At the conclusion of the Chapter, the members of the General Chapter gathered in the Hall to hear from the Prior General, Desiderio García Martínez, as he addressed the group on his reflections of the Chapter and the road ahead for the Order.

In his message, Fr Desiderio reflects on his role as a "service of love to God, to the Church, and to the Carmelite Order", rooted in the Carmelite tradition of contemplation and fraternity. Inspired by his spiritual mentors and the wisdom of Carmelite mystics, he emphasizes that love must guide all aspects of life—prayer, service, and community—and calls for renewed focus on formation and devotion to Mary as foundations of the interior life.

He shares four key insights from the General Chapter: the need to let God lead through contemplation; the balance of prayer and action, as symbolized by Martha and Mary; the importance of authentic community life; and the mission to bring hope to the world through compassionate evangelisation. He concludes by highlighting the Eucharist as central to Carmelite identity and invites the Order to deepen its life of communion, service, and spiritual renewal. Read the full text below.

pdf Closing Words of Prior General to the Chapter