The Council was convinced that the General Commissariat had grown a lot since its erection in 1958 in terms of the number of members, the variety of apostolic tasks, and the possibilities for economic self-sufficiency.
Under the patronage of Blessed Titus Brandsma, the new province was canonically erected during a Mass presided over by Carmelite Vice Prior General Christian Körner at the Cubao Cathedral in Quezon City.
The decree for the canonical erection was issued by Carmelite Prior General Fr. Fernando Millan Romeral and was read by Fr. Albertus Herwanta, O. Carm., during the liturgical celebration.
Other leaders, who have been appointed to hold office until the first provincial chapter in February 2014, were Fathers Rico Ponce, First Councilor; Roberto Noel Rosas, Second Councilor; Gilbert Sabado, Third Councilor; and Eduardo Albino, Fourth Councilor.
Concelebrants of the Mass include Fr. Ben Wolbers, Prior Provincial of the Province of the Netherlands; Fr. Eef van Vilsteren, Third Councilor of the Province of the Netherlands; Fr. Mario Esposito, Prior Provincial of the Province of the USA; and former Counselor for Asia-Oceania, Fr. Anthony Scerri.
Among those who witnessed the celebration were Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco, and the retired Carmelite Bishop of the Prelature of Infanta, Bishop Julio Labayen. (CBCPNews)
