| CONGRATULATIONS!!! Fr. Aristarco Escobal, O.Carm., M.A in Education major in Guidance Counseling at Philippine Normal University in Cebu Bros. Emmanuel Vallega, O.Carm., and Rico Sabanal, O.Carm., Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry, from ICTC - ecclesiastical graduate program of Our Lady of Angels Seminary Bros. Rhen Caculitan and Rodrigo Bautista Jr., For finishing the Clinical Pastoral Education at St. Luke's Hospital, last June 6 and Bros. Edwin Magbago, Bebedicto Zaragosa, Arnold Alindayu, Aries Jude Caballero and Dave Vios at Makati Medical Center. NEWS SPRING OF CARMEL � Fr. Peter Kramer was from Holy Thursday until April 25 in the monastery of Tanay to take charge of the liturgical services of the Holy Week and the week after Easter. At the same time, from April 21 until April 26 Anton Hoogland was in Agusan to attend the CPCC meeting. � The novices left early in the morning of May 3 for their retreat in the La Salette retreat house in Silang Cavite. Fr. Toots Buenafe facilitated this retreat as preparation for their simple profession. They came back in Spring of Carmel in the evening of May 7. � Fr. Anton left on May 4 for Cebu to handle a retreat to the CarmOL junior sisters who were preparing for their final vows. He arrived back in Manila on May 12. The day before the novices sang during the final profession of Sr. Ninfa Mahilum of the Sisters of Mount Carmel. The following Sunday, May 18, they sang during the first profession of two ACI sisters who are neighbors to the novitiate. � Bros. Eman and Cocoy had their retreat in preparation for their solemn profession from May 14 to 18 in Baguio City. The facilitator was Gerry Sabado, O.Carm. � On May 17, the community celebrated the Eucharist in the Divine Mercy channel. Afterwards, Sr. Mary Philip Surban, O.Carm. and Fr. Anton shared about Carmelite Spirituality. Right after the television program the novices and their formator Proceeded to Lagro and attended the first profession of the Carmelite missionaries. � After the study of Carmelite history facilitated by Frs. Peter and Anton, May 23 & 24 were set aside for the evaluation of the novitiate program 2002-2003. � On May 26, the whole community had an outing in Eight Waves Resort in San Rafael Bulacan. In spite of the fact that it was the first day of a typhoon week, the community had an enjoyable outing. � June 1 was a special day for the novices. Seven of the eight said goodbye to Spring of Carmel and moved to the student friary in New Manila. However, they came back the next day to do a thorough cleaning of the rooms they had been using. On June 4 the new novices arrived and were given a short orientation on the next day. The new novices are: Roy Tabamo from Mahinog , Camiguin, 38 yrs old; Philip Rabosa from Medina, Misamis Oriental, 29 yrs; Jess Briccio Alesna fom Karaos, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, 27 yrs; Rey (Boyet) Agabe from Maramag, Bukidnon, 26 yrs; Joel Comaling comes from Abuyog, Leyte and is 24 yrs old. The youngest one is Francis Reanne (Jongjong) Galaura from San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. Jongjong is 21 years old. They spent the days afterwards on acquainting themselves with Metro Manila, but on June 7 the new batch of novices attended the simple profession of the seven outgoing novices. In the same liturgy Bros. Eman Vallega, O.Carm. and Cocoy Sabanal, O.Carm. had their solemn profession. In the afternoon of the same day, Bros. Eman and Cocoy were ordained deacon by Bishop Socrates Villegas. In the evening there was a special supper for relatives and Carmelites followed by a short program. � On June 12 the whole Spring community attended the Luzon Carmelite Regional convention, while on June 13 only the final professed members of the community returned to the Titus Brandsma Center for the last part. � On June 14, all the novices were busy cleaning the house and preparing for their acceptance on the next day. Fr. Tony dela Cruz, the commissary provincial was the presider of the Eucharist and homilist. A good number of Manila based Carmelites attended the affair. The afternoon Eucharist was followed by a snack. � From June 16 to 18, the two formators in the novitiate, bro. Cocoy and Fr. Anton, attended the Initial Formators' Conference (IFC) where they discussed a new psycho-emotional/spiritual approach as proposed by Sr. Innocentia, SFIC. TERESA COMMUNITY ....AT THE HOT SPRING. Amidst the turbulence of the storm Chedeng, the Commissariat staff and co-workers made their trip to Laguna last May 29-30, 2003 for a relaxing dip at the Laguna Hot Spring and an exciting ride at Enchanted Kingdom. Normie Lacanilao, Irwin Mejia, Jackie Losala, Jofti Villena and Edwin Paular with the friars Marlon Lacal, Toto Jaranilla and Christian Buenafe shared this enjoyable bonding and staff development. SUMMER INTEGRATION AND COMMUNITY UPDATES. We spent our summer doing Parish Integration to different Carmelite communities throughout the Philippines. Toto Jaranilla was with the San Francisco community from May 15 to 24. Within these short period, he gave recollections and renewed the professions of the different chapters of Carmel Youth. The chapters covered were Prosperidad, Patin-ay, San Francisco and Ebro Housing. He also gave a recollection and seminar on Carmelite spirituality to the Simon Stock Catechetical organization in Agusan. For him, it was a time of going back to his usual work, for he was assigned to this parish two years ago. Friars Marlon Lacal and Aris Escobal also integrated in the Agusan parishes from the first week of May until the second week prior to the integration of Fray Toto. Martin Pierik on the other hand did his summer with the parish of Escalante. His afternoons were spent visiting the parishioners and even swimming with them in the sea as the parish of Escalante is very near the shore. The convent of Old Escalante is the point of reference for the fishermen who came home late. They look to its light as there is no search light on the place. While in Escalante, Martin also gave retreat to the sisters of Carmelite of Our Lady in Dumaguete. On the other hand, Arie Kuil, our property custodian, continued overseeing the construction work of the huge church in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. Gerry Sabado accompanied the postulants in Cebu for two weeks. He was supposed to have his vacation but went his way to assist in the formation as the friars in Cebu were on their summer classes and vacation. Christian Buenafe was busy helping with the retreat of the novices before their profession. He accompanied the novices to Tagaytay City, one of the coolest place of Luzon where they had a reflection on our charism and vows. Tony de la Cruz assisted the Cebu Formation Center on the month of May. It was suppose to be a visit to the community which turned out to be a "going back to his roots" experience. It can be recalled that he was a formator for a long time in Cebu before he was transferred to the parish apostolate and later on became the Commissary Provincial of the Order. Pete Manilag started adjusting with the student friar community. He made a few changes of the house of the students - converting the tv room, which has bigger space - into the chapel and the chapel into the recreation room. This has to be done as we have more student friars now than before. They are now 15 plus Pete living as one formation community. Bernard Roosendaal had a busy summer as Titus Brandsma Center had more guests and even had to oversee the Manila Regional Convention which took place in the Center. He had to check that visitors were accommodated in the center and food were served on time. Aside from this, he continued to provide assistance to the Carmelite Missionary Sisters of St. Therese of Child Jesus by going to them almost every Saturday. ESCALANTE COMMUNITY LABOR DAY RALLY. It had always been the tradition in Negros Occidental that the Labor Day Rally is done in Bacolod City. Now San Carlos City is fast becoming the center of mass action for the workers. Last May 1, 2003 around 3,000 sugarworkers led by the NFSW (National Federation of Sugar Workers) held a rally in San Carlos City, the seat of the Diocese of San Carlos Borromeo. The workers displaced by the closure of San Carlos Milling Corporation were also around to air out their sentiments. The sector of the farmers and the professionals were also represented. Mr. Mahinay, the National Chairperson of the NFSW, gave a rousing speech and situationer of the sugarworkers. Fr. Paul Medina gave the stand of the Church regarding the workers, specially the farm workers, and the informal sector. Although most of the sugarworkers from Northern Negros went to San Carlos City for the mobilization, some went to Bacolod City. In fact, Fr. Harry Bloem and the people from Old Escalante went to Bacolod. In Bacolod, there were five groups who held five different rallies and KMU (Kilusang Mayo Uno) is only one of them; unlike in San Carlos where there is only one group and that is NFSW-KMU. THE EVENTFUL PRIESTS' NIGHT. Topi, Boy, Martin, Paul and Tim Jusayan went to Vito, Sagay City for the Priests' Night on the evening of May 1, 2003. Bishop Mondejar and some diocesan priests of the Diocese of San Carlos also came for that celebration. The sea-foods, the delicacy of the place, was offered by Fr. Wilson "Embong" Mendoza, the parish priest of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish, Vito, Sagay and Vicar Forane of the Vicariate of St. Anthony of Padua. Vito is famous for the "miraculous" statue of St. Vincent Ferrer and many pilgrims are coming for the fiesta which is on May 2. It would have been a perfect celebration if not for Tim who forgot to return the key of L300 car of Escalante when he went around with his friend. The Escalante Community is now stranded in Vito because there is no key. All the members of the community tried to contact Tim by cellphone but since the place has a weak signal for cellphones, the group had to wait till a text message comes through. It did at almost midnight and the whole community was just too happy to be home. FOR A NEW FAMILY LIFE APOSTOLATE. On May 4, the different groups who are involved in Family Apostolate, like the Christ Family Mission (ChrisFam), Couples for Christ (CFC), Marriage Encounter (ME) and others, were gathered together for a dialogue and levelling off on Family Life Apostolate. There had always been a confusion with these different groups and so Topi, Boy and Paul facilitated this dialogue in order to have a Common Family Life Apostolate in the Parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. ChristFam is already involved in the parish and the group is handling the Pre-Cana Seminars but the other groups do not have yet a clear role in the parish set up. A common program is planned and the next meeting will be on June 6, 2003. MAY 30 CITY FIESTA. May 30 is the traditional fiesta of Escalante City. The original fiesta started when New Escalante was created on May 30, 1958 and the seat of government was transferred from Old Escalante to Balintawak, which is now a component city and called Escalante City. The patroness is Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and the novena started on May 21. The Lord's Night on May 26 was highlighted with the Santa Cruzan which was well-choreographed but was spoiled by rain. The First Band Competition of the city was given to Fr. Paul who facilitated it successfully. The High School Band of Dian-ay was the champion. Mt. Carmel College did not join the competition otherwise the government school bands would be threatened. The main celebrant for the Holy Eucharist on the feast day, May 30, was Bishop Jose F. Advincula, Jr. who encouraged the people to make this feast an honor to the Holy Cross and July 16, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, shall be the patronal feast of the City. BCC CONGRESS AND THE ELECTION OF NEW PARISH COUNCIL OFFICERS OF OUR LADY OF MT. CARMEL PARISH. The 9th BCC Congress of the Parish of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel was held on May 25 at Mt.Carmel College Gym. A celebration of the Holy Eucharist concelebrated by Topi, Boy, Rey and Paul kicked off the congress. It was attended by more than a thousand people who were delegates of the different Basic Christian Communities and Family Groupings. Several issues were brought out like the question of "tithing" or "love offering", "recommendations from the BCC officers", "Pre-Fiesta Seminars" and other activities of the parish. The evaluation of the Parish and the Worship, Evangelization, Services, Temporalities, Organizing and Youth Committees were also done and the impact study of the Parish was also presented. Another hot item discussed was the Vicarial Summer Festival which was held in Escalante City. It turned out that there was a poor participation of the parishioners of Escalante City and this city is the host of the Festival this year. An election of new Parish Council Officers was held and it was done through secret balloting. The counting of votes was finished only after a week. CEBU COMMUNITY Last summer, the community members were quite busy. Fr. Arnel took up a short course in UST-Manila. Fr. Max went around Visayas and to some parts of Mindanao to finalize the number of the incoming seminarians for the School year 2003-2004. Fr. Toon Mol went to Escalante and spent a week long vacation. ------------------ Last May 25 the community welcomed forty old and new timers college seminarians, nine (9) from Luzon, eighteen (18) from Visayas and thirteen (13) from Mindanao for the SY 2003-2004. A week-long orientation followed and an outing to the beach as our culmination. Their classes at the Rogationist Seminary has started June 2, 2003 of the current school year. ------------------ On May 31, Seventy-one people composed of the Friars, Seminarians, Lay, and the youth walked through the Ten (10) kilometers en route to Cebu Plaza in participation of the annual "walk-for-a-cause" activity of the Carmelite Order. ------------------ The Carmelite community of Cebu has also hosted the pre-postulancy program last April and May. There were eight applicants who expressed interests to join the program but they ended up six who are now in Agusan for the postulancy program. SAN FRANCISCO COMMUNITY The farm at Magsaysay was properly plan by the Department of agriculture representative. The planned was divided into five year progressive plan in order to make the project feasible one. In principle, the local community of Agusan Carmel approved the idea to develop yet with little reservation about the issue of the land acquired through Fr, John M. Gelio-ano, as the representative of the local community of Agusan. There was a suggestion to continue the task to make it possible the tithing of the land very soon. The Carmelite beach resort had already the general plan on its perspective, Fr, Eddie, the local prior of the community made already a suggested structure to cater the needs of the community fro the regular simple structure. The proposal need to be developed not so expensive but also practical one for the immediate use and leisure of the community. Pisaan rice farm is being clean right now due to the tall grasses that need to be clean-up and before the rainy season will begin. The people were sent to help the farm become ready for the rice plan. On the other hand the land has some occupants but didn't realized that the land they tilled were titled by a private person and collateral at the bank. The occupants need to be finally dialogue by the bank representative as the vendor of this land. Initial arrangement was made already through the effort of the Barangay Captain of Pisaan, a farmer kaabag and uncle of Fr. Max Zapanta, O.Carm. MOUNT CARMEL COLLEGE OF ESCALANTE � New courses for College are opened- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Technology. Mount Carmel College also opened Grade Six level. � The elementary department has a newly constructed restrooms through the effort of MCC Alumni Association, Rev. Fr. Christian B. Buenafe, O.Carm. and the assistance of Rev. Fr. Anton Hoogland, O.Carm. and Rev. Fr. Jan Mulder, O.Carm. Foundation. The blessing was held June 13, 2003 in the presence of the PTA president, Mr. Ludovico Masellones and all the MCC personnel. � For the Academic Year 2003-2004, MCC has new president - Fr. Reynold Caigoy,O.Carm., new dean of college - Sr. Mary Paul A. Plasabas, SFIC, new principal for basic education - Sr. Grace O. Abejo, SFIC.and new set of teaching personnel. Pre-service training of all teaching staff in all levels was held last June 9-12, 2003 at the Titus Brandsma Audio-visual Room. Part of this also was to unify all academic and non-academic personnel to the VMG of the school and strengthen their position vis-�-vis the old challenges of giving Christian and quality education to the youth of Northeast Negros. STUDENT FRIARS The summer program of the student-friars is on the go. Even if there were times that the student friars were bombarded with requirements in the CPE programs they manage to go on and indeed they successfully finished the program last June 6. Rhen and Rodrigo from St. Luke's Medical Center and Edwin, David, Arnold, Benedicto and Jude from Makati Medical Center. On the other hand also, Alain finished his summer program in music at from the conservatory of. Sta. Isabel College. ------------------ The new formator of the student friars arrived last May 7 from Cebu, his previous assignment. Fr. Pete will be the head formator of the formation team which include Frs. Antonio, Sirenio. Christian and Aristarco. Fr. Pete was the rector of the college seminary of the Order in Cebu before coming here in the student-friary. With the leadership of the new formator. The student friars were very busy in preparing the house especially with the repairs and reconstructions for the incoming new student friars. Day after, the new student friars arrived from the Spring of Carmel. Seven of them (Seven Balls of Elijah as they call themselves) Jerry Ca�as., Allan Hagoriles., Realino Hermo., Eugene Horca, Gerald Flor Guttierez, Junnel Ryan Denolo and Benedicto Beato. They were welcomed on the night of that same day. The seven of them makes the student friars 15 all in all in one community. ------------------ June 7 marked the climax of all the preparation for the new-student friars and for Rico and Emman and for the old student friars. A day to remember to all of them, the first profession, renewal of vows, solemn profession of vows and the diaconal ordination also of Rico and Emman. Some parents and immediate family delighted the occasion especially for the new student friars and from the family of Rico and Emman. Around 250 visitors attended the celebration. In the morning was the first profession, renewal and the solemn profession of vows which was officiated by Fr. Antonio de la Cruz, O.Carm., Commissary Provincial of the Order here in the Philippines and Fr. Christian Buenafe, O.Carm. gave his inspiring message to the student friars and to the people attending the occasion. In the afternoon Bishop Soc Villegas officiated the diaconal ordination of Rico and Emman. The heralding voice of the Carmelite Missionaries sisters brings forth the resounding of the occasion as they led the people in singing the whole day through. The said occasion was celebrated at Titus Brandsma Center. In the evening was a solidarity night for all the Carmelites, parents, friends where talents, food and laughters were shared. Even if it was a tiresome day, but a fulfilling to all to harvest more charming fruits. ------------------ The first-year student friars had their 3 days orientation in ICTC from June 9-11. They were join by 13 other first year student seminarians from other congregation, Franciscans, Redemptorists, Sons of Charity, that was for them to foretaste ICTC and to established bonding among themselves. On the other hand the 2nd and 3rd year student friars take a break at Cuyab Pansul last June 10 with Pete and Tim. Day after, we attended the regional convention of Luzon held in Titus Brandsma in preparation for the forthcoming Commissary Chapter. The convention was participated by all the Carmelite friars in Luzon, student Friars, novices, co-workers and representatives from the TOC Sr. Nimpha and Bro. Joe. The said convention was a presentation/report of the studies of the ministries which the order involved and of which the participants were asked to actively participate in the discussion and in formulating the recommendation and suggestions. The theme of the convention : The journey continues - in the land of lights and shadows. ------------------ The student-friars held its general assembly to prepare and to make things in order last 14-15 in Titus Brandsma Center. The said assembly set various activities such as, getting to know each other, leveling off of the formands and the formators, review of the VMG and the formation manual. The second day was the structuring of the student friary by electing the student council and the establishing of the four committees. Rhen Caculitan was elected as the Coordinator for this school year and the four committee heads were the following: Gerald Flor for the Academics, Jerry for the Spirituality, Allan for the Sports and Cultural and Edwin for the Finance/Household. In the afternoon of June 15 the student friars attended the acceptance of the new novices in Spring of Carmel. 6 of them were accepted as novices of the year 2003-2004. ------------------ June 16 marks the beginning of the life of the student friars as students as ICTC opens its doors for the SY 2003-2004, At 9 in the morning it opens its doors with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist officiated by Fr. Martin Pierik, O.Carm. After the break, the election of the new ISEC for the SY 2003-2004. Alain was elected as the President of ISEC while 3 other student friars Arnold, head of the Academic committee, Edwin for the Social and Cultural Concern and Rhen for the Pastoral Committee will be members of the ISEC. To all the student friars hope to have another year of wonderful journey in the arena of ICTC. More discoveries for them to discover. ------------------ As part of the plans and recommendations of the Provincials of OCD and O.Carm.. Alain and Pete attended an initial joint meeting of the student friars and formators of both Orders at the shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in broad way. The said meeting was a sort of leveling off where to put a joint activities that can be a meeting point to both order. Among the said activities were Sports, Agape, common Carmelite studies. Expectations and objectives were also presented. The next meeting would on July five to be represented by the student council of both Orders and their respective formators. ------------------ COMING OUT OF THE COCOON Like nature welcomes a budding butterfly out of its cocoon, the Carmelite community joyfully welcomes the entry of the seven Carmelite brothers to a new stage in their religious formation. With a nature-inspired atmosphere, the celebration began in the morning of June 7, 2003 at Titus Brandsma Center as the seven Carmelite brothers made their simple profession: Bros. Junnel Ryan Denolo, Gerald Flor Gutierrez, Domingo Beato, Jr., Allan Hagoriles, Jerry Ca�as, Realino Hermo and Eugene Horca, O. Carm. While Bros. Emman Vallega and Rico Sabanal, O. Carm made their solemn profession. The ceremonies were officiated by Fr. Antonio dela Cruz, O. Carm (commissary provincial) with Fr. Christian Buenafe, O. Carm as the homilist. In the afternoon of the same day, the deaconate rites for Bros. Emman Vallega and Rico Sabanal was held with Bishop Socrates Villegas, DD as the ordaining prelate. The coming out of the butterfly in its cocoon meant new challenges, re-birth and growth likewise the stage ahead and the tougher responsibilities to be faced by the new Carmelite brothers and deacons. Thus, paving way to the strengthening, growth and development of the Carmelite charism and mission. POSTULANCY KARITH GOES TO MINDANAO Last June 1, 2003 marks the beginning of the postulancy program at karith Postulancy Formation House, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. Starting this year, the council decided to move the formation house here. This school year, the Order of Carmelites is blessed to have six (6) enthusiastic and energetic postulants; 1 from Luzon, 2 from Visayas and 3 from Mindanao. The following are the brief profile of the 6 postulants. A tagalog lad from Bulacan is Jaworski Linag. Joey, as he wanted to be called, is the third sibling of Mr.Crispin Linag, Sr. and Mrs. Lilia Linag. He is the eldest and as he insisted, the shyest of the group. He finished Bachelor of Science in Architecture at Bulacan State University. After four years of working as a government employee, he opted to become a Carmelite by the inspiration of the Carmelite nuns of Guiginto and Tarlac as well as the Carmelite friars especially Frs. Tony, Toto and Aris. He believes that when he entered the order he brought nothing except his faith that God loves him and he loves God, too. From the bombing capital of the Philippines is Zacarias Mante, Jr. He is from Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat. Zak, 28, finished his second year in Theology. After he left the seminary, he was a volunteer staff and researcher of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP-ST) where he met Fr. Gerry Sabado. Because of his ardent attraction to the Order, he decided to continue his formation here. For him, nothing is impossible. An ex-diocesan seminarian from Mati is Edwin Ca�amo, He finished his college formation at Queen of Apostles College Seminary (QACS) in Tagum City. He took up his Spirituality Formation Year at St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary, Davao City. After spending 4 years of exposure where he was teaching for 3 years, he decided, though the help of Fr. Toots Buenafe, to join the order. Edwin, 25, recalled that his life is restless until it rests only in the Lord. One may ask, "who is this guy having an Ilonggo intonation?" This seminarian is Jonathan Serofia. Bobby, 25, is from Dingle, Iloilo City. He finished his degree in Computer Science at Cabalum Western College. For 3 years. He taught at Mater Carmeli High School run by the Carmelite Missionary sisters at Dingle. As a requirement before entering the Order. He was asked by Fr. Toots to teach for a year at Mount Carmel College in Negros Occidental where he was teaching computer subjects which served as his aspirancy program. For Bobby, life brings as many things that are deeply distressing, but in God's hand, a burden become spiritual blessings. Another postulant prophesied to be the first Filipino Carmelite Scientist because he is a risk taker. He is not afraid of trying anything for a challenge. He is Karl Reformina from Tagbina, Surigao del Sur. He finished his college formation at San Alberto Carmelite Formation Center, Cebu Normal University. Karl, 23, at artist of the group, wishes to dedicate his life in service for the poorest and the least. Karl believed that to love is not to see a perfect being, but to see an imperfect being perfectly. The youngest among the group is Rommel Esmeria from Balamban, Cebu. Melskiens, as he wish to be called, completed his Bachelors' degree in Social Science at Cebu Normal University. Like Karl, he also finished his college formation at San Alberto Carmelite Formation Center in Cebu. This small but terrible guy is a music lover. He plays guitar, flute and piano. In addition, he sings well. He hopes to become the first Filipino Carmelite Saint, virgin and martyr, though serving the poor and the oppressed. Though, we come from different backgrounds, yet we try to be attuned with one another to be one in our journey towards Mt. Carmel with the furtherance of our Carmelite inspirations, the prophets, saints and maytrs, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Welcome to the journey. TOC NATIONAL COUNCIL 3rd Regional Formators Training Seminar & Fraternal Visit to Visayas-Mindanao Sis. Nimfa C. Tangcuangco, TOC National Prioress and Bro. Joe Generoso III, TOC NFC Director had their annual fraternal visits to the TOC communities in the Visayas and Mindanao from April 30 to May 15. The TOC National Council had also previously decided to hold separate Formators Training Seminars for the two (2) regions (1 for Mindanao and 1 for Visayas) to encourage more attendees to participate unlike the past two (2) when the Annual Training Seminar was held in Dumaguete for the two regions. They also chose to hold it simultaneous with the annual fraternal visits to save on travel time and expenses. On April 30, the two National Officers took the PAL flight bound for Butuan City on their way to Agusan del Sur for the first leg of their journey. Rosalinda Moreno, Mindanao Regional Coordinator met them at the airport. The 3rd Regional Formators Training Seminar-Mindanao was held at the TOC lay formation center, Sacred Heart Carmelite Parish in San Francisco, Agusan on May 1-2 with Fr. Aris Escobal, O Carm as resource person. They were accommodated at the Carmelite Parish convent through the courtesy of Fr. Eddie Albino, O Carm, Parish Priest. Twenty-one (21) officers of the three (3) Communities: San Francisco, Rosario and Bahbah participated in the seminar with the theme: "A Committed Formator is an Effective Formator". The dialogue with the three (3) communities was held May 3, Saturday during the District Assembly. The National Prioress had also the chance to dialogue with the newly established Confraternity of the Brown Scapular at 4:00 in the afternoon of the same day. In her talk she exhorted the Confraternity members, numbering 67 of them, under the able leadership of Fe Tan-Cebrian, that their primary mission in the Parish is to promote the devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel and propagate the wearing of the Brown Scapular. Sis. Nimfa during the meeting clarified to them the difference between the TOC and the Confraternity member. A fellowship at the recently acquired beach-front property somewhere in Surigao del Sur, was organized by the three (3) local communities the following day, May 4. Unfortunately Bro. Joe wasn't able to come this time because he was feeling ill. Sis. Nimfa and Bro. Joe left Agusan on May 5 for Dumaguete via the Cebu Ferries from Cagayan de Oro City. In Cagayan, Carmel Associates Arnold and Angging Van Vugt played host to them while waiting for the boat to sail. At the Dumaguete pier the next day, May 6, they were met by Tess Villegas, Visayas Regional Coordinator. While there they were comfortably accommodated by the Carmelite Nuns at their guest rooms. Fraternal meetings with the Sibulan and Dumaguete TOC communities were held May 7 and 8 respectively. On May 9, they left for Escalante together with the delegates from Dumaguete (Tess Villegas, Aster Ablir, Lucy, Jacka Lagrito & Nanie Culi) for the Formators Training Seminar which was scheduled to take place May 10-11at the Carmelite Parish in Escalante with Fr. Paul Medina, O Carm as resource person. Roxas Community was not able to send any representative but all the members of the Escalante community were all asked to attend. At the seminar, Sis. Nimfa took the opportunity to announce the appointment of Linda Tancinco as Regional Coordinator for Escalante and Roxas. Sis. Tess will only be handling the Negros Oriental communities. The fraternal dialogue with the Escalante members took place after the seminar in the afternoon of May 11 and this went on till late in the evening despite the brown out. While in the city, Sis. Nimfa and Bro. Joe were comfortably accommodated by Sis. Toto (Gilda) Pintolo at her house. The National officers were treated to an R & R the following day, May 12 at the Bonista Beach Resort where the dialogues and fellowship continued until evening. Before going home that evening, Meren Llavore (Prioress) and Linda Tancinco (Formation Directress) presented Sis. Nimfa and Bro Joe with their tokens of appreciation. The next day they left for Roxas City very early in the morning arriving at the Monastery of the Nuns just in time for lunch. In the afternoon they met with the TOC members until evening. May 14 was spent in dialogue with Inday Sonido (Prioress) and Joe Mabasa (Formation Director) concerning the problems of the community while touring the city. They left Roxas City the following day for Manila. As far as the National office is concerned, this 15-day trip has been very fruitful. "At least this time," Sis Nimfa reported, "we were able to spend quality time with all the communities that we visited. In our own little ways we have been able to enlighten and inculcate to them the importance of Formation in the life of a TOC. We know we have finally convinced them why we are requiring them to undergo this Back to Basic Formation program or why we have come up with this new approach to formation. I tried to explain to them that the initiatives regarding Formation that we have introduced are for the purpose of helping them grow in Carmelite spirituality and truly live the life of a TOC. As to why we require them to READ materials I told them, that I cannot imagine a Carmelite not reading." ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION ON FILIPINO SPIRITUALITY In search for a deeper understanding of Filipino Spirituality, the Center for Spirituality-Manila (CFS) held a round table discussion last May 8, 2003, 2 PM at the Titus Brandsma Center. Noted people from the field of Spirituality attended the discussion: Albert Alejo, SJ, director of the Research and Publication Office at Ateneo de Davao; Leonardo Mercado, SVD, from the Episcopal Commission on Inter-Religious Dialogue; Rosario Battung, RGS, practicing ZEN Spirituality, involvement in the Women, Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation; Virginia Fabella, MM, from the IFRS; Mary John Mananzan, OSB, researched on Woman, Religion and Spirituality in Asia, also a part of the Institute of Women Studies; Teresita Obusan, social worker from the Bahay Nakpil Office; Grace Odal, professor of Arts at UP Manila and has specialization on pre-Hispanic culture and reinterpretation of old dances; Rebecca A�onuevo, a faculty member of Miriam College who did a dissertation on Ano ang GANA bilang banal sa Panulaang Pilipino? (What is sacred in Philippine Literature?). From the Carmelite camp, attendees are from the directing team of CFS-Manila: Frs. Marlon Lacal, coordinator; Christian Buenafe, member; Rico Ponce, O. Carm, member; Ton Danenberg of the Research Team of the project, Spirituality in the Social Movement; and Noel Valencia, consultant. Key points on the establishment, objectives and projects of CFS-Manila were identified in the rationale given by Fr. Marlon Lacal, O. Carm. One of the objectives is to initiate and provide venue/floor for the sharing of wisdom, thoughts, vision and expertise on Spirituality, thus, realized by the round table discussion. This also facilitated reflection, dialogue and interaction among those who specialized in this field called "Spirituality." Participants were asked to prepare a three-minute presentation based on the following: 1) elements that should be highlighted in the study and promotion of a Filipino Spirituality and 2) difficulties encountered. Rebecca A�onuevo shared on the difficulties and results of her dissertation: "Ano ang GANA bilang banal sa Panulaang Pilipino?" (What is sacred in Philippine Literature?) She used the word GANA (Tagalog word which point to the enthusiasm to eating, a word usually related to food and taste) to refer to sacredness. In this study, she implied that GANA is more than just a physical satisfaction resulting from eating. But GANA as focused more on the enthusiasm for life, to live life, which is sometimes lost due to a crisis experienced resulting to sadness, frustrations and suffering. She described twenty-five poems by twentieth century Filipino poets. In the poems, she saw the presence of the concept of sacredness and creation, prayer, praise and a certain connection to a supreme being (GOD). A connection of the body and soul, social involvement/service to others (pakikipagkapwa-tao), which creates the real relationship and closeness to God were also evident in the poems. However, she also observed amongst Filipinos that Philippines, although a very Catholic country, manifest hesitations on speaking freely about faith, holiness and God. Mary John Mananzan, OSB reflected on her struggle in distinguishing Spirituality from religiosity. She explained "experience of transcendence" as the starting point of all religions from which formation of an institutional Church, creed, rituals, ecclesiastical laws, scriptures, clergy and hierarchy, mission and theology arises. There are those who conform to all these laws but without depth of Spirit but there are others who have no religions or membership to any church manifest depth of Spirit. She shared the meaning of spirituality, as defined by Aurobindo (Hindu). Spirituality in its essence is an awakening to the inner reality of our being, an inner inspiration, contact with the greater reality, in communion and union with it, a turning, a conversation, a transformation of our whole being and a growth or waking into a new becoming or new being, new self, new nature. Emphasis to another level of meaning of Spirituality was also given. It is externalizing one's own experience of transcendence into a certain way of life that develops according to fundamental options and decisions we make at certain crisis points in our life and which then shapes it into distinguishable characteristics. "Filipinos follow the model of the holy with strong emphasis on the immanent." This was according to the paper submitted by Fr. Leonardo Mercado, SVD. He also pointed out the traits of said spirituality as: holistic, no dichotomy of the material and the spiritual and therefore it has to be experiential; mystical, entails an image of God as non-personal; and, ecological, strong linkage with creation and with the unseen. Another highlight was the explanation on old and new theology that Filipinos emphasized more on the passion of Jesus Christ, which was the theology brought by the colonizers; though, today's theology focuses more on the resurrection. That was one of the difficulties he considered. Another difficulty stressed was the absence of a direct Filipino translation of the word - spirituality. As a challenge, he brought the idea of producing an end-product, which is tangible and from which Filipinos can identify with or own. Teresita Obusan of the Bahay Nakpil Office has long been working on bringing Filipino Spirituality into the consciousness of others. Thus, she specifically emphasized on the attitude towards learning spirituality and how do we look at it as students and as teachers. Is it something to learn about, something interesting, exotic or in addition to? She highlighted on the complementation of spirituality as a way of life and a way of trying to find one's soul. Professor Grace Odal emphasized on spirituality as social, cultural and historical-based. Social-based spirituality is evident on one's social involvement (service to others, "pakikipagkapwa-tao"). Culture-based is focused more on language and spirituality as historical-based is more on the traditional heritage of spirituality. Another interesting input from her was the explanation on anti-religiosity as pro-spirituality and vice versa. Professor Odal claimed that the radical definition of spirituality would be preventing it from becoming fossilized or preventing its preservation. Fossilized spirituality would mean resisting changes. Therefore, the need for radical changes, within, is inevitable. She cited post-modernism as a great spirituality because it allows changes and the shaking of foundations, which are the very key of spirituality and not the boxed-type religion. Sr. Virginia Fabella, MM came to the idea that spirituality does not really need developing but must look into the elements important in studying it. Considerations must be given to folk/popular religion, where does it come from, popular religiosity and Filipino psychology, sexuality, how we feel as body, past and contemporary history and current movements. Thus, she said, can trace one's roots and begin to understand one's present actions and conditions. Also, discussion on the spirituality of the minority and majority or what is known as indigenous spirituality and a study on the Philippine context would be necessary. With her immersion to the grassroots, Sr. Rosario Battung, RGS gave a strong emphasis on the indigenous and Asian Spirituality, the spirituality of the way of life, inter-faith dialogue that looks at different things from the angle of all religious and cosmic spirituality. She relates to spirituality as ever-searching and contemplative. Her noted statement was, "to look into the depths of our being, submissive tayo sa kaloob-looban natin, kaibuturan ng puso natin kung saan natin matatagpuan ang totoong diwa ay makikita natin itong mga aspetong ito, tinatawag na spirituality." With the immersion area just a few kilometers away, Fr. Alber Alejo, SJ shared his first hand experience with the indigenous and offered a reflection (analysis) guide. He did not tackle on the "Filipino Spirituality or spirituality" per se but helped on giving a new perspective and angle to the discussion and to the exploration on "Filipino Spirituality," if there is really such. SUGGESTIONS Participants proposed the following: � Widen research and study specifically on: roots of an individual's spirituality, methods of studying Filipino Spirituality, concept of development (East), mysticism and spirituality. � Analyze the differences and experiences and put it on paper. � Give emphasis on solid research. � Suspend the labeling, naming of "Filipino Spirituality." � Flexibility and freedom in choosing approaches and methodologies to be used. � End-product should be in tangible form like: formation, curriculum or publication. � Change in the seminary. SYNTHESIS As a whole, the following strong points surfaced from the discussion and which are evident in all the inputs given: � Spirituality is different from religiosity. � There is a new understanding and another level of meaning of spirituality. It is more in depth and which does not limit to the following of set laws, creeds, practices and forms created by any institutional church. � Spirituality comes from within, inner self and being, a realization and change. � Spirituality does not dichotomize body and soul. It is holistic and experiential. � The importance of history/roots and culture in the study of spirituality. � Essence of social involvement/service to other is ever present in spirituality. � The importance of the connection of body and soul in spirituality. � Filipino Spirituality is clear if lived out but has no distinct meaning. � Questions of "is there really a Filipino Spirituality and does this create a new division?" WALK FOR A CAUSE JOINT WALK FOR A CAUSE FOR COMMUNITIES OF MANILA. May 31, 2003 the student friars join the entire Carmelite family in the Philippines for a walk for cause. This walk was for the seminary formation. Early morning around 4:30 they started walking - till Quezon Memorial circle with some of their friends. At the circle the two groups (the other from the novitiate) met together and do some exercise. The student friars were joined by the members of the novitiate community who participated in M 40, walk for a cause. They left at 4:30 am. Altogether, they and a few friends walked 127 km. In the evening of that same day, the Student friars took their dinner at the CMSSTCJ house in Quezon city. It was an invitation from the sisters and at the same time an integration with them. ESCALANTE YOUTH SPEARHEADED THE "WALK FOR A CAUSE". At 4:00 AM on the 17th of May, 146 young people gathered in front of the Parish Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Escalante City. They fixed their banner and with a lot of enthusiasm and smiles they marched to Old Escalante which is about 7.5 kilometers away. They have as a theme for this walk for a cause, "Alay Lakad para sa kalinaw, maayong panglawas ug misyon" (Walk for a Cause for Peace, Good Health and Mission). Then, at the Parish Church of St. Francis of Assisi 40 energetic young ones started to congregate at around 4:30 AM and marched to Escalante City. When the youth arrived in Escalante City, they went to the convent and they got some hot coffee and snacks to warm their spirits. Likewise, the youth from Escalante City were also given some early morning snacks when they arrived at the Monastery. This activity is to raise funds for the formation program of the Carmelites - O.Carm. in the Philippines. This walk for a cause is originally scheduled for May 31 but since this is too close to the City Fiesta of Escalante which is on May 30, so this is moved earlier so that many more can participate meaningfully. WALK FOR A CAUSE REPORT BY FR. PETER KRAMMER. Early morning 4:30 we started walking from the novitiate to the campus of the University of the Philippines. From there we went to Quezon Memorial circle there we met also our Carmelites from Teresa Community and Student Friars and the aerobics center. And each went home in opposite direction (South and North). All of us together were 25. At the same time there were other group moving in Escalante (146 persons from Old-New Escalante), Our four partners in Agusan del Sur, who all together (254) joined in Barobo, where they started with a liturgical celebration in parish church and from there they walked for about 3 hours to the beach on the Pacific. In Cagayan de Oro 72 walked 20 kms. Each almost the same like in Cebu, where they were with 71 x 20 kms. The total number of Participants in the different locaties was 568 and they walked 6488 kms. The result are sent to the organization of Origin: 40 MM in Venhuizen (the Netherlands). They took the initiative in 1973 to support missionaries from their wide environment, catholic and other Christians. The walkers look for their own sponsors and give this to the organization 40MM. Already since about 1983 I receive a annual donation from 40MM and this is always for the support of our seminary-program. In Venhuisen is the center from where every year more than 2000 people walk along the same rout, which al together 40 km. Long, but people can make also shorter distances. 40MM is sponsoring Missionaries (religious and lay) in various countries. They extended the organition in 1993 by inviting the receiving missionaries to walk also in their own places. They organize the people and the 40MM in Venhusen look for sponsors. It is a happy development, that it is picking up so very well in our various places. It serves a variety of purposes: � Support for our Carmelite formation � Rallying certain concerns like "Love Mother Earth" (Agusan) � No to War, Yes to Peace (Cagayan) � An enjoyment for many people, especially the youth � Building community between Carmelites and the people around us. REGIONAL CONVENTION'S UPDATE: VISAYAS REGIONAL CONVENTION. "The journey goes on.." so goes the theme of the Visayas O.Carm. Regional Convention that jumps and with awakening sound effects on the screen projection on June 3, 2003. A multimedia projection system directly hooked into the computer system of Mount Carmel College spiced our Regional Convention with high tech artistry. Tony dela Cruz pointed out that this is to taste the fruits, .."lami kaayo!" (so tasty). It was a triennial assessment and clarification of issues and concerns regarding the School Ministry, Parish Work, Formation, Associateship, Community Life and Ministries so Marlon and Noel pointed out while facilitating the convention attended by 38 participants from Negros and Cebu. The participants are from the clusters of the Friars, Associates, TOC, Parish Pastoral Council, Parish workers, youth, SFIC sisters and lay co-workers. It was one of the well-prepared conventions considering the use of computer powerpoint and other media in presenting points for discussions and clarifications. The June 4 culminating day was the presentation of 3 movies made locally "2004 Ping - Gloria Showdown", "The Hiding Place of Sadam?" and "What is Escalante without MCC?" These are directed by the Friars and acted by the Friars, Associates, TOC, the sisters and co-workers. An instant film festival was organized by Manoy to award the best movie, script, actors and actresses and directors to show that we've got some local talents. It was also shown on the screen the ambush interviews made by Vermont and Lino. Everything is on video and can be ordered. The evening of July 4th is capped with videoke when Tim would belt out a song even if that number is not for him. But no complaints were made by the Carmelite Family of Escalante. The Fraternal spirit soars high for the "journey goes on", whatever this means. |
| MAY - JUNE 2003 |
| Past Issues: 2003 January - February March - April 2002 May - June July - August September - October November - December |
 |
