Pope Leo XIV wrote the members of the General Chapter being held in Malang, Indonesia. Through the letter, he imparted his Apostolic Blessing on “all in the Order as a pledge of wisdom, joy, and peace in the Lord.”
Carmelite Prior General, Fr Míċeál O’Neill, read the letter to those present at the end of the Mass to open the General Chapter.
The pope, himself an Augustinian, sees the work of religious “whether through preaching retreats, spiritual accompaniment, parish work, or education youth” as a way of bearing “witness to the gift of unity, especially in those parts of society fractured by division and polarization.” “I trust that this time together will be an occasion of spiritual renewal,” wrote the pope, "holding fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful," a quote from the Letter to the Hebrews.
The full text of the Pope's letter is below.
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To Father Míċeál O'Neill, O.Carm.
Prior General of the Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel
I was pleased to learn that the Order of Carmelites is holding its Genera! Chapter in Malang, Indonesia, from the 9th to the 26th of September, and I send prayerful good wishes to all the participants. As you gather during this Jubilee Year, I trust that this time together will be an occasion of spiritual renewal, "holding fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful" (Heb 10:23).
The chosen theme, "Our Contemplative Fraternity Determines Our Apostolic Mission," reflects the heart of the Carmelite charism, illustrating how your shared life of prayer forms the foundation of your service to the Church and the world. This connection must remain a lived reality, shaping every facet of your ministry. By rooting yourselves in silent prayer and mutual care, you cultivate a stillness that enables you to discern the signs of the times, particularly through the perspective of the poor {Carmelite Constitutions, 113), and to respond with a quiet constancy of love.
Indeed, the call to "have some sort of work to do" (Carmelite Rule, 20) holds profound significance in your ministry, inviting you to embody Christ's loving gaze, which embraces each person with mercy and tenderness. Whether through preaching retreats, spiritual accompaniment, parish work, or educating youth, I pray that the band of charity in your communities bears witness to the gift of unity, especially in those parts of society fractured by division and polarization.
With these sentiments, I entrust the General Chapter to the intercession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, under whose mantle you find protection and peace, and I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing to all in the Order as a pledge of wisdom, joy and peace in the Lord.
From the Vatican, 5 August 2025
