Project for the renewal of the Carmel of Lisieux

[graciandelamadrededios]

Project for the renewal of the Carmel of Lisieux

 

Following the canonical affiliation of the Carmel of Lisieux to the Thérèse-Élisabeth Federation of Carmelites of Northern France in July 2024, the Ad Hoc Commission, in collaboration with the Bishop of Bayeux and Lisieux and the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (DIVCSVA), conducted an in-depth reflection with the Sisters, federal officials and several experts.

 

The result was a project of refoundation, which is both realistic and hopeful. Its aim is not to save a place at all costs, but to open it to a new fruitfulness, in the very spirit of Carmel: silence, prayer, hospitality, service to the Church.

 

The essential aspects of the project

 

The project, which could be entitled: “a contemplative missionary Carmel at the service of the Federation and the Order”, would be articulated around two complementary axes:

 

A vibrant federal house at the service of:

 

Community affiliated to the Federation: A small, stable community on-site, able to welcome other Carmelites for short-term study or occasional help.

Formation: organization of sessions for young professed nuns, vocational weekends, conducted jointly by friars and nuns.

Federal Archives Centre: a place of conservation and research, open to researchers.

 

       2. A balanced openness to pastoral care in connection with the sanctuary, through the development of the Teresian wing and the enhancement of the infirmary cell, in a process of spiritual sobriety, beauty and prayer.

It is really sad the the Carmel  of Lisieux is struggling with vocations.  

The Carmel of Lisieux where St. Therese of the Child Jesus entered, founded the Carmel of Saigon, Vietnam in 1861. Saigon Carmel founded the Carmel of Hanoi in 1895, Hanoi Carmel founded the Carmel of Hue in 1909 and Hue Carmel founded the Carmel of Jaro in 1923 and then Jaro founded Manila Carmel headed by Mother Theresa of Jesus (who is also the foundress of Jaro Carmel). 

A nun in Manila Carmel shared a story of Mother Theresa of Jesus being visited by Mother of Agnes of Jesus (biological  sister of St. Therese) when she died.  Mother Theresa can be heard speaking to someone and when this Nun inquired who Mother Theresa was taking to, she replied, "Mother Agnes was just here."

 

 

[Luigi]

I didn't know Lisieux was struggling with vocations. I hope it can be refounded/renewed successfully.