Nearly seventy Discalced Carmelite nuns from several Spanish and Portuguese monasteries met in Avila’s CITeS—University of Mysticism during the first days of November. The purpose of the meeting was to study and reflect on Pope Francis’ Apostolic Constitution on contemplative life, “Vultum Dei Quaerere.” They were accompanied by the Order’s Procurator General, Father Jean Joseph Bergara.
Also at the meeting as auditors were Father Miguel Márquez Calle, Provincial of Iberia, and the Provincial Councilors of that province, Fathers Sebastian García and José Luis del Pozo.
Online participation made it possible for 143 monasteries from Spain, Portugal, Venezuela, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Mexico, and Lithuania to follow the course. At the end of the event, Father Jean Joseph and the federal counselors of Spain stayed on to meet for two more days.
The sisters who attended the course celebrated the Jubilee of Holy Mother Teresa of Jesus on November 2nd, passing through the jubilee’s holy door in the church of the Saint and celebrating the Eucharist there accompanied by Fathers Jean Joseph, Sebastian, and José Luis. It was a moment of particular communion with the Order.
We wish to thank Sister Virtudes Parra, ocd, from the monastery of Altea in Alicante, Spain, for the photographs and information she sent about the event.
