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Two years after the canonization of Carmelite Titus Brandsma, the relics and an image of the saint continue their tour around the Philippines. On May 14, the eve of the anniversary of Brandsma’s canonization, the relics were at the headquarters of ABS-CBN in Quezon City.

ABS-CBN Corporation is the largest radio broadcaster, entertainment television production, program syndication provider and media conglomerate in the Philippines. It is Filipino owned and based in Quezon City which is in Metro Manila, Philippines. It employs more than 5,200 people.

Tuesday’s event was the first time a media company has hosted the nationwide pilgrimage of the relic and image of St. Titus. Known as a defender of truth and a martyr for press freedom, the saint's values and principles “perfectly align” with ABS-CBN’s mission, said Brother Lester Hallig, O. Carm., as quote in an online article on the ABS-CBN website. “That’s what makes his presence here very special. He resonates with the values that ABS-CBN represents.”

Members of the Philippine Province which is dedicated to St. Titus Brandsma led the visit to the media corporation’s Chapel of the Annunciation. The chapel’s chaplain, Fr. Carmelo “Tito” Caluag, presided over the Mass to celebrate the relic’s visit.

Following the Mass, ABS-CBN’s President and CEO Carlo Katigbak, Chairman Mark Lopez, and Chief Operating Officer Cory Vidanes signed a “pledge of truth.”

The pilgrim relic tour of St. Titus started in July 2022, two months after he was declared as a saint on May 15, 2022. It has been the subject of a previous CITOC online Update (134/2023).

St. Titus' relic has visited several provinces, including Pangasinan, Isabela, and parts of Mindanao, as well as different schools around the Philippines. Last year, the Order of the Carmelites brought the relic and image of the saint to Kalibo, Aklan, and introduced it to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

pdf Read here the the text of the interview conducted with Fr. Carmelo Caluag and Br. Lester Hallig, O. Carm. (85 KB)

Watch the Mass for St Titus Brandsma pilgrim relic visit to ABS CBN chapel | Philippine Carmelites | Philippine Carmelites · Original audio

The trienniel elective chapter of the Monastery of Carmel of Mary, Star of the Sea in Tanay (Rizal), Philippines took place on February 18, 2023. The election of the prioress was presided over by the Most Rev. Francisco de Leon, the bishop of Antipolo.

Carmel of Mary, Star of the Sea is the first and only foundation of the Stella Maris Federation of the Carmelite nuns in the Philippines. Four foundresses came from Carmel of Our Lady of Nazareth (Cabanatuan City), four foundresses from the Carmelite monastery of the Holy Family (Guiguinto), and one foundress from the Carmelite monastery of Our Lady of Maravillas and St. Joseph (Dumaguete City). It is the fruit of the union of the monasteries.

The monastery was inaugurated on November 11, 2001, and was canonically erected on November 14, 2001. The first canonical election of the prioress was held on December 4, 2001. The late Rev. Mother Maria de los Angeles of Jesus Perez, O. Carm., was elected to serve.

The results of the elective chapter were as follows:

Prioress | Priora | Priora:
Sr Maria Esperanza of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Cecilio, O. Carm.

1st Councilor | 1ª Consejera | 1ª Consigliera:
Sr Mary Grace of the Crucified and Risen Jesus Bruno, O. Carm.

2nd Councilor | 2ª Consejera  | 2ª Consigliera: 
Sr Maria Rebecca of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Valdez, O. Carm.

3rd Councilor | 3ª Consejera  | 3ª Consigliera:
Sr Maria Carmela Therese of the Child Jesus Necodino, O. Carm.

4th Councilor | 4ª Consejera  | 4ª Consigliera: 
Sr Maria Wilma of Jesus Crucified Galang, O. Carm.

Director of Novices | Maestra de Novicias | Maestra delle Novizie
Sr Maria Rebecca of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Valdez, O. Carm.

Treasurer | Ecónoma | Economa: 
Sr Mary Grace of the Crucified and Risen Jesus Bruno, O. Carm.

Sacristan | Sacristán | Sacrestana:
Sr Maria Faustina Jenelyn of the Blessed Sacrament Padojinog, O. Carm.

Initium Novitiatus

04-01-22 Kevin Alexander Flores Landaverde (PCM- ES) Lurin, Perú
04-01-22 Noé Marcelo Girón López (PCM-ES) Lurin, Perú
04-01-22 Richard Janson Lachira Alcas (PCM-Peru) Lurin, Perú
04-01-22 Joyser Nestor Laureate Pereyra (PCM-Peru) Lurin, Perú
04-01-22 Juan Carlos Meléndez Landaverde (PCM-ES) Lurin, Perú
04-01-22 Augusto Isaías Padilla Paredes (PCM-Peru) Lurin, Perú
04-01-22 Luis Alberto Valeriano Meza (PCM-ES) Lurin, Perú
04-01-22 Eloy Willian Vasquez Becerra (PCM-Peru) Lurin, Perú
04-01-22 Kevin Eduardo Vega Paniagua (PCM-ES) Lurin, Perú
04-01-22 Irvin Omar Zometa Samayoa (PCM-ES) Lurin, Perú

Professio Temporanea

08-12-21 Mary Elijah Guingon (MAC) Christoval, Texas, USA Lurin, Perú
07-01-22 Pedro Antonio Mira Padilla (PCM-ES) Lurin, Perú
07-01-22 Bertoliny Alexander Montes Ramos (PCM-Peru) Lurin, Perú
07-01-22 Héctor Tavárez Mendoza (PCM-Mexico) Lurin, Perú
07-01-22 Geovanni de Jesús Velázquez Ramos (PCM-Mexico) Lurin, Perú
07-01-22 Christian Orlando García Hernández (PCM-ES) Lurin, Perú

Professio Solemnis

15-01-22 Anthony Thanh Nguyen (SEL-Viet) Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
15-01-22 Joseph Tam Nguyen (SEL-Viet) Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
15-01-22 Peter Trong Pham (SEL-Viet) Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ordinatio Diaconalis

06-12-21 Nicolás Carrizales (CAT) Barcelona, España
03-01-22 Antony Ebin Mathew (STSA) North Paravur, Kerala, India
03-01-22 Thomas Renju Rajan (STSA) North Paravur, Kerala, India

Ordinatio Sacerdotalis

08-12-21 Paul Kaptain Pakao (Phil) Rabaul, Philippines
06-01-22 Albert Anson Cancis (STSA) Perumpilly, India
10-01-22 Jose Vilayakattu (STSA) Meppadi, India
13-01-22 Simon Aldrin Louiz (STSA) Aripalam, India

On December 8, the Philippine Province of Blessed Titus Brandsma celebrated an historic milestone with the ordination of the first member of the province from Papua New Guinea. Paul Kaptain Pakao, O. Carm., was ordained at the Iwai mission of the parish of Goma in the Archdiocese of Rabaul. Witnessing the ceremony were the ordinandi’s family, along with the different clans from his native village. The ordaining bishop was Archbishop Joseph Rochus Tatamai, MSC, the ordinary of the Archdiocese of Rabaul.

In his homily, Archbishop Tatamai expressed his gratitude for the Carmelite presence in in Papua New Guinea, which began in the Diocese of Bereina some 13 years ago.

The morning was filled with traditional festivities, singing, dancing, and sharing of gifts, which included crops and livestock which were later prepared into a sumptuous meal shared by everyone in attendance.

During his remarks, the Philippine Prior Provincial thanked the family of the newly ordained for allowing their son, Paul, to join the Carmelites, thus offering him to be of service to the Order and to the Church. He also thanked all the villagers and other friends of the Carmelite missionaries who graced the event, most especially the archbishop who stayed throughout the colorful celebration.

Fr. Paul Kaptain’s ordination marks the first ordination of the Philippine Carmelite foundation in Papua New Guinea. Another “Paul” from Papua New Guinea, Paul Sireh, was ordained priest but is a member of the Australian Province. 

Other young men from Papua New Guinea have answered the call of their Carmelite vocation. One student is currently undergoing his second year of theological studies in the Philippines. Three aspirants are preparing to arrive in the Philippines to begin their own formation.

Indeed, the interest and perseverance of these young men bear witness to the Filipino missionary friars’ positive contributions to the church in Papua New Guinea and the powerful impact they have made on the faithful, particularly on those who have been called to a life in Carmel -- echoing the lines of a familiar song: "Into the land of Carmel, I brought you to gather loads of charming fruits.”

Congratulations to Fr. Paul and the Philippine Province and to the Church in Papua New Guinea on this milestone!

We would ask your continued prayerful support of our Carmelite nuns in Tanay, Philippines.

According to a letter from the community on September 23, 2021, twelve of the eighteen nuns in the community have tested positive for covid. All of the sisters, with the exception of one, are vaccinated. (The sister who was not vaccinated is taking chemo.) The case are considered to be mild and symptomatic.

Although the sisters are asking for prayers of the people, they also assure everyone that they are responding with prayer to those who have asked for them. They remember especially those who are sick with covid.

The sisters conclude, “Do not worry about us … we are hoping to recover. Whatever happens, someday we will praise HIM together in the Kingdom of Light and say with MARY, 'The Almighty has done great things for ME, and holy is HIS Name.' We love you all!”

The monastery was inaugurated on November 11, 2001, and is part of the “Stella Maris” Federation of monasteries in the Philippines. Nine sisters from different monasteries of the Federation made up the original community.

The Order of Carmelites in the Philippines recently opened an ad experimentum community in the Diocese of Cabanatuan, through an invitation of Bishop Sofronio Aguirre Bancud.

Fr. Marlon Beredo, O. Carm. and Fr. Michael Condes, O. Carm. will initially be assisting the rector of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino Parish Cathedral, especially in its pastoral ministries. They will be joined by Fr. Baltazar Ronato, O. Carm., who at present is the director of the Bulong ng Simoy-Bahay Pananahimik Carmelite Spirituality Center in Dipaculao, Aurora.

To formalize the presence of the Order in the diocese a “Memorandum of Agreement” was signed by the prior provincial of the Carmelites in the Philippines, the Very Rev. Rico P. Ponce, O. Carm., and the Bishop of the Diocese of Cabanatuan.

The memorandum was witnessed by Fr. Noel Jetajobe, vicar general of the diocese; Fr. Jeffrey Alarilla, diocesan financial administrator; Fr. Joel Cariaso, vicar for religious; Fr. Sed Calderon, chancellor; and Fr. Esmeraldo Reforeal, O. Carm., provincial secretary and first councilor of the Filipino province.

“We always acknowledge the fact that religious congregations are a gift to the church,” said Bishop Bancud. He said the diocese is highlighting the different charisms of each religious order and congregation to help in the faith life of the people of the diocese. “Together we will be able to build up the Body of Christ in the local church of Cabanatuan,” he added.

The prior provincial, Rico Ponce, expressed his gratitude to the bishop, the clergy, religious, and lay leaders of the diocese for the warm welcome extended to the Order. He said that despite the challenges that the Order is facing because of the pandemic, it is committed to contributing to the spiritual growth of the faithful in the diocese.

The agreement stipulates that the Order will “participate in the mission of evangelization” in the territorial jurisdiction of the diocese. This will be done through the provision of “pastoral assistance in parishes and schools within the diocese.”

The agreement is effective for 25 years and then renewable.

On the feast of Blessed Titus Brandsma, the titular patron of the Philippine Carmelite Province, the remains of Br. Isagani Valle, O. Carm., were transferred to his final resting place. The location is named in his honor, the Br. Isagani Miro Valle Memorial Cross at the Carmelite Spirituality Center & Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Ormoc.

Br. Isagani was martyred during a military crackdown in May 1983. His steely resolve to remain true to the ideals and spirituality of the Carmelite Order continues to be an inspiration to the current member of the Carmelite province and the local Church.

Isagani’s bones were moved from his former burial site, which was in the old chapel, already irreparably damaged by typhoons and earthquakes and soon to be demolished to make way for a new multi-purpose building. His new grave lies within the Memorial Cross.

In attendance were the director of the Carmelite Spirituality Center, Fr. Joiezl Piñon, O. Carm., and the provincial hagiographer Br. Lester Hallig, O. Carm, Members of the Miro and the Valle families were also in attendance. They generously lent their resources and time to make the occasion a success.

It is also hoped that the momentous event would become an impetus for introducing Br. Isagani’s cause for beatification.

Initium Novitiatus

• 01-02-21 Martin Thomas (STSA), Kannur, Kerala, India
• 01-02-21 John Rajesh (STSA), Kannur, Kerala, India
• 01-02-21 Philip Nery C. (STSA), Kannur, Kerala, India
• 01-02-21 Francis Godwin (STSA), Kannur, Kerala, India
• 01-02-21 Bonifus Binoj (STSA), Kannur, Kerala, India
• 01-02-21 Fabin Therese (STSA), Kannur, Kerala, India
• 01-02-21 Ansbert Akhil (STSA), Kannur, Kerala, India
• 01-02-21 Rocky Manu (STSA), Kannur, Kerala, India
• 01-02-21 Jonatus Jinu (STSA), Kannur, Kerala, India
• 01-02-21 Raphael Likhen Nayak (STSA), Kannur, Kerala, India
• 06-02-21 Anderkleyton dos Santos (Pern) São Cristovão, Brasil
• 06-02-21 Bruno Augusto Viana  (Pern) São Cristovão, Brasil
• 06-02-21 David dos Santos (Pern) São Cristovão, Brasil 
• 06-02-21 Harrison Antas dos Santos Cordeiro (Pern) São Cristovão, Brasil
• 06-02-21 Johnny Cley Bezerra Alves de Queiroz (Pern) São Cristovão, Brasil
• 06-02-21 Márcio Felipe da Silva (Pern) São Cristovão, Brasil
• 06-02-21 Erick Henrique Alves da Silva (Par) São Cristovão, Brasil
• 14-02-21 Nuno Nixon (STSA) Kannur, Kerala, India

Professio Temporanea

• 02-02-21 M. Theresia Peny Wulakada, Batu, Indonesia
• 02-02-21 M. Martina Sukini Situngkir, Batu, Indonesia

Professio Solemnis

• 02-02-21 M. Lucy Nthule (MAC), Machakos, Kenia
• 07-02-21 María Lucía Vargas Martínez (SDO), Santo Domingo, República Dominicana
• 13-02-21 Douglas Rafael Mendivil Martelo (Ita-Col), Colombia
• 13-02-21 Lizwaun Martínez Guerra (Ita-Col), Columbia
• 13-02-21 Juan Garbriel Arrieta Zambrano (Ita-Col), Columbia
• 13-02-21 Juan Camilo Rada Pardo (Ita-Col), Columbia

Ordinatio Diaconalis

• 11-02-21 Paul Kaptain Pakao (Phil), New Manila, Quezon City, Pilipinas
• 11-02-21 Vinson P. Luayon (Phil), New Manila, Quezon City, Pilipinas
• 11-02-21 Leo A. Nebril (Phil), New Manila, Quezon City, Pilipinas

Ordinatio Sacerdotalis

• 02-02-21 Aniceto Rodriguez III (Phil), San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, Pilipinas
• 11-02-21 Michael L. Condes (Phil), New Manila, Quezon City, Pilipinas
• 11-02-21 Ritche T. Salgado (Phil), New Manila, Quezon City, Pilipinas
• 11-02-21 Christopher F. Labrador (Phil), New Manila, Quezon City, Pilipinas
• 14-02-21 Emmanuel Ngona Malobi (Ita-Con), Roma, Italia
• 22-02-21 Joiezl Fern S. Piñon (Phil), Talamban, Cebu City, Pilipinas

Monasterio de N. Sra. de las Maravillas y San José
P.O. Box 121
6200 DUMAGUETE CITY (Negros Oriental)
Philippines
Tel. (+63) 035-2254960/035-4197140
e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Carmelite Monastery of the Holy Family
Tabe
3015 GUIGUINTO (Bulacán)
Philippines
Tel. (+63)44-816-2093 / (+63) 9176147884
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Carmel of Our Lady of Nazareth
Km 109, Maharlika Highway, Sumacab Este
P.O. Box 213
3100 CABANATUAN CITY (N. E.)
Philippines
Tel.(+63)44-4631277
e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Carmelite Monastery of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Tambacan, Burgos
2410 PANGASINAN
Philippines
Tel. (+63)917 3252062 / (+63)925 8151225
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pagina prima: www.ocarmburgosph.org

Carmelite Monastery of the Holy Trinity
and Our Lady of Mount Carmel
P.O. Box 02 Lawa-an
5800 ROXAS CITY (Capiz)
Philippines
Tel. (+63)036-6210664
e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mater Carmeli Monastery
Km 148 Romulo Highway
Pugo Cecilio, P.O. Box 24
2303 SANTA IGNACIA (Tarlac)
Philippines
Tel. (+63) 45 493 2366
Fax (+63) 45 606 3324
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website: www.matercarmeli.org

Carmel of Mary, Star of the Sea
Mount Carmel Street, Sitio Balimbing
1980 TANAY (Rizal)
Philippines
Tel. (+63) 28710-9040/921-5547380
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Carmel Monastery of Jesus of Nazareth
Purok 6, Brgy. Panadtalan
8714 MARAMAG Bukidnon
Philippines
Tel. (+63) 044-806-8006/9083680955/9394612468
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Facebook Maramag carmel

Monastery of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and St. Joseph the Worker
Malinao East, Lila
6303 BOHOL
Philippines
Cell. (+63) 908-4913839/ Tel. (+63) 038538-1004
e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Carmelite Monastery of St. Joseph
Cesar Maria. Guerero Road
Brgy. Palapad, SAN FABIAN
Pangasinan, 2433
Philippines
Tel. (+63) 175082741/943275-8110
e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Carmelite Province of Blessed Titus Brandsma of the Philippines was canonically erected on July 16, 2013 through a Decree of Canonical Erection passed and approved by the Most Rev. Fernando Millán Romeral, O.Carm. At present the Province has about 78 religious working in the Philippines, Italy and Papua New Guinea. For more informations: https://carmelitesph.org/

CEBU CITY
San Alberto
Carmelite Formation Center
Nasipit, Talamban
6000 CEBU CITY
Tel. +63 346-2722

ESCALANTE CITY
Mount Carmel Monastery
6124 ESCALANTE CITY
(Negros Occidental)
Tel. +63 034-454.0212

SAN FRANCISCO
Carmelite Monastery
8501 SAN FRANCISCO
Agusan del Sur
Tel. 085-343557
Tel. +63 085-8392198

QUEZON CITY
St. Teresa of Avila Community
31 Acacia St., corner Rosario Drive
Bgy. Mariana, New Manila
1112 QUEZON CITY
Tel. +63 2- 87242371

QUEZON CITY
St. Elijah - Elisha Students’ Friary
24 Acacia Street, New Manila
1112 QUEZON CITY

QUEZON CITY Carmelite Noviciate Community
“Spring of Carmel”
22, Anahaw St. Gloria III Subd.
Bgy. Culiat
1128 QUEZON CITY
Tel. +63 2-82851229

ORMOC CITY Carmel Spirituality Center
Bry. Milagro
ORMOC CITY, Leyte

AURORA PROVINCE
Bahay Pananahimik
Bulong Ng Simoy
Brgy. Mijares, Dipaculao
3203 AURORA PROVINCE

BATAAN
Pahingalayan ng Inang Maria ng Karmelo
Paysawan
Bagac, Bataan