Reception to the Novitiate: Bl. Maria Sagrario of St. Aloysius Gonzaga TOC Community

On October 2, the members of the Bl. Maria Sagrario of St. Aloysius Gonzaga TOC Community was formally accepted to the novitiate. The rites were done at the Parish of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, San Luis, Pampanga. The reception rites was administered by Fr. Adrian Layug, TOCarm. The event was attended by the different TOC communities from Bulacan. This community is a foundation by the Bulacan Tertiaries as a gift for the 25 years of existence in Bulacan. The parish priest of San Luis was also accepted to the Novitiate.

Region of St. Joseph - Provincial Retreat

On September 17 - 19, the Lay Carmelite Province of St. Joseph conducted a retreat especially for the postulants preparing for their acceptance to the novitiate. Aspirants and postulants of the TOC communities of Guiguinto, Malolos, Alido, and Pampanga came to the Bukal ng Buhay Retreat House, Bo. Malamig, Bustos for this retreat. It was conducted by Rev. Fr. Rhen Caculitan, OCarm, National Vocation Director of the OCarm. The theme was the Rule of St. Albert and the Dark Night. The retreat started with a mass and talks were interpersed with silent prayer and in the evening a Holy Hour is being made. After the retreat the postulants of Pampanga were interviewed in preparation for the Novitiate rites that will be given on October 2.

Opening Mass



Holy Hour and Benediction

Benediction

Talk I

Bro. Arnold Alcala sharing during the plenary session

Day 2: Holy Hour

Sharing

Relic Veneration

Relic Veneration

Relic Veneration

Relic Veneration

Relics exposed for veneration: St. Camilla Battista Varano, St. Francis Caracciolo, St. Paula Montal Fornes, St. Peter Chanel, St. Teresa Margaret Redi, St. Teresa of Jesus, St. John of the Cross, St. Maria Goretti, St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, St. Rita of Cascia, and St. Clare of Assisi

Lunch

Lunch

Lenten Recollection: Pampanga District (St. Joseph's Province)

The Bl. Maria Sagrario of St. Aloysius Gonzaga Lay Carmelite Community of San Luis, Pampanga held their lenten recollection on March 27, 2010 focusing on the spirituality of St. Therese of the Child Jesus. Rev. Fr. Emil Guiao from the Mother of Good Counsel Seminary of the Archdiocese of San Fernando facilitated the recollection. Fr. Emil discussed the life of St. Therese and the spirituality encapsulated in her autobiography "The Story of A Soul". He also stressed that it is a must read for all Carmelites.

The recollection ended with a Holy Mass.

Fr. Emil discussing the spirituality of St. Therese.

The TOC members of Pampanga district

First reading readed by Sis. Elvie Diaz (Prioress)

Responsorial psalm read by Bro. Terry Garcia (Formator)

Distribution of Holy Communion