The National OCDS Gathering took place from 27 to 29 March 2026 in the city of Alta Gracia, Argentina. Our General Delegate for the OCDS, Fr Ramiro Casale, was present. The theme was “The Virgin Mary and St John of the Cross, masters of the spiritual life”.
On Friday 27 March at 5pm, the President of the National Council, Alejandra Rocha, formally opened event. The first conference, presented by Silvia Areco (OCDS) of Bella Vista, offered a synthetic overview of the whole of his writings and its main objective. On Saturday, Alicia Mallol (OCDS) of Mendoza led a time of prayer centred on the Word of God and the poetry of St John of the Cross.
After lunch, participants enjoyed a guided tour of Alta Gracia, followed by visits to the Carmelite Sisters and the Grotto of Lourdes, which is managed by the Carmelite friars of Argentina. After dinner, participants took part in the traditional social evening. On Sunday, Fr Ramiro Casale OCD gave a conference on the Marian experience of St John of the Cross, followed by a discussion of topics specific to the Secular Carmel.
