The theme for the 4th Carmelite Laity Congress for the Asia, Australia and Oceania Region was Leave here, go east (1 Kings 17:3) - Carmelite Life in Millennial Challenges, held in Bali, Indonesia, from 13-16 February.
Taking up the theme of this Elijan challenge delegates were reminded of the need to look ahead; to be prepared for change, as we enter an era marked by high usage of digital technology for communication and media, bringing with it negative and positive impacts and at the same time new perspectives, behaviour and lifestyle in our societies.
In this new era Lay Carmelites are called to be sensitive to the signs of the times and sensitive to the needs of our young adults who are totally immersed in the ways of advancing technology. We need to be able to support and guide each other and our younger generations to discern what can be wisely utilised and accepted, to make good choices in what is right and wrong, and to reject what does not lead to a meaningful Carmelite life.
Most of the 150 delegates were from the host Province, Indonesia with Carmelites from Vietnam, Philippines, Hong Kong, and a representative from mainland China also participating. The Province of Australia & Timor-Leste was represented by Fr Carlito da Costa Araújo, and Lay Carmelites, Gabrielle Fogarty and Maria & Bernie Howe.
The beautiful Balinese environment, culture and diversity of religious beliefs provided an enriching backdrop to reinforce the knowledge that in all our deliberations and discussions, our universal God embraced each of us in our search for unity and harmony with our brothers and sisters in the International Carmelite Family.