Significance

Origins: The Carmelites began as a monastery in the 12th century in Mount Carmel, Israel. They were originally a group of hermits who lived in caves and followed a simple life of prayer and contemplation. They were known for their devotion to the Virgin Mary and their commitment to a life of poverty and service. In the 13th century, the Carmelites were officially recognized as a religious order by the Catholic Church. They spread throughout Europe and eventually to the Americas.

The Carmelites have always been known for their dedication to prayer, contemplation, and service to the poor and marginalized.

Carmelites in Naga: The Carmelite monastery in Naga City, Philippines, is a testament to the enduring legacy of this religious order. It was founded in 1949 by two American sisters and has been a beacon of faith and service in the Bikol region for over 70 years.

From Penafrancia to Concepcion: The Carmel foundation in Naga began at the old Penafrancia Shrine and eventually transferred on December 8, 1950 to the then Barrio Concepcion on a property donated by Mrs. Socorro Abella Soriano.

70th Year anniversary in 2019. The Carmel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Naga City, Camarines Sur celebrated its 70th Foundation Jubilee on Oct. 3, 2019, Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Carmelite chapel in Concepcion Pequeña. The main celebrant at the Solemn Pontifical Mass was His Grace Most Rev. Rolando Octavus J. Tria Tirona, OCD. Fr. Mariano Agruda III, OCD, from Rome, delivered the homily; he is the current Definitor of the Carmelites for the Asia Pacific Region.

Two bishops, Rev. Msgr. Jose Rojas, bishop of the Diocese of Libmanan and Rev. Msgr. Rex Alarcon, bishop of the Diocese of Daet and 46 priests concelebrated at Mass.

Carmelite Nuns came from various Teresian Carmels in Baguio, San Fernando, Infanta, Angeles, San Pablo, Gilmore, Davao, Lucena, Lipa, and the Carmelite friars from Mt. Carmel Shrine Community in Broadway, St. John of the Cross Community and House of Studies in Q.C., St. Joseph the Worker Community in Jaro and Our Lady’s Hill Community in Baguio City. Five Carmelite nuns from Antwerp Carmel were also present. Three of them have chosen to be transferred from Naga Carmel to Antwerp as missionaries.

From Bicol Mail: Naga Carmel celebrates 70 years