With great joy and deep fraternal gratitude, the Community of Our Lady of Mount Carmel CMS, together with the Carmelite Missionary Sisters, had the wonderful opportunity to welcome Sr. Lila Rosa Ramírez, who, travelling from Rome and crossing borders, made her presence felt among us in the mission God has entrusted to her: to safeguard the continuity and vitality of the Palautian, Carmelite, and Teresian charism.

Her presence, marked by simplicity, closeness, and fraternity in Christ, allowed us to experience a truly meaningful encounter. Following our initial greetings, we shared a time of prayer that led us into a profound reflection centered on a question that touched each of our hearts: What has Blessed Francisco Palau meant in our lives?

Each of us present shared our own experience and personal journey with Father Palau. In a warm and fraternal atmosphere, while enjoying a traditional afternoon tea accompanied by pastries, we recalled the ways in which our Founder has left his mark on our lives and how his spirituality continues to inspire our vocation and mission.

One participant reflected: "Father Palau has been a father, a guide, and a model for living the charism through the Spirit who animates, strengthens, and inspires us. Through his radical and coherent witness, he has enabled us to continue embracing this charism, together with the Sisters who have guided us and continue to accompany us in carrying forward the work of the Blessed Father."

"We know that we are brothers and sisters who belong to this beautiful and meaningful charism, and that we are called to keep sowing this seed wherever the Lord sends us: beginning with our families, in our workplaces, wherever we may be, in mission, and in everyday life. Through our witness, we can continue to be a light."

These words reflect the desire to keep the legacy of Father Palau alive, bringing his spirit into our daily realities and being God's presence wherever we are called to serve.

This gathering also helped us recognize that we are truly one charismatic family.Wherever we meet a CM Sister or members of the CMS, we are united by the same spirit and the same sense of belonging.

As part of the meeting, Sister Lila, together with our advisor, Sister Teresa Figueroa, CM, invited us to learn more, through a presentation, about the presence of the CMS in the various countries and continents where it is established.

We were able to learn about current statistics, the existing communities, and those presently serving on their coordinating teams. Sister Lila enriched the presentation by sharing her own experiences and insights.

Finally, we had the opportunity to share questions, concerns, and reflections, which broadened our understanding and helped us feel even more connected to this great family that, from different parts of the world, seeks to keep the charism received alive.

Encounters with other CMS groups

As part of this visit, Sister Angélica Conde, General Councillor, also had the opportunity to meet with other CMS groups in Chile.

During her visit to the community of El Vedra en Lo Prado-Curacavi, she shared a warm encounter with the Our Lady of Virtues CMS, where participants shared their dreams, hopes, and experiences of living this lay association under the accompaniment of the CM Sisters.

Likewise, from the "María Reina"community in Santiago, with the CMS Francisco Palau de Huépil, located in the city of Los Ángeles in Chile's Eighth Region. Each member shared their identity, the work they carry out, and the commitments they have assumed within the Christian community, as well as what belonging to the CMS means to them. It was especially moving to recall the journey they have shared with the CM Sisters, despite the fact that the Sisters have not been physically present there for almost ten years.

The seed that was sown remains alive. The members expressed feeling supported and accompanied, living with a strong sense of family and striving to participate in the various opportunities for encounter, even when physical distance presents a challenge.

During her meetings with both groups, Sister Angélica also shared about the reality of the CMS worldwide, helping us discover that we are part of a family that transcends borders and is called to continue growing in communion and mission.

A family called to keep sowing

These encounters have been a true opportunity to give thanks, remember our journey, and renew our commitment to the charism that we have received as a gift.

We thank the Lord for allowing us to share in this charism and for enabling us to be His presence in the world. May He grant us the grace to persevere with joy and fidelity in this mission, wherever we are called to live and serve.

We place our journey under the protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, asking her to cover us with her mantle and help us live her virtues as true disciples of Jesus, always remembering His words: "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

With gratitude for all that we have experienced, we renew our desire to continue walking together as a charismatic family, keeping alive the seed planted by Father Palau and allowing the Spirit to lead us along new paths of communion, mission, and hope.

Thank you, Lord, for calling us to be part of this beautiful charismatic family!

                                                     Valeska del Carmen Puebla Muñoz

CMS Nuestra Señora del Carmen – San Fernando -Chile

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•