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CKG/XV/18/2025 Sadbhavana, Bengaluru
Circular, Karnataka-Goa Province
15 July 2025
Dear Fathers, Brothers and Sisters,
Of all the months of the year, July rings in the greatest solemnities for
the Carmelite family. We are on the thresh hold of the Solemnity of Our Lady of
Mount Carmel, our Sister, Queen and Mother. In a few days, on 20th July, we
would be celebrating our great trend-setter, the mighty Prophet, Elijah.
The commemoration of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on July 16th, began 700 years ago,
in thanksgiving for Mary’s protection over the very existence of the Order,
especially in 1274 at the Second Ecumenical Council of Lyon, where several
religious Orders were suppressed, but Carmel was given a chance to prove its
value for the universal Church. Historians are surprised that there is no
mention at all of the Scapular in the earliest texts and traditions for the
Commemoration.
As for the Prophet Elijah, Mount Carmel was associated from the earliest times
with the deeds of the Prophet. Carmelite historians in the 16th and 17th
centuries thought of him as the real founder of the Carmelites. He is placed
alongside Religious Founders in St Peter’s Basilica, in the Vatican, and under
his statue is the inscription: "UNIVERSUS CARMELITARUM ORDO FUNDATORI SUO S.
ELIAE PROPHETAE EREXIT". This translates to: "The entire Carmelite Order erected
this to its Founder, St. Elijah the Prophet.” That was in the year 1727. But
after the 18th Century, it was his spiritual inspiration that became the
founding factor.
The Marian as well as Elianic traditions blend beautifully into the central
injunction of the Albertine Rule, in making prayer the core of our Carmelite
charism: “meditating day and night on the law of the Lord.”
In the second chapter of the gospel of Luke, twice, we are presented with Mary,
treasuring or pondering over the things that were happening in her life,
surrounding the birth of Jesus (Lk 2: 19, 51). Pope Francis in his Apostolic
Constitution, Vultum Dei Quarere writes: Over the centuries, the Church has
always looked to Mary as the summa contemplatrix. From the annunciation to the
resurrection, through the pilgrimage of faith that reached its climax at the
foot of the cross, Mary persevered in contemplation of the mystery dwelling
within her. In Mary, we glimpse the mystical journey of the consecrated person,
grounded in a humble wisdom that savours the mystery of the ultimate fulfilment.
Following Mary’s example, the contemplative is a person centred in God and for
whom God is the unum necessarium, in comparison with which all else is seen from
a different perspective, because seen through new eyes. Contemplatives
appreciate the value of material things, yet these do not steal their heart or
cloud their mind; on the contrary, they serve as a ladder to ascend to God. For
the contemplative, everything “speaks” of the Most High! Those who immerse
themselves in the mystery of contemplation see things with spiritual eyes. This
enables them to see the world and other persons as God does, whereas others
“have eyes but do not see”, for they see with carnal eyes. (No. 10).
Elijah went up Mount Carmel and then onto Mount Horeb where he had a deep,
intimate and I would say mystical experience of God, in “the whisper of a gentle
breeze” (1Kings 19:12).
Our re-commitment to prayer, would therefore be a fitting honour to these
celebrations this year. The Local Superiors of the communities of friars must
have read in common, the report of the General Pastoral Visitation. I draw your
attention to their first recommendation:
“We share the same concern expressed by many friars in the Province regarding
Carmelite and community life, particularly in relation to time dedicated to
payer. We strongly encourage you to give this matter serious attention by
setting aside a specific time for mental (silent) prayer in the community.”
Right from the beginning of this triennium, I have been emphasizing the need to
strengthen our prayer life. This has been discussed again on my visits to the
communities and especially during the Pastoral Visitation. I appeal to all Local
Superiors to ensure that the time-table approved by the Provincial Council is
followed faithfully, with a margin for some exceptions or changes for genuine
reasons. Members on their part, should strive to be present for all community
acts: Prayer, Meals and Recreation. Though the participation is good for Morning
Prayer, there seems to be laxity when it comes to Midday Prayer and especially
Mental Prayer in the evenings. Shall we make this celebration more meaningful,
by renewing our commitment to a life of prayer that will make our lives as
Carmelites, more fruitful for the Church?
We are in the midst of the Jubilee Year, with the theme: Pilgrims of Hope.
Besides our personal efforts in spiritual renewal, I had shared some proposals
that could be implemented in our communities, some of which have been fulfilled.
(CKG/XV/15/2025 dated 19th February, 2025). In the context of the principal
feast of our Order, you could plant a memorial tree, also in view of our resolve
to preserve and foster a greener and cleaner environment. Please choose a day
before the end of July, when all members of the community are present and where
possible, you may think even of planting more than one sapling.
Along with the Cloistered Sisters of Baroda Carmel, where I am these days, I
send you my warm wishes on this joyous occasion. “May the prayers of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, Mother and Queen of Carmel, protect us and bring us to the Holy
Mount, Christ the Lord” (Opening Prayer).
Yours in JESUS and MARY,
Fr Silvestre D’Souza OCD
Provincial Superior
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