Dear friend,
Welcome to 2026. The turning of the year always reminds me of Epiphany — light breaking through, a path opening ahead. As Teresa of Avila wrote, “Christ has no body now but yours.” This February, CACS begins three transformations, and I’m writing to invite you to walk this road with me. Not as a spectator but as a companion in what God is bringing about through this work.
CACSDigital places technology deliberately at the service of contemplation. This isn’t about moving everything online — it’s about extending what we do best (silence, depth, discernment) to those who can’t easily reach us. John of the Cross reminds us that “God is the center of my soul” — and formation that honours this truth can happen wherever people are, respecting both presence and distance.
CACS Companions launches a new community of support for those who want to walk alongside our mission through sustained prayer, financial partnership, and active accompaniment. “Two are better than one,” says Ecclesiastes, “for if they fall, one will lift up the other.” We need companions for what lies ahead.
The Campaign is our commitment to the long term: £3.3 million over five years — not for buildings, but for people and programmes. This means scholarships so that formation isn’t limited to those who can afford it. Facilities for content creation that let us share Carmelite spirituality with excellence. Specialist training for our friars so we can continue offering cutting-edge formation rooted in centuries of wisdom. It’s ambitious, yes — but as Paul writes, God “is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think.”
These three belong together. They’re rooted in Carmelite soil: attentive, prayerful, practical. They’re also an invitation — to you.
Applications for the Spiritual Direction Formation Programme closes 30 April. If you’ve been considering it, step forward. And if you’re wondering how to support what’s emerging — stay close. You’ll be hearing more soon.
Thank you for walking with us. The road continues, and I need you on it.
In hope and friendship,
Fr Alex Ezechukwu, OCD