Carmelite General Chapter 2025
🌍 Every six years, Carmelites from around the world gather for the Carmelite General Chapter — a time of prayer, reflection, and discernment for the whole Order. From 9–26 September 2025, representatives will meet in Malang, Indonesia, under the theme:
“You must have some sort of work to do” (Rule 20): Our Contemplative Fraternity Discerns Its Mission.
A Kairos – A Moment of Grace
The General Chapter is much more than a meeting. It is a kairos, a sacred moment in which the Order pauses to give thanks for its unity, to listen to the Holy Spirit, and to seek the way forward. It connects us not only with Carmelites around the globe, but also with our saints, our predecessors, and the very first hermits of Mount Carmel.
Discernment and Mission
In previous General Chapters, the Order reflected on Carmelite identity. In 2025, the focus turns to “doing” — the concrete mission and work entrusted to us.
Like Elijah on Mount Horeb, we are asked: “What are you doing here?” (1 Kings 19). This question challenges every Carmelite, individually and communally, to examine our vocation and our response to God’s call in this moment of history.
Leadership for the Future
The General Chapter is also the occasion for electing key leaders in the Order. The Prior General, who serves as the head of the Carmelite family worldwide, will be chosen, along with members of the General Council, who represent the four major regions of the Order: Africa, the Americas, Asia–Australia–Oceania, and Europe. These leaders will help guide the Carmelite mission in the years ahead.
Opening Mass – Livestreamed from Malang
The Opening Mass of the 2025 General Chapter will be livestreamed from Malang, Indonesia, courtesy of the Communications Office of the Indonesian Province. A recording will also be available afterwards on the Order’s official YouTube channel for those who cannot watch live.
📺 The livestream begins at 8:15 AM (GMT +7) on the Indonesian Province’s channel here: Watch the Opening Mass.
Looking Ahead
As we approach the Carmelite General Chapter in September 2025, we ask for your prayers. May this gathering be a true moment of grace, renewing the Carmelite family in faith, unity, and mission. May we, inspired by Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the prophet Elijah, continue to serve God’s people with courage, love, and hope.
🙏 Our Lady of Mount Carmel — pray for us.
