The retreat of the Simply Professed from the provinces, commissariats and delegations of Italy, France, Catalunia, Britain, La Bruna, Poland, Naples and Ireland, gathered in Nocera Umbra on Monday 29th July until Sunday 4th August for a week of prayer, retreat and fraternity. We are very grateful to the community in Nocera Umbra, and to our brothers in the Italian Province for hosting this wonderful retreat. We must also thank the hard work of the organising committee led by the General Councillor for Europe, Richard Byrne O. Carm and his team full pulling together the excellent team of speak (Pat Mullins O.Carm) and translators (Matteo Antonini O.Carm and Eduardo Agosta O.Carm)
With each day beginning in prayer, led by a different language group, the group gathered for the first of many excellent talks. These took the form of an exploration of the readings of the day, the ‘sword of the spirit’ for our lives. With great skill, Pat wove in the deep traditions of our Carmelite charism, highlighting not only the importance of scripture as the foundation of prayer, but also how the themes and messages of the daily readings can be read constantly through the eyes of our own Formula of Life. We were reminded that the scriptures should be that tool by which we are called aside from our own ideas and plans for the day and to turn our attention towards the presence of God. At noon each day was the celebration of Eucharist with a variety of languages being used in the celebration.
After some time in the afternoons for personal reflection or group activities, we met together in the cooler evenings to hear Pat speak once more. Here he challenged us to reflect our calling as Carmelites in our world, our church and in our own provinces. Asking how can we be authentic witnesses to Carmelite life, and how can we be prophets for the world today? These sessions were followed by sharing in small language groups. A opportunity to share with one another the fruits of our personal reflection. Listening and learning from the witness of our Carmelite brothers.
The Friday of the retreat consisted of a pilgrimage to Assisi, some 30 minutes drive from Nocera Umbra itself. The pilgrimage began with in interesting tour of the city and the major basilicas by Matteo Antonino O.Carm, followed by a wonderful meal and free time around the city.
The retreat ended with a final session in the small groups evaluating the retreat and looking ahead to the future. Asking ourselves the questions; How will I live out my Carmelite identity when I return to my home province/delegation? What will support me in my Carmelite formation in the future? The retreat ended on the Saturday evening with a wonderful meal provided by the parishioners of the parish served by the friars in Nocera Umbra, and music and dance celebrating the many cultures and countries represented by the group.
Matthew Janvier O.Carm
