Carmelites and Chemistry

As I write, delegates are gathering in Avila from all over the world to join in the OCDS World Meeting.  Some of them from the UK are known to me.  What is this world meeting? AI (!) tells me that The OCDS World Meeting 2026 is taking place in Ávila, Spain, from July 23 to July 26, 2026. Gathering nearly 1,000 members of the Secular Discalced Carmelites from five continents, the international event is hosted at the 'Lienzo Norte' Congress Palace under the theme “Witnesses of the Experience of God: Identity and Mission”.  We pray that there may be graces in this.  I am a great believer in what I call ‘chemistry’ between individuals – encounters which spark fresh ideas and creative thinking and new projects.  Please God there may be plenty of such chemistry in Avila over the next few days.  St Teresa, Pray for us!

Intercessions

RIP Fr Jon Bielowski, Jacqui, Sister Maisie

Cancer: Brian Davis, Bernard (and wife Angela caring for him), Catherine, Alex (43 with five children), Theresa K, Elena

Sophie – newborn having heart surgery; Sianna, young child in the post-operative phase; James, recovering from heart surgery

Ivy – sick child

Brian (recovering from Pneumonia)

Kevin (heart attack)

William Gove (in recovery)

Illness:  Katy Keeling

Siena, Elara – sick children

David OCDS – housebound

Grace – troubling ailments, job difficulties, family (deceased mother and health of father)

Mark – brain infection

Michael, Kira – vulnerable youngsters

Defence of the unborn and the elderly

We are asked to pray for the Diocese of Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand, as the Northern Mission celebrates its centenary. The process of selecting a new bishop continues.