Return to Paris

The Carmelite friars have returned to Paris.

PARIS-FRANCE (16-10-2011).- On the feast of St. Teresa, the Discalced Friars of Paris returned to the very heart of Paris, 400 years after the original foundation.

The return of the Carmelites to “Rue de Vaugirard” -the site of their home on their arrival in 1611 - marked a very special occasion for the Carmelite Province of Paris and, indeed, for the whole Church in Paris. It was heralded with a series of conferences at the Catholic Institute of Paris and a special concert. It concluded with solemn celebration of the Feast of St. Teresa in the Carmelite Church of San Jose.

During the series of lectures, a distinguished group of historians, theologians and philosophers analysed the repercussion of the arrival of Carmelites in the religious and cultural context of 17th century France. Their contribution to the Catholic Reform was also discussed as were themes of personal relationship with God and Carmel’s place in contemporary society.

Celebrations marking the re-inauguration of a Carmelite presence in central Paris concluded with solemn Eucharist in the Church of San Jose on St. Teresa’s feast day. The Archbishop of Paris, Cardinal Andre Vingt-Trois, presided and Fr. General was also present. (More.)