2005 September

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 Vice-chair

: Fr. Artemio D. Jusayan, O.Carm : 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: (Nijmegen)

Fr. Marlon A. Lacal, O.Carm.

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 interfaith 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 “interreligious 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 nonteaching 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 HighSchool 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.

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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

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Santiago, Eduardo (Canada) Comandante, Francisco Tescon, Anita G. De Dios, Joaquin Rafael Rasco, Jose (Canada) Negapatan, Erlinda Cordova, Cancio Mata, Teresita Omandan, Samantha (Canada) Galinato, Rosario (NY) Lorod, Florida Cawson, Floriana (CA) Roxas, Monette (MD) Paglinawan, Lou2 Resimo, Josefina Ducay, Paul Atordido, Marie Tess (NY) Carandang Arturo Gener Casidsid, Lucia Tan, Theresa Suazo, Razel Aduano, Rosario R. Rogando, Noli Patrick Pacatang, Jopacs Capitan, Rolina V. Cueto, Maria (MD) Galagala, Wilfredo Oliveria, Maridi (Canada) Orig, Jean (Canada) Caleon, Isabel Bueno, Chato Cueto, Danilo (MD) Ocampo, Virginia Dejuras, Nenita (IL) Fernandez, Linda Reyes, Virgie

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Bautista, Florinda Rulloda, Consolacion (IL) Robante, Carmelito (USA) Omandam, Nestor (FL) Dante, Kathy Mae Aludo, Alfredo Abonitalla, Gonzaga (NY) Quirante, Zenaida Uy, Daniel Mendoza, Estela (NY) Rogando, Catherine G. Veran, Rigor Violago, Catherine Pocot, Cresencia Milo, Ondoy Ampong, Lita Narisma, Sisirio Lasam, Candida Magalued, Eduardo,Sr. (CA) Tiu, Marilyn

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Felipe, Samuel Enriquez, Domingo (Canada) Raneses, Felipe (IL) Rendon, Ma.Remedios Paliza, Remedios O. Limbuo, Lulu Baba, Gloria Naparota, Gorgonia Cruz, Erning Lagat, Carol Galagala, Ma. Estrella Ofredo, Nenitha Lingcong,Edwardo P. Tiu, Herminia Burkfield, Isabel Fabella, Emmanuel (Canada) Tan, Norma (Chicago) Malow, Imelda Bautista, Rosita S. Remendado, Nenita A. Cordura, Conchita (NJ) So, Myrna Valero, Carmen Leyson, Edward Octavo, Lilia G. 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