Author: ocd web master

From 31 August to 8 September, the Extraordinary Definitory met in Mexico City at the Centro cultural Quinta Soledad. In attendance were the Father General and his Definitors, the Superiors of 25 provinces, 5 semi-provinces, 11 commissariats, 6 vicariates and delegations, as well as 7 officials from the General Curia. Discussions centred on various topics relating to the life of our Order and on preparations for the next General Chapter (May 2027). Here we present an overview of our work.

Monday 31 August

The participants were warmly welcomed by the Provincial of Mexico, Father Ricardo Perez. After duly thanking the Provincial and the brothers of Mexico for their hospitality towards this Definitory, Father General Miguel Márquez took the floor. His presentation on the state of the Order centred on four main themes:

  • the Word of God as a light on our path, through three quotations: ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’ (Gen 4:9), which challenges us on the quality of our fraternal life; ‘Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you are able… so shall your descendants be ’ (Gen 15:5), which challenges us on our faith in what God can accomplish; ‘These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brethren’ (Acts 1:14), which challenges us on the quality of our prayer.
  • Putting Christ at the centre: we are called to believe in the journey rather than the destination, to make room for the unexpected by opening our hearts to the newness of Christ.
  • Reflecting on the journey undertaken over the last five years.
  • Responses to the Letter from the Father General to the Provincial Chapters.

At the end of his talk, Father Miguel presented some questions, on which the language and geographical groups (English, French, Spanish, Italian) exchanged views during the afternoon session.

After the coffee break, Father Paolo de Carli, General Bursar, took the floor to discuss three key topics concerning the financial management of the General House, the provinces’ contribution to the life of the Order, and investment in formation (Teresianum, International College and Seminarium missionum).

 

Tuesday 1 September

The day began with a historical and canonical presentation by Fr Agustì Borrell on the structure of our Order and recent developments in this area. On the one hand, our Order has always been composed of provinces, that is to say, circumscriptions with sufficient autonomy in matters of governance, formation, apostolate, mission and finances. From a certain point onwards, however, smaller circumscriptions began to multiply, both in number and in type. Historically, these were regarded as temporary stages in preparation for the creation of a new province, or as a response to the exceptional downsizing of a province. However, this considerable freedom of organization began to encounter structural problems. The Extraordinary Definitory of Lisieux (2023) proposed new guidelines aimed at simplifying and reducing the types of districts.

After the coffee break, we listened to a presentation by Fr Jean-Baptiste Pagabeleguem on formation. Since the 92nd General Chapter (2021), the Order decided to focus more on formation and made it one of its priorities for this sexennium. The Definitory has set up an international commission not only to update the Ratio institutionis, but also to raise awareness throughout the Order of our identity and mission. Formation is a fundamental priority for the Teresian Carmel as it ensures fidelity to the charism, the stability of the communities and the transmission of a way of life rooted in prayer, fraternity and the apostolate.

The afternoon was once again dedicated to meetings by language groups.

 

Wednesday 2 September

The Definitors General presented to us the areas under their responsibility: young and rapidly growing provinces, which are striving to establish appropriate structures and training programs; historic provinces called upon to collaborate, or even to merge, in order to prioritize the quality of the charismatic life of each community; territories that are steadily shrinking, to the point of likely disappearing, but which continue humbly to bear witness through their presence. All this shows that every experience, whether positive or challenging, belongs to us all, as the diverse expression – through age, wounds and splendor – of one and the same family.

In the afternoon, Father Daniel Chowning described to us the role and function of the Superior Provincial, drawing on his own experience as well as on sound biblical, canonical and charismatic arguments. We were reminded that the Provincial is not the chief executive of a company, who has positions of power to defend or profits to make: he is a brother entrusted with a ministry, which is furthermore temporary, and which he will, indeed, have to learn to relinquish when the time comes. To fulfil this mission, which is ultimately made possible only by Grace, one must nevertheless possess certain fundamental qualities and develop others: maturity not only in years but also in the heart, which is expressed through a practical ability to listen, to discern and to make decisions, as well as through self-knowledge, not only of one’s frailties and sin, but above all, of the way in which one is infinitely loved and forgiven by the Father, in Christ.

The meaning of our unity, throughout the day, ultimately came across with unique force through the testimonies of two of our brothers, called upon to share their experiences of their Carmelite life in particularly tragic contexts. The first, Fr Rafał, explained what it means to be a Carmelite today in a country at war, such as Ukraine. Next, Fr Michel spoke to us about Lebanon, a country that has been at war for over 50 years. Listening to these two testimonies, which place our vocation and our ministry in direct relation to human death and suffering, reminded us that, very often, many of our problems are not so serious and that we can give thanks to God for the many gifts we have received.

 

Thursday 3 September

Father Angelo’s talk enabled us to discover the Handbook for provincial government: this is a resource which does not claim to cover every issue a provincial government might face, but which offers some guidance and clarification designed to assist the Superior in carrying out his duties. You can download it here:

https://www.carmelitaniscalzi.com/en/documents/provincial-chapters/2026_handbook-for-provincial-government-ocd/

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is the pedagogical principle underpinning this document, which, above all, lies at the heart of a Provincial’s mission: a Superior does not govern alone, not only because he acts in dialogue with his Council, the priors, the formators and the communities, but also because he acts within the framework provided by laws which are ultimately inspired by truth, charity and justice.

In the same vein, Fr Rafal Wilkosky’s presentation highlighted how the role and function of the Provincial Superior in relation to our Nuns are currently evolving. He showed how relations between the Superiors of the Order and the monasteries of the Discalced Carmelites Nuns have undergone a profound transformation over the last century, both legally and ecclesiologically. Whilst, up until the Second Vatican Council, these relations were characterised by the effective jurisdiction of the friar superiors over the communities of nuns, subsequent legislation gradually redefined this approach, recognising the full autonomy of the monasteries. This normative development culminated in the Apostolic Constitution Vultum Dei quaerere (2016) and the Instruction Cor orans (2018), which led to a process of revising the Order’s own law. In particular, the need to redefine the role of the Order’s Superiors has become clear: this no longer consists of direct jurisdiction, but rather of vigilance and pastoral care, whilst respecting the specific nature of the contemplative life. Furthermore, this change also reflects a different understanding of charismatic communion and shared responsibility within the Teresian family.

 

Friday 4 September

The day began with a talk by Father Jérôme Paluku, Secretary for Missionary Cooperation. His reflections took as their starting point a rapidly changing international context: whilst before 2008 the Western world enjoyed a situation of abundance, we have now moved to a situation where those providing funding do so only if they are fully informed and certain of where the money is going. Furthermore, competition for access to funds has intensified, trust in the Church as an institution has declined, and the risks of foreign funding being misused have increased. On the other hand, where external aid has been provided for too long, there is a risk of fostering a spirit of dependency amongst those who receive it, which prevents the necessary foundations from being laid for future self-sufficiency. Father Jérôme concluded, however, by calling for support for the Secretariat’s work, for even if one can give only a little, a culture of sharing can thus develop within the Order.

In his address, Father Paolo De Carli outlined the essential criteria for sound economic management. According to our laws, and above all according to the Code of Canon Law, the office of bursar is necessary and distinct from that of government within the Order, but it is exercised in a spirit of communion. The bursar is neither an accountant nor a businessperson, for he is appointed by the Superior and acts in accordance with the Order’s own law. His role is linked to the charism, for, through concrete decisions, he is called to discern what pertains to the life of the Order.

In the afternoon, Father Martin Martinez presented the work on updating the Ratio Institutionis carried out by the commission appointed for this purpose. The process began in 2021, when the Chapter General had indicated that this work was one of the priorities of the next six years. The Definitory committed to this process and appointed the 12 members of the commission. The primary sources for this work are to be found in the contributions from the Order’s circumscriptions. As part of this work, it was decided to begin specifically by listening to the Order and its lived reality. The second sources are those of the Magisterium of the Church and of the Order; from a Carmelite perspective, alongside our saints and our laws, the text of the Declaration on the Charism is among the most frequently cited.

We ended the day with testimonies from two brothers whose districts are facing rough times:

  • The Holy Land: the Order’s commitment to a tangible presence in a unique land, as Fr. Jean-Joseph told us: holy sites and memories of our origins, the threat of war, and the trust of the local people.

•    Venezuela and Cuba: extremely difficult political and social situations, exacerbated by socialist dictatorship, but above all by widespread poverty which has now become systemic. Fr. Sandy explained to us what it means to live out one’s Carmelite vocation amongst a people who are suffering…

 

Saturday 5 September

The sixth day of the General Definitory featured a presentation by Father Giuseppe Pozzobon (Province of Venice) on the theme of ongoing formation. The first part of his presentation provided a definition of the concept, drawing on the documents of the Magisterium of the Church and of the Order. We can observe that a culture of ongoing formation does not yet exist. Ongoing formation is not merely a matter of keeping up to date, but rather a constantly renewed education in living out one’s vocation. The second part of his presentation highlighted two crucial areas of formation work. The first is that of post-formation, so that the integration of the newly ordained brother into fraternal and pastoral life is supported by the prior and the other brothers, as well as by a spiritual director. The third aspect of the presentation focused on the main challenges in the field of formation: the new evangelisation; the transmission of the charism and, in particular, the experience of prayer; theological and moral renewal; the quality of our fraternal life; the relationship between authority and obedience; and the increasingly international dimension of our provinces.

Father Ramiro Casale began his talk by asking us to reflect on the identity of the OCDS, which is neither an extension of our parishes, nor a group of volunteers working with the friars, nor any kind of spiritual movement. According to the Constitutions, it is a lay vocation that shares in the charism of the Order and lives it out in the heart of the world. That is why our question should be: how can we help this vocation to reach its fullness, in its specific nature, which is to live out the charism in the world? The role of the OCDS assistant is therefore of great importance in helping the laity to become aware of this reality: he is a witness to the charism, offers spiritual guidance and contributes to formation, whilst remaining a link and a source of unity between the religious and lay communities. The Provincial, for his part, plays a central role: the Constitutions state that he is the Superior of the OCDS within his territory and that he is responsible for its spiritual welfare. The future will therefore consist in guiding the Secular Order towards responsible autonomy, which does not mean independence from the Order, but rather an awareness of the vocation received, so that the Teresian Carmel may truly be one great family composed of friars, nuns and lay people: three different ways of living out the same charism, with the same source, the same tradition and the same passion for Christ.

On Saturday afternoon, we were given a presentation on the life of the Province of Saint Albert of Mexico. We were given a brief overview of the history of this province – one of the Order’s oldest – as well as its current vitality, where brothers, sisters and members of the OCDS work together in a spirit of fraternity and creativity. In particular, they described how the Provincial Council coordinates the various areas under its responsibility and outlined the pastoral work which, following past misunderstandings, has now become a source of unity for the whole Province, carried out amongst people of all ages. Thanks to this account, amongst other things, we felt deeply grateful for the warm welcome our Mexican brothers had extended to us.

 

Sunday 6 September

DAY OF REST

The brothers visited the archaeological site and the pyramids of Teotihuacan. But, above all, in the afternoon, together with the Carmelite family from Mexico, we prayed and celebrated the Eucharist under the gaze of Our Lady of Guadalupe, in her shrine. You were all present in our prayers.

 

Monday 7 September

Father Marco Chiesa’s presentation reminded us of the role and function of the Postulation General: it is the official body which, on behalf of the Holy See, is primarily responsible for the causes of beatification and canonisation within the Order in its three branches (nuns, friars and seculars), and, secondarily, for all institutes affiliated to the Order that wish to appeal to it. The Postulation is entirely at the service of the Order, in a spirit of mutual support, which also involves the appointment of a local representative for each circumscription. We were also shown how the Postulation deals with the sensitive area of the cult of the saints and the veneration of relics, taking into account the necessary distinctions between venerables, the blessed and the saints, as well as the classification of relics. As regards the Order’s liturgy, however, in the light of the universal liturgy of the Church, the presentation outlined the process of revising our liturgical books, including the work currently underway on the definition of the calendar (2023), the translation of the Proprium missarum (approved in 2025) and the first draft of the Proper of the Liturgy of the Hours.

Father Juan David Noguera, for his part, outlined the role of the Procurator General: to handle the Order’s affairs with the Holy See, under the authority of the Superior General. In order to make it easier to understand this service and how to seek its assistance, a practical guide to the procedures has been drawn up. It is available on the Order’s website.

In the afternoon, Father Pius D’Souza explained to us what a pastoral visit entails. This visit, whilst having a canonical character, is also ‘pastoral’, as it must involve meetings, listening, encouragement and guidance, in order to help the brothers grow in their vocation. The meetings with each brother, followed by those with the community, will serve not only to assess their life of prayer, their fraternal life and their apostolic life, but also to evaluate the financial management and the upkeep of the buildings. The purpose of the pastoral visit is to strengthen fraternal communion, to preserve and promote the charism of the Order, in accordance with our Constitutions and for the fulfilment of our apostolic mission.

Father Angelo Lanfranchi, for his part, emphasised the importance of managing all secretarial activities, whether they concern documents, books or archives. He highlighted the significance of this by quoting Pope Leo XIV during his first meeting with the Roman Curia, shortly after his election (24 May 2025): “Memory is an essential element of a living organism. It is not merely directed towards the past, but nourishes the present and guides us towards the future. Without memory, the path becomes lost; it loses its meaning”.

 

 

Tuesday 8 September

On this final day of the Definitory, the first talk, given by Fr Jean-Alexandre (Province of Paris), addressed the anthropological and religious challenges posed by the digital revolution we are currently experiencing, which, like other social realities, is influencing the lives of religious and that of the community itself. This is a major challenge that can lead to the isolation of religious from the rest of the community. It is not a question of rejecting the digital world, social media and other tools, but of integrating them properly into the lives of consecrated women and the community. Following this presentation, Father José Pereira, Secretary for Information, introduced the Order’s website, where all the documents prepared by the General House can be found.

After the coffee break, Fr Agustí Borrell, Vicar General, submitted the question of participation in the forthcoming Chapter General to the assembly. The major superiors discussed the proposal openly.

During the afternoon, we also heard testimonies from several brothers:

  • Colombia: last August, a violent earthquake severely damaged some of our houses;
  • Congo, Burkina Faso and Nigeria: in recent years, violence has increased considerably;
  • India: the reality of the persecution suffered by Christians is difficult, especially in the north.

The Extraordinary Definitory concluded with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Father General.

 

 

The Discalced Carmelite friars of the Province of Mexico gathered on 2 and 3 June in the provincial meeting room at the convent of San Joaquín, in Mexico City, to take part in their 2026 Plenary Assembly.

In an atmosphere of fraternity and communion, the friars prepared to experience this time of grace, during which, in addition to their fraternal gathering, they were able to reflect on the Chapter Resolutions that will guide the coming triennium, which began last January.

As well as reviewing the Resolutions, the brothers took time to reflect on the importance of fraternal life and the fraternal bonds conferred upon them by their consecration; on the importance of care and love for their brothers; and on the importance of accompanying and supporting one another through all the highs and lows of daily life.

 

On 13 June 2026, the Discalced Carmelites of the Malabar Province inaugurated Lumen Carmeli, a Carmelite Heritage Museum at Carmel Hill Monastery, Trivandrum, Kerala. Blessed and inaugurated by the Most Rev. Dr. Christudas R., Auxiliary Bishop of the Latin Archdiocese of Trivandrum, the museum seeks to preserve and communicate the rich spiritual heritage of Carmel through history, art, and prayer. The inauguration celebrations included a conference on Carmelite spirituality by Fr. Peter Chakiath OCD, Provincial Superior of the Malabar Province. Hundreds of faithful, religious and well-wishers participated in the event.

The museum features an outdoor prayer garden based on St. Teresa’s symbolism of the four ways of prayer, an immersive presentation of the Interior Castle, galleries on Carmelite saints and spirituality, exhibits on the growth of Carmel and the Carmelite mission in India, and memorial spaces dedicated to pioneering missionaries, including the Servants of God Aloysius Maria Benziger and Fr. Adeodatus. It also houses a collection of sacred objects from the history of Carmel Hill Monastery and a Chapel of Relics containing relics of more than forty-five saints. The museum invites pilgrims to discover the Carmelite path of prayer, contemplation, and holiness.

 

On 21 June 2026, the parish community of Saint Louis de Gonzague in Gonzagueville celebrated a historic event: a double Silver Jubilee, marking 25 years since the erection of the parish of Saint Louis de Gonzague and 25 years of the Discalced Carmelites’ presence in the Ivory Coast.

Since its establishment in the Ivory Coast, the Order of Discalced Carmelites has been working tirelessly to spread the Gospel, provide spiritual guidance to the faithful and promote a life of prayer in accordance with the charism of Saint Teresa of Jesus, Saint John of the Cross and Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus. The parish of Saint Louis de Gonzague was established twenty-five years ago in the Diocese of Grand-Bassam. Today, it remains a vibrant centre of faith, fraternity and Christian witness.

May this jubilee be for all a source of spiritual renewal and a call to continue building a community that is ever more united, fervent and missionary.

 

The sixth national congress of the OCDS was held in Bozoum from 22 to 25 May 2026, during the Jubilee Year of St John of the Cross. Eighty members from the country’s four OCDS communities (Bozoum, Baoro, Bouar, Bangui) were present, accompanied by their respective assistant priests and the OCDS Delegate for the Central African Republic, Fr Dieudonné Yahaka.

In an atmosphere of great fraternity, the participants attended various talks: ‘St John of the Cross and Creation’, ‘St Teresa of Ávila and Prayer’, ‘The Practical Life of the OCDS’, ‘Documents on the OCDS’. Before the final session, the participants gathered in small groups to discuss certain issues relating to the life of the OCDS and to propose solutions for its development and, above all, for its autonomy. A number of key needs were highlighted, such as the ability to study the writings of our saints, the need to encourage younger people to join the Secular Order, the formation of formators, financial self-sufficiency, and a more visible Carmelite witness within the Church and civil society… Finally, it was proposed to organise a pilgrimage to the tomb of the Venerable Brother Jean-Thierry EBOGO in Yaoundé. During the congress, the first National Council was also elected.

On 30 May 2026, at the parish of Santa Maria a Ripa d’Arno in Empoli (Florence), the Province of Central Italy celebrated the start of the formation programme for a local group of people. It completed the ‘First Introduction’ course under the guidance of the OCDS Provincial Council and the provincial religious superiors, thanks to the commitment of the formators Cecilia Manuelli, Graziella Bacci and Maria Lupi.

The Eucharistic celebration, presided over by the Provincial Delegate of the OCDS, Father Basilio Visca, marked the start of a formation programme leading to the future establishment of a new OCDS community in Empoli, which will be dedicated to St John of the Cross.

The presence of the Provincial President of the OCDS, Laura Isotton, accompanied by a delegation from the OCDS Provincial Council, secular members from various nearby communities and numerous Carmelites, highlighted the communion within the Order and the beauty of a shared commitment.

On the eve of the feast of the Most Holy Trinity, this event was seen as a powerful and tangible sign of the work of the Holy Spirit, who continues to give life to the Secular Carmelite Order.

Sunday 7 June, we commemorated the foundress of the Carmel of the Rosier monastery in Antwerp. We did so during a beautiful and profound Eucharistic celebration in Antwerp Cathedral, presided over by Bishop Johan Bonny. In addition to Father General Miguel Márquez Calle, OCD, we were pleased to welcome Father Christophe-Marie Baudouin, OCD, Father Dick, and many Carmelites from abroad. Numerous Carmelite nuns from Belgium and the Netherlands were also present, as well as sisters from, among others, the Philippines and the United States.

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us in commemorating Blessed Anne of St. Bartholomew for their fellowship and prayers. A special word of thanks also goes to our sisters of the Rosier and to the Filipino community, who, following the commemorative celebration, provided a warm welcome and a delicious meal at the Rosier.

During the first half of 2026, the Carmelite family welcomed four new Venerables and three new Martyrs: let us give thanks together to the Lord for all the wonders He continues to accomplish!

On 22 January, Maria Immacolata of the Most Holy Trinity (Maria Gisella Villela), a professed OCD nun, was declared Venerable; likewise, on 27 April, Maria Eletta of Jesus (Caterina Tramazzoli), a professed OCD nun, and Maria Teresa of the Most Holy Trinity (Teresa Ysseldijk), a professed CDCJ nun; finally, on 22 May, it was Jean-Thierry of the Infant Jesus and of the Passion (Jean-Thierry Ebogo), a professed OCD religious.

On that same 22 May, the Holy Father approved the decree on the martyrdom of a large group from Santander, including three Discalced Carmelites: Athanasius of the Sacred Heart (Gregorio Aguinagalde Aguirreche), a priest; Rupert of the Cross (Ruperto Andueza Larraya), a religious; and Maximin of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Maximino Sáez Martínez), a novice. They will be proclaimed blessed in the coming months, thus joining the ranks of the more than fifty Spanish martyrs of our family.

EL CARMELO School in Molinopata, Abancay, belongs to the Order of Discalced Carmelites of Peru. The OCDS of Abancay manages it, with the support of administrative staff and teachers who have been selected to provide a high-quality, comprehensive education based on the values of the Carmelite-Teresian charism. The school serves approximately 600 pupils.

On 22 April 2026, after 20 years of operation, the IEI El Carmelo entered a new phase with the inauguration of a modern educational complex comprising interactive classrooms, a room dedicated to pedagogical innovation, an auditorium, a prayer space and sports grounds. Those present at the official ceremony included the President of the Apurímac Region, the Bishop of the Diocese of Abancay, the Director of the UGEL of Abancay, the OCDS Delegate for Peru, the OCDS President for Peru, heads of various IEI El Carmelo teaching departments, teachers, pupils and their families.

Everyone was overjoyed, as from May the pupils will benefit from education in these new facilities.

 

From 20 to 24 April 2026, 14 friars from five priories and nine OCDS members gathered at the Spiritual Centre of Birkenwerder for the annual Provincial Week. The days were filled with liturgical celebrations, moments of silence, spiritual sharing, formation sessions and shared leisure time, all within the Centre’s characteristically welcoming atmosphere.

Mrs Annette Jantzen was invited to lead the theological reflections. Her presentations drew on her book The Word of God, in the Feminine. How to Speak to God Today? Prayers, Psalms and Songs. With great scholarship and a lively manner, she addressed exegetical questions that opened up new perspectives for many participants and gave rise to stimulating exchanges.

A guided tour of Oranienburg Castle was a cultural highlight of the week. The Provincial Week concluded in a spirit of good fellowship with a shared dinner.

 

On April 21, 2026, Fr. Reynaldo V. Sotelo Jr., OCD, Provincial Superior of the Philippine Province, presided over the rite of blessing of the Convent of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face in the Diocese of Xuân Lộc, making it the second monastery of Discalced Carmelite friars in Vietnam.

As the formal liturgy concluded, Rev. Fr. Joseph Duong Duc Nghia, OCD, the local superior, speaking on behalf of the community, expressed a heartfelt welcome to all who had journeyed with them through the months of dust and construction. The celebratory banquet that followed was more than a meal; it was an extension of the Eucharist – a moment of fraternal joy and shared history. We remain eternally grateful to everyone who helped lay the stones of this new home, ensuring that for generations to come, the Lord indeed has a dwelling among His people.

 

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.

 

Following several unsuccessful attempts to create a liturgical application for our Order, the General Definitory recently decided to base a new application on an existing one that is widely used throughout the world and offers the possibility of incorporating ‘Religious Propers’. The iBreviary application best meets these requirements on a global scale, although unfortunately it is unable to support all languages.

Ideally, an application would offer the basic liturgical books (Liturgy of the Hours, Missal and Lectionary) in all the countries where we are present, alongside our own Proper Liturgy. However, this would be particularly complex and laborious. Nevertheless, it is possible for you to undertake this work yourselves using national applications that allow for it, provided you first obtain authorisation from the General House.

Below you will find the link to the iBreviary website and instructions for use: https://www.ibreviary.org/it/ (site available in Italian and English). The application is available to download from the Play Store or App Store.

 

 

Fr Emilio José Martínez OCD has been appointed President of the Teresianum in Rome by a Vatican decree signed on 21st April 2026.

A member of the Iberian Province, Fr Emilio was born in Madrid on 19th December 1964. After beginning studies in chemistry at the Universidad Complutense of Madrid, he undertook his theological formation at the Pontifical University of Salamanca, before obtaining a doctorate on St John of the Cross at the Instituto Superior de Ciencias Morales.

He is currently a professor at the Teresianum in Rome, where he teaches spiritual theology and St Teresa of Jesus.  He has also contributed to numerous international courses and congresses related to Carmelite, Teresian and Sanjuanist spirituality. At the Teresianum, he has held various institutional roles, including chairing the Faculty Quality Commission from 2017 to 2020.

His publications include works such as Gandhi: Experiencia de Dios y exigencia ética (1999) and Tras las huellas de Juan de la Cruz: Nueva biografía (2006), together with numerous articles and specialist studies on St Teresa of Ávila and St John of the Cross published in international academic journals such as Revista de Espiritualidad (of which he is currently Editor), Teresianum, Rivista di Vita Spirituale, and Mysterion.

Beyond his academic work, Fr Emilio José Martínez has held positions of governance: in the former Province of Castile, he served as Master of Students, Provincial Councillor, and Provincial Superior; subsequently, between 2009 and 2015, he served as Vicar General of the Order.