The Friars of the German Province met from 15 to 19 April 2024 at the Carmelite Spirituality Centre of Birkenwerder (near Berlin) for their annual Provincial ‘Week’. For some years now, our Carmelite Nuns, members of the OCDS and Friars of other Provinces (Kerala) who reside in Germany, have also been invited to attend. 24 persons were at this year’s meeting but the Carmelite Nuns were unable to attend.
We concentrated on St. John of the Cross and were helped by the new German translation of the writings of the Saint by Fr. Ulrich Dobhan OCD and Sister Elisabeth Peeters OCD. Although these writings are often distorted and erroneously translated, it was possible for us now to appreciate the treasures of the symbolic language of our Holy Father.
Apart from the formation aspect of our meeting, we were able to enjoy an excursion to the Zeiss Planetarium in Berlin, followed by lunch in its adjoining restaurant.
Being taught and praying together while meeting each other personally, notably enriches our Carmelite heritage and charism.
