Carmelites Friars – North of American Province of St. Elias in allegiance to Jesus Christ
MALANG, INDONESIA — (September 8–26, 2025) — The General Chapter of the Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel (O.Carm.) solemnly opened in Malang, Indonesia. With the presence of 90 capitulars from around the world, this three-week event carries a profound theme drawn from the Rule of the Order: “Our contemplative fraternity discerns its mission.”
The theme is directly inspired by Rule 20: “You must have some work to do,” emphasizing the necessity for the entire Order to reflect on its vocation, renew its spiritual life, and discern the apostolic mission best suited for today’s world.
The Message of Pope Leo XIV to the General Chapter
At the opening session on September 9, Pope Leo XIV sent a letter of congratulations and prayerful support to Prior General Míċeál O’Neill and all the capitulars. He emphasized that the Chapter’s theme reflects “the heart of the Carmelite charism,” for it shows that the communal life of prayer is the very foundation of all service to the Church and to the world.
The Holy Father stated: “By rooting yourselves in silent prayer and mutual care, you cultivate a stillness that allows you to discern the signs of the times, particularly through the perspective of the poor, and to respond with a quiet constancy of love.”
He also recalled the Carmelite Rule: “have some work to do,” noting its profound meaning in the ministry of the Order. It is an invitation to “embody Christ’s loving gaze” that embraces every person with mercy. He expressed his hope that, whether through retreats, spiritual accompaniment, parish ministry, or the education of youth, Carmelites will be witnesses of charity and unity in a world fractured by conflict.
Concluding his letter, the Holy Father entrusted the General Chapter to the intercession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, hoping that this Chapter, held during the Jubilee Year, may become “an occasion of spiritual renewal.”
Opening Address of Prior General Míċeál O’Neill, O.Carm.
In his opening remarks, Prior General Míċeál O’Neill reflected on his six years of service with deep gratitude. He expressed thanks for the “many signs of mercy” he has witnessed in the life of the Order.
He highlighted the growth of the Order, the friars’ daily efforts to live fully, and their faithfulness in times of difficulty. He also offered sincere gratitude to the members of the General Council, the General Councillors, the communities, and the Curia staff for their support and prayers throughout his term.
Discerning the Mission in Today’s World
This General Chapter focuses not only on what ministries are carried out, but also on how they are carried out. Mission is no longer understood merely as doing work, but as making work a living expression of the contemplative person, living in relationship with God and with one another.
The capitulars will together discern which activities must be prioritized in the Carmelite spirit—whether in parishes, schools, media, or spiritual direction. The Chapter affirms an essential principle: “We cannot do everything, but we can do what God truly desires.”
In the coming days, capitulars will hear reports from the geographical regions and General Councillors of the Order, join group discussions to chart the future in the context of the digital and AI age, renew spiritual life, revise the Constitutions, and elect the new leadership, including the Prior General, General Councillors, Procurator General, and Bursar General.
Throughout the Chapter, the capitulars will live in the full spirit of prayer and fraternity, so that the General Chapter may truly be a time of discernment and renewal.
From the North American Province of St. Elias, four capitulars are present at the Chapter:
- Br. Robert Chuili, O.Carm., Prior Provincial
- Fr. Joseph Hung, O.Carm., Commissary Provincial
- Fr. Mario Esposito, O.Carm., Delegate 1
- Fr. Joseph Diep Dinh, O.Carm., Delegate 2
