The International Congress of the Secular Order of the Teresian Carmel, held in Mexico in 2000, brought together members of the Order from twenty-six countries. The event took place in the John Paul II House of Spirituality, in San Juan de los Lagos (Jalisco), Mexico, and became a privileged space for the reunion, formation and fraternal coexistence among the Lay Carmelites.
The Congress was inaugurated by Father Vicar, Friar Flavio Caloi, OCD, representing the Superior General, Friar Camillo Maccise, OCD, who was unable to attend due to health reasons. Likewise, the Provincial of the Province of St. Albert in Mexico welcomed the participants in a letter addressed to all the participants. The meeting vividly reflected the spirit of the Church in its unity, manifested in the diversity of languages, cultures and nations present.
The papers that illuminated the congress were.
- The Contribution of the Secular Order to the Church - Co-responsibility and Collaboration - Fr. Superior General
- Formation and OCDS - Attilio Ghisleri, OCD
- Co-responsibility of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites in the apostolate of spirituality - Theresa EeChoi OCDS- Malasya
- OCDS and The Missions - Marie-Claire, OCDS - Mauritius
- The Secular Order and the Apostolate of the Order - Fr. Aloysius Deney OCD
From these desires for renewal was born a commission of Secular Discalced Carmelites, elected in that same Congress for the elaboration of Constitutions for the OCDS, thus renewing and updating the existing legislation at that time. Aloysius Deeney OCD (+), Delegate of the General, is made up of the following members:
- Irma Estrada Franco OCDS (Mexico), General Secretary for OCDS
- Theresa EeChoi OCDS (Malaysia)
- Alessandra Rausis OCDS (Switzerland)
- Giuseppe Bortoloso OCDS (Italy)
- Carlos Frederico OCDS (Brazil)
- Gottfriad Löcker OCDS (Austria)
- Cecilia Campos OCDS (Costa Rica)
- Marta Maffi OCDS (Argentina)
- Mª Pilar Mijares Bejerano OCDS (Spain)
- A Secular Carmelite from India
