On Wednesday, August 2nd, the Carmelite family from around the world—Carmelite friars, sisters, youth animators, and young people—gathered at Lisbon’s St. Antonio of Cavalerios, a Carmelite parish of the Portuguese Commissariat. They came to celebrate the Carmelite Day—a day for the Carmelite family to be together during the World Youth gathering in Lisbon, Portugal. There were 150 people representing each of the four geographic areas of the Order, along with prior general Miceal O'Neill, Richard Byrne, the general councilor for Europe, and Robert Thomas Puthussery, the president of the International Carmelite Youth Commission and general councilor for Asia, Australia, and Oceania.
“It was a grace filled occasion, with a diverse group of young people, all coming together to celebrate what it means to be a Carmelite in the world today,” said Fr. Robert. “Everyone was proud to be a Carmelite and delighted to be together. They shouted in different languages ‘Long Live Carmel,’ a great testimony to their joy and enthusiasm.”
The day began with a warm welcome from the Portuguese Commissary Agostinho Castro. There was then an opening prayer and a video presentation on the 600 year presence of Carmelites in Portugal. The prior general, Miceal O'Neill, gave a short but meaningful presentation on what it means to be a Carmelite today in the context of the WYD theme of Mary Went With Haste. He invited all to be “generous and determined” as Mary was to help those in need. He shared the stories of Carmelite saints, St. Nuno Alvares Perira of Portugal, St. Titus Brandsma, and also referred to the inspirational example of Pablo Maria de la Cruz Alonzo Hidalgo, a young Carmelite from Spain, a model for young people today, who died on July 15 at the age of 21. He had just been professed on June 15 “in articulo mortis" and had hoped to be able to attend the Lisbon event.
The prior general asked everyone present to reflect on the question: what am I called to do or be right now? There was then time for group discussion and sharing after the talk. After lunch it was time for video presentations from each group which was enlivened by live music and dance from different groups.
At 4 pm, there was a concelebrated Holy Eucharist with the Carmelite family in the parish, complete with music and prayers in various languages of the Order.
“I want to publicly thank for Portuguese Commissariat for an incredibly well organized event,” said Fr. Robert. “Everyone enjoyed the warm hospitality of the Portuguese.”
It is quite the experience to see so many youth gathered and celebrating. Richard Byrne wrote, “There was a fantastic atmosphere through the city with all the young people around. To be honest, it was great to witness the young people.”
SOURCE: CITOC News, 115/2023: CITOC Update, August 6, 2023
