« Federation is an important structure of communion between monasteries sharing the same charism, lest they remain isolated » (1). Our federation of Carmelite monasteries in the Middle East and North Africa was born from the association of the four Carmelite monasteries in the Holy Land, which were later joined by the Carmelite monasteries of Fayoum in Egypt, Aleppo in Syria, and Tangier in Morocco.

This year, we are delighted to welcome the Carmelite monastery in Athens. Although not strictly speaking in the Middle East, we are united by the Mediterranean Sea, as well as by a shared spirit and tradition: the Carmelite monastery in Athens was founded by the monastery in Constantinople in 1937 and finds itself in a similar situation in a country where the Catholic religion is a minority (Greece is overwhelmingly Orthodox). Our communities are similarly international. As contemplatives in an environment where we must bear witness by our very being rather than by our actions, we will have much to learn from each other and will be able to help each other, which is indeed the purpose of federations.

The Carmelite convent in Athens (previously affiliated with the Federation of Southwestern France) has been walking with us for several years, with Sr. Monique, its prioress at the time, attending our assemblies in Cyprus (2019) and Amman (2022).

In March of this year, the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life gave its approval for the change of federation of the Carmelite convent in Athens.

It is with great joy that we will walk together, sharing our riches and concerns in a spirit of sisterhood. We will meet in September 2025 at our next federal assembly.

With Our Mother Saint Teresa, we are sure:
“It is a blessing from Our Lord…
that is why we wear the same habit:
to help one another,
which belongs to each belongs to all…”
(letter of May 31, 1579, to the monastery of Valladolid).

(1) Constitution “Vultum Dei Quaerere” No. 30