By: fr sirenio j

Recent Developments to Carmel Milagro Spirituality Center












(Fully packed jeepney going to Carmel Milagro)

June 10 – I arrived in Carmel Cantilong, Milagro, Ormoc with Jopacs. We brought with us the old television set of Cebu Carmel and we installed it… equipped with Baron’s antenna provided by our driver, no other than Edmund the architect of our shrine, we were surprised to see the signal of the local channels as clear as those of Cable TV. In a way, I will be updated in the news around the country with the television set.

June 13 – The meeting of Confradia of Brown Scapular took place in the Church of Ss. Peter and Paul in Ormoc City… I shared to the membership the significance of Carmelite Spirituality and History to the members of the confraternity. I encouraged them to continue with their formation even requesting them to come once in 2 months to Carmel Milagro for proper formation. This meeting was a blessing in disguise for Bishop Jose Palma happened to be in the SPP… it was a joy to meet him, we talked Hiligaynon and the Bishop gave me verbatim the celebret… he told me I can say Mass wherever I like in his Diocese! Wow, that was something… he told his secretary Fr. John Paul to immediately formulate a formal letter to my Superiors in Manila indicating my acceptance in the Diocese. The Bishop encouraged me further to join in the Vicariate meetings and the Clergy meetings.This day also was a significant day for I got to meet the Parish Priest and Vicariate Head of the Ormoc Vicariate, Monsignor Bernie Pantin of the Church of Ss. Peter and Paul. He got my cell phone number and requested me to be available in case Ormoc Parish will request Masses on Sundays. He further assured me that the Church of Ss. Peter and Paul welcome me as one of its brother priest.

At 5:00 PM, I concelebrated with the Mass which was also in honor of the feast of St. Anthony of Padua. After the communion, Mons. Pantin introduced me to the Ormocanons and encouraged them to visit the Carmelite Spirituality Center in Milagro. On my part, I was very thankful to the Parish Priest for the honor of promoting our pilgrimage site.I slept in the house of Nanay Laida, a confraternity member. She is a very accommodating woman and she introduced me to her boarder, a Servite Priest who happened to be a chaplain in Saint Lorenzo College. He also requested me to receive his students during their recollections in Carmel Milagro… I am very happy with the turn of events, I told him, "you are very much welcome Father, though our place can accommodate only 30 persons for recollections." He said this is enough for his small classes.

June 15 – Sis. Linda, a tertiary living in Milagro fetched me for a concelebrated Mass with the Poor Clare Nuns which were living near Tongonan, a 15 minute ride from Carmel Milagro. She introduced me to the Poor Clare Nuns and to her two companion Augustinian Nuns who visited her. It was a happy meeting with them, realizing also that one of them is from Valencia, Bukidnon. We had our breakfast in the house of Linda who served us with pancakes, pizzadella of Mexico, a brewed coffee, eggs with cheese and a concoction of tea and garlic drinks. Mr. Pongos the cousin of Linda was there with his family and he started the discussion about Church History… we went on and on… until unknowingly we realized it was time for lunch already… whew, it was a long morning where I had to tackle mysticism to communism… it was good the Augustinian nuns were there to support me… we were laughing realizing that it was Augustine who started the systematization of theology and again, it was an Augustinian priest, Martin Luther, who shattered the tradition of the Church… As it was lunch time, Linda again treated us to a sumptuous lunch, even with elbow pasta oozing with cheese, chicken soup and different recipe of fish.

In the afternoon, my driver Linda, such a generous woman who even offered that her car be used if there are emergency travels that I will make, accompanied me to see Fr. Fabian the Parish Priest of Simangan, Ormoc where Milagro is a member barangay. Fr. Fabian was glad to know me and immediately gave me an assignment to say the 6:00 PM English Mass. That was a surprise for me… I was right away introduced to the Parish Staff who immediately scribbled my number in case there are Masses and other sacramental needs of the Parish where I can be of help. At 6:00 PM, the Mass went well with a presentation even of the parish youth in honor of their fathers for it was a Fathers’ Day celebration… the youth sang to their fathers and gave a letter of thanksgiving to their fathers. They asked forgiveness for the time they were difficult to understand.

June 16 – San Lorenzo Parish of Simangan, Ormoc requested that I say a funeral Mass at 1:00 PM. Again, this came a surprise for me, since the immediate trust that is established in the Parish for my presence. I am of course, very thankful for this unconditional acceptance and trust.On this day, the Carmelite Spirituality Center (CSC) was visited by two Augustinian Nuns and Sr. Joy of the Sisters of Mercy (RSM). The RSM happened also to be our neighbors where we buy our vegetables. Sr. Joy told us that the two hectare lot used to belong to them, this means that before they occupied four hectare lot, but since they could hardly maintain it, when the Larazabal family subdivided the lot, they donated the other two for the Carmelites. We learned a lot from her of the history of Milagro. Milagro is also the 0 ground for the hurricane that flooded the city of Ormoc in the 80’s.After my Mass in San Lorenzo Parish, the rain fell in torrent. The roads were flooded and Sis. Linda had to go slow in her driving since the road became like a river and we have to navigate our way through the fog in returning to Carmel Milagro. People say that the place is called Milagro because its often miraculously raining in torrents when the skies are very clear. The sudden downpour had the appearance of a storm when in the city no drop of rain fell.

June 17 – Sis. Linda and Emie, the Claretian volunteer brought me some babies’ breath flowers. The locals call it Aster flower. Only here did I learn that there are different colors of Aster, pink, white and violet. Sis. Linda promised to give me some stems of flowers for planting and also that of the clover vegetable. She gave me some concoction made out of garlic and honey for me to drink daily to lower my uric… I hope this helps… Today, we planted also millions’ flowers in the posts surrounding the land and some vegetables.

In the evening, we watched the concert of the Clergy of the Archdiocese of Palo known as Peter’s Chord. They are composed of ten priests who presented the Eucharist through modern song interpretation, narrated the story of the prodigal son in a musical form and wowed the youth through their tagalog songs and dance. This concert was done in the Superdome of Ormoc City as a commemoration of the Silver Anniversary of the Archdiocese of Palo. My sponsor Linda was very generous in securing me a ticket and providing me a ride to and fro Ormoc City.







June 18 – I concelebrated a Wedding in Claretians’ Chapel. The bride was one of the staff of the novitiate house. This was the day that I got to meet Fr. Leo, the novice master. He was very hospitable and even welcomed me in their Novitiate house. After the wedding, one of the sponsors offered to bring me home by car, then he had a brilliant idea, he told me, “my wife and myself are going to Lake Danao, would you like to come along?” I replied, “I would be more than willing.” So off we go and I was mesmerized by the vast Lake known as Danao. I boarded one raft after the other, touched its cold waters and enjoyed the silence of the lake. I saw the many shells and clams that this fresh water holds… it is rather amazing to find these in a body of a fresh water.


JANUARY 2009



Carmel Ormoc was visited by the community of Carmel Escalante last February 9 to 13. Carmel Escalante had their retreat in our house in Carmel Ormoc. They requested the help of Fr. Sirenio Jaranilla to assist them in their retreat. Fr. Jaranilla gave them the topics on "Perseverantes in Caritate", a document on our new blessed martyrs during the Spanish Civil War and shared on the way of the cross by Francisco Suarez, O.Carm. This became the community's jumping board on their sharings about their community life and for further sharings on the Commissariat's plans for every Carmelite local community. In attendance during the retreat are Friars Harry Bloem, Paul Medina and Eddie AlbiƱo. From the associates present are Linda Barairo, Rizalina Ombi-on, Inday Koerkamp and Frans Koerkamp. Frans celebrated his memorable and windy birthday in Carmel Ormoc.

FEBRUARY 2009

Fr. Jaranilla also attended the 25th Jubilee Celebration of the Archdiocese of Palo. He concelebrated in the Mass by the Nuncio, Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams who celebrated the Eucharist attended by thousand parishioners, hundreds of priests and a number of Bishops led by Archbishop Jose Palma. The Jubilee celebration took place on February 14, 2009. Bishop Jose Palma expressed his gratitude to the Carmelites in opening their mission in the Archdiocese. Before the culmination celebration, Archbishop Dian (Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Palo) reminisce on the historical development of the Archdiocese.


MARCH 2009

The month of March was a busy month for Carmel Ormoc. Many groups came to the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Milagro seeking for Lenten recollection. First to come was the Confraternity of Brown Scapular last March 1. The Handmaids of the Lord also came for the Lenten recollection, they numbered around 30 persons. Then the mandated organizations of Ormoc requested also Fr. Jaranilla to facilitate their Lenten recollection. The Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professional numbering around 400 requested him to come over and give teachings on Lenten observance in the Ponggos Hotel in Ormoc City and also the Daughters of Mary Immaculate (DMI) which numbered around 50 members. This was followed by the request of many schools for recollections in preparation of their graduation.


FEBRUARY - MARCH 2010

Many groups climb the hills of the Carmelite Spirituality Center for their Lenten recollections and Via Crucis. This recollection is a time for reflection and meditation for them on the Lord's passion. It is a venue for the strengthening of the participants' Christian faith. Fr. Jaranilla and the DST Sisters served on the various groups: February 18, 2010 (Legion of Mary), February 19 (Teachers of San Lorenzo Ruiz College), February 21 (DST Schools' parents), March 3 (Lilo-an National High School), March 8 (Mother Butler's Guild), March 5-7 (Students of San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish) in Simangan, Ormoc.

On March 13, 2010, during the Feast Day of the Daughters of Saint Teresa (DST) in Dolores, Ormoc City, the Carmel Youth Ormoc Chapter was organized. They adopted the patronage of Saint Teresa of Avila hence they are called the Santa Teresa de Avila Chapter. Many of these youths are choir members and altar servers in Simangan, Ormoc City and the neighboring environs. Fr. Sirenio Jarnilla and the DST Sisters will take charge of their formation program. The group will be formally received on July 16, 1010 during the fiesta Mass of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the Carmelite Spirituality Center in Ormoc.



APRIL 2010

The Donum Dei Missionaries visited Ormoc for their Reflection and Silence from April 14 to 20 this year. The Sisters reflected on their life inside their community and started thinking on how to expand their institute in the Philippine context. Toward the end of their stay in Ormoc CArmel, they were given the chance to present a Vocation Talk with the Youth at a Summer Camp organized by the Claretian Fathers and Sis. Linda Roura, TOC. Out of these youths, one decided to join the institue and become a missionary. After their moments of Silence in Ormoc, Auda Mangaron was appointed Responsible for the group of Donum Dei Missionaries in the Philippines. They are looking forward to opening a center in Carmel Ormoc in the future.




Fr. Jaranilla also shared with the Clarissas Capuchinas Nuns last April some sessions on the Evangelical Counsels at Welcome, Tongonan, Ormoc City. This took place last April 26 to 28. In attendance were the nuns from their monasteries in Lipa City, Batangas, Davao City, Bicol and Ormoc City. Through this activity, the Carmelites and Capuchins of Ormoc got to know better the dynamisms of both Orders. The nuns encourage the Carmelite nuns through Fr. Jaranilla to start their foundation in Ormoc.

MAY 2010

Bro. Fernando Lopez arrived in Ormoc. Fr. Jaranilla introduced him to our friends, benefactors, confraternities of Ormoc and Simangan. He was able to meet the religious groups present in Ormoc like the Augustinian Discalced, the Benedictines, the Capuchin Nuns, Sisters of Divine Love, the Daughters of Saint Teresa and others. He was given the opportunity to conduct recollections and retreats in the school and convents. Deng also became a guide for pilgrims and visitors who come to the Carmelite Spirituality Center just like the visit of the family of Isagani Valle. His description of Carmel Ormoc is a good resting place, good place for silence and reflection. His free time in Ormoc is spent for meditations and making modules for recollections and retreats.



JULY 2010

The Fiesta of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Carmel Ormoc is a brown date to remember. The confraternity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel led the hundreds of devotees who went to celebrate with us in the Chapel (Open Space) of our Center. During the Fiesta celebration, we accepted the new Carmel Yout Chapter in Ormoc. July became also a day of remembering as the Valle family came again to our place and gave pictures and some memorabilia of Brother Gani. Brother Gani's bones now lies in the cemetery of Ormoc beside the tomb of his father. On his tombstone this lines are written: In Obsequio Jesu Christi (In Allegiance to Jesus Christ) for indeed his entire life was in allegiance to the Call of Jesus Christ. We were able to spread also the Spirituality of the Brown Scapular to a parish in Biliran of the Naval Diocese under the patronage of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The parish invited us to deepen meaning of the Brown Scapular as a garment of grace given by Mary.



OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2010

Fr. Jaranilla joined the Pirrko and Troy Tours last October 22 to November 5 to serve as Pilgrimage Chaplain in the Holy Land. The trip began at Amman Jordan where we visited Mount Nebo, the place where Moses beheld the Holy land and the site of his death, and Petra, the Nabatean city believed to be a road used by Moses and Aaron.

From Jordan, the pilgrims proceeded to Israel where importan sites of Jesus’ life were visited, starting with Galilee Lake or the sea of Kinneret, Capernaum to Nazareth, Cana, Mount Tabor, Mount Carmel in Haifa, and the Galilean hills where Mary met her cousin Elizabeth.

After these sites, we arrived at Bethlehem and stayed in the Holy City of Jerusalem for a night. The day after saw our visitation to St. Anne Church where Mary was born, Bethesda pools, the Via Dolorosa culminating the way of the cross on the Church of Holy Sepulchre or the traditional site of Golgotha and visiting the empty Tomb. From here, we visited Jesus’ prison near the Kidron Valley and went forward to the Ascension Chapel, the Garden of Olives and the Western Wall of Jerusalem’s temple where we offered our evening prayers.

From Israel, our next stop was the Dead Sea where we took a dip on its salty waters, then onward to Eilat, site of King Solomon’s mines. We crossed the borders of Israel to the Sinai Peninsula where at twilight we climbed Mount Sinai with the help of camels and our sturdy feet. After this tiring climb, we proceeded to Rephidim, site where Moses fought with Amelikites and the pools where Yahweh gave quails and manna to the people of Israel.

Last stop was Egypt, where we visited the Pyramids and Sphinx and cruised on the Nile, where Moses was sent afloat by his mother to rescue his life from Pharaoh’s soldiers.

Remarkable in this pilgrimage is the realization that you are on the places itself trod by the Israelites and Jesus, our Savior. There are moments where one ponders how great is God to have chosen the poorest of the people to show his saving power.



Bro. Fernando Lopez conducted recollections to the High School students of LIDE Learning Center Inc. (LLCI) and to the medical technology and pharmacy students of San Lorenzo Ruiz College (SLRC) in Ormoc City. He regularly gives talks on Carmelite Saints to the members of the Confraternity of the Brown Scapular once a month. Aside from developing modules for retreats and recollections, Bro. Lopez also served as in-house accompanist/counselor when visitors come to the Grotto of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Ormoc to ask for prayers and counseling.

NOVEMBER 2010

Fr. Sirenio Jaranilla was hospitalized in Ormoc City Hospital (OSPA) due to Kidney Stone infection last November 18-25. The doctor told him, this is a recurrence of his Kidney stone problem which happened in the year 2001. Despite of his health, he went to say Masses in Cebu last November 21 as Fr. Pete Manilag went to the United States. On that same day, he was again confined in Perpetual Succour. The doctors found that the kidney stone had exited but medication has to follow to lower the uric levels of his system. Fr. Jaranilla is very thankful to all the people who prayed and visited the hospital during his confinement.



DENG LOPEZ CHRONICLES

January 2012