FATIMA, Portugal, APRIL 21, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Father Saverio Cannistrà of the Sacred Heart was chosen as the new superior general of the Discalced Carmelites.
On Monday the order announced the election of the former provincial superior of Toscany, Italy, which took place during their general chapter in Fatima that began Friday and end on May 9.
Father Cannistrà, 50, addressed participants in the chapter, acknowledging the difficulty involved in the position entrusted to him by the order. He stated, «I felt that God was pushing me and that, embracing each of you, I am able to attach myself to God.»
The superior entered the novitiate in 1985 and was ordained a priest in 1992.
He will replace Father Aróstegui Luis Gamboa, who was elected superior general in 2003.
The Discalced Carmelites order has some 4600 religious, of which 2600 are priests.
