(This version is based on the History that appeared on the First Statutes of Carmel Philippines when it was a Commissariat under the Carmelite Province of the Netherlands)
Fr. Brocardus Meyer, Provincial of the Dutch Carmelite Province together with Fr. Richard Vissers journeyed in 1957 to the Philippines looking for possibilities to start the Order here and to assist the local Church.
There are also indications that the Order had planned a possible support Center in the Pacific Region in the event the Dutch Carmelites were forced to leave Indonesia.
Invitations were received from the dioceses of Sorsogon, Cebu, Tuguegarao and Dumaguete. A final choice was made to accept the most northern part of the Diocese of Dumaguete on Negros Island, the Vicariate of Toboso, comprising the parishes of Toboso and Escalante and the Chaplaincy f Central Danao in the Province of Negros Occidental.
On March 1958, the St. Anthony Parish in Toboso, Negros Occidental was taken over together with the Chaplaincy of Central Danao.
March 15, 1958 is considered the founding Day of Carmel Philippines. Fr. Richard Vissers became the first Commissary Provincial.
CARMELITE FAMILY IN THE PHILIPPINES
The Carmelite Family in the Philippines is a multi-cultural group. It counts among its family members, the Carmelite friars, who are solemn professed, and the student friars, who are simple professed. They are called the First Order, because "they were the first to be established."
The nuns, cloistered contemplatives who live in monasteries are called the Second Order, because they started as Religious Order later than the friars.
Lay-people, attracted to the Vision and Mission of Carmel, have joined hands and formed the so called Third Order of Carmel (TOC). They follow the basic pattern of life of the nuns and friars inserting a life of prayer and contemplation within their lives. They too accept pastoral assignments within their respective parishes.
A group of congregations felt so closely related in their spirituality with that of the friars that they requested for an affiliation to the Order, a concrete expression of closeness to the same sources of inspiration.
A relatively new development is the association of laypeople with the Order. The laity may become members of the local communities and participate in some activities. They are called Associates.
And finally, there are numerous people wearing scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. All these group form together the Philippine Carmelite Family.
CARMELITES IN NEGROS
Escalante is the cradle of Philippine Carmel. In 1957, after a series of negotiations and visitations, the Dutch Carmel decided to accept the invitation and request of Bishop Epifanio Surban of the Diocese of Dumaguete and started its work in Northeast Negros.
Today after more than four decades, the Carmelites continue to serve the people through the pastoral care, school ministry, Lay Formation and BCC building, Media Education, Retreat work and Social Action.
Escalante City has a population of around 70,000 of which 85% are Catholic. The main source of income depends on the sugar industry and fisheries.
We have two Parishes: the Old town, (Old Escalante) and New Escalante (Balintawak). In line with the Vision Mission and Goals of the Commissariat and within the thrust of the Diocese we strongly promote the BCC/BEC program through the WESTO module. (Westo stands for Worship, Education, Services,Temporalities and Organisation) We are one with the mission of Jesus Christ and the Church: to be of service to the marginalized sectors of our society, empowering them towards the realization of the PCP II's vision of becoming the Church of the poor. We have tried to establish prayerful Christian communities where people can live in unity, in sharing and celebrating the victories and failures of life, where justice and righteousness will highly be regarded.
At the present in both parishes there are 120 BCC communities with their own set of leaders. Service programs like Health Care, organizing Farmers and Fishermen, promoting Justice and Peace are essential to establish BCC's. Other Organizations and movements which help in evangelizing the people are: The Apostolate of Prayer, Devotees of Our Lady of Fatima, the K of C, the Catholic Charismatic, the Youth, the Third Order of Carmel, CHRISFAM, CFC and Lay Ministers. Mount Carmel College with a population of 1000 students is an integral part of the Apostolate of the Carmelites.
The community also takes care of the postulancy formation program of the commissariat. The Carmelites in Agusan. On April 16, 1963,The Carmelites started their mission in Mindanao when they took over from the MSC, the Sacred Heart Parish in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. It became the center of their pastoral activities and of their religious community life. It was one parish, until, in the late 1980's, Prosperidad and Rosario became independent parishes. Recently, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, was created an independent parish and turned over back to the Diocese of Butuan. These four parishes used to comprise the Carmelite District. From the beginning, education was considered an important part of the apostolate through its three high schools, Fr. Urios High School, Prosperidad; Mount Carmel High School, Rosario; and Mount Carmel College of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.
A major concern was how to build a church, responsive to the signs of the times and how to unite different kinds of people coming from different islands and regions. Vatican II and the Mindanao-Sulu Pastoral Conferences gave a necessary push for more experimentation in the liturgy and for more participation of the laity, respectively.
During the Martial Law period the Carmelites participated actively in conscientization and awareness programs. They concentrated on sectoral organizations of farmers and plantation workers. Community programs and services like Cooperatives, Community Based Health, Justice and Peace were also promoted by the parish and its staff.
At present, the various parish programs, services and apostolates are implemented within the context of the Basic Christian Community or the Gagmay'ng Kristohanong Katilingban (GKK). There are now 133 GKK's in the Carmelite District being coordinated by their respective Parish Pastoral Councils. The GKK's are divided into districts. They are further subdivided into the basic units of family groupings. All its activities are implemented through the committees of WESTO ( Worship, Education, Services, Temporalities and Organizing). Special attention within the GKK's is given to the youth who have their own organization (KKK).
CARMELITES IN METRO MANILA (Teresa of Avila Community)
The Teresa of Avila Community is located on the boundary of New Manila and Cubao in Quezon City. The whole Carmelite area comprises the Titus Brandsma Center (for seminars, workshops, conferences, retreats, and symposia), the two houses (Elisha and Elijah communities) for the simple professed friars who study theology, and the Teresa of Avila building. This houses the Institute of Formation and Religious Studies (IFRS) which occupies the two lower floors and a small part of the third floor, and the Carmelite community which resides on the third and fourth floors.
The ground-breaking ceremony took place on the feast day of Teresa of Avila, Oct. 15, 1994 and the IFRS started operations one year later. The IFRS was blessed by Jaime Cardinal Sin on November 12,1995. In April 1996, the last Carmelite moved from Paco to this building.
The services given by the community are on two levels. One level provides services to the Carmelite friars and associates (secretariat, procure, accomodation, leadership and formation). The other serves directly people and groups in Metro Manila in line with the Carmelite Vision, Mission and Goals (tasks in cause-oriented groups, teaching, Titus Brandsma Center offering accomodation for seminars, symposia, etc., spirituality courses, mass media activities and pastoral assistance).
The center for spirituality, an institute for study and research of spirituality on a scientific level, is now being developed and will be Carmel's gift to Asia.
Other activities undertaken are: YCPF (for the financial support of seminarians and student friars, FIDoC (for the supply of magazines and books to the Philippine Documentation Center in Holland).
Unlike other Carmelite communities, the Teresa community has a wide variety of tasks. It is therefore a challenge to build community in this diversity. The Carmelite Rule and Constitutions, the Statutes and the Vision, Mission and Goals contribute greatly to make the Teresa community a lively and in the same time a homogeneous community.
THE CARMELITES IN CEBU: COLLEGE SEMINARY
The Carmelite college seminary is graced every year with a number of candidates for Carmelite life as priest or brothers. The first stage is crucial. It is the moment when a candidate starts opening up to guidance in his discernment. This guidance comes from the rich Carmelite tradition, the signs of the times, and ultimately, from the Holy Spirit.
The primary goal of the Carmelite college formation is to form candidates to become mature and responsible Christians, able to appreciate religious life as a possible option for the future. In particular, the program aims to develop the candidate's sense of belonging, teamworking and a healthy attitude towards authority. It promotes logical and critical thinking, the ability to comprehend and articulate ideas. The seminarian will learn to understand himself and to put this in words and concepts. It wants to develop a feeling for the poor and the ability to live with them. The program desires to develop openess and interest in spiritual growth and a personal relationship with God.
There are five areas of concern: Academics, Spirituality, Community Life, Pastoral and Psycho-spiritual development. Activities are planned within a particular area of concern according to the needs of each year level. Prayers, Eucharist, recollection, sport, classes are among the regular activities. Academic studies are taken at the university.
The Carmelite college seminary is situated in the heart of the Philippines, in Cebu City. The rich catholic Tradition here helps in developing a religious atmosphere. This seminary is situated in a neighborhood of mostly working class people. These people give their moral, spiritual and material support to the seminary. Some neighbors feel inspired by Carmel and are organized as a Carmelite Lay Community and Carmel Youth. Their presence gives a special color and flavor to certain seminary activities.
We pray and hope that more and more young people will join the Carmelite Order as brother or priest.
THE CARMELITE SCHOOLS IN THE PHILIPPINES: A MINISTRY OF LOVE
The Dutch Carmelite Friars who arrived in Negros Occidental in 1958 started the Carmelite presence in the Philippines. Education ministry is a major apostolate of the Order of Carmelites. Back in the Netherlands, the Carmelites were known to be educators and administrators of educational colleges and institutions.
The Carmelite School System in the Philippines (CSSP) has four member schools: one in Negros and 3 in Agusan. The CSSP envisions a Philippine society that is free, just, democratic and humane. It will strive to work for total human development based on Christian principles and values. Christian Formation is the core of the curriculum.
Mount Carmel College (formerly Mount Carmel High School) in Escalante was founded in 1961 and East Negros Academy of Toboso in 1964 (which was given to the Diocese in 1983). Both schools are in the province of Negros Occidental. When the Carmelites opened the Agusan Mission in 1963, Mount Carmel College of San Francisco (formerly Father Urios High School) founded in 1957 by the MSC Fathers, was bought by the Carmelites; Fr. Urios High School of Prosperidad was opened in 1961. Mount Carmel High School of Rosario was founded in 1967.
True to its mission statement, the Carmelite Schools in the Philippines cater to the Middle class and less privileged members of society. Also, the setting and location of our schools are in the rural-urban centers, both in Negros Occidental and Agusan del Sur. The population of the schools is in the medium size (an average of 750 pupils and students for our two colleges, 300 for our two secondary schools).
The CSSP pursues a Quality, Relevant and Respective Education which is characterized by our very own Carmelite vision and mission. The CSSP education finds realization through the following areas: Instruction, Community Extension, Research Work, Leadership-Management and Productivity.
To date, the CSSP is administered by Filipino Carmelite Friars with assistance of religious Sisters SFIC (Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception), MSM (Missionary Sisters of Mary) and lay partners.
THE CARMELITE MEDIA MINISTRY
Today, media, and communication technologies are effectively used to forward the agenda of globalization. They affect all aspects of our human activity. Space is becoming narrow and limited. Values of consumerism, liberalism, and pragmatism erode the people's sense of values and uproot them from their culture. The "virtual reality" that the media promotes is weakening the people's grasp of their situation and blurs their vision of the future. It attempts is be a substitute for what is real.
The Carmelites recognize the pastoral value of focussing efforts among the media operators in their ethical and spiritual formation and among the key leaders of parishes and communities in their critical formation in relation to media and communication as key agents of change.
The ministry envisions the formation of collective awareness on the potentials and use of media and communications for local community development towards an active participation and re-appropriation of people's own culture; a creation of an open space for people to become critically aware, to articulate and own or reject the values and meanings as portrayed by media.
In the light of this, it is a mandate to advance the role of media and communication in all aspects of the local community life via the formation of key leaders; to create, provide venues and support for people who are affected by media; and to guide and shape the orientation of media operators in line with the vision.
This became concrete when the Carmelites put up the Titus Brandsma Center (TBC) in 1992. Within the auspices of TBC, Titus Brandsma Media Program developed. It embarked as a resource and service center which offers activities in support to the media practitioners and their audiences to enable them to become creative players and builders of community; conduct studies on media issues, and works with other media organizations to effect a better media environment. Among others, the Center also offers film-dialogue, retreat and recollections, and the Titus Brandsma Award, for relevant and truthful journalism. Just as Carmel life is a "constant search for the face of the living God," the search continues especially in the "margins" of the Church ministry the media and communications. It is a search where confrontation with new idols is inevitable.
CARMELITE NOVITIATE
It is the stage after postulancy. It is in the novitiate that religious life in the Carmelite Order begins. The purpose of the novitiate is to initiate candidates gradually into life in the Spirit according to the Carmelite Charism with a view to a first commitment through simple profession.
Novitiate is considered as a crucial stage in the formation process. This entails the process of growing into the community and its spirit, and initial understanding of the Carmelite Charism and Tradition in the context of the Philippine Commissariat's vision and mission and concrete needs.
In the Novitiate the candidate is led to a fundamental discernment of his vocation. It is desirable that the novice's experience is firmly anchored in the mystery of God. The novice does not limit himself to devotion or formal worship,but is encouraged to develop a contemplative attitude and is invited to strengthen his vocation, his apostolic zeal, his faith, his hope and his charity.
The duration of the novitiate is one year. It can be extended for up to two years if necessary. Integral dimesions of the whole novitiate program are given stress namely; Community/Fraternal life, Spiritual/prayer life, Carmelite Studies, Pastoral immersion, Studies on the Fundamentals of Christian Life/Theology of Religious Life. In collaboration with other religious congregations (men and women) a common program for studies and pastoral exposure has been established. This program, named EXODUS, is also aimed at deepening the vocation of the candidates through community building among themselves as men and women candidates. It aims at deepening their understanding of discipleship in the church.
The whole novitiate formation, takes place in the reflective environment found at "Spring of Carmel" #22 Anahaw St., Gloria III Subdivision, Q.C.
CARMELITE POST-NOVITIATE FORMATION
Initial formation is defined " as all of the growth processes up to the moment when a person is sent to full-time apostolic ministry."
The brothers in the post-novitiate formation are simple professed Carmelite friars and commonly called student friars. They are primarily undergoing theological formation for at least four years that leads to a more definite integration with the Order.
During this stage, environment, experiences and the principles of their formation are designed to help them become Filipino Carmelite brothers and priests; rooted in the treasures of life and history of our people, nourished by the prophetic and contemplative tradition of Carmel, and able to fully share in the mission of Christ to the Church and to humanity - especially the poor.
The post-novitiate formation adopts the principle of integration of theory and practice. It is the belief of the brothers in Carmel that formation can only lead towards authenticity if it comes from reality, and if a person can articulate his search for meaning in life and see his development. In so doing, the students are studying in the Inter Congregational Theological Center (ICTC), an alternative theological school consortium participated in by four congregations and really convinced that theological formation has to be rooted in a spirituality that is both critical and arising from solidarity with the poor and the oppressed.
The students together with formators live for two years in the formation center in New Manila in order to strengthen their community spirit. They do the household chores together, pray together and try to view the world and life through the eyes of the poor, and through the eyes of God. Moreover, it is also a way to develop their feeling of identification with the poor. Therefore they live in a rented house for a period of time in an urban poor community.
The contemplative dimension of Carmelite charism constantly challenges the students to open themselves to God and gradually transform their lives to make them willing to serve and embrace the hopes and aspirations of the people.
After at least four years the student friars can apply for the perpetual or the so called solemn profession.
THE ASSOCIATES
Associates are laywomen and laymen, - single or married - who are committed to incarnate and live out the Carmel Charism, Tradition and Rule in the context of the Philippine situation. They are closely identified with the way of life, spirituality and apostolate of the Carmelite Order. In fact, they are considered full members of the local communities of friars in Manila, Negros, Cebu, and Mindanao. Associates come from different back-grounds and social strata of society. They participate together with the friars in local community building, pastoral work and spiritual development.
CHARACTER OF ASSOCIATESHIP.
Associates are non juridical members of the local community and of the Philippine Commisariat. They are motivated by the Christian Faith, inspired by Elijah, Mary and the Carmelite Saints. Associates are active participants in the struggle for justice, peace, genuine freedom, integrity of creation and the fullness of life.
STAGES OF ASSOCIATESHIP.
ACQUAINTANCE. Period of orientation to and experience with the Philippine Commisariat and its Associate program. Integration in the local community through participation in liturgies, celebrations, social evenings and others. Durarion of this stage is 6 months 1 year.
CANDIDACY. Participation in meetings of the Local Community. Initial Formation through studies of Carmelite History, Lives of the Carmelite models, Carmel Spirituality, the Rule, Social Teachings of the Church, Philippine History, its present situation and the Filipino's aspirations for change. Important in this period is to get first hand experience of the life of the very poor in Philippine society through an exposure program. Duration of this period is at least 1 year.
FULL MEMBERSHIP. After the period of candidacy, an evaluation with the formator and the community is held. He/she may then be invited as a full member. After approval, the candidate will be accepted in a formal rite in which he/she expresses his/her commitment to the Order. The new member, in the presence of the local community, signs an agreement which outlines the member's rights and duties. Ongoing formation is done together with the friars.
THE CARMELITE NUNS
The enclosed nuns in our Order, traditionally called the Second Order, play a vital part in the life of Carmel. It was under the generalate of Blessed John Soreth that Carmelite Nuns officially came into being in 1452, although women had been living the Carmelite way of life for many years before that. They spread rapidly especially in France through the life and work of Blessed Frances d'Amboise. The Carmelite Nuns and indeed the whole Order received new impetus and great grace through the revisioning work of St. Teresa of Avila.
The Carmelites of the Ancient Observance have seven monasteries of women in the Philippines. Spanish Sisters from Madrid came to Dumaguete in 1958; sisters from Seville arrived in 1966 and opened a house in Guiguinto (Bulacan). These two communities branched out to five other places: Cabanatuan (1984), Roxas (1990), Burgos (Pangasinan, 1993) and Tanay and Tarlac, (2001). The Discalced Nuns are well established in the Philippines. Starting in Jaro in 1923, they now have 23 communities.
All Carmelites, men and women, are based on the rule of Saint Albert, written about 1210. The Carmelite Nuns follow a purely contemplative way of life. The day evolves around the seven liturgical hours and Eucharist. They devote one hour each in the morning and in the afternoon to meditation. Recreation is held after lunch and supper. Otherwise silence is observed. People ask for their prayers and come for advice and guidance. Most monasteries have also the Third Order Chapters.
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