CALLED TO SERVE

Take me Lord, bless me, break me and hand me around. All of us called to serve in one way or another. After many years of suffering from cancer Brother Dominic was called home by Our Lord last April 23rd. He went very peacefully in his room. He was laid to rest in our Carmelite plot at Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina.

Fr. Joey Mabborang, OCD was ordained to the priesthood last June 4 here at Mt. Carmel Shrine Parish. The following day he had his first thanksgiving mass at the parish of his parents at San Isidro Labrador in Quezon City. Fr. Paulo Gamboa, OCD gave a beautiful homily during that first mass. Fr. Joey also had his first mass in his native home town in Conner, Apayao. Much of June and July is fully booked with thanksgiving masses and novena masses at different Carmels and OCDS chapters. Joey is part is our community but he is also assigned as the National Director of the OCDS as Fr. Ernie Montuerto left for studies in Carmelite Spirituality in Spain.

Fr. Jose Ma. "Tatay" Lopez is a joy to have in our community. He is the most regular member for community acts. His physical condition continues to improve but his memory is very poor. He responds to Tatay or Papa and sometimes he even can say that he is Jose Maria Lopez. However, until now, he does not klnow any of us by name. He cannot read or follow a conversation. He joins us in the chapel for the office and prayer time. Much of the day is spent in sleeping, praying the rosary, and talking to anyone who is nearby. Too bad we cannot understand much of what he says.

Since early June Fr. Jack has been busy with vocation promotion. Fr. Henry, our guest Carmelite priest, has recently returned from his vocation in India. Bro. Archie Buenaagua, OCD is with us for his pastoral year. He is a BS Math graduate from Camarines Sur. He will be involved in community activities and also help somewhat in the parish newsletter, the Carmel.com.

The new columbary was finished the end of May. More than half of the 105 new niches have been sold already. We are now adding more and larger downspouts to the church. When there is a heavy rain for a prolonged time the gutters fill up and the water backs up under the roof and leaks into the church. There are also a number of cracks in the gutters of the church that have been repaired.

The fiesta of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel is just around the corner. Fr. Alex, Fr. Arnie and the Parish Council have worked out many plans and activities for the fiesta. Our Provincial, Fr. Chito Reyes, OCD will be the main celebrant and preacher fro the 6pm mass on july 16. Happy Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel to everyone!

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