La Fraternità carmelitana alla lucedel Concilio Vaticano II. - Aspetti ecclesiologici nella rilettura della Regola del Carmelo

Abstract

For Carmelites, the Second Vatican Council provided a stimulus to rethink and renew their way of life. The Rule proved to be an  amazingly resilient tool for inspiring a fresh understanding of its Ecclesiological implications, a primary theme of Vatican II. The older  image of religious life as a “preferred state” gave way to the more inclusive universal call to holiness. The more juridical vision grew  into the understanding of a community based on mystery. Since the Carmelite charism is not the exclusive property of the male and  female religious, their role is now understood as being guides and helpers to others. They are called to be “experts in community” for the enrichment of the entire People of God.