TOC Attend Thanksgiving Mass for St. Titus Brandsma

Members of the TOC from various communities attended the thanksgiving mass for the canonization of St. Titus Brandsma, titular patron of Carmelites in the Philippine province, held at The Immaculate Conception Cathedral (Cubao Cathedral) last May 28.

Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula led the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, with Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown, Prior Provincial Rev. Fr. Rico Ponce, O.Carm, and Cubao Cathedral Rector and Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Dennis Soriano among the co-celebrants.

Archbishop Charles John Brown delivering his homily

Also attending the event were representatives from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and different members of the Carmelite family. A short procession and simple gathering followed.

St. Titus Brandsma was recently canonized in Rome by Pope Francis last May 15, 2022, along with 9 other holy men and women.

TOC Pilar

With Fr. Bal Ronato and Bro. Alvin Lozano

TOC Bacoor

With Fr. Rico Ponce, Prior Provincial

With National Prior, Bro. Alejandro "Bot" Bautista

With Fr. Gabriel Dolotina, Academics and Research & Publications Director
of the Institute of Spirituality in Asia

Additional Sources:

CBCP News. Titus Brandsma canonization a source of 'consolation' amid 'fake news' crisis - PH Carmelites.

Dominus Est. World Communications Sunday 2022. 

Vatican News. Titus Brandsma: Journalist, martyr, saint of the 20th Century.

Licas News Philippines. Manila prelate urges faithful to fight for truth, follow example of Titus Brandsma.

Acceptance to the Postulancy - TOC Bacoor Community

Members of TOC Bacoor - St. Peter Thomas Community were recently accepted into the postulancy. Rites were conducted on March 12 at the Sto. Niño de Molino Parish Church in Pagasa, Bacoor City. The rite was officiated by Rev. Fr. Conrad Amon, Parish Priest. The event coincided with the 400-year anniversary of St. Teresa Avila, Virgin and Doctor of the Church.

Bro. Ivan Malalang calling the names of the new postulants

Bro. John Rafael Dela Cruz receiving the Brown Scapular

New postulants (from left: Bro. Mark Angelo Sarreal, Bro. John Rafael Dela Cruz, Bro. Louie Colinares, Sis Shirley Sanglay, Bro. Hilbert Rubio, Bro. John Anthony Relox)

Newly-minted postulants

The postulants with members from TOC Bacoor - Queensrow Community

The postulants with their formator, Sis Jocel Gatchalian-Paulino

Lenten Retreat 2022: Reclaiming Goodness

Community members from NCR South (consisting of Bacoor, Pilar, Calamba and Sta. Cruz) attended the Lenten Retreat conducted last 2 April 2022 via Zoom. The retreat was conducted by Fr. Esmeraldo "Dodo" Reforeal.

Centering on the theme entitled: "Reclaiming our Goodness by Coming to Our Senses", Fr. Dodo reminded members to return to goodness despite hardships and falsities prevalent today. "Coming to our senses is crucial to conversion.... and this requires discernment", he explained.

The retreat concluded with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

Fr. Dodo narrated the parable of the prodigal son.

Celebration of the Holy Eucharist followed

43 members coming from different TOC communities in NCR South

 

TOC Joins the Church in Consecrating Russia and Ukraine

In solidarity with the Holy Father Pope Francis, all the bishops and the Catholic faithful all over the world, the Third Order of Carmelites are one in prayer for the Consecration of Russia and the Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. 

Join us in prayer as Pope Francis makes the consecration on the Feast of the Annunciation, March 25.