers to have access to him and let themselves be educated: it is a slow ripening and persevering, without exaggeration and without the mental anxiety of wanting to know all the dogma. It happens mainly through the grace of God and S. Santo, as a guide to receive what the Lord wants to tell everybody, or to request or donate.
The inner maturity coincides with a process of internal liberation from things, people, a kind of top view or from the inside of everything that runs in your personal life in order to be able to manage without being dominated, giving sottofini without stirring, to use material goods without being used.
The dignity of being children in the Son of God, followers of his Gospel involves us in God's plan for us, sliding into his story makes us brothers and our horizontal axis as a sign of reciprocity also very successful at the operational level.
In this basic training the conscience of the subject becomes transparent in the sense of a moral life consists in the interpretation of life in the light of the Gospel.
The synthesis of this first stage of the formation of the lay Carmelite is the 'Education for Love:
it expresses the desirability and attractiveness of the message of salvation
concretized the universal vocation to holiness
brings together all the practical answers and ideals of the commitment of the believer
adding the requirement judgments of credibility on what operiamno and also marks the final decision.
also the beginning of this new millennium is here that we must always go to any methodological reflection or content: start with a God who is Love, revealed in his Son Jesus Christ as the mercy and unfailing communion with each of us.
This love given to all, everyone came to pervade the universe and waiting to be revealed by each of us, from a confidential way of total surrender to Him edentro the context of the vicissitudes of life.
should always start from this point vertically to understand God and to understand one another, to cross the times and seasons in history, to give a strong size and full of value to all that slips through the experience of everyday life.
In Christian education we must not from her own weakness and poverty, imperfection and sinfulness of our deeds, but this beauty that still and always warms the world and urges intact with confidence toward the fulfillment of his destiny. The learning-
subtle expression of love is that commuting is between the offer of God and the slow absorption personnel, fighting to keep a perspective of fidelity to it and the inevitable moments of rallentameto: pedagogically, we can say some that are very useful educational information:
a will you decide to move forward, followed by a personal commitment
asceticism in its various forms
assiduous sacramental vitality
We can also define them, such resources as catalysts to unite the free gifts from above, and their practicality in the life of the believer.
pages more intense and rich experiential our saints are all oriented and focused in this direction and I'm really a powerful stimulus for all members of Caramel to be credible and true love received and given back both to God and to others.
Love itself contains in itself an exceptional charge formation and at the same time represents the culmination of the whole educational process of the person.
II TRAINING CARMELITE
Its task is to determine the membership of vocations to the religious family in the substance of our traditional spiritual message and also in helping to co-viability, development and expansion of it around the world. Even if we can find in the laity in general and many scholars elective attention and full of admiration for Caramel, its traditions, its saints, is an integral part of the Secular Order.
It is a full, together with the nuns, the richness and variety and diversity of spiritual paths in the context of the life of the world.
The same root, the same values, the same rule mark the identity of layman named in Caramel, the training should help the discovery of this identity, strengthens the lay pushes styles of embodiment. Unfortunately, sometimes one gets the impression that some charge is enough devotional, which is sufficient momentum uncommunicative underwear, which is only a spur to something else (psychological support, problem solving, a peace equidistant from the stresses of life) .
must start again from the concept of vocation to Caramel, which is the awareness that this is a gift that has been done to the creature, that his whole life is in "the hands of another" and from now on is defined by the relationship with Him, to Him we surrender everything, it's like being at risk total have focused on one goal. In this respect there is no difference between the various vocations to Caramel, changing only the method of application and expression. For all
is valuable and strong appeal to union with God and prayer life, typical of our charism, but each must be kept clear is the diversity in research, development, because it is too important to the uniqueness of the gifts that the Holy S. absolute freedom granted to each. We can summarize by saying that the concept is only the starting point, only the goal, and many different roads to get there and to live out that vocation.
The answer to the call takes the form the delivery of self-willed and thoughtful Caramel: the journey is made for simplicity and humility, for companionship with other brothers and sisters ideal and real: the icon is the first community gathered in the Cenacle, with Mary, waiting for the Holy Spirit. In particular one should feel and express his joy at being called to the Order, to be able to grow with a certain appearance along with others, to compare with others like him called. Sometimes there is a risk you want to create lay specialists in the teaching of our saints, not the primary objective and quiet, why has more "experience" of what Caramel brings a gift to the Church. Personal experience, with accents and different vibrations, with a logical group of communion with a spirit of mutual solidarity and encouragement in the realization of love. Membership
legal order must be enlivened by an original contribution that the Order itself is expected from the laity in the world speak of different experiences that lead to continuous mediation with the Christian commitment, I am referring to the possibility of entering without prejudice or labels in certain sectors of civil life, the direct evidence on the ground with a lifestyle alternativo.E 'as a silent protest and active mode of behavior, then a counter which is evident by itself, without oratorical emphasis.
list here a number of occasions traditional personal training and group and tested by experience, that can help the formation of the lay Carmelite, still keeping it away from rigid patterns and obligations imposed by law.
The training sessions should be frequent, therefore, taking into account only the members of the lay state of the OS, often working full-time in family, professional or material: the timing and moments of it must be able to retain this and in no way preclude the participation of most, otherwise you may only talk to people retired.
The same thing goes for the annual spiritual exercises: You should always be confirmed, perhaps in ways other than an estate, or with the possibility for the most part to be involved in at least reading the reports or spread to other media.
spiritual reading on the figure and the doctrine of our Holy is also a form of communion with the Order in its substance: as we know everyone has his reactions, his emotions and then the same text may have different results according to the vibration and special sensitivity. And 'let oppportuno accompanied by proposals that we are better, it is not necessary to know all the texts in depth: what is presented to us is a universe as rich and stimulating, but then everyone has to adhere to what is most useful in a given time. There are many roads leading to the goal: to live in allegiance to Jesus Christ to love God and serve him in others.
is not the great and wide culture that encourages the spiritual life, but the experience that we are allowed to do: here there are realities or religious values \u200b\u200bor reserved for nuns, because everything is accessible by the laity, as well as the Gospel can not in any way in favor of privatizing some. E 'S. Holy acting when and how they want the soul that is opened and the results are not only perfection, but also an entry in the mystical dimension.
Spiritual direction is another very educational useful: it is a journey, it is clear that one must start with a proposal, try to find ways and means, to verify the results and have the courage to change if there is any improvement. Stand confidently in the hands of a Carmelite priest possibly means finding a sense of security and peace, means to demonstrate the constructive engagement of one's will with regard to vocational response. This
Carmelite formation inevitably leads to a practice of prayer, according to the method of Teresa: Liturgy of the Hours, staff or community prayer, meditation enter into the life of the lay Carmelite Order as a substantial factor. It is inappropriate to determine the hours or time to adjust, because it becomes habit sopprattutto interior, and then can combine with the most diverse activities: Since all the emphasis is placed on the concept that tries to answer the prayer of love, then you must leave ample room for more personal initiatives, do not bind anyone.
Life itself becomes a stimulus for prayer at the end of each day strong educational, because it conditions the choices, leads to the generosity in fulfilling its duties, help in difficulties, brings as a sign of blessing in tangible assets, connects with the Prayer of the Church and the Order, is in need of rescue, not only personal but also community, opens our hearts to others, gives a sense of inner peace.
In the life of prayer, the three cardinal virtues are activated directly as experience. The example is the little Teresa, who became the patron saint of missions from the cloister.
in recent decades has become increasingly also in the Secular lectio divina: education is important to listen to God, and obey his voice, and will, to enjoy the message in a direct confrontation with their own lives to learn that pregnant silence of God, which we have spoken our Santi.C 'is always a personal enrichment of the Word, which is evoked = call out to reveal his ability to fascinate, to draw us and push us towards its fulfillment. There are many ways to practice and each group is encouraged to develop it according to his needs, but always open to all.
E 'valuable direct contact with the monastic and religious life of our order: we invite young people to this contact, put into practice because they see that longing for a life full of God for them is like a miracle, curiosity, a challenge. These contacts can also occur as a time of fellowship, participation in special liturgies and celebrations, dialogue. Here we can see the contemplative dimension of life, his expended as adultezza evangelical faith.
CHARACTERISTICS OF LAY TRAINING Training is
an event along the way, the trajectory of the baptismal vocation of the priesthood and common: the same faith and pilgrimage in the mysteries of God touching the world and man, life and death. So his job is to bring out the truth, that is what God is and does in us and for us.
It 's a walk together in the womb of the Church in the discovery of self and reality of others with their diversity and experience, without suffering, without quell'omogenietà from college, or asylum or prison or barracks.
must be open to the sense of gratitude and gratuity: equivalent to look at life and themselves as a gift of salvation and continued full of gifts that are from above. Thank God for everything we received and our job is to wise stewards who must then be accountable. In this strategy extremely simple spiritual gift received tends to be a gift given: self-giving life to others is recharged continuously, constantly get richer. The experience of our saints and blessed is centered around this to give thanks to God for His infinite mercy and plenty of gifts to sing the mercies of God, celebrated in her own life as an everyday occurrence. Here is some space for political or social accountability, support for humanitarian interventions to support the defense of the family and its intrinsic values \u200b\u200band for any voluntary.
should arouse a sense of responsibility in freedom: it is the Gospel put hand to the plow, making decisions, walking forward without looking back, not ever abdicate its own personality, even when he has to purify or make some disclaimers: It 's so-called difficulty of living in which each played liberamante and responsibly, and expresses his lifestyle. The lay person should act as a layman, demanding respect for the role of vocation and the avoidance of non-compatible with its status. The first area of \u200b\u200bthis secularism will be hard to live the reality of the person, family, social and professional, without following the common fashion. Just as life itself becomes a sacramental sign of the presence of the Lord. The virus of individualism is beaten by collaboration with others to improve the quality of life.
Opening up new horizons historical and spiritual icon is the road to Emmaus.
The windows of the mind and soul must remain open, because the spiritual or historical scenarios are constantly evolving. This means not ever regret the past, but know that God is immutable and dwelt among us can not be entered into a condition worse. The concept of training is already the seeds of renewal, because it is a continuous read and interpreted in the light of the existence of God, always new and unfailing.
emerges here all the spiritual significance of training: it's like a sow, even if the fruits are not seen immediately and failures always at hand. In fact every unsuccesso can push us more towards other roads, or pay more attention to the power of Spirito.L 'opening scene may already be starting with what happens in the parish: the willingness to take ministerial forms of charity, cooperation with 'pastoral activities, issues of direct participation in community life.
are no educational principles to save the man, even if the wrong ones can destroy it. This is not to find the techniques of success, but to help everyone to find their dignity and full guideline in the faith received and professed common. The four Gospels are a model example of the possible ways of following Christ: Mt
: the gospel of the catechist
Mc:
catechumen is the gospel of Luke is the gospel of John evangelizer
. It is the gospel of the priest or mature Christian.
Each of them offers the basis of Christian hope in the secular world and apathetic.
Form, or give shape to life ultimately means to obey God, His living Word, the Mother Church, which belongs to the Order in its own right: that to grow, because the God makes reliable reliable our everyday life. This is the fiat of the Virgin Mary, which precedes and accompanies all our paths. Here you can briefly mention the challenges for his new Millennium, which have already been prepared in recent years: the evangelization of the world and society, the practice of charity, support for issues of justice and peace in the world, attention to the last and finally the promotion of the dignity of the role of the laity in the Church.
In summary we can say that way today as yesterday, being a Christian means to be citizens of the intermediate time (between the first and the second coming of Christ), supported by natural and supernatural gifts and values, guided by the Scriptures, stewards of the community, in a charming inner dynamism and continuous contact with God takes us from friends, from beginning to end almost consumed by a service experience-deacons, walking with the men and hearing them as brothers. We should also emphasize the value of friendship that exists between those who are attached to Caramel through a spiritual journey and not for reasons of efficiency or expediency, but as an exercise to understand that the face of the brother / sister is one in which reflects the image of Jesus
An authentic Christian needs a few rules, a discipline of body and spiirito, a line of clear and precise. In my opinion, to give greater impetus to the OS should reduce the legislation to some essential, as is the movement and church groups, avoiding any maximalism giving spiritual and secular status that can only be practicable, taking into account the different contexts of life, avoiding the rules are suitable only for the elderly and can not be applied by all. To be educational, should only accompany the subject and remain open and flexible to various situations, particularly highlighting the organizational autonomy of the members. E 'S. Santo to give guarantees of spiritual fruit to work and commitment of the laity.
III COOPERATION WITH THE ORDER OF CARAMEL
the great Family of Caramel, spread throughout the world, diverse lifestyles and roles and ministries have great confidence of the laity who comprise them feel like brothers, like true friends, as both precious and hard-working employees live in the charismatic town, both in its dissemination at all levels, both in attending the live issues of our time.
not be considered as a substitute for religious life, or as a pious association, but for what they really were from the beginning, when they asked to be part of the Order being in the world and vivendone reality.
the laity of the Church following the Council called for a new apostolic dynamism and missionary, and that they have repeatedly called for the Caramel their living presence, not only as individuals but also as a group well-formed, facing the great challenges of our time.
Fr General said last OCDS International Congress that he believes "the future of the Secular to play in this active collaboration, mature and responsible at all levels in the apostolate of the Order": It is extremely appropriate in this new World Assembly to resume these information, discuss and urgently find ways and paths of realizzazione.La formation of which has been discussed in my speech should be used to this.
In the missionary
know first of all, through our publications specific or direct contact with the missionaries, the situation of our work of proclaiming the Gospel throughout the world. Prepare
with intelligence shows missionaries, not only for the sale of the proceeds then go to the missions, but also to promote public debates, meetings with some of our missionary, spreading images and content through the local stations. Create widespread awareness and commitment to this duty of the Church and the Order.
organize prayer groups, missionary, supported by Carmelite spirituality: they may also be open to those who do not belong to Caramel and to broaden the focus to young people, because they usually show themselves very sensitive to these issues. Present
parishes that had not instigate any kind of missionary our business, our needs. To bridge al'intervento of our missionaries.
to be invented, at least for the Western world, direct collaboration in mission territories by lay Carmelite here first of all to them is sought the testimony of a believer's life, then an entry in the catechism, as an aid to the families, support for problems such as food, medical, social people. All this in a pastoral coordination arrangement. Assume certain skills, knowledge of languages \u200b\u200band culture of the people to whom it was intended. In practice, all women religious today are already doing to help the missionaries can be accomplished even by lay people, well prepared and mature, even for limited periods and as needed.
Sometimes it might be a help to missionaries and even the organization of the service for the life of every day, so that the missionary may be more free from material concerns and give himself better in his priestly ministry. It 'clear that this type of intervention, which the OCDS has not yet been used, also requires a request by the missionaries, a schedule of duties to be performed, a minimal structure for the reception, specific qualities of the participants, health physical endurance and adaptation to climatic conditions or environmental.
The harvest is always great, the problems always larger and more complex, ever-growing poverty, the needs and poverty becoming more common: the lay Carmelite spirituality incarnated must be able to express even on these challenges, according to its actual possibilities of direct or indirect. The new evangelization calls, however, that he should not move in the territories of the missio ad gentes and no charisma should never stifle the freedom of the individual or family of the subject.
in houses of prayer or retreat
Order Pastoral activity is more and more specialized to the centers of religious culture, the dissemination of spirituality, acceptance for training or for spiritual exercises and retreats. This is a bit 'to our specific charism also serves the mission.
The presence of the laity seems to be still very small: their focus could now cover all the management, organization of these centers. They should also form self-managing and disseminating all that Caramel can offer in terms of experience of interior life man of our time, which surprisingly seems to appreciate and look for what is lost in the everyday material life.
For those who have expertise and training teolgica also could open even more interesting scenarios, such as the promotion of Catholic culture, the training initiatives, courses in theology for lay people: more and more there is now a need to make available to people opportunities for reflection and meditation.
Institutes of spirituality.
The presence of the laity in the various forms of Christian culture (Universities, Journalism, Arts ...) is spreading more and more and in particular that of women. It is a reinterpretation of culture from different sides and different sensitivity, which correspond to different states of life or personal circumstances. Fortunately
Caramel boasts two holy Doctors of the Church. But now it is up to win a Lay Carmelite natural shyness and sense of dependence, to spend well-given talents and to offer with his unique genius, from a cultural background well treated and released in the crucible of scientific investigation. Potentially there are with any obstacle, what should be done would be to encourage, prepare lay people, and this form of collaboration with the religious environments where it is proposed to establish and culture.
A first step would be to accommodate some of our magazine articles, or insights, or thoughts on anything that has the vitality and spirituality of Caramel.
Another opportunity would be to go into the organizing committees for the promotion of our charisma, where there are no convents or monasteries, and so would spread even more of our doctrinal heritage.
Especially in the field of human sciences and philosophical the contribution of scholars / Lay Carmelites and would help to complement other theological explorations.
In creating prayer groups.
This is a form quite followed and appreciated, simply because you find the motivation and community of prayer. Caramel has its value and the undisputed masters of Teresa's prayer proposal is unanimously appreciated.
Here is the case with present "experience of prayer," a lot more than theory. You need to choose suitable conditions, to give continuity to the initiatives, to be able to enjoy the pauses of contemplative silence.
Lay Carmelite format is well able to withstand this kind of spiritual activity alone, or with small groups of animation.
Teaching to pray should not be a privilege for the religious, of Caramel, but of all those who have made a personal training in this area, so valuable to our charism.
In other apostolic initiatives
The first common front that lay Carmelites must share with the entire Order refers to prayer and zeal for the promotion of vocations to the Carmelite. Both
Religious Nuns that need the support, sympathy and warmth of the laity, their prayers, their sacrifices are to be faithful to the commitments made by the profession and / or the ministry.
The generosity with which the laity can help Carmelite parishes in the initiatives of charity, visiting the sick, to support groups of family spirituality, catechesis, the permanent diaconate in secretarial work ... is virtually limitless.
's just a matter of availability and suitability.
Unfortunately in the West it is still gregariousness, with little consideration for the autonomy of the laity in their functions, although there are documents of the Magisterium of the Church in their favor.
collaboration to be fruitful must be born of mutual esteem and confidence, knowing that the priest should not do everything alone, the initiatives of His Holiness is not a prerogative of only a few. The statute
theology of the laity is just to exercise his kingly office, prophetic and priestly life in the world and must be in a position to be able to manage in that direction with full authority.
against the commitment PRACTICAL CHARITY IN 'AS INCENTIVE EDUCATIONAL SOCIAL
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From Mt 25.40 "Whenever you did it to one of these my brethren you did it to me, "understand risk as Christ himself is the smallest: the theological and anthropological significance of the smallest is right here. The whole Christology of the poor Christ door to say that to serve Christ must reach out to small pèiù. The smallest man becomes small icon of Christ and our place is among the most just small
It must be said that each of us is "last", because this is the essential condition for the Divine Shepherd to take care of him.
There are, however, living conditions, as that term is even more evident: poverty, poverty, hunger, thirst, loneliness, collective drama, war, famine ... In contact with this world of pain, despair, one can not receive a strong stimulus to personal self-education, you learn that from practical life, we make comparisons, you are discarding secondary needs, you train to look more at the face of Jesus in the faces of the past. The great saints are all witnesses of this total and universal charity.
.
2. The problem of women
I pause a moment on the dignity of women: even the Pope's Apostolic Letter "Mulieris Dignitatem" (1988) had traced the line of doctrine and practice of the Church towards it. The Secular Order is made up two-thirds of women in the world. The training needs to invest resources because the space is really guaranteed action to what the Pope calls "feminine genius" in the sense that the specificity of the woman is a gift to humanity, like man, to the understanding and development of life itself. The field of action is immense, from education sector, to the welfare, cultural, religious. Operate in the name of the Lord is to open wide for a true maternity, sustained by the grace and power of S. Santo. The Pope hopes
more space to women in social life: actual uguaglienza of individual rights and therefore equal pay for equal work with respect, protection of worker-mother, career progressions right, full participation in public life, politics and economic (letter dated 29/06/1995).
Even in the life of the Church, the Pope calls for greater acceptance, respect, honor for the service that can make women, as of this dignity, their separate personalities., As collaborators apostolate. Caramel expects these responses, after having built for women who are part of the same charisma educational lines compatible with the new developments in the way of women today.
3. The youth
Latest suffering because of injustice in our society are the young: adult society demonstrates posting them, little attention to the potential of their inner richness and / or professional, not a share in the world of politics, 'economy: they are subject to exploitation as victims of consumerism and seduced by material goods. Difficult for them to find work and be considered and on the other hand the need for a certain vital security now has expanded like wildfire around the world, causing emigration to the so-called "havens of money."
The Secular Order must also be able to cope with this emergency, because of its universal vocation (published in 44 countries), finding a line of educational attention, listening, help. The practice of Gospel charity is a powerful educational value for those who work for the last, is the implementation of the central value of the person, the ability to love.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND GROUP WORK.
How is presented the topic of the lay vocation to Caramel?
which doctrine is presented as it is lived membership in the Order which
methods are used to encourage lay vocations
how to welcome newcomers and how they are composed.
About
basic training as is the preparation, with topics such as forecasts, with which development
as living the liturgical
as you prepare for the sacraments
how to read and comment on important documents of the Church as not
discriminate according to the culture
what the needs
deepest commitments which take in parish life, social and political life of lay Christians
new proposals for the formation Carmelite
such readings, meditations and insights to the beginning of the journey which
way to proceed together in groups of various nations
elasticity on the proposals for the interior formation
analysis of documents of the Order
subscriptions and read the magazines when there is no Order
P. Carmelite as an animator and as a spiritual director, as acting
participation, the larger parties ORGANIZATION Order
how to live the sense of brotherhood among the laity of Caramel, how to live in solidarity with the needy
new proposals regarding the collaboration Collaboration with the Order
Help with our missions in pastoral parish of our Guide Carmeli
prayer groups
Management, organization of shelters
Collaboration in the centers of spirituality, in magazines ....
Other aid in kind ... Proposals on new
About the Rule and Statutes
How to reduce everything to simple, so that we can oservare entirely by lay
What values \u200b\u200bto emphasize more in modern times
how to make better united the whole Family Caramel
How better respect the secular nature of the members, how to define the office within the OS
Attilio Ghisleri, OCD
Rome 
presentation of the topic
The heart of the Church is Christ the Lord. Of his earthly life is said in the Acts of the Apostles with a fast and wonderful synthesis that "He went about doing good and healing all" (10:38): for 2000 years this is the perfect paradigm of life that we can imagine and make in our lives. Whatever the formation process must lead to this goal.
There is yet another expression of the Gospel that we want to keep in mind in developing the argument I am presenting: "The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him" (Luke 4:16). it still continues in time the path of those who believe in him and thus ending the adventure of life.
The Church is placed in the world as light, yeast and salt Gospel, inspired and sustained by the Spirit of Christ's love in the press that each of us (2Cor.5, 14), thus continuing the mission and work of Jesus in the world and every creature. She 's the fertile womb of every vocation, dedication, mission.
On our way to the Spirit of God seeks us, finds us, forgives us, welcomes us, comforts us and advised us, transforms into true friends and family with God and with one another, communicating also all life and passion life of Christ.
E 'commitment to each, as a believer follow in the footsteps of Jesus, imitate the width of mind and intelligence, revived the memory compelling in every situation, looking with the heart to go beyond what is earthly and material.
S. Augustine offers us an evocative image of the traveler that goes, sing and walk (disc.256):
"Now our body is under the earth, then it will
the heavenly condition.
There will ring the party of God, certainly sounds too now, here.
Here, however, anxiety, there in peace.
here in the hope up there in reality.
by exiles and pilgrims here, up there in heaven.
sing well now not so much to enjoy the rest
but to raise the effort.
Sung by travelers.
Sing Walk, singing and walking. "
" Lay Carmelites are members of the Church in its own right: their identity is to be people of the Church in the heart of the world and people around the world in the heart of the Church.
E 'the world on their specific field of action, the witness of life, activity, making present God's plan for humanity: to live as children of God leaders, deepening human brotherhood, sharing with the world justice and peace. "(P. Camilo Maccise, The renewal of the Secular in the new evangelization, 1996, Congress Int. OCDS, Rome).
socio - RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM
is not a reality to the diviners, that are constantly evolving, leaves little room for a complete and accurate prediction of Christianity in relation to it. You can not even offer quick fixes or improvised about some phenomena. It should be said immediately clear that some indications of character essential teaching remain the same in the new millennium, the approach is equal to the integral values \u200b\u200bof Christianity, while the styles and means of change or should change. However
design an image of Christianity in society of 2000 requires first you have the knowledge of the complex web of issues that affect and stress. Such knowledge should not be desk analysis, but it has groped to create a discernment of the possibilities that are offered to modern man to do good, starting with their dignity as children of God, in a secularized world.
It 'also important to keep alive the awareness of a certain alienation of the Christian than the "earthly city" because all "we are guests and pilgrims," \u200b\u200band therefore temporary camp in the city, with the imperative to make concrete choices in the line of gospel. The reality of the Church is a mystery to which all belong and the sacrament of communion, so each area must remain open to the man as a crucial requirement.
Christians in the face of accelerating technological and social changes must not close our eyes, but seek to clarify the essence of his responsibilities, especially with regard to the imperative of love altogether, in the form of service, sharing of volunteer support to the initiatives planned by any group or movement. And 'again, and always from the Gospel and the Spirit's mysterious energy that qualifies the initiative of Christians in an original way.
In this state of affairs and the confrontation between faith and life styles and cultures and must be avoided that ceiling moral of the past, when every social change was seen as dangerous and therefore was denied (the Industrial Revolution, the birth of the labor movement, capitalism, lending at interest ..). The responsibility of the Lay Carmelite is to work in secular life this precious gospel of mediation between the absolute and ever-changing realities of daily life.
The believer must be trained in modern times to give priority to the ethics of accountability and responsibility for achieving the common good and to participate in the Church's journey in the way of evangelization and human promotion. Adult in faith, in adult the secular life becomes an active and irreplaceable in this role. Some actually takes him under pressure from close up to him and respond, react with the autonomy of his intelligence and his profession of faith.
There are social expectations in today's world, which unfortunately are delayed, creating paradoxical situations and potentially dangerous: endemic poverty, denial of civil rights, economic neo-colonialism creeping discrimination, refusal to profess their religion, injustice continues, strong migration , regional conflicts, ethnic claims, absolutist regimes, perennial imbalance between the populations themselves are older than those between North and South. The believer stands in reality these sick and rotten and shouts its presence as an agent of change in the name of the Lord. Spirituality and commitment you need to combine closely, in the sense of an embodied spirituality, a diaconate.
The civilization of the image has already produced a profound renewal in the costume of these years: to look not only acculturate, but to perceive, react, want, fear, hear and feel involved with respect to the flow of what you can presentato.Si achieve a genuine service to culture, knowledge, awareness, but you can also fake, pollute, distort the truth of the facts and the dignity of persons. The Lay Carmelite has its own responsibilities in the choice of media, or in adhering to projects that respect the man, nature, minorities. It 's the easier way to capture the consensus and also puts a strain on our rotten ways to present Christianity to our contemporaries.
microelectronics revolution wrought by information if one part is leveling organizational capabilities in the world of work and commerce at the global level, the other is even more humiliating the poor, cut off once again from any form of and are therefore potentially well-being.
we emphasize also the theme of globalization, a term now widely practiced by the society of economic power and that extends to many areas of life. On the one hand all around the world seems to be shortened by the possibility of operating direct communication and response, but on the other perpetuates the imbalances between rich and poor, because it springs from the logic of capitalism which by its nature is not to discount range anyone having as sole objective the pursuit of profit. The "new economy" as it is called today did not ultimately understood the common good in a moral sense, but in a sense the competition in a wicked game of relentless law firm, whose center is a consumer from persuade and entice you to consume. Capitalism, market company and the same individual in a liberal society is a melting pot of every possible interest omnivorous materiale.Giustamente it was noted that should keep an eye on the effects of globalization, why not add other ills in society is weak and does not create new needs and ephemeral consumption or worthless. They actually induce consumer behavior and attitudes, change the way of looking at life, evaluate it and to take powers and services. Globalisation is seen as a rapid response service for the poor and dispossessed can instead be a valuable instrument of evangelical charity. One difficulty
note for those who live today is to reconstruct in his mind the diversity of cultural stimulation, social and material it receives. Units to reduce the complexity of the world vital to find a viable way to her condition or personal or familial, or professional, or relational. There's nothing more traditional in this changing scenario that may help the individual, because even the most essential values \u200b\u200bare described and presented in another way, from other priorities explanatory or argumentative. Hence according to sociologists the sense of unease, uncertainty, anxiety and insecurity in contemporary society, but may find its greatest assets on which the ego engages the deep Christian faith.
The physical security or economic policy alone is not sufficient to guarantee the dignity of the person I am sure a qualified starting point, but alone would not raise the question of religion, which instead has at its root the encounter with Christ the Redeemer 's man. And 'this evidence of good that can still attract the person as always, just when it is sincere in listening to his soul in its material needs. The
live for the day, the testing continues to prefer the decision rather than stable, the same weak thought in vogue in the West (in sharp contrast to the strong thought that drove the last few centuries even within the Church), the deliberate omission of past as a land reference are the other environmental conditions which falls today the commitment of Christian living and shares hard gestational this society, taking from time to time of posting critical attitudes, supervision and backup., or reasoned action . Since the Church placed in the world as light, leaven and salt, continuing the mission and work of Jesus in the world and every human being.
NEEDS TRAINING
Life is a mystery and history walks: there is also a life long enough to understand it through and interpret the best of terms. The training helps us in this adventure
E 'prerequisite discover their role, or vocation, to choose the way of being in life, not to allow live wearily, or trailer of what others will require more or less veiled.
gifts, skills, el qualities and gifts that were donated, must be taken, scanned and enhanced and always placed in the circle of life: it is they who determine our personality. Of great help in this area are the human sciences and psychology.
There is a continuous evolution in the microcosm of the person (age, environmental conditions, unforeseen events, meetings determinants, cultural acquisitions, favorable or unfavorable aspects of life, unique opportunities), which in the macrocosm of history in which we live (political conditions , geographical, ideological struggles, discrimination, education, economy, national and international political alliances, political groups ...). For all these reasons taken individually or intertwined, it can not only endure, or passively accept everything, because what is at stake is the preservation of human dignity. Christian formation has a delicate and precious.
Fatigue inculturation of the faith in terms of time and place: all is not peaceful and easy to resolve, certainly outweigh the pressures and demands of such material, and sometimes it comes to being in the minority of their faith in a context of religiosity, or different or religious hostility, and often also the economic interests seeking to marry religious ones, with a humiliating and disgraceful practical outcome, in which some Christians, or the hierarchy sided with the powerful.
There are appalling conditions of life in some countries that require Christians to a free and clear choice of field, stable and fighting an option to change the situation.
The same weakness of people who believe sometimes generates fear, away from the problems, lack of sensitivity, in an ad disembodied escape the message of salvation.
not always obvious tracks to escape and / or recipes to solve some very complex issues: You feel very helpless and sometimes must rely on a long time, as more appropriate, check that the partial results: training is as a fixed point from which and to whom refer in the variety of temporary means to be used.
unfortunately still persists in a church clericalism dies hard in practice than in teaching the doctrine of official dominance of the hierarchy and in evaluating the problems in their management. The Catholic laity, as well as the world of women inside and outside the religious life, still lives today in a position ancillary to subordination, reverence, despite an increasing cultural background and spiritual formation received and absorbed. This is particularly true in Twilight the Western world, where there is only evidence of a shortage of priests or clerics to lead to greater openness of shared responsibility for the laity.
At this stage the groups and movements also continue to work with a strong push of proselytism, hermetic closure to them, a sense of superiority over other forms of secularism known as "generic" (in the sense of an unwanted combination of them), with a disregard to the collaboration, with a jealousy which flaunt the numbers as proof of their strength or international. Often in order to emerge begging for protection or a certificate of public esteem to the Bishops and Cardinals. Undoubtedly the layman believer, such as the Carmelites, can feel a sense of unease, of minority or marginalized in the face of such mass show of well-organized and often well nourished, economically. Caramel normally witness Teresa does not like the noise and advertising: it is only the holiness of its members that generates awe, admiration and a following even on a planetary level. (The two Theresas, Edith Stein, Elizabeth of the Trinity ...).
The same problem of combining faith and life, reason and the mystery remains cross dialectic, which places the believer in continuous need of conversion-change interior of repolish the objectives of his life, to verify the means of arriving a possible equilibrium although many of instability. And 'This is also the threshold for the initiation of any spiritual path, oriented to the perfection of charity.
Finally, there is a need now more informed through the media, to receive and accept the richness of the educational paths of others and other cultures, the need to dialogue, to learn better to know the open and friendly with others, be open to suggestions of all the good work in the world. It 'an immense spiritual, human and civic spaces comes to us and calls attention today can actually say that there are several barriers to realizing that we are not the only carriers of non-material values \u200b\u200band this allows us to better update our itineraries or authenticity of life.
formative stages for Lay Carmelites
the First BASIC TRAINING
knowledge of the fundamental values \u200b\u200bof Christianity, those that mark membership, according to a line of fidelity to Christ and his Gospel of salvation, just as there is was transmitted by the Apostles and as it is jealously guarded in its entirety and as you develop in the biblical and theological reflections.
This is not least for all members of the OS to have necessarily a complete and theological knowledge on every subject, but a personal attachment to everything the Church teaches and that Order remedy for a spiritual sensitivity, a certainty of the way, a company in the journey of faith. The goal is adultezza and stability of their faith, practiced and professed. Already
that is a sacramental formation process: from the Baptism Anointing of the sick there is the whole dynamic of the paschal character of life redeemed.
Even the cadence of the liturgical season can be a stimulus to faith education, if properly perceived as thought and fervent adherence to the liturgical Moneti.
Many are now possibilities for education according to their needs, from regular courses iaccademici mpegnativi, to the "Christian schools" which are very popular among mivimenti groups and also within the parish. This initiative is in place for many years in Italian Secular. Especially in the West there is no risk of illiteracy, in the sense that it was completely forgotten the initial training related to the sacraments of Christian initiation, and this has led to a disaffection with the important values \u200b\u200band uncertainty about the substance of their faith.
If it is true that Christianity means above all a total adherence to the Lord, it is equally important to break out of a devotional too often sterile, which eventually can paralyze any commitment, witness, or reduce to a private religion.
must also emphasize that God educates his people, so it is a duty of believers to have access to him and let themselves be educated: it is a slow ripening and persevering, without exaggeration and without the mental anxiety of wanting to know all the dogma. It happens mainly through the grace of God and S. Santo, as a guide to receive what the Lord wants to tell everybody, or to request or donate.
The inner maturity coincides with a process of internal liberation from things, people, a kind of top view or from the inside of everything that runs in your personal life in order to be able to manage without being dominated, giving sottofini without stirring, to use material goods without being used.
The dignity of being children in the Son of God, followers of his Gospel involves us in God's plan for us, sliding into his story makes us brothers and our horizontal axis as a sign of reciprocity also very successful at the operational level.
In this basic training the conscience of the subject becomes transparent in the sense of a moral life consists in the interpretation of life in the light of the Gospel.
The synthesis of this first stage of the formation of the lay Carmelite is the 'Education for Love:
it expresses the desirability and attractiveness of the message of salvation
concretized the universal vocation to holiness
brings together all the practical answers and ideals of the commitment of the believer
adding the requirement judgments of credibility on what operiamno and also marks the final decision.
also the beginning of this new millennium is here that we must always go to any methodological reflection or content: start with a God who is Love, revealed in his Son Jesus Christ as the mercy and unfailing communion with each of us.
This love given to all, everyone came to pervade the universe and waiting to be revealed by each of us, from a confidential way of total surrender to Him edentro the context of the vicissitudes of life.
should always start from this point vertically to understand God and to understand one another, to cross the times and seasons in history, to give a strong size and full of value to all that slips through the experience of everyday life.
In Christian education we must not from her own weakness and poverty, imperfection and sinfulness of our deeds, but this beauty that still and always warms the world and urges intact with confidence toward the fulfillment of his destiny. The learning-
subtle expression of love is that commuting is between the offer of God and the slow absorption personnel, fighting to keep a perspective of fidelity to it and the inevitable moments of rallentameto: pedagogically, we can say some that are very useful educational information:
a will you decide to move forward, followed by a personal commitment
asceticism in its various forms
assiduous sacramental vitality
We can also define them, such resources as catalysts to unite the free gifts from above, and their practicality in the life of the believer.
pages more intense and rich experiential our saints are all oriented and focused in this direction and I'm really a powerful stimulus for all members of Caramel to be credible and true love received and given back both to God and to others.
Love itself contains in itself an exceptional charge formation and at the same time represents the culmination of the whole educational process of the person.
II TRAINING CARMELITE
Its task is to determine the membership of vocations to the religious family in the substance of our traditional spiritual message and also in helping to co-viability, development and expansion of it around the world. Even if we can find in the laity in general and many scholars elective attention and full of admiration for Caramel, its traditions, its saints, is an integral part of the Secular Order.
It is a full, together with the nuns, the richness and variety and diversity of spiritual paths in the context of the life of the world.
The same root, the same values, the same rule mark the identity of layman named in Caramel, the training should help the discovery of this identity, strengthens the lay pushes styles of embodiment. Unfortunately, sometimes one gets the impression that some charge is enough devotional, which is sufficient momentum uncommunicative underwear, which is only a spur to something else (psychological support, problem solving, a peace equidistant from the stresses of life) .
must start again from the concept of vocation to Caramel, which is the awareness that this is a gift that has been done to the creature, that his whole life is in "the hands of another" and from now on is defined by the relationship with Him, to Him we surrender everything, it's like being at risk total have focused on one goal. In this respect there is no difference between the various vocations to Caramel, changing only the method of application and expression. For all
is valuable and strong appeal to union with God and prayer life, typical of our charism, but each must be kept clear is the diversity in research, development, because it is too important to the uniqueness of the gifts that the Holy S. absolute freedom granted to each. We can summarize by saying that the concept is only the starting point, only the goal, and many different roads to get there and to live out that vocation.
The answer to the call takes the form the delivery of self-willed and thoughtful Caramel: the journey is made for simplicity and humility, for companionship with other brothers and sisters ideal and real: the icon is the first community gathered in the Cenacle, with Mary, waiting for the Holy Spirit. In particular one should feel and express his joy at being called to the Order, to be able to grow with a certain appearance along with others, to compare with others like him called. Sometimes there is a risk you want to create lay specialists in the teaching of our saints, not the primary objective and quiet, why has more "experience" of what Caramel brings a gift to the Church. Personal experience, with accents and different vibrations, with a logical group of communion with a spirit of mutual solidarity and encouragement in the realization of love. Membership
legal order must be enlivened by an original contribution that the Order itself is expected from the laity in the world speak of different experiences that lead to continuous mediation with the Christian commitment, I am referring to the possibility of entering without prejudice or labels in certain sectors of civil life, the direct evidence on the ground with a lifestyle alternativo.E 'as a silent protest and active mode of behavior, then a counter which is evident by itself, without oratorical emphasis.
list here a number of occasions traditional personal training and group and tested by experience, that can help the formation of the lay Carmelite, still keeping it away from rigid patterns and obligations imposed by law.
The training sessions should be frequent, therefore, taking into account only the members of the lay state of the OS, often working full-time in family, professional or material: the timing and moments of it must be able to retain this and in no way preclude the participation of most, otherwise you may only talk to people retired.
The same thing goes for the annual spiritual exercises: You should always be confirmed, perhaps in ways other than an estate, or with the possibility for the most part to be involved in at least reading the reports or spread to other media.
spiritual reading on the figure and the doctrine of our Holy is also a form of communion with the Order in its substance: as we know everyone has his reactions, his emotions and then the same text may have different results according to the vibration and special sensitivity. And 'let oppportuno accompanied by proposals that we are better, it is not necessary to know all the texts in depth: what is presented to us is a universe as rich and stimulating, but then everyone has to adhere to what is most useful in a given time. There are many roads leading to the goal: to live in allegiance to Jesus Christ to love God and serve him in others.
is not the great and wide culture that encourages the spiritual life, but the experience that we are allowed to do: here there are realities or religious values \u200b\u200bor reserved for nuns, because everything is accessible by the laity, as well as the Gospel can not in any way in favor of privatizing some. E 'S. Holy acting when and how they want the soul that is opened and the results are not only perfection, but also an entry in the mystical dimension.
Spiritual direction is another very educational useful: it is a journey, it is clear that one must start with a proposal, try to find ways and means, to verify the results and have the courage to change if there is any improvement. Stand confidently in the hands of a Carmelite priest possibly means finding a sense of security and peace, means to demonstrate the constructive engagement of one's will with regard to vocational response. This
Carmelite formation inevitably leads to a practice of prayer, according to the method of Teresa: Liturgy of the Hours, staff or community prayer, meditation enter into the life of the lay Carmelite Order as a substantial factor. It is inappropriate to determine the hours or time to adjust, because it becomes habit sopprattutto interior, and then can combine with the most diverse activities: Since all the emphasis is placed on the concept that tries to answer the prayer of love, then you must leave ample room for more personal initiatives, do not bind anyone.
Life itself becomes a stimulus for prayer at the end of each day strong educational, because it conditions the choices, leads to the generosity in fulfilling its duties, help in difficulties, brings as a sign of blessing in tangible assets, connects with the Prayer of the Church and the Order, is in need of rescue, not only personal but also community, opens our hearts to others, gives a sense of inner peace.
In the life of prayer, the three cardinal virtues are activated directly as experience. The example is the little Teresa, who became the patron saint of missions from the cloister.
in recent decades has become increasingly also in the Secular lectio divina: education is important to listen to God, and obey his voice, and will, to enjoy the message in a direct confrontation with their own lives to learn that pregnant silence of God, which we have spoken our Santi.C 'is always a personal enrichment of the Word, which is evoked = call out to reveal his ability to fascinate, to draw us and push us towards its fulfillment. There are many ways to practice and each group is encouraged to develop it according to his needs, but always open to all.
E 'valuable direct contact with the monastic and religious life of our order: we invite young people to this contact, put into practice because they see that longing for a life full of God for them is like a miracle, curiosity, a challenge. These contacts can also occur as a time of fellowship, participation in special liturgies and celebrations, dialogue. Here we can see the contemplative dimension of life, his expended as adultezza evangelical faith.
CHARACTERISTICS OF LAY TRAINING Training is
an event along the way, the trajectory of the baptismal vocation of the priesthood and common: the same faith and pilgrimage in the mysteries of God touching the world and man, life and death. So his job is to bring out the truth, that is what God is and does in us and for us.
It 's a walk together in the womb of the Church in the discovery of self and reality of others with their diversity and experience, without suffering, without quell'omogenietà from college, or asylum or prison or barracks.
must be open to the sense of gratitude and gratuity: equivalent to look at life and themselves as a gift of salvation and continued full of gifts that are from above. Thank God for everything we received and our job is to wise stewards who must then be accountable. In this strategy extremely simple spiritual gift received tends to be a gift given: self-giving life to others is recharged continuously, constantly get richer. The experience of our saints and blessed is centered around this to give thanks to God for His infinite mercy and plenty of gifts to sing the mercies of God, celebrated in her own life as an everyday occurrence. Here is some space for political or social accountability, support for humanitarian interventions to support the defense of the family and its intrinsic values \u200b\u200band for any voluntary.
should arouse a sense of responsibility in freedom: it is the Gospel put hand to the plow, making decisions, walking forward without looking back, not ever abdicate its own personality, even when he has to purify or make some disclaimers: It 's so-called difficulty of living in which each played liberamante and responsibly, and expresses his lifestyle. The lay person should act as a layman, demanding respect for the role of vocation and the avoidance of non-compatible with its status. The first area of \u200b\u200bthis secularism will be hard to live the reality of the person, family, social and professional, without following the common fashion. Just as life itself becomes a sacramental sign of the presence of the Lord. The virus of individualism is beaten by collaboration with others to improve the quality of life.
Opening up new horizons historical and spiritual icon is the road to Emmaus.
The windows of the mind and soul must remain open, because the spiritual or historical scenarios are constantly evolving. This means not ever regret the past, but know that God is immutable and dwelt among us can not be entered into a condition worse. The concept of training is already the seeds of renewal, because it is a continuous read and interpreted in the light of the existence of God, always new and unfailing.
emerges here all the spiritual significance of training: it's like a sow, even if the fruits are not seen immediately and failures always at hand. In fact every unsuccesso can push us more towards other roads, or pay more attention to the power of Spirito.L 'opening scene may already be starting with what happens in the parish: the willingness to take ministerial forms of charity, cooperation with 'pastoral activities, issues of direct participation in community life.
are no educational principles to save the man, even if the wrong ones can destroy it. This is not to find the techniques of success, but to help everyone to find their dignity and full guideline in the faith received and professed common. The four Gospels are a model example of the possible ways of following Christ: Mt
: the gospel of the catechist
Mc:
catechumen is the gospel of Luke is the gospel of John evangelizer
. It is the gospel of the priest or mature Christian.
Each of them offers the basis of Christian hope in the secular world and apathetic.
Form, or give shape to life ultimately means to obey God, His living Word, the Mother Church, which belongs to the Order in its own right: that to grow, because the God makes reliable reliable our everyday life. This is the fiat of the Virgin Mary, which precedes and accompanies all our paths. Here you can briefly mention the challenges for his new Millennium, which have already been prepared in recent years: the evangelization of the world and society, the practice of charity, support for issues of justice and peace in the world, attention to the last and finally the promotion of the dignity of the role of the laity in the Church.
In summary we can say that way today as yesterday, being a Christian means to be citizens of the intermediate time (between the first and the second coming of Christ), supported by natural and supernatural gifts and values, guided by the Scriptures, stewards of the community, in a charming inner dynamism and continuous contact with God takes us from friends, from beginning to end almost consumed by a service experience-deacons, walking with the men and hearing them as brothers. We should also emphasize the value of friendship that exists between those who are attached to Caramel through a spiritual journey and not for reasons of efficiency or expediency, but as an exercise to understand that the face of the brother / sister is one in which reflects the image of Jesus
An authentic Christian needs a few rules, a discipline of body and spiirito, a line of clear and precise. In my opinion, to give greater impetus to the OS should reduce the legislation to some essential, as is the movement and church groups, avoiding any maximalism giving spiritual and secular status that can only be practicable, taking into account the different contexts of life, avoiding the rules are suitable only for the elderly and can not be applied by all. To be educational, should only accompany the subject and remain open and flexible to various situations, particularly highlighting the organizational autonomy of the members. E 'S. Santo to give guarantees of spiritual fruit to work and commitment of the laity.
III COOPERATION WITH THE ORDER OF CARAMEL
the great Family of Caramel, spread throughout the world, diverse lifestyles and roles and ministries have great confidence of the laity who comprise them feel like brothers, like true friends, as both precious and hard-working employees live in the charismatic town, both in its dissemination at all levels, both in attending the live issues of our time.
not be considered as a substitute for religious life, or as a pious association, but for what they really were from the beginning, when they asked to be part of the Order being in the world and vivendone reality.
the laity of the Church following the Council called for a new apostolic dynamism and missionary, and that they have repeatedly called for the Caramel their living presence, not only as individuals but also as a group well-formed, facing the great challenges of our time.
Fr General said last OCDS International Congress that he believes "the future of the Secular to play in this active collaboration, mature and responsible at all levels in the apostolate of the Order": It is extremely appropriate in this new World Assembly to resume these information, discuss and urgently find ways and paths of realizzazione.La formation of which has been discussed in my speech should be used to this.
In the missionary
know first of all, through our publications specific or direct contact with the missionaries, the situation of our work of proclaiming the Gospel throughout the world. Prepare
with intelligence shows missionaries, not only for the sale of the proceeds then go to the missions, but also to promote public debates, meetings with some of our missionary, spreading images and content through the local stations. Create widespread awareness and commitment to this duty of the Church and the Order.
organize prayer groups, missionary, supported by Carmelite spirituality: they may also be open to those who do not belong to Caramel and to broaden the focus to young people, because they usually show themselves very sensitive to these issues. Present
parishes that had not instigate any kind of missionary our business, our needs. To bridge al'intervento of our missionaries.
to be invented, at least for the Western world, direct collaboration in mission territories by lay Carmelite here first of all to them is sought the testimony of a believer's life, then an entry in the catechism, as an aid to the families, support for problems such as food, medical, social people. All this in a pastoral coordination arrangement. Assume certain skills, knowledge of languages \u200b\u200band culture of the people to whom it was intended. In practice, all women religious today are already doing to help the missionaries can be accomplished even by lay people, well prepared and mature, even for limited periods and as needed.
Sometimes it might be a help to missionaries and even the organization of the service for the life of every day, so that the missionary may be more free from material concerns and give himself better in his priestly ministry. It 'clear that this type of intervention, which the OCDS has not yet been used, also requires a request by the missionaries, a schedule of duties to be performed, a minimal structure for the reception, specific qualities of the participants, health physical endurance and adaptation to climatic conditions or environmental.
The harvest is always great, the problems always larger and more complex, ever-growing poverty, the needs and poverty becoming more common: the lay Carmelite spirituality incarnated must be able to express even on these challenges, according to its actual possibilities of direct or indirect. The new evangelization calls, however, that he should not move in the territories of the missio ad gentes and no charisma should never stifle the freedom of the individual or family of the subject.
in houses of prayer or retreat
Order Pastoral activity is more and more specialized to the centers of religious culture, the dissemination of spirituality, acceptance for training or for spiritual exercises and retreats. This is a bit 'to our specific charism also serves the mission.
The presence of the laity seems to be still very small: their focus could now cover all the management, organization of these centers. They should also form self-managing and disseminating all that Caramel can offer in terms of experience of interior life man of our time, which surprisingly seems to appreciate and look for what is lost in the everyday material life.
For those who have expertise and training teolgica also could open even more interesting scenarios, such as the promotion of Catholic culture, the training initiatives, courses in theology for lay people: more and more there is now a need to make available to people opportunities for reflection and meditation.
Institutes of spirituality.
The presence of the laity in the various forms of Christian culture (Universities, Journalism, Arts ...) is spreading more and more and in particular that of women. It is a reinterpretation of culture from different sides and different sensitivity, which correspond to different states of life or personal circumstances. Fortunately
Caramel boasts two holy Doctors of the Church. But now it is up to win a Lay Carmelite natural shyness and sense of dependence, to spend well-given talents and to offer with his unique genius, from a cultural background well treated and released in the crucible of scientific investigation. Potentially there are with any obstacle, what should be done would be to encourage, prepare lay people, and this form of collaboration with the religious environments where it is proposed to establish and culture.
A first step would be to accommodate some of our magazine articles, or insights, or thoughts on anything that has the vitality and spirituality of Caramel.
Another opportunity would be to go into the organizing committees for the promotion of our charisma, where there are no convents or monasteries, and so would spread even more of our doctrinal heritage.
Especially in the field of human sciences and philosophical the contribution of scholars / Lay Carmelites and would help to complement other theological explorations.
In creating prayer groups.
This is a form quite followed and appreciated, simply because you find the motivation and community of prayer. Caramel has its value and the undisputed masters of Teresa's prayer proposal is unanimously appreciated.
Here is the case with present "experience of prayer," a lot more than theory. You need to choose suitable conditions, to give continuity to the initiatives, to be able to enjoy the pauses of contemplative silence.
Lay Carmelite format is well able to withstand this kind of spiritual activity alone, or with small groups of animation.
Teaching to pray should not be a privilege for the religious, of Caramel, but of all those who have made a personal training in this area, so valuable to our charism.
In other apostolic initiatives
The first common front that lay Carmelites must share with the entire Order refers to prayer and zeal for the promotion of vocations to the Carmelite. Both
Religious Nuns that need the support, sympathy and warmth of the laity, their prayers, their sacrifices are to be faithful to the commitments made by the profession and / or the ministry.
The generosity with which the laity can help Carmelite parishes in the initiatives of charity, visiting the sick, to support groups of family spirituality, catechesis, the permanent diaconate in secretarial work ... is virtually limitless.
's just a matter of availability and suitability.
Unfortunately in the West it is still gregariousness, with little consideration for the autonomy of the laity in their functions, although there are documents of the Magisterium of the Church in their favor.
collaboration to be fruitful must be born of mutual esteem and confidence, knowing that the priest should not do everything alone, the initiatives of His Holiness is not a prerogative of only a few. The statute
theology of the laity is just to exercise his kingly office, prophetic and priestly life in the world and must be in a position to be able to manage in that direction with full authority.
against the commitment PRACTICAL CHARITY IN 'AS INCENTIVE EDUCATIONAL SOCIAL
Share the latest
From Mt 25.40 "Whenever you did it to one of these my brethren you did it to me, "understand risk as Christ himself is the smallest: the theological and anthropological significance of the smallest is right here. The whole Christology of the poor Christ door to say that to serve Christ must reach out to small pèiù. The smallest man becomes small icon of Christ and our place is among the most just small
It must be said that each of us is "last", because this is the essential condition for the Divine Shepherd to take care of him.
There are, however, living conditions, as that term is even more evident: poverty, poverty, hunger, thirst, loneliness, collective drama, war, famine ... In contact with this world of pain, despair, one can not receive a strong stimulus to personal self-education, you learn that from practical life, we make comparisons, you are discarding secondary needs, you train to look more at the face of Jesus in the faces of the past. The great saints are all witnesses of this total and universal charity.
.
2. The problem of women
I pause a moment on the dignity of women: even the Pope's Apostolic Letter "Mulieris Dignitatem" (1988) had traced the line of doctrine and practice of the Church towards it. The Secular Order is made up two-thirds of women in the world. The training needs to invest resources because the space is really guaranteed action to what the Pope calls "feminine genius" in the sense that the specificity of the woman is a gift to humanity, like man, to the understanding and development of life itself. The field of action is immense, from education sector, to the welfare, cultural, religious. Operate in the name of the Lord is to open wide for a true maternity, sustained by the grace and power of S. Santo. The Pope hopes
more space to women in social life: actual uguaglienza of individual rights and therefore equal pay for equal work with respect, protection of worker-mother, career progressions right, full participation in public life, politics and economic (letter dated 29/06/1995).
Even in the life of the Church, the Pope calls for greater acceptance, respect, honor for the service that can make women, as of this dignity, their separate personalities., As collaborators apostolate. Caramel expects these responses, after having built for women who are part of the same charisma educational lines compatible with the new developments in the way of women today.
3. The youth
Latest suffering because of injustice in our society are the young: adult society demonstrates posting them, little attention to the potential of their inner richness and / or professional, not a share in the world of politics, 'economy: they are subject to exploitation as victims of consumerism and seduced by material goods. Difficult for them to find work and be considered and on the other hand the need for a certain vital security now has expanded like wildfire around the world, causing emigration to the so-called "havens of money."
The Secular Order must also be able to cope with this emergency, because of its universal vocation (published in 44 countries), finding a line of educational attention, listening, help. The practice of Gospel charity is a powerful educational value for those who work for the last, is the implementation of the central value of the person, the ability to love.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND GROUP WORK.
How is presented the topic of the lay vocation to Caramel?
which doctrine is presented as it is lived membership in the Order which
methods are used to encourage lay vocations
how to welcome newcomers and how they are composed.
About
basic training as is the preparation, with topics such as forecasts, with which development
as living the liturgical
as you prepare for the sacraments
how to read and comment on important documents of the Church as not
discriminate according to the culture
what the needs
deepest commitments which take in parish life, social and political life of lay Christians
new proposals for the formation Carmelite
such readings, meditations and insights to the beginning of the journey which
way to proceed together in groups of various nations
elasticity on the proposals for the interior formation
analysis of documents of the Order
subscriptions and read the magazines when there is no Order
P. Carmelite as an animator and as a spiritual director, as acting
participation, the larger parties ORGANIZATION Order
how to live the sense of brotherhood among the laity of Caramel, how to live in solidarity with the needy
new proposals regarding the collaboration Collaboration with the Order
Help with our missions in pastoral parish of our Guide Carmeli
prayer groups
Management, organization of shelters
Collaboration in the centers of spirituality, in magazines ....
Other aid in kind ... Proposals on new
About the Rule and Statutes
How to reduce everything to simple, so that we can oservare entirely by lay
What values \u200b\u200bto emphasize more in modern times
how to make better united the whole Family Caramel
How better respect the secular nature of the members, how to define the office within the OS
Attilio Ghisleri, OCD
Rome
Lesbians In Abu Dhabi
Co-responsibility 'of the Secular Carmelite apostolate of Spirituality' - Theresa Ee-Chooi, OCDS
brothers and sisters,
with feelings of gratitude I am here in the midst of this great assembly Carmelites are all eager to discover and deepen our understanding of his contribution to secular Carmelites. I arrived full of hope.
way to frame the scene this morning ... We are here because we care, we care about what happens in the world. The world is a family, but a humanity divided by hatred, wars, inter-religious disputes, ethnic purity, racism ... We live in a world divided between people extremely rich and extremely poor people, people who live cheek by jowl in the same country, in the same city.
This inequality, depersonalized us all, rich and poor nations, corporations, individuals, oppressor and oppressed, and we are here in a position to do something about it.
So we get to the title of this conference: "Co-responsibility in the apostolate of the Secular Spirituality."
What I'd like to humbly, in the next forty minutes, it would be to stimulate and provoke you in some way, offering practical ideas for working together, more easily, to build the Kingdom of God on earth, and create a world where our people deserve and need so much.
Let me explain what I'd like to share with you. I begin by talking about our commitment to secular Carmelites in this world, the need for entries prophetic, especially in the laity. First of all it comes to finding God in our lives, and later to reveal his presence in our secular world. The question is to find our place in this world through our spirituality.
followed by a quick appreciation of the world in which we live, at the beginning of the 21st century, a world of contrasts, wealth and poverty, and barbarism of intuition, of globalization and individualism. In this context we have to live the Carmelite charism. Finally
speak of our apostolate of Spirituality and discuss various practical considerations that may be able to make our apostolate more effective.
1. WHO ARE THE Secular Carmelites?
First let me answer the question: "Who are the Secular Carmelites?"
Let me begin with a classical basic question: Who is the so-called secular believer? What are the particular characteristics of Lay Carmelites?
the laity in the past was often described with a negative formulation, defining those who were neither secular nor religious clerics. It is certainly not the best way to describe them. No doubt in the Code of Canon Law, the laity is defined as: "those who, having been incorporated in Christ through baptism have been established as the People of God .... " That sounds better already, right?
In the documents of Vatican II and the Laity Christifideles is defined in a much more positive ... We must therefore acknowledge the great work done to clarify and redefine the identity, vocation and mission of the laity, although in some quarters that insists could do more.
But in practice? For now we just make a note here that in practice, the time to share and collaborate, there is still much that is unsatisfactory in the decisions that are made with the hierarchy. When Clifford Longley, recently on "The Tablet" said that "as citizens we are asked to be critical of the authorities, when necessary, we are asked to consider our rights and defend them, then somehow we, as Catholics we strive to be totally different people: gentle, passive, uncritical, without power or influence no, no right to information, without the right to be consulted?
A Church "prophetic."
The above leads us to what we call the task "prophetic" of the Church, and that includes both the laity as clergy. Through our baptism we are kings, priests and prophets in the Kingdom. The prophet is, above all, who has an understanding of the Kingdom, and has a look which allows him to see in perspective how this understanding will be achieved in a given community or society. The prophet is not just someone who predicts the future.
However one aspect of which is an important consideration is that the prophet is not always popular, and sometimes you do not clash with an opposition but only with violence. Think of Martin Luther King, who died defending freedom el'eguale dignity of African-Americans think of Bishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador, was assassinated while saying mass, we think of the thousands of Christians in Latin America who have suffered violence or death simply because they have made a campaign seeking justice for the poor.
We can choose between a secular Carmelite put our heads in the sand and simply stay in our corners to pray and ignores the rest of the world or we can decide to fulfill our role missionary going to the real world.
Our Blessed Mother Teresa reminded us that our whole life, and not only our formal devotions are what influence and express our relationship with God So it's clear that our vocation is not simply the personal sanctification. A vocation is always the Church, centered in the community.
Living in God's presence
Some lay people, perhaps in response to spirituality of St. Teresa and St. John of the Cross, joined the Carmelite family, hoping to get inspiration and support for their inner lives and for their apostolate in the circumstances to their state of life.
This is probably the reason why we all are here today. We recognize the treasures that can be found in the Carmelite Order which gave three Doctors of the Church. We also learn that in addition to the call to holiness, which we share with all believers in Christ, the secular Carmelites "prefer to remain first in the presence of God."
What does remain in the presence of God? Father Hilary Doran says that usually means staying in harmony, in seeking the will of God in whose presence we are. Secular Carmelites live and work in the world, a world full of violence, through the power of secularism and consumerism.
Here's the rub: in a similar situation there are at least two temptations they are exposed to the lai and especially the lay Carmelite
1. the temptation to be so so interested in the services and tasks of the church that we fall into the error of not actively get involved in our responsibilities in the professional, social, cultural and political
2. the temptation of legitimizing the unwarranted separation of faith and life, ie a separation between the reception of Gospel and the concrete life of the Gospel in different situations in the world.
An example that is imprinted indelibly in the mind is an interview which I attended in Beijing during the Fourth World Congress of Women. An important leader of this Congress was questioned by a journalist: "How Catholic is in agreement with the Vatican on issues of abortion and birth control, etc..?" She said, "When working as a representative of the people of your beliefs not influence personal actions. One is Catholic in his private life and is in a Tanzanian public office. I do not apply my Catholicism, giving lectures, would otherwise be a disaster. "
I think - and this makes me sad - that this attitude is quite extensive. Despite our Holy Father John Paul II reminds us often that our Catholic teaching can not accept a dichotomy between faith and life, there are still many Catholics who seem not to have heard that message.
Inculturation.
An important concept in Christian thought is inculturation. If we can spread a message effectively, we will be closely linked to our society and we will be part of it. We need to understand its language, its values, its needs, aspirations and dreams. When we talk about how the Christians, we must use language that society can understand.
To use an old cliché, must be in the world without being of the world. Jesus used some plastic images to tell us how he intended that his followers were. The salt is what gives flavor to our food, but does so only when it is completely dissolved in it, and in fact we can not see a time dissolved the salt in the food, but we can taste it. This is the characteristic taste that we give to our society.
I recently found this little story that tells of Pope Pius X. One day in the company of a group of cardinal asked the question: "Currently, what is more important to save the company?" The responses ranged from recruiting more talent for the Catholic clergy to build more schools, etc.. The pope replied, "What is most needed today is that in every parish there is a lay group that is both virtuous, educated, determined and very apostolic."
So the pope wanted to say that the salvation of the world depends, in large part, from training of lay persons who devote themselves to the apostolate, in word, deed and especially by example. The missionary bishops and priests in churches today's young people would also totally agree with His Holiness.
Our Christian lives need balance: neither spend all day saying prayers and doing little attention to material needs, emotional, social and spiritual needs of the people, and not jump into any kind of activity, as some social activists who do a lot for the poor but they seem to have little time for prayer.
We have a great need for vigilance to avoid falling into the temptation to give more value to our personal salvation that mission. Generally speaking, I think I can safely say that many Catholics seem far more worried about going to heaven to serve the helpless. The question is not either / or but and / e.
place of meditation and contemplation.
In our Carmelite school of holiness we are fortunate to be able to study the methods of prayer and contemplation of St. Teresa and St. John ... The importance of prayer for meditation and contemplation can not be overstated. As St. Teresa says: "Meditation is a means of acquiring all the virtues; take is a matter of life or death, for all Christians." The theologian Karl Rahner said something like: "The devout Christian of the future will be a mystic, someone who has experienced something, otherwise it will be nothing."
in my part of the world, in Asia, there is a long tradition of monasticism, asceticism and contemplation. These are the characteristics of many Asian religions. Consequently, the forms of prayer of quiet, meditative and contemplative ones easily resonate within us. We are attracted by the mysteries that allow us the luxury of a religious experience.
From this, I posed a question to some of the more than 200 religious leaders from around the world gathered in Rome last year for religious assembly, "as a fact that meditation is as natural as breathing in Asia, how we justify all the terrible wars that have been undertaken over the past 100 years in Asia and other parts of the world "?
After all we are aware of what meditation can do for those who remain faithful. Therefore, if the leaders of different religions had taught his followers in an appropriate manner the various forms of prayer and meditation, as justified then the terrible cruelty and suffering that now seem to have invaded all areas of life?
To my surprise, a good number of religious leaders have admitted that even the monks and priests are often so absorbed in administrative tasks that they could not find time to practice what they themselves taught. As a result, their followers have suffered and the entire world has suffered.
This is true even for Catholics. Continuously chief retreats I repeat that when they preach withdrawals in the seminaries, seminarians do not seem to know "how to pray."
And when these seminarians are ordained priests barely keep only the theory of what is prayer, but not leading a life of prayer.
As these members of the clergy can therefore motivate the laity to pray? And 'this is the field where our competent Carmelite priests and laity can offer their specialty and can teach meditation and contemplation to the seminarians? This is a field that must be very careful.
2. THE CURRENT SITUATION
I come to the second part of my paper, which I invite you to consider briefly the context in which we live our mission of secular Carmelites.
We live in a world that currently has the capacity to destroy life on our planet just by pressing a button. Who wins! Behind the facade of the promising great prosperity of developed countries, hundreds of millions of people live in poverty and neglect, hunger and malnutrition, almost as a direct result of the commercial and industrial development, inside as outside.
In the name of development, progress and science, were devastated natural and social environment has been destroyed the social fabric of some cultures, a deep rich time ... And underlining all these physical progress and the resulting misery and poverty that produces and supports, we note also a great spiritual hunger of the real meaning of life, a search for values \u200b\u200bthat will enrich the lives of communities and individuals.
In our world, recently described as "global village", there are growing divisions in communities, often based on ethnic divisions, the religious beliefs and social class.
While others ponder the pros and cons of the language of fashion, globalization, we, the followers of Christ, secular Carmelite, to be precise, we need to launch a closer look at the reigning atmosphere of greed, selfishness and violence that imprisons world. As I said, it is in this world that we live our vocation and mission.
What role can we as Christians, and especially as a secular Carmelite, to create the future world that we leave to our children and our grandchildren? With all the advances in psychology and our understanding of how people act, react and interact, marriage has never been in a situation as precarious, with more than half of marriages that come apart.
Many in this world today are very cynical about the role of religion in our society and often, frankly, not without reason. They see the followers of different religions enveloped of the most horrific atrocities of recent times. Murders and shootings in Ulster ankles, ethnic cleansing in Kosovo and Chechenya, mutilation in East Timor, the massacres in Uganda, to name a few.
Certainly we know that some of these people who claim to act in the name of religion can hardly be separated from the ideals and beliefs of that religion. Clearly there can be no genuinely religious faith that can take on the killing of innocent people, the burning of churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and the lynching of people.
I agree with Martin Luther King Jr. when he says that "non-cooperation with evil is a moral as well as cooperation with good. " But to quote another great man, our Holy Father Pope John Paul II, I remember what he said: "We must discern the sometimes narrow paths between the cowardice which gives in front of evil and violence that the illusion of fighting against evil only makes it worse. "
3. PUT INTO PRACTICE IDEAS
brings me to my final point of the exhibition, the third. Given what we have said so far, what are the responsibilities of the apostolate of the Secular Carmelite spirituality?
One way to increase the apostolate of spirituality is to share with the local church's teachings of our holy fathers. Specifically, helping people develop a spiritual life. This means teaching them to pray, teach and to discover more permanent presence of God in our lives, teach to meditate and contemplate. This implies an effort to acquire the virtues and overcome our shortcomings. At the same time we must bear in mind that the depth of our love is the only true of our progress towards holiness. We need to learn how to join our prayer life with our activities, both religious as secular. Neither Mary only, nor only Martha, but a balance of both, what is sometimes called "contemplation in action." The Life of Saint Teresa of Avila is a wonderful example of this. And for the person who lives constantly in the presence of Christ in fact there is no purely secular activities. Everything is imbued with the presence and love of God
So one of our primary responsibilities is to be sure to teach lay people how to pray, not only to say the prayers, but understand the importance of the practice of meditation and contemplation .
Some measures suggested.
There have been other suggestions that relate to the Apostolate of Spirituality for Lay Carmelites. For example, it was proposed that the Secular Carmelites take an active role in the functioning of Stella Maris in Haifa in Israel. This center is currently not in use, I think. At first we could maybe work with our Carmelite Fathers in giving courses and retreats in Haifa for a period of one month or longer.
After all, is the cradle of our Carmelite charism. This requires the preparation of some of our Carmelite Secular Carmelites sent before the centers to prepare for spirituality and prayer, because then they can significantly help our Carmelite Fathers by offering some courses.
Certainly there is no reason why we can not arrange a suitable training course, in some Centres of withdrawal Carmelites throughout the world. This however requires an appropriate organization and an international collaboration, and perhaps even a collection of the necessary funds.
I think there are courses on Carmelite spirituality on the Internet. The Internet is an ideal time for those who can not leave their home for an extended period of time. Other means of education such as books on Carmelite Spirituality and the magazine Mount Caramel could also be made accessible via the Internet.
Coming to Christians of other denominations, I also remember the church of Catholics. There are many problems in sharing the building of the church because of theological differences Eucharist and other sacraments, but praying together is a great advantage.
Many Anglican churches, and Protestant bishops are now much more open to meditation and contemplative prayer. While at the summit, there are still problems for the unit at the base there is a broad landscape for Catholics of a parish or city to get to their Christian neighbors in prayer, social works, in assisting those in need in the suburbs.
Some of the projects in which we we need to commit funds for financing, a way to resolve this would be a small share of the monthly contribution for each member. This would be set aside for education and training of members as well as the others to whom we can get.
As we seen?
The Carmelites have a message for the world. Our message is simple. We have a treasure to share with everyone. We become visible as we should and could? We are really working together to build the Kingdom on the basis of the view that the Second Vatican Council has given us? We are familiar with that view? Maybe we still need to study these documents, especially those dealing with the Church, Scripture and the Church in the modern world. Some of these documents, together with those on social justice, are among the best secrets preserved in the Church!
bluntly: if the secular Carmelites completely disappeared tomorrow we would be surprised? The work of evangelization of the Church can be compromised? Or putting it another way: what should and could do for the Church, and especially for the Church in the area where we find ourselves, to make a difference?
This is what each fraternity has to decide, after an intense and prayerful discernment. Such discernment is based on two factors: 1
. The special gifts that come from our Carmelite charism and that we offer.
2. The specific needs of the people among whom we live and work.
Image we design.
Over the centuries we have accumulated a lot of baggage theological and devotional, which has largely obscured the central message of the gospel. We need to trace the history of origin to help people to have the same vision of life that Jesus has left us
our message is often seen as too sectarian ideas that you have come to have to be a "Catholic" . But what Jesus actually preached a religion that was not replace other religions. Jesus preached the Kingdom: a place where prevailing values \u200b\u200bof truth, love, compassion, justice, freedom, human dignity, unity and peace. And this is not something only for Catholics, but something for the whole world. This is the journey of faith that Jesus has shown us. This is the way of God
We will be very Catholic, very Carmelites, when these qualities radiate from our lives, individually as well as in community. He, Jesus himself, was himself the embodiment of all these human qualities, and his mission was to the invitation for everyone to own these qualities.
This is our mission, not just pour water on people's heads and label them as "Catholic", but invite them to join us in the great adventure of building the Kingdom in our world. A good example of this are the Cistercians, who in the past have started to meditate with the Buddhists, and still do.
Need for active evangelization.
Sometimes our greatest weakness is our passivity as Catholics. This probably dates from the time when Hilaire Belloc said: "The Church is Europe, and Europe is the Church." In this situation, the priority of evangelization had a low tone, as all were baptized as Christians. The main task of the clergy was mainly distribute spiritual services to which the laity needed.
This was converted into what we might call a "church of survival. " In a sense, this mentality persists to this day. In many parts of the world a great deal of energy goes to the church those who are already converted.
But it is clear that from the current situation completely changed, where the Church barely somewhere in the world is practicing a majority, there is an urgent need for evangelization, which is a strong prospect of sharing the Gospel with people everywhere. And 'what on which Pope John Paul II has been insisting all the time, especially in this year of Jubilee.
E 'equally clear that evangelization must involve every Christian commitment and responsibility is not only the prerogative of the bishops, priests and religious. In the past, when evangelism was practiced by the clergy and religious, they were at a disadvantage. Their number was small, and often find the language barrier.
As lay people we are working in popular places, we are better placed to spread the word. We can use all available means to disseminate our message. There are many means of communication, from macromedia to Micromedia, Internet and satellite television, video and slide projector, magazines with international news in parish bulletins. We are dangerously neglecting those media.
A new Pentecost.
As I suggested, for a long time we have a introspective Church, as if we were still living in the era of European Christianity. We have focused too much energy on ourselves, and now is the time for a new Pentecost. At Pentecost the disciples, who were seated behind the locked doors were suddenly shaken by the powerful wind of the Spirit. On that day three thousand people responded to their message, the Good News about Jesus Christ.
It took time for the early Christians would realize that the message was not only for their people, but had to be shared with everyone, and that under the guidance of Spirit had all the signs of a good Christian.
We see Jesus, who is mixed with sinners and tax collectors, and even choose one of them as an apostle. We read the parable of the banquet where it says to the servants to go out on the streets to gather all those who manage to meet.
Very often our church activities are limited to areas of the middle class, while not much care about the areas where there are real needs. There are too few mothers Teresa. Nevertheless, there are more and more lay people involved in service in places of great social need in Africa, parts of Asia and Latin America, as well as in places of despair and abandonment of our cities richer. But the consciousness that evangelization, the expansion of the Kingdom, is an integral part of every Christian is something that still needs to be pursued more vigorously.
As we will see strong secular Carmelites of our faith when our lives will speak for itself. The Jubilee year is clearly an opportune time to do it.
It 's a difficult task to convert a billion people, in this perspective. But you will achieve this goal by big plans, but raising awareness each of us to give a small contribution.
CONCLUSION Let me conclude my remarks by summarizing the main points. We examined three topics today.
First, we made some reflections on our role as Lay Carmelites, then briefly looking at the world in which we are called to live the Carmelite charism. We ended up thinking of some special areas in which the secular Carmelites could fit significantly for the Apostolate of Spirituality.
What I wanted to do was raise some thoughts, so that together we could find some solution to the challenges that challenge us in the beginning of the third millennium. I hope to be able, in some way.
Let me conclude with the words of Jesus in the Gospel, as reminder to everyone:
"I am the vine, ye are the branches. If ye abide in me and I in you will bear much fruit for without me ye can do nothing. "
Thank you for your patient listening.
Theresa Ee-Chooi, OCDS
Guadalajara, Mexico, September 2, 2000
CONTENTS
Co-responsibility 'of the Secular Carmelite Spirituality in the apostolate of' a
1. Who are the Secular Carmelites? 1
2. The current situation 4
3. Putting ideas into practice
5 HOW WE ARE HAVING? 6 CONCLUSION
8 
brothers and sisters,
with feelings of gratitude I am here in the midst of this great assembly Carmelites are all eager to discover and deepen our understanding of his contribution to secular Carmelites. I arrived full of hope.
way to frame the scene this morning ... We are here because we care, we care about what happens in the world. The world is a family, but a humanity divided by hatred, wars, inter-religious disputes, ethnic purity, racism ... We live in a world divided between people extremely rich and extremely poor people, people who live cheek by jowl in the same country, in the same city.
This inequality, depersonalized us all, rich and poor nations, corporations, individuals, oppressor and oppressed, and we are here in a position to do something about it.
So we get to the title of this conference: "Co-responsibility in the apostolate of the Secular Spirituality."
What I'd like to humbly, in the next forty minutes, it would be to stimulate and provoke you in some way, offering practical ideas for working together, more easily, to build the Kingdom of God on earth, and create a world where our people deserve and need so much.
Let me explain what I'd like to share with you. I begin by talking about our commitment to secular Carmelites in this world, the need for entries prophetic, especially in the laity. First of all it comes to finding God in our lives, and later to reveal his presence in our secular world. The question is to find our place in this world through our spirituality.
followed by a quick appreciation of the world in which we live, at the beginning of the 21st century, a world of contrasts, wealth and poverty, and barbarism of intuition, of globalization and individualism. In this context we have to live the Carmelite charism. Finally
speak of our apostolate of Spirituality and discuss various practical considerations that may be able to make our apostolate more effective.
1. WHO ARE THE Secular Carmelites?
First let me answer the question: "Who are the Secular Carmelites?"
Let me begin with a classical basic question: Who is the so-called secular believer? What are the particular characteristics of Lay Carmelites?
the laity in the past was often described with a negative formulation, defining those who were neither secular nor religious clerics. It is certainly not the best way to describe them. No doubt in the Code of Canon Law, the laity is defined as: "those who, having been incorporated in Christ through baptism have been established as the People of God .... " That sounds better already, right?
In the documents of Vatican II and the Laity Christifideles is defined in a much more positive ... We must therefore acknowledge the great work done to clarify and redefine the identity, vocation and mission of the laity, although in some quarters that insists could do more.
But in practice? For now we just make a note here that in practice, the time to share and collaborate, there is still much that is unsatisfactory in the decisions that are made with the hierarchy. When Clifford Longley, recently on "The Tablet" said that "as citizens we are asked to be critical of the authorities, when necessary, we are asked to consider our rights and defend them, then somehow we, as Catholics we strive to be totally different people: gentle, passive, uncritical, without power or influence no, no right to information, without the right to be consulted?
A Church "prophetic."
The above leads us to what we call the task "prophetic" of the Church, and that includes both the laity as clergy. Through our baptism we are kings, priests and prophets in the Kingdom. The prophet is, above all, who has an understanding of the Kingdom, and has a look which allows him to see in perspective how this understanding will be achieved in a given community or society. The prophet is not just someone who predicts the future.
However one aspect of which is an important consideration is that the prophet is not always popular, and sometimes you do not clash with an opposition but only with violence. Think of Martin Luther King, who died defending freedom el'eguale dignity of African-Americans think of Bishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador, was assassinated while saying mass, we think of the thousands of Christians in Latin America who have suffered violence or death simply because they have made a campaign seeking justice for the poor.
We can choose between a secular Carmelite put our heads in the sand and simply stay in our corners to pray and ignores the rest of the world or we can decide to fulfill our role missionary going to the real world.
Our Blessed Mother Teresa reminded us that our whole life, and not only our formal devotions are what influence and express our relationship with God So it's clear that our vocation is not simply the personal sanctification. A vocation is always the Church, centered in the community.
Living in God's presence
Some lay people, perhaps in response to spirituality of St. Teresa and St. John of the Cross, joined the Carmelite family, hoping to get inspiration and support for their inner lives and for their apostolate in the circumstances to their state of life.
This is probably the reason why we all are here today. We recognize the treasures that can be found in the Carmelite Order which gave three Doctors of the Church. We also learn that in addition to the call to holiness, which we share with all believers in Christ, the secular Carmelites "prefer to remain first in the presence of God."
What does remain in the presence of God? Father Hilary Doran says that usually means staying in harmony, in seeking the will of God in whose presence we are. Secular Carmelites live and work in the world, a world full of violence, through the power of secularism and consumerism.
Here's the rub: in a similar situation there are at least two temptations they are exposed to the lai and especially the lay Carmelite
1. the temptation to be so so interested in the services and tasks of the church that we fall into the error of not actively get involved in our responsibilities in the professional, social, cultural and political
2. the temptation of legitimizing the unwarranted separation of faith and life, ie a separation between the reception of Gospel and the concrete life of the Gospel in different situations in the world.
An example that is imprinted indelibly in the mind is an interview which I attended in Beijing during the Fourth World Congress of Women. An important leader of this Congress was questioned by a journalist: "How Catholic is in agreement with the Vatican on issues of abortion and birth control, etc..?" She said, "When working as a representative of the people of your beliefs not influence personal actions. One is Catholic in his private life and is in a Tanzanian public office. I do not apply my Catholicism, giving lectures, would otherwise be a disaster. "
I think - and this makes me sad - that this attitude is quite extensive. Despite our Holy Father John Paul II reminds us often that our Catholic teaching can not accept a dichotomy between faith and life, there are still many Catholics who seem not to have heard that message.
Inculturation.
An important concept in Christian thought is inculturation. If we can spread a message effectively, we will be closely linked to our society and we will be part of it. We need to understand its language, its values, its needs, aspirations and dreams. When we talk about how the Christians, we must use language that society can understand.
To use an old cliché, must be in the world without being of the world. Jesus used some plastic images to tell us how he intended that his followers were. The salt is what gives flavor to our food, but does so only when it is completely dissolved in it, and in fact we can not see a time dissolved the salt in the food, but we can taste it. This is the characteristic taste that we give to our society.
I recently found this little story that tells of Pope Pius X. One day in the company of a group of cardinal asked the question: "Currently, what is more important to save the company?" The responses ranged from recruiting more talent for the Catholic clergy to build more schools, etc.. The pope replied, "What is most needed today is that in every parish there is a lay group that is both virtuous, educated, determined and very apostolic."
So the pope wanted to say that the salvation of the world depends, in large part, from training of lay persons who devote themselves to the apostolate, in word, deed and especially by example. The missionary bishops and priests in churches today's young people would also totally agree with His Holiness.
Our Christian lives need balance: neither spend all day saying prayers and doing little attention to material needs, emotional, social and spiritual needs of the people, and not jump into any kind of activity, as some social activists who do a lot for the poor but they seem to have little time for prayer.
We have a great need for vigilance to avoid falling into the temptation to give more value to our personal salvation that mission. Generally speaking, I think I can safely say that many Catholics seem far more worried about going to heaven to serve the helpless. The question is not either / or but and / e.
place of meditation and contemplation.
In our Carmelite school of holiness we are fortunate to be able to study the methods of prayer and contemplation of St. Teresa and St. John ... The importance of prayer for meditation and contemplation can not be overstated. As St. Teresa says: "Meditation is a means of acquiring all the virtues; take is a matter of life or death, for all Christians." The theologian Karl Rahner said something like: "The devout Christian of the future will be a mystic, someone who has experienced something, otherwise it will be nothing."
in my part of the world, in Asia, there is a long tradition of monasticism, asceticism and contemplation. These are the characteristics of many Asian religions. Consequently, the forms of prayer of quiet, meditative and contemplative ones easily resonate within us. We are attracted by the mysteries that allow us the luxury of a religious experience.
From this, I posed a question to some of the more than 200 religious leaders from around the world gathered in Rome last year for religious assembly, "as a fact that meditation is as natural as breathing in Asia, how we justify all the terrible wars that have been undertaken over the past 100 years in Asia and other parts of the world "?
After all we are aware of what meditation can do for those who remain faithful. Therefore, if the leaders of different religions had taught his followers in an appropriate manner the various forms of prayer and meditation, as justified then the terrible cruelty and suffering that now seem to have invaded all areas of life?
To my surprise, a good number of religious leaders have admitted that even the monks and priests are often so absorbed in administrative tasks that they could not find time to practice what they themselves taught. As a result, their followers have suffered and the entire world has suffered.
This is true even for Catholics. Continuously chief retreats I repeat that when they preach withdrawals in the seminaries, seminarians do not seem to know "how to pray."
And when these seminarians are ordained priests barely keep only the theory of what is prayer, but not leading a life of prayer.
As these members of the clergy can therefore motivate the laity to pray? And 'this is the field where our competent Carmelite priests and laity can offer their specialty and can teach meditation and contemplation to the seminarians? This is a field that must be very careful.
2. THE CURRENT SITUATION
I come to the second part of my paper, which I invite you to consider briefly the context in which we live our mission of secular Carmelites.
We live in a world that currently has the capacity to destroy life on our planet just by pressing a button. Who wins! Behind the facade of the promising great prosperity of developed countries, hundreds of millions of people live in poverty and neglect, hunger and malnutrition, almost as a direct result of the commercial and industrial development, inside as outside.
In the name of development, progress and science, were devastated natural and social environment has been destroyed the social fabric of some cultures, a deep rich time ... And underlining all these physical progress and the resulting misery and poverty that produces and supports, we note also a great spiritual hunger of the real meaning of life, a search for values \u200b\u200bthat will enrich the lives of communities and individuals.
In our world, recently described as "global village", there are growing divisions in communities, often based on ethnic divisions, the religious beliefs and social class.
While others ponder the pros and cons of the language of fashion, globalization, we, the followers of Christ, secular Carmelite, to be precise, we need to launch a closer look at the reigning atmosphere of greed, selfishness and violence that imprisons world. As I said, it is in this world that we live our vocation and mission.
What role can we as Christians, and especially as a secular Carmelite, to create the future world that we leave to our children and our grandchildren? With all the advances in psychology and our understanding of how people act, react and interact, marriage has never been in a situation as precarious, with more than half of marriages that come apart.
Many in this world today are very cynical about the role of religion in our society and often, frankly, not without reason. They see the followers of different religions enveloped of the most horrific atrocities of recent times. Murders and shootings in Ulster ankles, ethnic cleansing in Kosovo and Chechenya, mutilation in East Timor, the massacres in Uganda, to name a few.
Certainly we know that some of these people who claim to act in the name of religion can hardly be separated from the ideals and beliefs of that religion. Clearly there can be no genuinely religious faith that can take on the killing of innocent people, the burning of churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and the lynching of people.
I agree with Martin Luther King Jr. when he says that "non-cooperation with evil is a moral as well as cooperation with good. " But to quote another great man, our Holy Father Pope John Paul II, I remember what he said: "We must discern the sometimes narrow paths between the cowardice which gives in front of evil and violence that the illusion of fighting against evil only makes it worse. "
3. PUT INTO PRACTICE IDEAS
brings me to my final point of the exhibition, the third. Given what we have said so far, what are the responsibilities of the apostolate of the Secular Carmelite spirituality?
One way to increase the apostolate of spirituality is to share with the local church's teachings of our holy fathers. Specifically, helping people develop a spiritual life. This means teaching them to pray, teach and to discover more permanent presence of God in our lives, teach to meditate and contemplate. This implies an effort to acquire the virtues and overcome our shortcomings. At the same time we must bear in mind that the depth of our love is the only true of our progress towards holiness. We need to learn how to join our prayer life with our activities, both religious as secular. Neither Mary only, nor only Martha, but a balance of both, what is sometimes called "contemplation in action." The Life of Saint Teresa of Avila is a wonderful example of this. And for the person who lives constantly in the presence of Christ in fact there is no purely secular activities. Everything is imbued with the presence and love of God
So one of our primary responsibilities is to be sure to teach lay people how to pray, not only to say the prayers, but understand the importance of the practice of meditation and contemplation .
Some measures suggested.
There have been other suggestions that relate to the Apostolate of Spirituality for Lay Carmelites. For example, it was proposed that the Secular Carmelites take an active role in the functioning of Stella Maris in Haifa in Israel. This center is currently not in use, I think. At first we could maybe work with our Carmelite Fathers in giving courses and retreats in Haifa for a period of one month or longer.
After all, is the cradle of our Carmelite charism. This requires the preparation of some of our Carmelite Secular Carmelites sent before the centers to prepare for spirituality and prayer, because then they can significantly help our Carmelite Fathers by offering some courses.
Certainly there is no reason why we can not arrange a suitable training course, in some Centres of withdrawal Carmelites throughout the world. This however requires an appropriate organization and an international collaboration, and perhaps even a collection of the necessary funds.
I think there are courses on Carmelite spirituality on the Internet. The Internet is an ideal time for those who can not leave their home for an extended period of time. Other means of education such as books on Carmelite Spirituality and the magazine Mount Caramel could also be made accessible via the Internet.
Coming to Christians of other denominations, I also remember the church of Catholics. There are many problems in sharing the building of the church because of theological differences Eucharist and other sacraments, but praying together is a great advantage.
Many Anglican churches, and Protestant bishops are now much more open to meditation and contemplative prayer. While at the summit, there are still problems for the unit at the base there is a broad landscape for Catholics of a parish or city to get to their Christian neighbors in prayer, social works, in assisting those in need in the suburbs.
Some of the projects in which we we need to commit funds for financing, a way to resolve this would be a small share of the monthly contribution for each member. This would be set aside for education and training of members as well as the others to whom we can get.
As we seen?
The Carmelites have a message for the world. Our message is simple. We have a treasure to share with everyone. We become visible as we should and could? We are really working together to build the Kingdom on the basis of the view that the Second Vatican Council has given us? We are familiar with that view? Maybe we still need to study these documents, especially those dealing with the Church, Scripture and the Church in the modern world. Some of these documents, together with those on social justice, are among the best secrets preserved in the Church!
bluntly: if the secular Carmelites completely disappeared tomorrow we would be surprised? The work of evangelization of the Church can be compromised? Or putting it another way: what should and could do for the Church, and especially for the Church in the area where we find ourselves, to make a difference?
This is what each fraternity has to decide, after an intense and prayerful discernment. Such discernment is based on two factors: 1
. The special gifts that come from our Carmelite charism and that we offer.
2. The specific needs of the people among whom we live and work.
Image we design.
Over the centuries we have accumulated a lot of baggage theological and devotional, which has largely obscured the central message of the gospel. We need to trace the history of origin to help people to have the same vision of life that Jesus has left us
our message is often seen as too sectarian ideas that you have come to have to be a "Catholic" . But what Jesus actually preached a religion that was not replace other religions. Jesus preached the Kingdom: a place where prevailing values \u200b\u200bof truth, love, compassion, justice, freedom, human dignity, unity and peace. And this is not something only for Catholics, but something for the whole world. This is the journey of faith that Jesus has shown us. This is the way of God
We will be very Catholic, very Carmelites, when these qualities radiate from our lives, individually as well as in community. He, Jesus himself, was himself the embodiment of all these human qualities, and his mission was to the invitation for everyone to own these qualities.
This is our mission, not just pour water on people's heads and label them as "Catholic", but invite them to join us in the great adventure of building the Kingdom in our world. A good example of this are the Cistercians, who in the past have started to meditate with the Buddhists, and still do.
Need for active evangelization.
Sometimes our greatest weakness is our passivity as Catholics. This probably dates from the time when Hilaire Belloc said: "The Church is Europe, and Europe is the Church." In this situation, the priority of evangelization had a low tone, as all were baptized as Christians. The main task of the clergy was mainly distribute spiritual services to which the laity needed.
This was converted into what we might call a "church of survival. " In a sense, this mentality persists to this day. In many parts of the world a great deal of energy goes to the church those who are already converted.
But it is clear that from the current situation completely changed, where the Church barely somewhere in the world is practicing a majority, there is an urgent need for evangelization, which is a strong prospect of sharing the Gospel with people everywhere. And 'what on which Pope John Paul II has been insisting all the time, especially in this year of Jubilee.
E 'equally clear that evangelization must involve every Christian commitment and responsibility is not only the prerogative of the bishops, priests and religious. In the past, when evangelism was practiced by the clergy and religious, they were at a disadvantage. Their number was small, and often find the language barrier.
As lay people we are working in popular places, we are better placed to spread the word. We can use all available means to disseminate our message. There are many means of communication, from macromedia to Micromedia, Internet and satellite television, video and slide projector, magazines with international news in parish bulletins. We are dangerously neglecting those media.
A new Pentecost.
As I suggested, for a long time we have a introspective Church, as if we were still living in the era of European Christianity. We have focused too much energy on ourselves, and now is the time for a new Pentecost. At Pentecost the disciples, who were seated behind the locked doors were suddenly shaken by the powerful wind of the Spirit. On that day three thousand people responded to their message, the Good News about Jesus Christ.
It took time for the early Christians would realize that the message was not only for their people, but had to be shared with everyone, and that under the guidance of Spirit had all the signs of a good Christian.
We see Jesus, who is mixed with sinners and tax collectors, and even choose one of them as an apostle. We read the parable of the banquet where it says to the servants to go out on the streets to gather all those who manage to meet.
Very often our church activities are limited to areas of the middle class, while not much care about the areas where there are real needs. There are too few mothers Teresa. Nevertheless, there are more and more lay people involved in service in places of great social need in Africa, parts of Asia and Latin America, as well as in places of despair and abandonment of our cities richer. But the consciousness that evangelization, the expansion of the Kingdom, is an integral part of every Christian is something that still needs to be pursued more vigorously.
As we will see strong secular Carmelites of our faith when our lives will speak for itself. The Jubilee year is clearly an opportune time to do it.
It 's a difficult task to convert a billion people, in this perspective. But you will achieve this goal by big plans, but raising awareness each of us to give a small contribution.
CONCLUSION Let me conclude my remarks by summarizing the main points. We examined three topics today.
First, we made some reflections on our role as Lay Carmelites, then briefly looking at the world in which we are called to live the Carmelite charism. We ended up thinking of some special areas in which the secular Carmelites could fit significantly for the Apostolate of Spirituality.
What I wanted to do was raise some thoughts, so that together we could find some solution to the challenges that challenge us in the beginning of the third millennium. I hope to be able, in some way.
Let me conclude with the words of Jesus in the Gospel, as reminder to everyone:
"I am the vine, ye are the branches. If ye abide in me and I in you will bear much fruit for without me ye can do nothing. "
Thank you for your patient listening.
Theresa Ee-Chooi, OCDS
Guadalajara, Mexico, September 2, 2000
CONTENTS
Co-responsibility 'of the Secular Carmelite Spirituality in the apostolate of' a
1. Who are the Secular Carmelites? 1
2. The current situation 4
3. Putting ideas into practice
5 HOW WE ARE HAVING? 6 CONCLUSION
8
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