Canonical Visit from the Representatives of the Carmelite Curia

On February 25, delegates from the Carmelite Curia headed by Fr. Albertus Herwanta, OCarm (General Councilor for Asia, Australia, and Oceania) with Fr. Desire Alimange, OCarm. (General Councilor for Africa and Evangelization) visited the Lay Carmelites in Manila. The venue of the visitation was held at Titus Brandsma Center. Before the meeting began, a Holy Mass was held and presided by Fr. Albertus. Communities present came from Sta. Ana, Cubao, Tondo, Makati, Project 6, Project 7, Project 4, Kamias, and as far as Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

Sis. Sally Castro, TOCarm presented the status of the TOC in the Philippines and the two projects being done namely the Domus Carmelitana and the Flos Carmeli House of Prayer. Bro. Ruel Santos, TOCarm presented the status of formation and the different activities regarding formation. During the presentation, it was stated that the complete formation program for the TOC Philippines will be released by 2013.

The host of the program was Bro. Arnold Alcala, TOCarm who came all the way from Bicol. After the conference, the National Council together with Fr. Albertus, Fr. Desire, and Fr. Toots Buenafe, OCarm (Commissary General) have a hearty lunch at Kopi Tiam near Santolan.