In the month of November 2018, The two associations of our nuns in India namely the North East and South West had their Ordinary General assemblies. For the North East it was at Soso Carmel, Jharkhand (nov. 14-21) and the South West at Sadbhavana, the Karnataka Goa Provincial house, Bangalore (nov. 14-21). However in both the assemblies, prior to the formal meetings, a few days were dedicated for the ongoing formation. It was primarily intended to understand the new trends in the women contemplative life especially their adaptations for the life of the Discalced Carmelite nuns in India. Fr. Gorantla Johannes, the Definitor incharge of South Asia was present for both the assemblies and explained in detail the contents and the implications of Vultum Dei Querere and Cor Orans for the Discalced Carmelite Nuns. He tried to clarify all the possible doubts, fears and confusions among the sisters. A clear road map was chalked out for their right implementation. A good number of Sisters participated in these meetings.
At present the south west association has 14 associated monasteries ranging from Baroda to Trivandrum, a long distant geographical area. Hence it was decided by the association to bifurcate 6 monasteries of Kerala and form a new association. The three so far non associated monasteries of Srilanka are joining them. The request is being forwarded to the Holy See for its approval.
Prior to these meetings Fr. Johannes guided a three day work shop at Colombo for the three Carmels present in Srilanka ( October 27-30). Since These monasteries were not associated so far, Fr. Definitor tried to persuade them to join any one of the existing associations in India, for which all the Carmels of Srilanka responded positively with great joy.
Similarly an extraordinary General assembly was held at Ennore, Chennai for the South east association (nov. 4-7). Around 40 sisters were present from all the 10 associated monasteries. These workshops really helped the Indian Discalced Carmelite Nuns to understand the new documents, trends in right perspective with our Charism as the guiding principle of all adaptations.
