Addressing superiors and delegates from Discalced Carmelite monasteries in Rome, the pontiff stressed the need for adaptation to modern times.

"Defensive strategies are the fruit of a nostalgic return to the past; this does not work, nostalgia does not work" Francis said at a gathering on April 18.

Instead, Francis urged the Discalced Carmelites to adopt a "Gospel hope" that "makes us capable of looking to the future with those roots we have received."

"That is called preserving the charism (with) the thrill of moving forward, and that does work" he said.

He told the attendees this "Gospel hope" aligns with society's evolving needs. At the same time, he encouraged preserving the essence of their charism.

Like a light with flies

The pope highlighted the importance of maintaining the Order's mission while exploring innovative ways to promote contemplative life. He encouraged members to seek "new languages, new paths and new instruments" to invigorate their commitment to contemplation.

"When a Carmelite works well, he or she attracts, isn't that right?" he asked. "It is like a light with flies."

Amid discussions about revising the order's constitutions last approved by St John Paul II in the early 1990s, Pope Francis emphasised the need to nurture the fire of their charism rather than merely safeguarding tradition. He underlined the role of contemplative life as a dynamic force that enriches both the Church and the world.

While acknowledging the challenge of balancing separation from the world with engagement in daily life, the pope affirmed that contemplation should not lead to spiritual detachment but rather deepen one's connection to daily responsibilities.

Drawing from the teachings of St Teresa of Ávila, he emphasised the transformative nature of mystical union with God in the midst of ordinary activities.

The pope's message extends beyond monasteries, underscoring the universal relevance of adapting religious structures to contemporary realities. His call for a forward-looking approach resonates with the broader imperative for religious institutions to remain relevant and impactful in a rapidly changing world.

Sources

America Magazine

Discalced Carmelite nun Mónica Astorga Cremona wrote to Pope Francis telling him about the inauguration of a new housing complex she has established to help transgender women living in poverty.

The new 12-studio apartment complex in Neuquén, Argentina, is part of a permanent housing solution for about twelve people between the ages of 40-70.

The pope, who is an old friend of Cremona, replied to her letter saying "God who did not go to the seminary or study theology will repay you abundantly" for the work you have done.

He told her he is praying for her and the transgender women she is assisting, adding, "Don't forget to pray for me. May Jesus bless you and the Holy Virgin guide you."

"This must serve as a kickoff, because if a nun could make her dream a reality, then how much more can the government do!" Cremona says.

The new complex was built on land donated to Astorga Cremona's monastery by the district. It was funded by the local provincial government and built by the Provincial Institute of Housing and Urban Development, costing around 27.6 million pesos to build.

It was then immediately handed over to the Order of Discalced Carmelites for administration.

Many of the people who will live at the complex have been prostitutes, selling themselves to get by.

However, with quarantines imposed due to the coronavirus ( COVID-19) pandemic, those who were prostitutes have been unable to work.

As part of the inauguration ceremony, Cremona accompanied each new tenant to their doorstep.

"They couldn't even hold the key because of the crying," she said.

The new condos are not "a refuge nor a trans home," Cemona says.

They are houses given as if they were a loan, "as if it were a rent, but without paying anything and without installments."

So long as the tenants comply with the regulations, which are the same as any rental, they are able to stay for life.

If after three warnings, however, a tenant continues to break the rules, they have to leave.

Four of the new tenants have moved in with their partners.

However Cremona said if they die, their partners will be asked to leave, as the complex is specifically for transgender people.

Cremona, who serves as the superior of her community, lives in the cloistered monastery of Santa Cruz and San José de Neuquén.

For the past 14 years she has worked with transgender women, encouraging them to stop addiction and helping them to get out of prostitution by teaching them other trades.

Source

• Crux Now
• Image: The Jesuit Post

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Only 40,000 Christians are left in Aleppo, according to reports.

"The bombs are falling all around us, but we are not going to leave the people in their suffering," said Sr. Anne-Francoise, a French nun from a community of Discalced Carmelites in Aleppo. "The people here are suffering and dying."

The nun's comments came in a statement released by the Catholic charity, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

ACN has been trying to draw attention to the plight of the northern Syrian city where suffering from the five-year old civil war has reached a critical point.

In recent weeks Aleppo has seen fierce clashes between Syrian government troops, backed by Russian air power, and opposing rebels as the two sides battle for control of the city.

The Carmelite convent is situated on the outskirts of Aleppo, an area under constant siege. Sister Anne-Françoise explained: "When the Syrian army attempts to prevent the opposition and other groups from entering into the city, the bombing and shelling is really close to us.

"Thank God, they haven't hit us yet, but we are constantly hearing the shells pass over our heads."

The Carmelite nuns, four of whom are Syrian and two French, have taken in a number of refugee families and are also supporting other families with the few resources they have.

Syrian government troops have reportedly completely encircled rebel-held neighborhoods last week, cutting off all supply lines to the enclave.

Source

• National Catholic Reporter
• Catholic Herald
• Image: Flipboard.com