Colegio de Calumpit (Second Batch)

Colegio de Calumpit (Second Batch)
August 13-14, 2009
Retreat
144 participants

St. Teresa Hall

Colegio de Calumpit (First Batch)

Colegio de Calumpit
Bulacan
Retreat
191 participants,
Fourth Year, High School Students
August 12-13, 2009

St. Teresa Hall

Diocese of Antipolo Clergy - Retreat

Diocese of Antipolo

Retreat

August 10-14, 2009

70 priests

With Bishop Gabriel Reyes, DD

Auxiliary Bishop Francis de Leon

Msgr. Rigoberto de Guzman

Speaker: Fr. Mon Bautista, SJ novice master of the Jesuits

Francisco Palau Hall

Handmaid of the Lord - CFC

Handmaid of the Lord - CFC
Retreat
August 8-9, 2009
412 housed in the center
total of 545 participants
Speaker: Sr. Anna Haydee Solario, Canossian sister
St. Teresa Hall

Year of the Priests Launching, Diocese of Imus

The launching of the "Year of the Priests" was held in the Parish of Lourdes Church, Tagaytay City, after the retreat of the Diocese of Imus Clergy. It fall on the Feast of the Transfiguration, August 6, 2009. His Eminence Bishop Chito Tagle, challenged the priests to really "Listen to Him..."

It was a joyful celebration participated by all the parishioners coming from the different Parishes.

We the Carmelite Missionaries joned the said Eucharistic Celebration.

Philippine Network Foundation

Philippine Network Foundation
August 5-7, 2009
Planning
7 participants
Blessed Daniela Kiosk

CM Community welcomes Bishop Chito Tagle and the clergy

The Diocese of Imus Clergy spent their days of retreat in our Center in Tagaytay. We belong to this Diocese and so our community offered prayers for them everyday.

Diocese of Imus on retreat

Within their time of retreat, the Diocese of Imus Clergy joined their Bishop Chito Tagle to the Eucharistic Celebration at the Manila Cathedral for the late President Cory Aquino.

Diocese of Imus Retreat
August 3-6, 2009
together with their Bishop Chito Tgle, DD
Speaker: Fr. Carmelo
60 priests
Francisco Palau Hall

Mater Carmeli School - Novaliches, Q. C.

Mater Carmeli School - Novaliches, Q. C.
Grade VI pupils on retreat
94 prticipants
July 31-August 2, 2009
Speaker: Fr. Jerry Suarez
Facilitators: Sr. Cris and Sr. Merlyn Gaddang
St. Teresa Hall

Chapter Documents studied... - Class with the CM 6th year Juniors

Thank you Sr. Loida

The Presentors of the Chapter Documents - 6th year Juniors

The Chapter Documents of the Congregation


Symbols used during prayer. First groups of Presentors - Planting the seed.
Second group of Presentors - the sprout is being presented, being cultivated and watered. The third group was the image of Jesus with the chapter documents and candles at its side.

XIX General Chapter reporter - Sr. Virgie Dolero, cm

XVIII General Chapter reporter - Sr. Ryanelle Bueno, cm

XVII General Chapter reporter - Sr. Thea May Superio, cm

Reflection:
The class on the Chapter Documents with Sr. Loida is like opening another petal of the “flower” of my life. It did not only add to my knowledge but more so it made me love the Documents we have.
Before the class, I thought it was merely something for exhibits and to be kept for record purposes. As I listened to my sisters reporting the chapter documents assigned to them and going over my own topic I discovered that the document is our life. It is a “sacred treasure”. God has gifted us because I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit guiding the sisters involved in the chapters. I felt also how prayerful they were because they had been sensitive and docile to the leadings of the Spirit. My conversion of looking at the documents is I should say a grace, God granted me in this class. Thus, like Mary Magdalene I can shout at the top of my voice “I have seen the Lord…”
Sr. Thea May Superio, cm

XVI General Chapter reporter - Sr. Annalisa Sinomio, cm

XV General Chapter reporter - Sr. Dedith Moralde, cm

Reflection:
It was a great honor and privilege for me to have a class about the Chapter Documents. The documents were very inspiring and beautiful. Reading the XV General Chapter “Communion and Hope” (Aug. 24-Oct 27, 1982) broadens my understanding and knowledge about our congregation. Most of all, I feel the belongingness to the Carmelite Missionary family.
For 12 years after the Special General Assembly our Congregation tries its very best to remain faithful to our charism and at the same time to respond to the signs of the times. Revision of the CM Constitutions was one of the main tasks of this chapter. Our sisters in the past have done their best for our Congregation. Our sisters in the past have done their best for our Congregation.
It is also true that we have failed to live out the task mentioned in our Chapter Documents and this is a challenge for me and for all of us. Indeed our vocation is our personal response to God. Community life in particular is not at all a bed of roses, laughters and joys, but also includes thorns, tears and pains. All these things make me a better person and help me deepen my self-knowledge and my love for Him.
Many may have failed in living the religious life faithfully. Yet, I believe it is not too late. We can still hope for the better if all of us are in communion and in support with each other in trying to live out our constitutions and charism joyfully.
Sr. Dedith B. Morlade, cm

XIV General Chapter reporter - Sr. Rosanna Viñas, cm

Reflection:
Reading the document of the XIV General Chapter of 1976 entitled “Carmelite Missionaries to Evangelize”; I catch myself being in the shoes of the General Council and the Capitulars. At times I also find myself in the shoes of the sisters whose one of the significant desires was for the Chapter to say a clear word on the vocational demands of the Carmelite Missionaries, personal and communitarian level.
I presume that our vocational identity was not yet clear to them. Though at first, I felt how demanding the statement was, yet, between the lines I can perceive their deepest cry and sincerest desire to be more identified as Carmelite Missionaries. I believed that along the communication God’s wisdom was at work, because our vitality is in knowing the purpose of our existence and being truthful to our own identity. I deeply appreciate our General Council and the capitulars for their openness and understanding to the weaknesses, limitations and failures of each sister. I am grateful too to this chapter for reminding me that my consecration is essentially a mission in the world and that evangelization is the core and root of our vocation.
I haven’t thought of a better thing to end my reflection than to quote what Paul VI in Evangelii Nuntiandi is challenging us: “The Church is an evangelizer, but she begins by being evangelized herself… She has a constant need of being evangelized, if she wishes to retain freshness, vigor and strength in order to proclaim the Gospel.” (EN 15). For that, the “Carmelite Missionaries to Evangelize” came up with “We evangelize when we are truly Carmelite Missionaries and we can only be Carmelite Missionaries when we evangelize.” (#246) I salute our sisters from the past to the present for helping us to become wht we are today. They have shown their sincerest love and tireless service to the congregation; it is mine to take my own personal formation and responsibility.
God the Father through the Holy Spirit keep us in witnessing and proclaiming the values of the Gospel, the very life of Christ.
Sr. Rosanna Viñas, cm

OPEN LETTER: First General Assembly reporter - Sr. Mary Jane Torres, cm

XIII General Chapter reporter - Sr. Ima, cm

Reflection:
While reading and reflecting on this document on the XIII General Chapter, with the title “Carmelite Missionary Vocation” I feel, again and again God is inviting me to savor my own vocation in being a Carmelite Missionary. I was reminded of the two Carmelite Missionaries I met 12 years ago. Once again my conviction is deepened that I am really called in Missionary Carmel. That feeling 12 years ago made me courageous in making decision to say “yes” and follow what is in my heart at the age of 19.
Reflecting on the vocation in missionary Carmel, I could identify my own journey with the vocation of our Father Founder. There were lights and shadows, joys and pains, tears and laughters, even I could say just like our Founder, there were moments I found my soul walked in the darkest night, but deep within me I feel my vocation is stronger than any difficulties, struggles and the dark night that I had. And again I join with our beloved Founder, I also say: “only one thing make me stay in Carmel, my vocation”.
Now as I am preparing for my final commitment to Him I realized how God worked in my vocational journey. As He has promised “I will be with you till the end of time”, I feel strengthened. He will never abandon me.
Lord, grant me the grace of fidelity to continue to say yes to YOU until the end of my life in the Carmelite Missionaries. I trust in your loving care and mercy. Amen!
Sr. Ima, cm

First General Chapter reporter - Sr. Belen, cm

First General Chapter (1896)
The First General Chapter was taken into consideration to give us a glance and bird's eye view on what happened in the First General Chapter though there is no document as compared to the rest of the presentation from the XIII to XIX General Chapter. The basis was the CM History II of our Congregation where we can read the story of the said event. I recommend that you read it.
Reflection:
I am happy and grateful to the Lord and to all the sisters who have gone ahead of us, for making these documents possible and also our CM History book,our very own history. It is interesting and inspiring how the congregation started through the generosity and untiring efforts of our sisters, friends and collaborators.
Their self giving and dedication inspires me to move on and love the congregation.
Sr. Belen, cm

Archdiocese of Lipa - Clergy on Retreat

Archdiocese of Lipa Clergy
July 27-31, 2009
105 priests with Bishop Ramon Arguelles, DD and Bishop Emeritus Quizon.
Facilitators: Neo Catechumenate team (52 members)
St. Teresa of Avila Hall

Neo Catechumenate Encounter

The group of Neo Catechumenate spent their days of encounter at CMCS Tatagtay.
This is in preparation for their mission to facilitate in the retreat of the Archdiocese of Lipa.
There were 73 participants Filipinos and Italians
St. Therese Hall
July 23-26, 2009

Salamat President Cory, Mahal ka namin!

Our sisters joined the clergy of the Diocese of Imus with Bishop Chito Tagle, DD for the Eucharistic Celebration at the Manila Cathedral in August 4, 2009 for the late President Cory Aquino. The Diocese of Imus were on retreat these days. They pause for awhile to join the whole Filipino nation through their presence at the Eucharistic Celebration.

Miriam College

Miriam College, Quezon City
July 25-27, 2009
51 participants
Speakers: Fr. Hector and Sr. Cathy
Facilitator: Miss Tess Rapadas
Fourth Floor - Deck

A space to stay serene and calm...

Miss Barbara Gokianun
July 25-26, 2009

Missionaries of Faith on Retreat

Missionaries of Faith Fathers and Brothers
July 21-24, 2009
11 participants
Blessed Daniela Kiosk

CM Superior's Meeting

Superior's Meeting of the Carmelite Missionaries
July 19-24, 2009
25 participants
Francisco Palau Hall

CFC Couple's for Christ - Alabang

Couple's for Christ, Alabang
Spiritual enrichment and bonding
July 18-19, 2009
60 participants
Sta. Teresa Hall

DCSS -Diocese of Catholic School System

The Suport Personnel of DCSS
Diocese of San Pablo
July 18-19, 2009
64 participants
Facilitator: Sr. Grace Pereyra
Francisco Palau Hall

Brother Benedict on Retreat

Bro. Benedict Ma. Cruz, MMHC
Marian Missionary
July 17-19, 2009

DCSS -Diocese of Catholic School System

The Non-Teaching Staff of DCSS
Retreat date: July 17-18, 2009
63 participants
From the Diocese of San Pablo
Speaker: Fr. Cesar
Facilitator: Sr. Grace Pereyra
Francisco Palau Hall

My Thirty-day Retreat

My Thirty-day Retreat

Part I. Entry to Life - "Maisha" (10 days)

1. Self-definition - "I am... water" ..."butterfly" ..."a dance in the circle of the Blessed Trinity

2. Self-direction -

• My journey of Faith from Chilhood to adulthood, stages of growth, my spiritual itinerary.
• Experiences of my choices.
• My faith experiences in my three significant journey - USA, Africa, Rome

3. Self-responsiblity - Being responsible of who I am.

• Owning my experiences and be responsible of the consequences of my choices or decision making.

Religious Experience: During the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Thank you Sandy for giving expression of my love to the people of Kenya. It is not you who was sent back to the Philippines. It is "ME". Always remember, "your work is mine and what mine is yours."

"Forget the past - look I am creating something new for you and it is happening now" (Is. 43:18-21)

Let us dance... come to the circle... I am in the circle of the Father, Jesus and Paracleto.

Shall we dance?

Come beloved, enter into the circle, give me your hand, shall we dance?

Listen to the rhythm of your heart, as the beautiful melody around turn your feet and raise your hands, sway your body as I embrace you,

Come, beloved, let us dance.

Symbols: Rain and Butterfly

Part II. Experience of Love - "Upendo" (10 days)

• I am loved "covenantal love" (as the rainbow appreared in the sky)
• "I am the stream of living water"
• "I die because I don't like to die, I live because I die"
• In my dying I learned to grow and become fully human-fully alive. I grew in confidence with inner wisdom and directedness.
• Death is the completion of the cycle of every stages of my life.
• I welcome death, sufferings, pains as part of my life; as a source of strength and wisdom.
• I accept, own, and name my different experiences of death and welcome the gift of new life.

Significant Religious experiences:

• The appearance of the rainbow - "covenantal love" God's presence
• At Night prayer "I am the stream of living water" (Jn. 7:37-38)
• Eucharist - "Body of Christ" Amen - "I am"

Symbols: Rainbow, petals of flowers, ferns and stones.
Rituals:

• Petals of flowers: as expressions of my gratitude and giving blessings, as I showered it from the fourth floor to the ground.
• Making a graveyard or burial ground at CMCS.
• Nasugbu Beach: making a burial ground imitating the indigenous people from Africa using "stone graves"
• Saying "goodbyes" by throwing petals of flowers to the water.

Part III. (10 days) The moment of Enlightenment - Light - Mwangaza

• Iam unique with talents and potentials, Gifts to the humanity
• I have my mission
• I am responsible for my gifts

Religious Experience: We have common humanity. We have common divinity. We belong to the same source = GOD.
Rituals: Offerings of the seedlings of my 11 years in mission - to Mama Mary as a gratitude for Her presence, love and accompaniment in my journey towards Jessus.

In Stillness

In silence and solitude, in my sacred space, I heard gentle sounds, as I slow down my pace.

I saw wonders in my delight, flocks of birds flying home for the night, the fishes quarelling for space, the wind blowing the leaves with ease.

The melodious songs of the frogs, the reat orchestra of the birds and crickets, are like background music as I enter into stillness.

The stillness speakes in subtlety, it echoes in my heart the words gently, that God is compassion and love, and so my being rejoices, as I gave thanks to God with a grateful heart.