| IN MEMORIAM JOHAN STENEKER: 1928 - 2003 Last week the sad news reached us that our confrere Johan Steneker had passed away on March 20 after a long and painful sickness that had gradually fully paralyzed him. Many of us who were privileged to have known him in good health, remember him as an intelligent, and at the same time a friendly and very concern person. When he visited us twice in his function as provincial superior he stayed not only with us, his brothers and sisters in Carmel, but went also with us to the squatter-areas of Metro Manila. With us, he visited the sugar-workers in Negros, and the farmers in Agusan. His heart went out to the poor and the people at the margin, and he wanted to back us up in our option for the church of the poor. The care for the poor was for him an essential expression of Carmel. Johan was born in Heereveen, Frisia, Netherlands, on June 4, 1928. During the war he studied at the minor seminary of Zenderen and was given a responsible task in the reorganization of the facilities right after the war. Johan was multitalented. He was a good sportsman, and at the same time a good musician. He had a good voice. People liked him as a solo singer. On the other hand he was also able to conduct a choir of over 40 people for polyphone music. As a student friar he was a sharp and witty play-writer and a good actor. Bernard knows more about this; they worked together. On top of this he was also good at drawing. Since he was a good student he was given after his ordination the task to study English. His first assignment in 1960 was, however, not in the school but as secretary to the provincial. In 1963 he was elected prior of our community in Nijmegen and a year later he was also given the task of chaplain to migrant people. He had this triple task until 1967 when he is transferred to Hengelo and later to Almelo, where is functions as religion-teacher, trouble shooter in the school, leader of the pastoral team, and at the same time as prior of the house. In 1984 he is elected provincial superior. It is only one of the many tasks he is assigned to. As provincial he visits us here in the Philippines twice. During the General Chapter of 1989 he is elected as vice-general. During his stay in Rome, he is at the same time prior of the Generalate community. In this function he was known as an excellent host. When his term is over in 1995 he returns to the Netherlands where he becomes a member of our Hengelo community. It is here and about this time that he is diagnosed with the sickness that will bring him slowly to his end. It is a sickness of progressive paralysis. He is fully conscious of what is happening to him and goes through a painful struggle that leads to a gradual acceptance of his situation. In the mean time Johan enjoys life as a gracious gift and encourages others to do the same. In spite of his sickness, he keeps inspiring others up to the very end. Thank you Johan for what you have been for us. Thank you for having made us share in your many talents: your care for the people, especially the poor and the marginalized, your pastoral insights, your faith in people, your love for Carmel and all it stands for, your sense of humor, and your beautiful voice. We enjoyed your songs in many ways. We thank you for having been a real kuya - elder brother to all of us. May God bless you in your new way of life, and guide you to the fullness of joy. NEWS FROM SPRING OF CARMEL The Exodus program was officially concluded on February 12 to 14 with an evaluation and integration held in the CICM retreat house in Taytay, Rizal. Fr. Peter left on February 13 for Rome, Italy together with Srs. Ma. Elena, the prioress of Burgos, and Ma. Rescelia of the Guiguinto community. They attended a meeting which tackled the Ratio for the cloistered nuns. Fr. Peter is the delegate for the nuns in the Philippines. He came back on March 1. Last February 19 the novices and Fr. Anton went to visit the nuns of Cabanatuan. It was a cordial and joyful meeting. In the months of February and March studies were held about Carmelite topics in cooperation with the sisters of Mount Carmel. The Exodus formators met from March 9 to 11 in the Sacro Costato retreat house to evaluate past year's program and plan for the coming year. Elections, too, were held. Fr. Anton was elected co-chairperson for the coming year. On March 16, Spring of Carmel celebrated its foundation day. The Carmelites from the other Manila communities and a few friends came to celebrate with the novitiate community. On March 19 and 20 Fr. Anton facilitated a workshop on homiletics for the OSA first year novices From March 24 until April 2, the novices had an exposure to the hospital in Tala, Kalookan City. It was a meaningful and enriching experience for them. Meanwhile, brothers Eman and Cocoy finished their theologico-pastoral studies in ICTC and graduated with the degree of Master in Pastoral Theology on March 21. Congratulations to both of them and their batch! The novices and Fr. Anton left on April 6 for Burgos, Pangasinan to have their three Lenten Desert Days. They went there via Olongapo and Zambales. On their way back, April 10, they passed by Tarlac and were offered lunch by the Carmelite nuns in their new foundation in Santa Ignacia, Tarlac. FROM ESCALANTE COMMUNITY The central theme of the Graduation ceremonies in Mount Carmel College is "Thank you MCC for sharing God's light with us". Nineteen pupils finished their Kindergarten program, forty two graduate High School and 173 finished their degrees in Teacher Education, Liberal Arts and Commerce and certificate degrees in Accounting Science, Computer Science, Junior Secretarial, Office Management. MCC President, Fr. Christian B. Buenafe, O.Carm. conferred on them their corresponding dgrees and certificates on March 21 and 19, 2003. The MCC All-Personnel Thanksgiving andFarewell Party was held at the MCC Cafeteria. It was a moment to bid goodbye to the President, Fr. Toots Buenafe, O.Carm who istrasferred to Manila; the Deand of College, Sister Natividad I. Parin, SFIC who is trasferred to Indonesia; Sr. Ma. Luz Huertas, SFIC who is transferred to Isabela. There were also 16 teachers who are leaving MCC for a variety of reasons. Thank you very much for making MCC...MCC. The Center-Building Negros met last March 27 at the Bahay Kubo with Fr. Boy Ramos, O.Carm. facilitating the Lenten Reflection. Updating followed and the coming -up of a Statement for Peace was drafted and approved by the group. A Statement calling for the immediate end of War in the Middle East was strongly endorsed. A community meeting in the evening followed. The Diocese of San Carlos celebrated the Golden Sacerdotal Anniversary of the Bishop Emeritus Nicolas Mondejar last April 3 & 4, 2003. A concelebrated mass was attended by bishops and priests from all parts of the country. The Order was represented by Frs. Harry Bloem, Christopher Exala and Boy Ramos in the celebrations. The evaluation of the 6 postulants and the the postulancy program was held last April 9 at the monastery room. The six postulants were recommended to the the next level of formation which is the novitiate this coming June 2003. Congratulations and Good luck to our new novices. On April 23-24, the parishes of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Francis of Assisi in Escalante City hosted the Summer Vicariate- wide Festival. It was an occasion for the four parishes belonging to the Vicariate of St. Anthony of Padua to come and meet together. To strenghten the bonding and cooperation among the parishes; organizational meetings, cultural programs, sport activities and prayers and eucharist held. The more than 300 delegates were parish council leaders, WESTOY heads, catechists and representaives of religious organizations from the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in New Escalante, St. Francis of Assisi in Old Escalante, San Vicente Ferrer in Vito, Sagay City and St. Anthony Parish of Toboso. On April 25, 2003, the new Restrooms in the Elementary department was inaugurated and blessed by Fr. Christian B. Buenafe, O.Carm. It was witnessed by workers, school officials, teachers and the representatives of the alumni association and parents. The project was made thru the generosity of Stefan Mulder of Nijverdal, the Netherlands and other benefactors. Thank you very much. On April 27, 2003, Frs. Christian Buenafe and Roberto Noel Rosas bade gooddbye to Escalante. In a despidida party held in their honor, the community and friends of Frs. Toots and Noel graced the occasion. It was held at the monastery' bahay kubo. Fr. Toots is moving to Manila while Fr. Noel is going to Agusan del Sur in Mindanao. Good luck to your new missions. Bye and thank you. CARMEL CEBU UPDATES Summer time can be felt this time. It 's warm here in Cebu. Warmness not only because of weather but also because of the people living here this summer time. The pre-postulants are in for their summer program, good number of visitors passed by last days and the members of the community are having new dynamics different from the usual routine throughout the school year. Everyone is hopeful to have fruitful and meaningful summer time. *** The last days of the school year 2002-2003 was quite hectic and busy. There were series of activities to integrate the whole year experiences. It started with personal evaluation, then there a group evaluation with group processing. The seminary community had organized a general house cleaning and outing, this time we went to the beach. The general feeling of the seminarians and formators is very positive. Though there are limitations identified, the achievements of the whole school year are worthwhile to celebrate. *** Three seminarians finished their college formation last March 21, 2002. They are Karl Reformina from Tagbina,Surigao del Sur, Rommel Esmeria from Balamban, Cebu and Nivaniel Dizon from Liloan, Cebu. A party organized by the seminary community was offered to them and to their parents. It was a memorable moment for the graduates. On March 24-26, they had a retreat facilitated by Fr. Toon Mol at Franciscan sisters house of prayer, Sogod, Cebu. Karl and Rommel were recommended for the next stage of formation while Nivaniel was adviced to have a year of family integration and work experience. *** Three College seminarians are taking summer courses as they are irregular students. They are Sheldon Tabile, Jason Arsuento and Rommel Ranoco. Irregular students in our academic system are students who got more subjects that would qualify them for the next school year level. They joined the pre-postulants in the house dynamics. The formators cross fingers and hope that their integration with the pre-postulants be an inspiration to them. *** On April 1, 2003, 8 pre-postulants arrived at San Alberto Formation Center for their pre-postulancy program. Two of them are graduates of Carmelite College Formation. During the first week, there were lot of adjustments since they came from different places and backgrounds. During one of the Sundays, a solidarity and getting-to-know night together with friars and Carmelite Lay Community was organized. Noel Rosas, Arnel Glodobe and Linda Barairo takes care of the Postulancy Program. On April 17, 2003, the San Alberto Community had a meeting. During this meeting important concerns were discussed especially on the dynamics of the community, the participation of associates, and the implications of the the transfer of personnel. Pete, the community prior, will be transfered to Manila. It was resolved during this meeting that Cebu associates should meet and friars also should have a meeting before the transfer of Pete. *** The community is happy to have Mary and Geoff during the Holy Week. The couple are close friends to the Carmelites, especially to Fr. Toon Mol. During their stay in Cebu, they helped facilitate the recollection of Carmelite Lay Community and they joined in the community Holy Week celebrations. They had also oppurtunities to know more people in the neighborhood of Nasipit, Talamban, Cebu City. *** The Holy Week celebration at Carmelite Formation Center was well participated by the people in the community of Nasipit, Talamban, Cebu City. That was really a show of community spirit. Many people participated in the liturgical celebrations. People helped one another in the physical arrangement and decoration of the chapel, they were much involved in the setting up of the way of the cross, adoration area and the stage preparation for the Easter celebration. The ordinary men whom we usually met in the street drinking, played the role of the apostles and the children from the neighborhood as servers. The pre-postulants gave also their contribution as they served as choir of the celebration. ST. ELIJAH'S STUDENT-FRIARY School year (2002-2003) in ICTC ended with student friars completion of their papers. Time were spent also in going through with lessons for final examinations. And indeed, they did it to their best. March 21, 2003 marked the end of the school-year. Two student friars Rico and Emman (from the novitiate community) graduated their Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry. A day after, the student friars together with Fr. Martin departed for Burgos Pangasinan to the Nuns monastery to have their year-end retreat and year end evaluation. It was a fruitful retreat and at the same time integration with our "sisters in Carmel" of Burgos. The retreat focused on the Carmelite spirituality vis-�-vis, its charism. After which, Fr. Aris facilitated the community evaluation through the help of Alaindelon Balasabas. Evaluation of individuals was done through individual consultations. On March 27, the community proceeded to the hundred islands in Alaminos Pangasinan, one of the tourist attractions in the country. It was made possible through the help of Sr. Elena Tolentino, the Mother Prioress of the monastery. The community stayed overnight and early morning of the next day they took their swim. The student friars did island hopping despite the rough condition of the sea. The community managed with the help of a motor boat. When the student friars arrived in Manila, they were busy again in preparation for their respective summer programs. The first year student friars took their CPE in St. Luke's Medical Center (Rhen Caculitan and Rodrigo) and in Makati Medical Center (Arnold, Nonoy, David, Jude and Edwin). They were anxious to discover what is CPE. Alain did his skills training at St. Scholastica's Conservatory of Music. CPE started April 1 at MMC and April 2 at SLMC. The student friars wished for a wonderful journey in their respective summer programs. This year the student friary will have a new formator in the person of Pete Manilag. They are looking forward with anticipation for his coming, they are also looking forward to their renewal of vows. Last March 29, 2003, Alain and Jude attended the year-end evaluation of the Inter-Congregational Theological Center. The evaluation covers all the areas of concern, pastoral, academics, spirituality programs and administration). Proposals, suggestions and recommendations for the betterment of ICTC next school-year were made. The said evaluation was participated by the Board of Provincials, Formators, ISEC, Administration and student representative. Indeed, it was a day of sharing, discussion and suggesting. The evaluation was facilitated by the Director of the Scool, Fr. Oscar Ante, OFM. TERESA COMMUNITY The Teresa Community welcomes the transfer of our confreres: Christian Buenafe, Aris Escobal and Jerry Sabado to our house. Christian will take over the function of Marlon Lacal as the Commissary Secretary. March and April for our community were months of meetings, processing and integration. Tony de la Cruz, Marlon Lacal and Toto Jaranilla traveled to Mindanao to attend the Comissary Meeting and Statutes Meeting. During this short visit, the birthday celebration of Christian Buenafe, Toto Jaranilla and Tim Jusayan took place in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur last April 24, 2003. It was attended by parishioners and friends. This month is also a month of processing for Aris Escobal who took his Priest Assist Program in preparation for his future assignment. Aris will be working full-time in the Young Carmel Philippine Foundation (YCPF) starting June 2003. Martin Pierik, Marlon Lacal, Toto Jaranilla and Aris Escobal also integrated with parishes of Agusan del Sur and Escalante as their summer exposure. The other members of the community were busy in their respective programs also. Bernard Roosendaal is helping in the processing of the nuns of Guiguinto and Gilbert Sabado with the Vocation Promotion. According to Gerry, we will be expecting 9 seminarians from Luzon area. Arie Kuil helps oversee the construction and repairs going on in Prosperidad and San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. CARMEL NEWS AGUSAN DEL SUR Carmelite House in Agusan del Sur With the decision of the CPCC to transfer the Postulancy Program here in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, the Carmel Agusan Community is given a mandate to speed up the accomplishment of the new convent for the community to transfer before the Postulancy program starts this June 2003. Necessary renovations are now taking place in the old convent through the supervision of Bro. Arie Kuil,O.Carm. Parish Update Rey Caigoy transferred to Escalante City, Negros Occidental to replace Christian Buenafe as the President of Mount Carmel College. His two-year stay in Rosario was considered by his parishioners as an experience with an active minister. He will be surely missed by the people of Rosario. John Gelio-ano will take over the place of Rey temporarily until the Chapter of the Order on October 2003. Modesto Malandac, the assistant parish priest of the Sacred Heart Parish of San Francisco, Agusan Del Sur took the vacant position of John as the assistant pastor of Artemio Jusayan in St. Michael Parish, Prosperidad. Gabriel Dolotina and Noel Rosas will be the assistant parish priests of Eddie Albi�o in the Sacred Heart Parish of San Francisco. Every Carmelite Community Member will be part in the formation of the Postulancy. Kaabag Renewal-Lent A series of recollections and retreats were facilitated in the four Carmelite parishes of Agusan to prepare the lay ministers (Kaabag) of their annual renewal of their commitment to the Church. It served as an occasion for them to reflect during the Lenten Season. The community welcomes Noel Rosas as a new member of the Agusan Community and being the Director of the postulancy program. INTERNATIONAL CARMELITE MEETINGS OF NUNS, ASSISTANTS AND RELIGIOUS SUPERIORS This was held in Domus Carmelitana in Rome from February 17-21, 2003. The purpose of this meeting was to work in a unified program for Carmelite formation in the monasteries of the nuns. This has been done already for the brothers. This friar program was especially, in the first part, adopted for the sisters. The draft prepared by the commission was studied in all communities of nuns and the result of this was discussed during the meeting in Rome. Two of our Carmelite nuns, Srs. Elena Tolentino and Rescelia Garcia were the representatives from the Philippines and I was invited being the National Delegate of our nuns. We left on Thursday February 13, we were welcomed in the airport of Rome by Fr. Rafael Leiva Assistant General and Bro. Pedro Murciano. It was a warm welcome in a cold temperature. They brought us to Domus Carmelitana, a house for pilgrims to Rome. The house is very convenient and at walking distance from the Vatican. The first three days we had the opportunity for sight-seeing at various places. We went on Saturday to our Generelate and visited the coliseum. At Domus Carmelitana, we met many other participants, among which are the Dutch Delegates, Srs. Therese Neppelenbroek, Miriam Roberts and Fr. Tjeu Timmermans. We joined them on Sunday morning for the Eucharistic celebration. A coincidence perhaps that the presider elaborated in his sermon on the significance of Blessed Titus Brandsma in his life and work. We had picture taking near the bust of Blessed Titus, which was placed in the reception-room. The meeting started Monday February 15. There were fifty two participants; 37 sisters and 15 brothers. We were divided in three language-group discussions: Italian (Italy), Spanish (Spain, Venezuela, Peru, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Brazil) and English (USA, the Netherlands and Philippines) The sisters felt the first part generally good in its content but much more has still to be done in order that it really becomes the paper of the sisters' themselves. It became clear that it was impossible to accomplish the changes in the draft within a week. Such a project needs more time and reflection. Three sisters were elected to from a commission according to the three language groups. Sr. Elena Tolentino (English), Sr. Elizabeth Mumble (Italian) and Sr. Pillar Simon (Spanish). They came from sub-committee and kept contact especially by using the e-mail among one another and with the commission of the Generalate in Rome. At the end of the meeting the Fr. General mentioned two important points: First, the urgent need of federations for the cooperation of our monasteries, the three federations in Spain and the federation in the Philippines were mentioned as examples. Second, the problem of monasteries, which have no vocations in their own country like what is happening in Europe and United States. He pointed out that it is not wise to send sisters from countries with vocations to help out. It is the policy of the Generalate to send sisters to countries, open for vocations and development. This is according to the missionary aspect of our Carmelite Order. Together with the sisters and brothers from various continents weconcluded this meeting on a Saturday with a visit to the places of Saint Maria Magdalena de Pazzi in Firense. That was meaningful and enjoyable. Thanks for the great hospitality of the Carmelite Family that we found in Firense. After the Eucharistic Celebration on Sunday, February 26 and breakfast we left Domus Carmelitana. It had been a beautiful experience of international sisterhood/brotherhood. ELECTIONS FEDERATION OF CARMELITE NUNS (O.Carm.) The federation of Stella Maris had its Third General Assembly in Cabanatuan City from April 5 to 9, 2003. Nineteen sisters from the different communities attended. It was a happy coincidence that the community of Cabanatuan celebrated its 20th anniversary of its Foundation (April 8, 1983) At the end were the elections with following results: Coordinator: Sor. Ma. De los Angeles Perez Councilors: Mo. Ma. Elena Tolentino Mo. Ma. Leoncia Sampana Sr. Ma. Rescelia Garcia Mo. Ma. Catalina Elum Substitute Councilors : Sr. Ma. Inmaculada Rodriguez Sr. Ma. Angelica Verdugo Nominated Officers : Treasurer: Sr. Ma. Rescelia Garcia Sr. Ma. Inmaculada Rodriguez (assistant) Secretary: Sr. Ma. Esperanza Cecilio Archivist: Sr. Ma. Herminia de la Cruz. ASSOCIATES IN SOLIDARITY Not much is published about the Associates and their life and work. This first contribution will deal with the life of solidarity of the Associates among themselves and within the Order. A good example of internal solidarity came out last November around the death of our brother Jan Lansink. Associates from all over the Philippines came to Cebu when Jan was brought to Cebu Doctors' Hospital to be with him during his last days. It was heartwarming to see "one of our own" being well prepared to let go into the hands of the Lord. Since Jan could not talk anymore, he started writing to convey his message and feelings to us who were around. He wrote to Belen and his children to be strong in the coming days and to help their mother. He sent messages of gratitude to his Carmelite brothers and sisters and asked them to look after Belen and the kids. The last Mass during the wake brought together Carmelite Friars, Associates, Sisters, Seminarians and Carmelite friends with their own parting words for Jan. Fulfilling the promises made to Jan, several friars and associates gathered last April 5 in the house of the Lansink family. Litlit and Hans graduated from High School and Elementary respectively. We made Jan's presence felt to the children by celebrating with them these important days in their young lives. Solidarity with each other, however, goes beyond celebrations and financial support; it is an expression of being responsible for each other's welfare through sharing of our treasures. This is especially done through visits to each other's homes: Arnold came to Dumaguete to help in the rewriting of the statutes of the Order; Inday and Monette stayed for a week with the Lansink family to learn more about each other's situation. A new candidate-associate from Cebu came to Dumaguete to see more of other associates and to share her experiences. All these gave life to the group and was seen as a concrete contribution to the building of the Order in the Philippine setting. |
| CARMEL NEWS FOR MARCH - APRIL 2003 |
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