23 July 2026
The first day of the World OCDS Encounter in Ávila was marked by an atmosphere of joy, fraternity, and communion among participants from more than 80 nationalities. Civil and religious authorities welcomed the assembly, highlighting the importance of the Teresian charism for the Church and the world. Fr. Miguel Márquez, Superior General of the Discalced Carmelites, officially opened the Encounter, reminding everyone that the Order is one family composed of friars, nuns, and seculars.
During the Opening Eucharist, Fr. Miguel invited participants to renew their passion for Christ and allow themselves to be transformed by His love. In his keynote address on the identity of the Secular Carmelite, he emphasized that this identity is dynamic and continually renewed through prayer, formation, discernment, friendship, and service. He encouraged stronger communication, teamwork, and co-responsibility, reminding everyone that the heart of Carmelite spirituality is to “let yourself be loved” by God.
In the afternoon, Linda Levi reflected on the sense of belonging and co-responsibility as essential pillars of community life, while Angela Vel presented initial and ongoing formation as a lifelong journey of transformation in Christ, rooted in prayer and the Teresian charism. The day concluded with a profound Eucharistic Adoration led by Fr. Luis Jorge González, inviting all participants to live Saint Teresa’s experience: “Look at Him looking at you.”
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24 July 2026
The second day of the World Meeting of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites was marked by an atmosphere of growing fraternity, joy, and communion among participants from every continent. The day began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, followed by two inspiring conferences: Fr. Alzinir Debastiani, OCD, reflected on pastoral care for the OCDS, while Manuel Vásquez, OCDS (Ecuador), highlighted the importance of building authentic Teresian communities centered on Christ, prayer, fraternity, and mission.
The Discalced Carmelite Nuns of Puebla (Mexico) shared a heartfelt message of encouragement, assuring everyone of their constant prayers. Fraternal fellowship continued during lunch and the group photograph beside the Walls of Ávila, strengthening the bonds among participants from around the world.
The afternoon featured the OCDS Cultural Interaction, with traditional songs and dances from Poland, India, Brazil, the Philippines, and Mexico, interwoven with moments of contemplative dance that transformed celebration into prayer. The day concluded with a profound Holy Hour and Eucharistic Adoration, led by Sr. Alexandra Triana, OCD, in an atmosphere of deep silence and gratitude to God for the many graces received throughout this memorable day.
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25 July 2026
The third day of the World OCDS Meeting was marked by a profound experience of communion, formation, and joyful fraternity. The day began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Fr. Aldo Formentin, OCD, followed by a heartfelt video message from the Carmelite Sisters of the Carmel of the Transfiguration in Le Havre, France. Inspiring conferences by Zinaha Voahanginiana, OCDS (Madagascar) and Meg Ramos, OCDS (Philippines) invited participants to deepen their life of prayer, fraternity, and mission, encouraging Secular Carmelites to become contemplatives in the midst of the world through a spirit of "creative fidelity." In the afternoon, Fr. Ramiro Casale, OCD, General Delegate for the OCDS, reflected on the present and future of the Secular Order, highlighting current initiatives and the responsibility of passing on the Teresian Carmelite charism to future generations. The day also included a fruitful dialogue with members of the General Definitory based on the results of the worldwide consultation of OCDS communities. It concluded with a moving period of Eucharistic Adoration and a joyful Flamenco evening at CITeS, where participants celebrated their unity as one Carmelite family and gave thanks to God for the abundant graces received throughout this unforgettable encounter.
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26 July 2026
The final day of the OCDS World Meeting was marked by pilgrimages to the principal Teresian sites and concluded with the Closing Eucharistic Celebration in the Cathedral of Ávila. Participants returned home strengthened in their identity and mission as witnesses to the experience of God, filled with gratitude and renewed hope to share the Carmelite charism with the world.
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