Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) - The year 2007 marks three important anniversaries for the members of the Carmelite Order all over the world: the 8th centenary of the “Formula di Vita” which Saint of Jerusalem gave to the hermits on Mount Carmel, and which marked the beginning of the Carmelite Order; the 7th centenary of the death of Saint Alberto of the Abbots of Trapani, one of the first Carmelite saints venerated by the Order; the 4th centenary of the death of Saint Maria Maddalena de’Pazzi. In September 2007, 4 to 22, there will be a general Carmelite chapter on the theme “In obsequio Jesu Christi - A praying and prophetic community in a changing world”.
Although the exact date of the consignment of the “Formula di Vita” to the hermits on Mount Carmel is uncertain, in 1997 the Order celebrated the 750th anniversary of the approval of the Rule by Pope Innocent IV: since then various initiatives were undertaken to study the text. In 2007 a special Mass will be presided on 12 May in Rome by Cardinal Franc Rodé, and another will be celebrated during the general chapter in September when the Chapter delegates will be joined by representatives of Carmelite nuns of enclosed order and Carmelite laity. The second anniversary is for the 7th centenary of Saint Albert of the Abbots in Messina in 1307. Known for his zeal in preaching and his miracles, he lived from 1280 to 1289 in Trapani and then in Messina. The Order’s first saint he is seen as patron and protector.
The anniversary day May 25th 2007 will mark the close of celebrations for the 4th centenary of the death of Santa Maria Maddalena de’ Pazzi. Born of noble parents in Florence on 2 April 1566, as a little girl Maddalena demonstrated ardent devotion to the Eucharist and was known to practice mortification. At the age of 18 she entered Community of Santa Maria degli Angeli an enclosed order of nuns in Florence, and served in several areas amidst physical and spiritual trials, with prayer and sacrifice and animated by deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her mystical experience and what Maddalena did andsaid during moments of ecstasy was recorded by the other nuns. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 7/2/2007 - Righe 26; Parole 368)
