Fifth Spirituality Forum and Carmelite Course in Inter-Faith Dialogue

in Manila: A Success!

From CSM to ISA: taking the challenge in Asia!

After five years of existence since its inception in 1999, the Center for
Spirituality-Manila has deemed itself ready enough to take the challenge of
becoming an institute for the study of spirituality in Asia. Hence, during its
August 9, 2005 its Executive Board decided meeting to rename the center to
Institute of Spirituality in Asia (ISA). The Board also elected its new
chairperson and appointed a new member of its Directing Team (which will
now be called Executive Committee). The new officers are the following:

Chairperson : Fr. Artemio D. Jusayan, O.Carm

Vice-chair : Fr. Tjeu Timmermans, O.Carm

Executive Director : Fr. Christian B. Buenafe, O.Carm

Director for Research : Fr. Esmeraldo A. Reforeal, O.Carm
and Publications
Director for Academics: Fr. Rico P. Ponce, O.Carm
and Curriculum Development
Director for Finance : Fr. Pedro M. Manilag, O.Carm
and Administration

Steering Committee: Fr. Marlon A. Lacal, O.Carm.

(Nijmegen)

The staff is now working for the institute’s registration with the Philippine’s
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

ISA also approved two research projects for this fiscal year: 1) “Developing a
Spirituality of Integrity among Public Servants” with Fr. Albert Alejo, SJ of
Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus as research fellow, and 2) “Sound,
Spirit and Healing in the Philippines” with Ms. Grace Nono-Aves of Tao
Foundation for Culture and Arts as research fellow. These new projects bring
to twelve the total of ISA’s supported projects since 2001. ISA also has issued
six (6) publications since 2003.

Carmelite Course on Spirituality & Interfaith Dialogue

The 2-part Carmelite Course on Spirituality and Interfaith Dialogue was
held successfully on August 1-7, 2005 attended by Carmelites from Vietnam
(Fr. Paul Denault, O.Carm), Indonesia (Frs. Hugo Susdiyanto, O.Carm &
Yustinus Slamet Riyadi, O.Carm), Australia (Fr. Ken Petersen, O.Carm & Bro.
Paul Sireh, O.Carm), The Netherlands (Frs. Tjeu Timmermans & Kees Waaijman),
India (Fr. Francis Vineeth,CMI) and the General Curia (Fr. Anthony Scerri,
O.Carm).

The first part of the course featured annual SPIRITUALITY FORUM, now in on its
5th year. It was held in Mark Horan Hall of the Mount Carmel Shrine Parish
in New Manila, Quezon City with an average of 175 participants from August
1-3,2005. There were a total of thirteen (13) speakers for 6 major topics: (1)
Spirituality of Interfaith Dialogue, (2) Christians in Dialogue with Indigenous
spiritualities in the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and Australia, (3)
Christians in Dialogue with Islamic Spirituality in the Philippines and in Indonesia,
(4) Christians in Dialogue with Hindu Spirituality, (5) Buddhists in dialogue with
Christianity in the Philippines, and (6) Christians in Dialogue with emerging
spiritualities. Members of the International Academic Advisory Board, Fr.
Eliseo Mercado, OMI, Fr. Francis Vineeth, CMI and Fr. Kees Waaijman,
O.Carm also presented their formal reactions to the papers presented.

On August 4, 2005, a special tour to sacred spaces in Manila was organized

for 32 participants who signed up to visit and learn from the Buddhist Temple
in Malate, the Hindu Temple in Paco, the Manila Golden Mosque and the
Shrine of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo. Lunch was served at Leau’ Vive
French Resto run by the Donum Dei Missionary Sisters in Paco, Manila.

The second part of the course focused on Carmelite Spirituality in dialogue

with other faith traditions. Titus Brandsma Center played host to the 87
participants from different Carmelite congregations (Calced Carmelites,
Discalced Carmelites, Carmelites of Our Lady, Carmelite Missionaries, Sisters of Mt.
Carmel) as well as members of the tertiaries from both orders (TOC and
OCDS), on August 5-7,2005. The key topics and speakers were:

Carmelite Spirituality in dialogue with great Spiritual

traditions in the world (Carmel’s gifts to Inter faith Dialogue)
by Fr. Kees Waaijman, O.Carm

Challenges of Asian faith traditions to Carmelite Spirituality

by Fr. Francis Vineeth, CMI

Sharing of experiences by Carmelites in different faith
communities
• Carmelites in Vietnam by Fr. Paul Denault, O.Carm
• Carmelites in Basilan, Philippines by Bro. Noel
Cabayas, OCD
• Carmelites in Vietnam by Bro. Francis Nguyen Quach
Tien, OCD
• Carmelites in the Lanao, Philippines by Sr. Angie
Donado, O.Carm
• Carmelites in Indonesia by Fr. Hugo Susdiyanto,
O.Carm
• Carmelites in Australia by Fr. Ken Petersen, O.Carm

Carmelite Spirituality: A Source and Resource for Interfaith

Dialogue
by Fr. Esmeraldo Reforeal, O.Carm

Carmel in Asia: prospects, opportunities and hopes for inter-

faith dialogue by Fr. Anthony Scerri, O.Carm

After identifying the key elements of interfaith dialogue, the high point of the
discussions centered on how interfaith dialogue should be emphasized in the
formation of young Carmelites. Fr. Anthony Scerri, O.Carm, the O.Carm General
Councilor for Asia, Australia and Africa challenged everyone to see “inter-
religious dialogue not as simply an optional adjunct to our being Christians and
Carmelites, it is an essential and integral part of our vocation and mission.”

The sharing of experiences of interfaith dialogue was an enriching process for

everyone who took part in these seven days of reflection and discussion.

Colloquium on Spirituality and the Development Workers

In coordination with the Management and Organizational Development

for Empowerment (MODE), a capacity-building/training institute, ISA
organized an afternoon-long discussion among 45 development workers
on August 26, 2005 at Crispin Hall, Titus Brandsma Center. The activity
provided a space for the development workers, who have mostly served
for more than 10 years in community development work, to share their
insights on what sustains and nourishes them. The team of Fr. Carlos
 Ronquillo, CSsR and Ton Danenberg presented a two-part discussion
paper culled from the results of their research on Spirituality and the Social
Movement.

Two major points were discussed: the spirituality of the development

worker himself/herself and the spirituality in development work itself. It
was a rare moment for the development workers to gather and share
insights, notwithstanding their different ideological stands, and the
different arena of development struggle they have taken through the
years. The participants asked for a second round of discussions to deepen
what surfaced during this first gathering of development workers. ISA is
looking forward to organizing more on this discussion.

ISA in the 1st Philippine Studies Conference in the Visayas

Fr. Esmeraldo Reforeal. O.Carm, the ISA Director for Research &
Publications and Ms. Maria Rowena O. Ladaga, the ISA Research
Coordinator attended a two-day seminar-workshop on 1st Philippine
Studies Conference in the Visayas on September 9-10,2005 in Cebu City.
The team was able to acquaint themselves with the trends, issues and
concerns of research in the Visayas region, as well as to link up with
research institutes in the area.

BALITAAN

Crispin Offermans Community

The student friary community is divided into two sub- communities. Crispin
Offermans Community at the Acacia compound and Isagani Valle Community in Sta.
Mesa. The communities voted to have separate coordinators for each house with
separate Bro. Jonathan Seforia is the Coordinator of Crispin Community and Bro. Junel
Ryan Denolo the Coordinator of the Isagani Community. Bro. Romel Esmeria is the
procurator of the Crispin community while Bro. Realino Hermo is the procurator of the
Isagani community.

On the feast of St. Therese of Lisieux on October 1, there will be a night of

singing, dancing and storytelling entitled “Isang Gabi sa Karmelo” which is being
prepared by the student-friars themselves. The proceeds of this project will go to the
Carmelite all- formandi meet that will take place in Cebu City early January 2006.
 Meanwhile, the 4th year students started their pastoral exposure in the Carmelite
Parish in San Vicente Ferrer Parish Bagac, Bataan. They are Bros. Edwin Magbago,
Rhen Caculitan and Rodrigo Bautista, O.Carm. Bro. Arnold Alindayu is finishing his
research on the Church in the Malls? and Spirituality of Cenaculista of Makati. He also
finished his series of performances in the play of National Artist Nick Joaquin “The
Portrait of a Filipino as an Artist” at the University of Sto. Tomas Graduate School
Academic Theater. Bro. Benedicto Zaragosa came back last September 13, 2005 from a
one month exposure program in Quezon province with the third year student friars of
Isagani Community.

Isagani Valle

The student Friars in their third year of profession compose the newly revived inserted
community. They are Brothers Domingo Beato, Jerry Cañas, Gerald Flor Gutierrez,,
Junel Ryan Denolo, Allan Hagoriles, and Realino Hermo, O. Carm. Fr. Tim Jusayan, O.
Carm. is temporarily friar co- journeyer assigned with them. The community rents a
simple house located near the railways in Sta. Mesa, Manila and is named after Bro.
Isagani Valle, a Carmelite formand who was killed by military operatives while on
exposure in Mindanao in 1983. The students moved to their new place on July 24 and the
house blessing was on July 30, with Carmelites coming from the provinces who were to
attend the fifth Spirituality Forum.

Bro. Gerald Flor Gutirrez arrived from Europe on August 5 and was happy and spirited
in sharing not only the “pasalubong” but his experiences both in The Netherlands and
Spain. He arrived on the same day Bro. Jerry Canas celebrated his birthday. A simple
dinner was prepared which the communities of Crispin, Teresa and the neighborhood
shared.

From August 19 to September 12 Bros. Domingo Beato , Gerald Flor Guttierez, Junel
Ryan, and Alan Hagoriles were out for their exposure in Quezon Province. The exposure
is the practical aspect of their Pastoral Leadership and Management module. The
integration of their pastoral experiences was held at the Redemptorist House in Pansol,
Laguna from September 14-16. It was also a time for them relax and recreate as they
went swimming in the hot and cold pool of the place.

Bro. Jerry Cañas is enrolled at the Institute Formation for Religious Studies while Bro.
Realino Hermo is attending Don Bosco Center of Studies.

Spring of Carmel

Fr. Anton Hoogland left for the Netherlands for a 3-months vacation. Fr. Rico Sabanal,
O.Carm., co-formator of the Novitiate takes over Fr. Hoogland’s responsibilities.

July 24 was the Carmelite Family Day, a good opportunity for integration with O.Carm.-
OCD in their various branches of friars, sisters, religious and lay. One week after
(August 1-7), we enjoyed the Spirituality Lectures on Inter-faith Dialogue. It was a rich
experience, especially because of the presence of Carmelites from Australia, Papua New
Guinea, Indonesia, Vietnam, Rome and Netherlands. The days after we welcomed them
to our Novitiate house and had the opportunity to meet our brothers on a more personal
level.

August 21, Fr. Rico Sabanal left for Malang, Indonesia for the meeting of Carmelite
Formators in Asia-Australia. It was another integration and cooperation of Carmelites and
a fruitful togethering. Fr. Sabanal returned on September 1.

Sad news reached us on September 9, when we were informed that Archie Campañero
died. He was 11 years old and a 5th grader. His mother Norie Campanero is our
assistant in the house-hold. Archie contracted a severe case of Dengue.

Fr. Peter Kramer went with Fr. Martin Pierik to Tanay Carmel. The prioress, Mother de
los Angeles celebrated her golden jubilee of profession as a cloistered Carmelite nun and
at the same time the official blessing of the newly- completed monastery of Mary, Star of
the Sea. Bishop Gabriel Reyes of Antipolo was the presider of the thanksgiving mass
with a few other priests and well- wishers. Also present was Major Gen. Efren Porbon,
Commanding General, and a big group of military. The headquarters of the 2nd Infantry
Divisions is nearby the monastery of the nuns. In the last 3 to 4 months, about 30
soldiers have been helping in the construction of the monastery each day. This has been
a big support for the sisters and the military men and women were happy to be of help in
this community work.

Manila Carmel- Teresa of Avila Community

Fr. Antonio dela Cruz, O.Carm., transferred on June 17 to his parish assignment at the
Sacrada Familia Parish, Brgy Silangan, Quezon City. He was installed as its first parish
priest on September 25, 2005 by Bishop Antonio Tobias of the Diocese of Novaliches in
a solemn mass attended by the lay leaders and parishioners of the newly created parish.

During the last few days of July we were happy to welcome to our midst Fr. Ken
Petersen and Bro. Paul Sireh from Australia, Tjeu Timmermans and Kees Waayman from
the Netherlands, Anthony Scerri from the Curia in Rome, Frs. Justinus Slamet Riyadi and
Hugo Susdiyanto from Indonesia and Fr. Francis Vineeth from India. All came to attend
Spirituality Forum V and Carmelite Spirituality and Interfaith Dialogue.
Most of the Filipino confreres arrived on July 30 for the same forum.

On July 31, 2005 in the presence of Bro. Alain Balasabas received the Order of
Diaconate from Bishop Tobias of the Diocese of Novaliches.

All community members attended the 3 day Spirituality Forum V. held in the Mark
Horan Hall, Mount Carmel Shrine parish, Broadway, New Manila, Quezon City.
Fr.Tjeu Timmermans O.Carm., vice chairman of the Consultative Board of the Center for
Spirituality Manila (CSM) opened the three day event. The Carmelite Spirituality and
Religious Dialogue course from August 5 till 7 was conducted at the Crispin Hall of the
Titus Brandsma Center Student Friary.

Rev. Paul Sireh, O.Carm. who belongs to the Australian- Tinmor Lorosae province,
stayed a few days more for visitations and inquiries about the different formation
institutes and theological seminaries in Manila accompanied by Fr. Esmeraldo Reforeal,
O.Carm. Being from Papua New Guinea himself on August 14, he organized a Papua
New Guinea Day for religious and priests from that country. Seven attended the joyful
gathering at our monastery in Manila.

On August 20 in the Crispin Hall of the Titus Brandsma Center we attended the report of
Ton Danenberg and Fr Carlos Ronquillo, CSsR on the research project on Indigenous
Spirituality.

Fr. Artemio Jusayan, O.Carm. left on August 27 for New York where he will stay a few
days and meet Fr. Arsitarco Escobal, O.Carm. In the beginning of September, he will
proceed to Brazil to attend the Council of Provinces starting September 4 in Sao Paulo.

History was made on August 29. As Titus Brandsma Guest Houses closed their doors
after saying good bye to the last group occupying the Elisha and Elijah houses; a
Japanese Youth group accompanied by a Japanese PIME missionary priest working in
Japan. The group had been on exposure in the Prelature of Infanta in Quezon and Aurora
provinces.

On September 1, Frs. Rico Sabanal, Pedro Manilag and Noel Rosas arrived from
Indonesia where they attended the Asia- Australia Carmelite Formators meeting. It was a
good and enriching encounter with formators in the region. There were 16 delegates to at
the meeting.

On September 3 at 6:30 P.M. the Teresa Community, Student Friars and co-workers
gathered at the new shop of Mr. Jess Alimojaned, our carpenter-maintenance man near
the Basketball court. Fr. Martin Pierik blessed the new shop, being the nerve center of the
maintenance of Manila Carmel. For the last time, Mrs. Melba Aguirre, the chef of Titus
Brandsma Center prepared a delicious meal and we joined the student friars in their
weekly community evening. At 7:30 am on September 5, 2005 a group of 18 workers of
RJ Landoy and Associates, Inc. entered the compound and started the renovation of the
two buildings. The project will take about 3 months to finish.

Cebu Carmel Community

San Alberto feast day will be celebrated on September 15. A triduum of masses and
prayers in honor of the patron saint of the Cebu Formation Center will start on the
evening of September 12.
Minor renovation and beautification is continuous with the construction of the small
lagoon and nipa hut that further adds to the ambience of the place conducive for living.
The chapel has a new sound system with the renovation of the sacristy is continuing.

Individual consultation and spiritual direction are simultaneously conducted among

seminarians by our friars formators to ensure the individual’s motivational and spiritual
growth. Bro. Edilberto dela Peña, O.Carm., conducted a series of remedial classes in
English and Mathematics among the first year seminarians.

Our seminarians will be have a semestral break in October. They will go home to their
respective families for a family visit and integration and for vocation animation and
campaign works facilitated and guided by our own vocation promoters.

Agusan Carmel Community

Bro. Alaindelon Balasabas, who just made his solemn profession and deaconate
ordination is the newest member of the community. Fr. Artemio Jusayan, O.Carm.
Commissary General visited the community for the community planning for the next
three years. The community elected Fr. Noel Rosas as their prior. The other members
were also given tasks; Fr. Eduardo Albiño, as parish-priest and in-charge of the farm;
Bro. Alaindelon Balasabas, O.Carm., is the Procurator, Liturgists and Youth in-charge;
Fr. Gabriel Dolotina, O.Carm., is the Procurator of the postulancy program, Vocation
Animator in Mindanao, President of the three Schools, Fr. Modesto Malandac, O.Carm.,
is Parish-priest of Rosario; Atty. Carlito Ranoco and Mrs. Rowena Ranoco our couple
Associates are in-charge of the JPIC and community chronicle.

The community fosters community activities that will continuously support community
life in prayer, community and service. Community prayers are held everyday after
supper. Common meals and recreation with the postulants, sisters and associates are
celebrated every Thursday evening and community morning prayer at the farm every
Thursday morning and Saturday depending on the parish schedule. A community
meeting is held every Monday with the community gathered together to talk on issues
and individual welfare for the community to discern where it can be of help.

The community at the present moment is looking forward for some events and activities
which will be hosted here in the community such as the Commissary General and
Council Meeting, the Pastors’ Conference, the Justice and Peace and Integration of
Creation Commission meeting in October this year.

Postulancy Formation

The postulants are now in their second 5-day module on Psycho-Emotional Formation
facilitated by Miss. Cynthia Lakip. The focus of the module is their Inner Child.
The month of August was a challenging yet joyful month for them as they immersed
themselves in the three schools of the Order in Agusan. They spent their month giving
classroom instruction while discerning for the possibility of school ministry in the future
It was indeed a formative experience for them. They are in unison saying that teaching is
first and foremost a relationship.

This coming October, they are preparing for another month-long immersion with the
Lumads (indigenous Filipino people) in the areas of the Religious of the Good Shepherd
(RGS) sisters in Kalilid, San Luis, Agusan del Sur. They will live and experience how
the Lumads live in communion with the creation and a special way of community life.

The postulants participated in an overnight Vocation Jam organized by the Diocese of

Butuan last September 10-11, 2005. With them was Bro. Alaindelon Balasabas, through
the initiative of Fr. Gabriel Dolotina, O.Carm. The Carmelites prepared Vocation
Information Booth in the field of Fr. Urios High School, Ampayon, Butuan City for the
young men who are searching for more information about religious and Carmelite life.
The event was filled with prayers, songs, dances, sharing of vocation stories framed in
the celebration’s theme, “Gitawag Ka. . . Korek!” (You are being called . . . Correct!) It
was culminated with the Eucharistic Celebration at 4 in the morning presided by Most
Rev. Juan de Dios M. Pueblos. DD.

With this, let us pray always for the postulants to capture the wisdom of their experience
to live and apply them in the formation program of Carmel.

MCC-San Francisco

Last June 25, 2005, Mt. Carmel College of San Francisco, Inc. entered into a
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Local Government of San Francisco to
commence their Community Outreach Program at Purok 8, Barangay San Isidro. The
program is participated in by the faculty and staff and includes: the 3 RS – reading,
writing and arithmetic for the children ages 4 – 7, including the adult literacy which is
facilitated by the elementary and preparatory teachers every Saturday. The High School
teachers take care of the mothers and fathers in the homemaking schedule every other
Saturday while the College faculty prepared the basics of accounting and booking,
budgeting, entrepreneurship and simple business planning. On the other hand, the non-
teaching and administrators focused on mental health which confronts family
relationships and family handling, decision making and understanding the role of parents
and sons and daughters in this present state. The three months program gives a positive
spirit to the community and the faculty and staff of MCC-SF in the area of partnership
and co-responsibility. Both realized that a simple step of being together and sharing a
little of both time and knowledge/skills can make a difference. This program will
continue until March 2006.
Egay, the Serpent Eagle

Mr. Carmel College of San Francisco became the caretaker of Egay of a serpent eagle
which the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR – Region) turned
over to them last August 15, 2005. The eagle was captured in Cabadbaran, Agusan del
Norte and was surrendered to DENR – Butuan. Egay enjoys his big enough cage and
is regularly visited by the school children. Egay has now becomes a new sensation on the
campus.

ESCALANTE Community

The Information Age calls for networking, mixing and positioning as essential elements
to survive. As president of Mt. Carmel College – Escalate, Negros Occidental, Fr.
Reynold Caigoy, O.Carm. represented the concerns of MCC in organizational gatherings
of administrators and heads. CONGRATULATIONS to Fr. Reynold H. Caigoy, O.Carm.
for being elected as President of ACUNO (Association of Colleges and Universities in
Negros Occidental), Vice-President of ATINO Association of Technical Institutes in
Negros Occidental) and Vice-President of ANOPSAI (Association of Negros Occidental
Private Schools and Administrators Incorporated).

**********

“BUWAN NG WIKA”

As a tribute to our National Language, a week-long activity was held at Mt. Carmel
College (MCC) last August 16-19, 2005. The Filipino Club of both College and High-
School Departments prepared musical and literary shows, dances and games, all rendered
in Filipino. Kiosks were also decorated to showcase the three regions – Luzon, the
Visayas and Mindanao – their beauty spots, food delicacies, history and other pertinent
information. It was a successful week of the Carmelian Family celebration gathering the
parents, alumni, students, teachers and administrators of MCC.

**********

GO FOR GOLD

Fr. Christopher Exala, O.Carm. won the only gold medal for the Diocese of San Carlos in
Billard Singles during the 4th Negros-Siquijor Clergy Festival last August 29-September
1, 2005 at Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental. The celebration gathered all the clergy
and bishops of four dioceses comprising the islands of Negros-Siquijor – the Dioceses of
Bacolod, Kabankalan, Dumaguete and San Carlos. The theme of the gathering was: “The
Clergy journeying with the people, nourished by the Eucharist”, it was a nourishing,
inspiring and strengthening four-day celebration for all.
 **********

RUBY ANNIVERSARY OF FR.HARRY

The 40th Anniversary Celebration of Fr. Harry Bloem, O.Carm. was celebrated with
solemnity in the presence of the Carmel Family together with the parish staff of the Old
and New Escalante parishes, and some few friends inside the convent. Collage of pictures
reminiscing Fr. Harry’s 40 years of stay in the Philippines decorated the sala. During the
mass Fr. Ton Mol, O.Carm. gave a testimonial story of Fr.Harry’s inspiring life as a
religious missionary in the Philippines. Forty years have passed and Fr. Harry remains a
living inspiration to the young Carmelites. In the wake of secularization in his country
and the disappointments of many clergy leaving the priesthood because of changes by
Vatican II, the ordaining bishop’s first answer to Fr. Harry’s request for ordination at that
time was – “How dare you ask me to ordain you?” As Fr. Ton Mol said: “Indeed Fr
Harry belonged to a new breed of Dutch missionary who opted for the Philippines. Fr.
Paul’s follow-up of Fr. Harry’s prophetic witnessing testified that Fr.Harry was “a
courageous Carmelite who had all the guts to claim the dead bodies of the victims of
Escalate massacre at a well guarded military camp during the martial law of Marcos
when others were afraid to do so.” Indeed as the Prioress of TOC in Escalate,
Emerenciana Llavore, put it: “Fr. Harry is a true Carmelite.” Aside from the many
greetings and cheers, affirmations were also expressed on how good Fr. Harry is as a
parish pastor. To the “Deaf and Mute Program,” he “provides the handicapped – deaf and
mute - with hope to be more human…” Indeed the 40 years of Fr. Harry as a Carmelite
religious was fruitful. He is truly a gift to the Church and the Order in the Philippines.

**********

THREE-IN-ONE

Three-in-one: The birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Confirmation Rite of 168
students of Mount Carmel College (MCC) and the 4th Anniversary of the Episcopal
Ordination of Bishop Jose Advincula Jr. D.D., who was also presiding at the rite last
September 8, 2005, at 9:00 in the morning at the Solidarity Hall of the school. The staff
of the Christian Formation Program, headed by Sr. Ma. Grace de Guzman, SFIC made all
the preparations – orientation of the students, the liturgy and the program after the mass.
It was a surprise for the Bishop that his 4th Episcopal Anniversary was celebrated with
dances, singing and testimonial sharing by the faculty and staff of MCC. The friars,
associates and tertiaries from Escalante Community were also present.

**********

MEDALS FOR MCC

Mt. Carmel College participated in the City Sports Meet held in Escalante City, Negros
Occidental last September 15-17, 2005. Over-all the students garnered 18 gold medals
from the 100 meter dash run, long jump, 2nd set single badminton boys, double
badminton boys and girls, mixed-double badminton in elementary, all categories in lawn
tennis elementary, chess high school boys, extemporaneous speech in high school,
declamation in Filipino and pop songs; 7 silver medals and 6 bronze medals. Such
participation echoed back the call of MCC Intramurals’ 2005 theme: “Enhancing total
human development through sports and cultural arts.”

**********

REMEMBERING 20th ESCALANTE MASSACRE

To honor the martyrdom of those killed in the infamous Escalate Massacre 20 years ago,
a Eucharistic celebration commenced the vigil ceremony in the evening of September 19,
2005, followed by a candle procession to the massacre site where prayers, a reading of
the gospel, candle lighting and testimonial sharing at the monument site followed. One of
the survivors, City Councilor Evelyn Hinolan, said: “I thank God for sparing me from
death that I may tell you the stories of those who were slain because they stood for a life
of justice, peace and abundance.” Representatives from the basic sectors were also
present.

The next day, at 9:00 in the morning of September 20, 2005 – the anniversary date of the
massacre, the Diocese of San Carlos Bishop Jose Advincula presided over the mass in
honor and memory of the victims. The celebration was meaningful with symbols offered
and placed in front of the altar to remind the people of the event. “That this will not be
repeated again,” echoed the plea of the homilist, Fr. Toto Narciso, the Parish Priest of
Queen of Peace Parish in Dian-ay. A procession to the monument site followed after the
mass and a multi-sectoral rally followed in the afternoon

TITUS BRANDSMA CENTER – MEDIA PROGRAM UPDATE

The 3rd TBCMP Media Education Mindanao Tour

(August 28 – September 13, 2005)

The following were the recipients of TBCMP modules/courses:

1. Stella Maris College, Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental

Courses: Parenting in a Multimedia Age, Introduction to Film Dialogue
and Festival of Films
Dates: August 28 – August 31, 2005
Participants: Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, parents, school personnel,
elementary, high school and college students.
2. St. Peter’s College Seminary, Ampayon, Butuan City
Courses: The State of Philippine Media and the Challenges of Social
Communication Towards Evangelization, Media and Spirituality thru Film
Dialogue and Teaching in the Multimedia Age
Dates: September 2-4, 2005
Participants: pre-college and college seminarians from different dioceses,
Missionary Sisters of Mary, catechists, diocesan workers, lay partners
from different parishes

3. Mount Carmel College – San Francisco, Agusan del Sur

Father Urios High School – Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur
Mount Carmel High School – Rosario, Agusan del Sur
Courses: Introduction to Film Dialogue
Dates: September 5-7, 2005
Participants: 3rd and 4th year high school students

4. St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary, Davao City

Courses: The State of Philippine Media and the Challenges of Social
Communication Towards Evangelization, Media and Spirituality thru Film
Dialogue
Dates: September 8, 2005
Participants: Theology students from 15 archdioceses and dioceses in
Mindanao

5. 20 school members of Davao Association of Colleges and Schools (DACS)

Philippine Women’s College – Matina, Davao City
Courses: Teaching in a Multimedia Age and Media and Spirituality thru
Film Dialogue
Date: September 10, 2005
Participants: administrators, campus ministers, faculty
6. St. Peter’s College of Toril, Davao City
Courses: Teaching in a Multimedia Age and Media and Spirituality thru Film
Dialogue
Date: September 10, 2005
Participants: Presentation of Mary sisters, school administrators, faculty and
staff

7. TDM- run schools: Holy Cross Academy of Sasa, Davao City

Courses: Teaching in a Multimedia Age and Media and Spirituality thru
Film Dialogue
Date: September 12, 2005
Participants: administrators, faculty of 8 TDM (Teresian Daughters of
Mary) - run schools

8. Notre Dame of Dadiangas College, General Santos City

 Courses: Teaching in a Multimedia Age and Media and Spirituality thru
Film Dialogue
Date: September 13, 2005
Participants: school administrators, chaplains, campus ministers, faculty
and catechists of different parishes, diocesan workers

Other seminars/workshops TBCMP conducted:

LUZON

9. San Agustin Diocesan Academy, Jaen, Nueva Ecija

Courses: Teaching in the Multimedia Age and Media and Spirituality thru
Film Dialogue; Media Education through Film Dialogue
Dates: September 21-23, 2005
Participants: faculty and highschool students

10. Mater Carmeli School, D. Tuazon Street, Quezon City

Course: Parenting in the Multimedia Age
Date: September 25, 2005
Participants: parents of Grades 4-6 and Carmelite Missionaries

Upcoming 4th Mindanao Tour will be in February 2006. Other Luzon and Visayas tours
are on the way in the last quarter of this year.

“Indie”pendence Month. July was the Month of Independent Filmmaking,

pelikula@titusbrandsma celebrated the “Indie” month for filmmakers. The first part of
the celebration, the pelikula core group showed different “indie” films from the Negros
Workshops which won different prizes. The second part opened the 2nd Media and
Spirituality Forum entitled: “Spirituality of Storytelling.” Invited scriptwriter guests were
Armando “Bing” Lao (Takaw Tukso) and Chris Martinez (Bikini Open, Bridal Shower).
The forum started with a showing of the critically acclaimed film in the 80’s entitled
“Takaw Tukso” (Uncut version) directed by William Pascual. Students, lay partners and
a number of religious attended the forum.

NEGROS CARMELITE FAMILY GATHERING 2005

“Our Carmelite Family gathering should be fun. You know most of us are senior
citizens”, said a TOC in the core group. “It should be in the form of games, dancing,
singing and not long lectures”, she continued. “But the Carmelite Family is not
composed only of senior citizens, but there are also junior citizens”, replied another one
in the core group. So it ended up a family gathering which should be fulfilling, warm and
informative.
“Can we talk about leadership or management? We have problems with relationships
between our officers and members” raised by one. “But that topic is very internal to one
community and should be addressed by that community. Can we have something which
is common to all? suggested another. So it was decided that the topic is on “OUR
CARMELITE MISSION: PASSION FOR CHRIST,PASSION FOR HUMANITY.” Fr.
Reynold Caigoy, O. Carm shared reflections on the theme followed by an open forum.

On July 23, 2005, 152 Carmelites from 14 communities gathered at the Carmelite
Monastery of Our Lady of Maravillas and St. Joseph, Agan-an, Sibulan for the encounter.
Friars, associates, TOC, and youth of Escalante Carmel, the Brown Scapular
confraternities from Zamboangita and La Libertad ; and Dumaguete Carmel the host of
the family gathering prepared well the site of the meet. The sisters of the Blessed Virgin
of Mt. Carmel (BVMC) who are present in Dumaguete and Valencia attended the
gathering.

Indeed it was fun. Each community introduced games such as anaconda, picture frame,
indoor basketball, fish fan., animal sounds, among others. The “balitaan” were in
creative forms: TOC Escalante presented their whole year activities creatively and
follwed by a dance with colorful umbrellas, TOC Sibulan with a deaf and mute conflict
which ended in forgiveness, TOC Dumaguete with Marian songs. The Sisters of Mt.
Carmel presented their ministries thru a “radio” program; the Carmelite Sisters of Our
Lady did an interpretative dance “The Prayer”. The Friars and associates of Escalante
highlighted their news with the visit of President GMA and Kris Aquino to Mount
Carmel Church and School. The confraternity of La Libertad presented their history in
drama form. The youth of Escalante also employed radio style about the place of the
youth within a family in conflict. The Carmelite cloistered nuns presented their life in a
CD, “Women Behind the Grills and Juliet”. The rest of the communities shared songs .

A Eucharistic celebration ended the day and Bro. Franz Kl. Koerkamp congratulated
everyone for a successful and joy-filled day. A short meeting of representatives followed
and they chose Sr. Gina Yabo, O.Carm. and Melvin Kl. Koerkamp, O.Carm. as
coordinators for this year until the next family gathering.

Thanks to Sr. Baybeth Marie Andaya, Carm.O.L. for accommodating the Escalante
Carmel delegation in Stella Maris Retreat House; the contribution of the TOC and other
communities in Dumaguete in terms of food which provided a warm welcome to those
who came from far places.

Finally the letter of Fr. Christian Buenafe, O.Carm., the Commissary Councilor for the
Carmelite Family to the Negros Carmelite Family Gathering on “What is it to be a
Carmelite in the Philippine context?” inspired everybody. The talk of Fr. Reynold
Caigoy on the “Passion of Christ, Passion for Humanity” enlightened us as Carmelites.
Thanks to Nikki, youth of Dumaguete who made the venue lively through the props.
FROM YCPF DIRECTOR

My dear Brothers and Sisters,

My ten (10) weekend Mission Appeal with the Carmelites of St. Elias province was
doing well. I would like to tender my warmhearted thanks to our Carmelite brothers of St.
Elias, Fr. Michael Kissane, Prior Provincial, Fr. Sean Harlow, Mission procurator for
giving me the opportunity to share insights on the Carmelite Mission in Asia in
particular, the Philippines to the different places namely: Brewer-Maine, Buffalo-NY,
Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, Middletown-NY, Boca Raton-Florida. My great
appreciation too to the Carmelite community in Manhattan for their hospitality and
support during my stay in the community.

My ten weeks in NYC has offered me a chance to get in touch with Filipinos and share
with them about Carmel-Phil’s and its development on its way to become an independent
province. My great appreciation to all my friends in NYC, who bigheartedly shared their
time and resources for the success of my mission activities with the Filipinos. Thank you
very much to Msgr. Aquino, a native of Cebu and presently working in the chancery
office at the tribunal in the archdiocese of New York. To the Filipinos whom I’ve met at
the Philippine Pastoral Center-of the Archdiocese of NY. Especial mention to Rowena
Gacoscosin, Lou Lozano, Coney, Bethoven, the Living Font prayer community-Forest
hill, NY, Rose Abraham, Sylvia Yason, friends of Palengke Store-Jamaica, NY.

My one month stay in Arlington, Virginia was also very enriching. I should extend my
great appreciation to my cousin and sister Ms. Elly Escobal and Ms. Lina Olaer, my host
and my driver during my one month stay there. Thank you very much Elly for paving the
way for me in inviting and meeting some parishioners of St.Ann Parish, Arlington, to Frs.
Grehold and Merkel, and to some parishioners for their huge support to me.

My great appreciation to Letty Buan of Bowe, Maryland for her great concern and
support to the foundation. To Ramon and Espie Lomosbog who moved to Jacksonville,
Florida and hosted a Filipino mass on the occasion of the house blessing.
To all members of Our Lady of Penafrancia group, the Bicolanos especially to Mr. and
Dra. Ellen Carag, thank you.

To my new contacts and to all members of Young Carmel Phil’s Foundation, thank you
and rest assured that your contribution will benefit the education of the Carmelite
seminarians in the Philippines.

In Carmel,

Fr. Aristarco Escobal, O.Carm.

Advanced Birthday Greetings!

OCTOBER

OCTOBER

1 Santiago, Eduardo (Canada)

Comandante, Francisco
3 Tescon, Anita G.
De Dios, Joaquin Rafael
Rasco, Jose (Canada)
Negapatan, Erlinda
Cordova, Cancio
Mata, Teresita
4 Omandan, Samantha (Canada)
Galinato, Rosario (NY)
5 Lorod, Florida
Cawson, Floriana (CA)
Roxas, Monette (MD)
Paglinawan, Lou2
Resimo, Josefina
6 Ducay, Paul
Atordido, Marie Tess (NY)
8 Carandang Arturo Gener
Casidsid, Lucia
Tan, Theresa
Suazo, Razel
9 Aduano, Rosario R.
11 Rogando, Noli Patrick
Pacatang, Jopacs
12 Capitan, Rolina V.
Cueto, Maria (MD)
Galagala, Wilfredo
13 Oliveria, Maridi (Canada)
Orig, Jean (Canada)
Caleon, Isabel
Bueno, Chato
14 Cueto, Danilo (MD)
Ocampo, Virginia
Dejuras, Nenita (IL)
Fernandez, Linda
Reyes, Virgie
15 Aldana, Isabelle Elanee
Panlilio, Bob (NJ)
Navano, Daisy
Sison, Teresita
16 Mangila, Florentina
Amodia, Nina
17 Bueno, Jet
18 Omandan, Amelita (FL)
20 Morgado, Roel (Canada)
Trinilla, Perla
Cebrian, Fe
Dempsey, Zeny (CA)
Zabat, Ardie
21 Sulay, Vangie (Canada)
Matillano, Carrie (NY)
Solomon, Ursula (Canada)
Balbin, Elizabeth
Ablie, Esteria Regalado
22 Miranda, Dolores
Abalajon, Judy
Arce, Aurelia
Camacho, Pamela
23 Amar, Samuel
Samia, Ester
Obsioma, Osita
Cancio, Carmelo Joaquin
24 Dela Cruz, Remegio V.
Ayroso, Roselinda
27 Encarnacion, Juliana R.
29 Reganti, Citizen Rey M.
Ramos, Cora (USA)
Camacho, Daniel
30 Paylaga, Delia (NY)
Tolosa, Teresa
Nini, Fronni
Amodia, Charlyn
Tirambulo, Amparo

NOVEMBER

1 Gabutan, Maricel
Serrano, Kathleen
Buñag, Ofelia S.
Jutic, Crisanta
2 Fernandez, Neslie
 Mendiola, Soledad
3 Vailoces, Ricardo (Canada)
Teodoro, Mary Grace
Robante, Sylvia (USA)
Baldoza, Joseph (IL)
5 Frias, Noel
6 Angeles, Severo (Canada)
Soriben, Sharon
Subsuban, Leonardo
Nartatez, Marilyn
7 Quemuel, Regina
8 Cabahug, Marina
Chan, Frediswinda
Perez, Nelly Grace S.
9 Sabaña, Wilmar
Del Castillo, Romana Lopez
10 Bueno, Cidele H.
Merluza, Avelina L.
11 Tamba, Ritchie
So, Nolito Igana
Boyi, Mariel Rosas
Eugenio, Helen (CA)
13 Tantiongco, Gloria G.
Barrios, Tony (Canada)
Cinco, Nilda (IL)
14 Simbajon,Leopoldo
Sanchez,Venerando
Locsin, Sergio
Nicanor, Allende (NY)
16 Baron, Edith
17 Dacquel, Nellie (NY)
Tan Felix, Leticia
Lim, Prospero A. (NY)
Dempsey, Jim
18 Lopez, Remy (Canada)
Dagum, Romel
19 Omandam, Rogelio (Canada)
Ferrer, Anna Ma.
20 Febria, Bernie (Canada)
21 Sia, Dyland (IL)
Sung, Mary C.
Rejas, Merly
Ambo, Presentacion
Yap, Cecilia A.
22 Calang, Luis
23 Jimenez, Cicilio
24 Bautista, Florinda
Rulloda, Consolacion (IL)
Robante, Carmelito (USA)
Omandam, Nestor (FL)
Dante, Kathy Mae
Aludo, Alfredo
25 Abonitalla, Gonzaga (NY)
Quirante, Zenaida
27 Uy, Daniel
28 Mendoza, Estela (NY)
Rogando, Catherine G.
Veran, Rigor
Violago, Catherine
Pocot, Cresencia
Milo, Ondoy
29 Ampong, Lita
Narisma, Sisirio
30 Lasam, Candida
Magalued, Eduardo,Sr. (CA)
Tiu, Marilyn

DECEMBER

2 Angeles, Elsa (Canada)

4 Bartolome, Concepcion (NJ)
Generoso, Jaydee
5 Sarga, Carmelita
6 Balasbas, Fely (USA)
Ganotisi, Mandante
7 Reyes, Santiago Viña
Bernabe, Jacob Ryan De dios
Dagum, Lydia
Dagaang, Norma
Maguate, Alma
8 Basco, Concepcion (CA)
Baylon, Connie
Maradero, Concepcion
Plaza, Teddy
11 Lim, Rosella (MD)
Monterona, Alma
12 Danlag, Basilina
Bosco, Dan K. (CA)
15 Bagombod, Judy
Agero, Cristina B.
17 Felipe, Samuel
Enriquez, Domingo (Canada)
18 Raneses, Felipe (IL)
Rendon, Ma.Remedios
Paliza, Remedios O.
19 Limbuo, Lulu
Baba, Gloria
Naparota, Gorgonia
Cruz, Erning
20 Lagat, Carol
22 Galagala, Ma. Estrella
Ofredo, Nenitha
Lingcong,Edwardo P.
24 Tiu, Herminia
23 Burkfield, Isabel
25 Fabella, Emmanuel (Canada)
Tan, Norma (Chicago)
Malow, Imelda
27 Bautista, Rosita S.
Remendado, Nenita A.
28 Cordura, Conchita (NJ)
So, Myrna
29 Valero, Carmen
30 Leyson, Edward
Octavo, Lilia G.
31 Febria, Linda (Canada)
Dumlao, Anne

Titus Brandsma Corner

Affective Prayer Based on Exercise of the Intellect

On opening her book, one reads what a high value she sets on imaginative and
intellectual meditation, though she likes to see it interrupted and alternated with acts of
love and gratitude. She admits that there can be a time in which the soul is so filled with
love that it is no longer necessary to awaken love by the effects of imaginative and
intellectual meditation. She expressly warns also that when God has filled the soul with
acts of love and gratitude, of admiration and joy, imaginative and intellectual meditation
and active contemplation cannot be neglected, because they are the general way of
moving the will to which we have to return.

The Beauty of Carmel

Titus Brandsma, page 86
 Editorial Board
Christian Buenafe
Sirenio Jaranilla
Ed Gerlock

Lay – Out Artist

Jofti Villena

Encoder
Normie Lacanilao

Contributors
Reynold Caigoy
Arnold Alindayu
Gerald Flor Guiterrez
Sarah Bisuña
Aristarco Escobal
Eddie Albiño
Gabriel Dolotina
Alaindelon Balasabas
Roberto Noel Rosas
Peter Kramer
Dick Russo Endriga
Bernard Roosendaal
Rowena Ladaga
Sheldon Tabile