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Holiness is found in people we encounter. Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Sister Concepcion Medina and Sister Mary Ann Spanjers were blessed to meet Midwest Capuchin Friars and young Franciscans, YouFra, on a recent weekend in Detroit. Brother Nathan Linton, OFM Cap. and Sister Mary Ann were invited to share the presentation The Eucharist Adoration to Action at the Solanus Casey Center https://fscc-calledtobe.org/2025/01/25/detroit-young-adults-meet-franciscans-at-solanus-casey-center-for-eucharist-talk/ “I really loved seeing the connection of Adoration and action (what we are called to do?)"

https://i.postimg.cc/vHVH3J2r/temp-Image-NUxxrh.avif Vice President JD Vance or Rachel Leland Levine -American professor of pediatrics and psychiatry; United States Assistant Secretary for Health Question: Which high ranking government official was the guest speaker at yesterday's national March for life rally in Washington DC? Vice President JD Vance or (Admiral) Rachel Leland Levine

Mother M. Aurora was one of the national hero Marcelo H. Del Pilar’s granddaughters. She served as the Mother General of the Pink Sisters for 34 years, leading the religious institute four times until reaching the age of 80. She was also a spiritual adviser to the late president Corazon Aquino during the People Power Revolution of 1986. Mother Mary Aurora Passed Away On November 10, 2016, our dear Mother Mary Aurora, 4th Superior General of our Congregation, went to her eternal reward at the age of 93. She had led our Congregation from 1969 to 2003 with wisdom and broadmindedness, with kindness blended with firmness, with selfless dedication and with a love of a mother who is solicitous for the welfare of her daughters. A faithful daughter of the Church, she had guided and accompanied the congregation through the difficult and challenging times of the post-Vatican Council. She had expanded the congregation by founding and establishing new adoration convents in Asia, in South and North America, in Europe and in Africa. A true and faithful spiritual daughter of St. Arnold Janssen and Mother Mary Michael, she continued to promote the external and internal growth of our congregation. Though already sickly and bedridden yet still possessing a clear mind, she put to good use her talent for languages: she worked in the Generalate as one of the translators. Her edifying example of patience and silence in the midst of sufferings and her wise advice and counsels in any situation were valuable to many who had known her and had lived close to her. Grateful for her service to the Church and the Congregation, we accompanied her to her final resting place on earth. On November 16, 2016, her body was brought from Bad Driburg, Germany to the Motherhouse in Steyl, Netherlands to be interred in the convent cemetery there where our Co-foundress, Mother Mary Michael, and the two other Superior Generals before her were buried. Her family members who still traveled from other parts of the world, her many friends and benefactors far and near, and several SVD Priests and Brothers and SSpS Sisters attended her funeral. Fr. Patrick Casino MSP celebrated the Requiem Mass together with four other concelebrants. It was remarkable that it was raining the whole morning. It was cloudy and cold. The mood of the day seems to go with the occasion. Until before 2:oo p.m. it was still raining that we were worried for the visitors. Besides, it will be wet and muddy in the cemetery. But after the Requiem Mass, it was a miracle. The rain had stopped, the ground was dry, and the sun was peeping cheerfully out of the clouds. It was a beautiful weather. Surely our Lord had granted this favor to Mother Mary Aurora and for the sake of all the guests. As we pray for her eternal repose, we also ask her to pray for us. With her passing away, we have certainly gained a new intercessor in heaven.

We witness in today’s liturgy the creation of a new people of God. Ezra started reading at dawn of the first day of the Jewish new year. Jesus also proclaims a “sabbath,” a great year of Jubilee, a deliverance from slavery to sin, a release from the debts we owe to God. The people greeted Ezra “as one man.” And, as today’s Secon Reading teaches, in the Spirit the new people of God—the Church—is made “one body” with Him. Our Gospel recalls the First Reading. Like Ezra, Jesus stands before the people, is handed a scroll, unrolls it, then reads and interprets it (compare Luke 4:16–17, 21 and Nehemiah 8:2–6, 8–10). Jesus this week declares that Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in Him. Jesus has been baptized by John, has called his disciples to his ministry, and has wrestled mightily with the tempter in the desert. Triumphant after defeating the temptations of earthly power, of easy miracles and magic, he returns home to Nazareth. He knows who he is and what his mission from God is. He also knows that the people hearing him remember him as the son of their own Mary, of Joseph the carpenter, the brother of several men and women who live in their midst. With the assurance of a prophet, he chooses to read from Isaiah, those powerful, familiar passages of the Servant Song. He proclaims his mission, here in the town where he grew up: he has come for the poor, the captives, the blind, the oppressed. The categories fit the poor people of Nazareth as they fit the poor people of captive Palestine under the Romans and their collaborators among of the higher clergy. It is an electrifying moment when he says, “Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” Jesus does the unexpected, the unimaginable, on that memorable Sabbath morning in Nazareth. In today’s jargon, he claims those ancient prophetic words as his own personal mission statement. The reason God’s Spirit came crashing down on him at his baptism was to empower him to do precisely this: bring good news to the poor, release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind; let all the oppressed go free; announce the sweet Jubilee Year when God’s justice will reshape society. Jesus takes all this as his mission statement, and he is not content to leave it as only a string of high-sounding words. Everything that follows in his life, as presented to us in the gospel, amounts to the living out of the prophecy he claims for himself that Sabbath morning in Nazareth. He keeps doing these things every chance he gets, every time he turns around, until finally it kills him. Some people welcome what Jesus does, but others do not because it upsets their unfair advantage, questions their complacency, and pushes them to recognize their habitual infidelity to God. They find their discomfort increasingly intolerable and think that his judicial murder will bring an end to the matter. They are wrong, of course. Jesus rises alive from the dead and continues today to do what he talked about that Sabbath morning long ago. Now the way he works is through his mystical body, the church. Through each of us and all who are baptized into his body, Jesus strives still to live out his mission statement, bringing good news to those who don’t have any, setting free those chained in captivity, opening blind eyes, helping the oppressed and exploited find a life, and unrolling the floor plan that sets out God’s reign where justice and peace prevail. Jesus still does these things, because his church does them. The poor gain hope, whether it’s their souls or their bodies that are starved. The captives experience freedom, whether they are prisoners in a jail or prisoners in a mansion. The blind receive sight, whether it’s cataract surgery at the church hospital or the scales of prejudice falling off the eyes of a bigot. The oppressed are set free, whether oppression is a political regime or a chemical dependence. When Jesus reads that passage in the Nazareth synagogue, he announces a mission statement for himself and for his body, the church.

https://nrlc.org/nrlnewstoday/2024/08/the-power-of-abortion-survivors-and-their-mothers-to-educate-the-public-is-profound/ The power of abortion survivors and their mothers to educate the public is profound Aug 30, 2024 By Melissa Ohden Editor’s note. For most of us, Melissa Ohden is the face of a “failed abortion.” You may be aware of the CliffsNotes version of Melissa’s utterly breathtaking story, one that amazes me to this day. In 1977 she survived a saline infusion abortion, a technique that was so dangerous (to the mother) that it is virtually no longer used anywhere. She was adopted by a loving family who raised her as their own. Sylvester Stallone’s most famous roles may arguably be as “Rocky” or “Rambo,” but in a recent Unwaxed podcast interview Sistine and he admitted to what I would argue is the defining role of his life–abortion survivor. As Nancy Flanders of Live Action reported in her article on August 28th, Stallone’s daughters, Sophia and Sistine, were questioning him about his relationship with his mother, Jackie Stallone. “You had said that your mom was nervous to have you,” said Sistine. “She didn’t want you, right?” “Not at all,” replied Stallone. “My mother would say, ‘The only reason you’re here is because the hanger didn’t work’ or ‘bouncing down those steps didn’t cause you to get lost.'” I concur with Nancy’s statement: “Based on these remarks, it sounds as if Stallone’s mother had tried to kill him in at least one, perhaps multiple, DIY [Do-It-Yourself] abortions.” Honestly, I shouldn’t be surprised by the “unsuccessful” abortion experiences admitted by famous figures like Stallone. He’s not alone in his experience, joining well-known figures like Cristiano Ronaldo and Pastor Jack Hibbs. But even more importantly, as a fellow abortion survivor and leader of The Abortion Survivors Network, [https://abortionsurvivors.org], stories like Stallone’s, Ronaldo’s, and Hibbs’ are being lived out by everyday people like you and me. Earlier this week, I met two women at an event who survived at-home attempts to abort them; one before Roe v. Wade and one after. At another event, an attendee shared her experience meeting a pre-Roe survivor in her community. These survivor encounters don’t even count the survivors who have contacted our team online. Whether it’s at the bank, the hair salon, the grocery store, everywhere I go and dare to mention who I am or what I do, or our organization’s name is shared, it seems as if someone knows someone who survived an attempt to abort them. More often than not, it’s an at-home or “DIY” attempt. I do not doubt that when at-home attempt survivors see and hear Stallone’s story, they see themselves in it. We often hear it said that representation matters. I can tell you that representation in our culture by abortion survivors is significant. The secretive, isolative experience of surviving any attempt to abort you, coupled with the cultural misunderstandings about us, lead survivors to believe they must be the only ones this has happened to. The recent passing of Phil Donahue reminded me of the power of the stories and voices of abortion survivors and mothers in not only educating the public but also in reaching those with these experiences. I can remember where I stood in my parents’ living room all those years ago when Phil interviewed Ana Rosa Rodriguez’s mother. Ana was 32 weeks gestation when her mother, Rosa, went to the New York City abortion chamber of Abu Hayat, the notorious “Butcher of Avenue A” in 1991. Ana survived but lost an arm in the process. What may have been just another show to Phil, seeing another person like me was one of the turning points in my life. Abortion survival experiences are diverse, and we have found that more often than not, especially in the U.S., survivors are raised in their biological families. With the cultural focus on the political fight over abortion, those who survive at-home attempts have often felt like they had no one who would listen to or care about their story. The story of Michelle Lyman, included in my book, Abortion Survivors Break Their Silence, highlights the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of those who survived illegal or at-home attempts before Roe legalized abortion. Where there are abortions, there is “unsuccessful” abortion—the baby survives. Abortion supporters turn their survival into an argument that these extremely late abortions are “always going to happen,” so abortion must be legal. What a strange position to hold. It means ignoring that women are coerced and forced into abortions. Babies are the intended victims but survive more often than most understand. Whole families are affected, especially mothers who parent their surviving child, like Sylvester Stallone’s mother, Jackie, did. After an abortion attempt, more needs to be done to support women like Sylvester’s mom so that family functioning can have better outcomes. We see high incidences of abuse and neglect in homes like his. Again, that doesn’t mean he or any survivor is “better off dead.” It means we need to reach moms like Jackie and families like Stallone’s so that support can be provided. The suffering of his mother in her childhood was significant, as Stallone shared, which he compassionately connected to her difficulties throughout her lifetime, including emotional and relational. As we address the generational impact of abortion on abortion survivors and their families, these vulnerabilities in life are often shared. I’ve heard so many similar stories to Stallone’s family’s—vulnerable women who have undergone a traumatic childhood that leads to unconscious decisions such as looking to be loved, which then can lead to more traumatic experiences like abortion. Add in the shock of an abortion attempt not “working.” There is the stress of trying to figure out if the baby will be okay. Add to this the guilt and shame over the years as you raise him or her which can lead to issues with attachment and bonding, and even abuse and neglect in families such as was the case with Stallone. There’s a lot more that can be unpacked from this bombshell interview between Stallone and his daughters. For now, I want us to acknowledge that he’s not alone in this experience. If you are an at-home attempt survivor or a mother who experienced attempts “failing,” The Abortion Survivors Network has the resources and an online community where you can safely connect with others you can relate to, reducing the pain of secrecy and shame. Finally, with DIY abortions increasing being marketed, more mothers like Stallone’s and babies like him will continue living out these stories. Ensuring that women are reached with information about resources available to them when they are experiencing crisis or fear during pregnancy is paramount to reducing attempted DIY abortions. Additionally, training professionals, including medical professionals and social workers, can help to identify the emotional, relational, and familial signs that a failed at-home abortion attempt has impacted a mother and child. With greater awareness, we hope that they can make referrals to helping professionals and to organizations like The Abortion Survivors Network. Story-based educational campaigns centered on these various experiences, told through the voices of mothers like Jackie Stallone and survivors like Sylvester, are another important component to reach these families, heal generations like his own daughters, and reach the public with stories that highlight the human impact of abortion. I’ll share more about story-based advocacy and our new initiatives at The Abortion Survivors Network in an upcoming article.

I got this email from Feminists for Life. One reason why women feel driven to abortion is the lack of financial resources and fearing the inability to afford a child once born. "We aim to address that," says Feminists for Life President Serrin Foster. "Our mission is to systematically eliminate the reasons that drive women to abortion. Women deserve better." Without congressional action, the Child Tax Credit (CTC) is set to expire. Congressman Blake Moore has introduced the Family First Act to support working American families with an updated and enhanced CTC, which will, if passed, provide tax relief for parents with young children—and a new tax credit for pregnant mothers after 20 weeks. How the Family First Act works: Increases the CTC (Child Tax Credit) amount to $4,200 for families with a child between ages 0-5 and $3,000 for families with a child between ages 6-17. Families may claim the credit for up to six children annually. Establishes a $2,800 tax credit for pregnant mothers. "Mothers and fathers cannot afford to let the Child Tax Credit expire especially during these tough economic times,” noted Foster. She added, “No parent should be forced to choose between their child and childcare, their family or housing and food, but that's where many are right now. The Family First Act can help lift children out of poverty. Mothers, fathers, and families deserve better. That includes Black women who are pregnant and at high risk of maternal mortality. Adding support to women in the last half of their pregnancy is a major step forward." If you are coming to the March for Life, please tell your representative in person to support this bill. Otherwise, please call or email your U.S. Representative and urge her/him to support H.R. 353. Call the United States Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 or find her/him online at https://www.house.gov/representatives to send an email. And don't forget, women in need can always go to WomenDeserveBetter.com for practical tips and locating resources.

https://marchforlife.org/national-march-for-life/

When Mother M. Aurora was overseas dormitories in the motherhouse were converted to private rooms with hot and cold water, the Sisters were delighted. When she returned on 14 November they greeted her "in the habit altered according to the prescriptions of the general chapter." The motherhouse chronicle gave the minute details about the changes. "If the Sisters so wish the pink habit may be tailored somewhat shorter and tighter. But the basic pattern must be maintained. The stiff strip under the veil may now be abandoned so that the veil no longer falls over the shoulders but down the back. It is up to the Sisters to decide if they want to wear the traditional closed cap or the new style of cap open at the neck. But from now on the caps will not be embroidered with the inscription "Spritui Sancto." Since the large stiff collar is abandoned we now wear the white scapular closed at the neck and over it a small white collar. The cost of alterations to our clothing, including the working habit and aprons, could easily be defrayed because the old clothing could easily be altered. Only the gray traveling costume with matching veil must gradually be provided for each Sister, similarly the white working habit. The white cloak formally worn in the chapel is no longer part of our religious dress. From 8 December 1969 onwards we will always wear the altered habit. All the Sisters are happy with the changes."

Mother Mary Elizabeth was elected Superior General in November 2015 as the 6th Superior General. In July 2019, Mother Maria Magdalena, a German, was elected as the new Superior General(7th). She was a former Superior of the Adoration Convents of Slovakia, Poland and Berlin. She served as Procurator General in 2011.

Mother M. Aurora, Josefina Marasigan, was born on 15 March 1923 in Manila. Josefina had five brothers and sisters; she herself was the third youngest. Her brother Vincent, 3 years older than herself entered the Jesuits. From May 1946 Josefina began thinking of entering a contemplative order and she decided for the Cloistered Sisters in Baguio. Having the approval of her parents on 6 November 1947 she bade farewell to her native place in order to live a life of seclusion and adoration. She pronounced her first vow on 21 November 1950. She served as a simple Sister in the convent in Baguio, from July 1959 first councilor in Baguio and from July 1965 superior in Cordoba. At the General Chapter in 1969 she was elected to the highest office of the Congregation. Mother Mary Michael is the first Superior General, Mother Mary Ancilia , the second, and Mother Mary Ignatia, was the third. Mother Mary Aurora requested the capitulars not to reelect her again due to advance age and health, so they elected Sister Mary Cecilia (Elvira Hocbo), a Filipina, as the fifth Superior General. Sister M. Cecilia insisted not to address her as Mother but Sister instead.

In your F.A.C.E. President Donald Trump issued pardons for 23 pro-life activists, for the crime of peacefully praying in front of the entrance of a Planned Parent clinic, on Thursday, Trump signed the pardons on Thursday in the Oval Office of the White House on the day before the March for Life to be held in Washington, D.C., according to the Thomas More Society. Last week, the religious liberty law firm petitioned the incoming president to issue 21 individual pardons for pro-life advocates who were arrested for violating the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act and “Conspiracy Against Rights” statute while peacefully engaging in protests at abortion clinics. Several of those convicted and imprisoned were elderly and in poor health.

The Carmelite Nuns With Fr. Rafał Wilkowski, Secretary for Nuns and the Vice-Secretary, Fr. Juan Pablo Patiño, we have discussed some aspects related to the Carmelites Nuns. The main argument at the moment is the revision of the Constitutions (1991). After the intense and fruitful experience of the meeting held in Nemi last April with representatives of the Federations and Associations around the world, the process continues with new energy. As decided in the aforementioned assembly, a consultation has been held with all the Federations to set-up an International working Commission. Once all the proposals had been received, Fr. General has proceeded to appoint the commission, starting with the names which had received the most votes and trying to assure the best possible representation. The commission is composed of the following 9 Religious: - Rose Mary of the Trinity (Rosemary Efeti Matute), Buea (Cameroon) - Mary Elizabeth of the Trinity (Mary Elizabeth Goeckel), Loretto (USA) - Lucia de la Cruz (Lucia Alliende Estevez), Santiago/San José (Chile) - Maria Silvia of the Mercy of God (Silvia Alejandra Becerra), Córdoba (Argentina) - Agustina of the Mother of God (Agustina Rosalia Zewet), Jakarta (Indonesia) - Anjali Charles of the Holy Trinity (Anne Jose), Kolayad (Kerala, India) - Christine de Jésus (Christine Morel), Le Havre (France) - Gema de la Cruz (Gema Juan Herranz), Puçol (Spain) - Veronica Teresia Elia Spiritu Sancto (Veronique Reincke), Aufkirchen (Germany) As well as these, Frs. Rafał Wilkowski and Juan Pablo Patiño will be part of the commission, with active voice in discussions but without a vote in decisions. Contacts between the members of the commission will soon begin to establish the modalities and the process of the revision. The commission will decide how to work, although any future constitutional text will be submitted for the assessment and suggestions of the communities and should obtain the consensus of the majority of these before its presentation to the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, which has the faculty to approve it. On the other hand, we have analysed the concrete situation of some monasteries which for various reasons need particular attention. While it is true that community suppressions continue, it is also worth noting that since the beginning of this year the communities of Gospić (Croazia), Fahefa (Tonga) Dongducheon (South Korea) and Eroode (Thamarassery, India) have received canonical erection. taken from: 2024 General Definitory Letter

please be assured of my poor prayers.

correction: a French founded Carmel in China who transferred to Lucena (not Naga) during the communist revolution.

Great post I am now bedridden while my son and b4other have g9ne To The Lord. I AM SHARING IN A SMALL WAY IN THE SUFFERING OF MARY. BOTH DIED IN PEAÇE SIX WEEKS AGO. MY COMPUTER LAID UP AND TOO HARD TO WRITE ON MOBILE OR CELL PHONE.

Correction: Lipa Carmel - Mother Theresa of Jesus - French Foundress from Hue Carmel in Vietnam Lucena Carmel is an exiled Carmel from Shanghai. The whole community transferred to Lucena with the help of Mother Theresa of Jesus of Manila Carmel.

Jaro Carmel - Mother Theresa of Jesus - French Foundress from Hue Carmel in Vietnam Manila Carmel - Mother Theresa of Jesus - French Foundress from Hue Carmel in Vietnam Bacolod Carmel - Mother Mary Louise of the Holy Spirit - French Foundress Lipa Carmel - Jaro Carmel- Mother Theresa of Jesus - French Foundress from Hue Carmel in Vietnam Davao Carmel - Mother Mary of the Assumption - Canadian Foundress from Montreal Carmel Cebu Carmel - Mother Mary of Jesus - Filipina Foundress Naga Carmel - Mother Aloysius of the Sacred Heart - American Foundress from Baltimore Carmel Laoag Carmel - Mother Mary Gabriel of the Child Jesus - French Foundress Angeles Carmel - Mother Angelina of St. Teresa - Filipina Foundress Zamboanga Carmel - Mother Elizabeth of the Trinity or Mother Mary of Christ (not sure on this) Lucena Carmel - Mother Marie Cecile of Jesus - French Foundress from Shanghai Carmel (exiled) Jolo Carmel - Mother Mary of Christ - French Foundress from Hue Carmel in Vietnam Ozamiz Carmel - Mother Frances Therese of the Child Jesus - French Foundress Cagayan de Oro Carmel - Mother Mary Lucy of the Blessed Sacrament - Filipina Foundress San Pablo Carmel - Mother Mary Clare of the Blessed Sacrament - French Foundress San Fernado La Union - Mother Mary of the Immaculate Heart - Filipina Foundress Subic Carmel - Mother Mary Natividad of the Holy Spirit - Filipina Foundress Infanta Carmel - Mother Mary Joseph of Jesus - Filipina Carmel Baguio Carmel - Mother Angelina of St. Teresa - Filipina Foundress Marawi Carmel - Mother Marie Madeleine of the Redemption - Filipina Foundress (this Carmel has been suppressed) Mati Carmel - Mother Marie Susan of Jesus - Canadian Foundress from Montreal Carmel Malaybalay Carmel - Mother Mary Lucy of the Blessed Sacrament - Filipina Foundress Gumaca Carmel - Mother Catherine Angelique of Our Lady of Mount Carmel - Filipina Foundress Note: French Foundresses from Carmel of Hue are the original four French Nuns who came to the Philippines, other French Foundresses followed later to help reinforced the Jaro Carmel or other Carmels founded after.

When Mother Theresa of Jesus sailed from Jaro to Manila for a foundation of the first Carmel in the North, Mother Mary of Christ took the helm as Prioress of Jaro Carmel and she was instrumental in helping with foundations of various Carmels in the South, Cebu Carmel being the first fruit, where Mother Mary of Jesus (Jesusa Tinsay, a Filipina) was the foundress. She herself eventually was a foundress of Jolo Carmel. Mother Theresa of Jesus on the other hand, was instrumental in spreading Carmels in the North - Lipa Carmel being her first daughter foundation. She is the foundress of this Carmel but Mother Mary Cecilia of Jesus (Natividad Zialcita, a Filipina) was named Prioress of Lipa Carmel.

MOTHER THERESA OF JESUS MA MÈRE FOUNDRESS, PRIORESS Maria Victoria Pagot August 11, 1882 – October 22, 1958 Born in Noirmoutier, Vendee, France. She entered the Carmel of Lons-le-Sauniers on Nov. 4, 1903 and made her final vows on Aug. 15, 1906. She left France for Hue, Vietnam on Aug. 22, 1911 and for the Philippines on Oct. 22, 1923. God’s holy will: the key of Ma Mère’s profound serenity of soul. She had a tender, filial love for our blessed Mother. As Prioress and Mistress of Novices she led her daughters with firmness and gentleness (a rare virtue) and installed in their young minds a solid asceticism and humility. She was herself the exemplar of the practices she enjoined on her daughters. Never did she utter a word which might reveal her intense interior life. The deep peace which radiated from her countenance was the only outward manifestation of her profound union with God. A remarkable trait is her maternal affection and solicitude for each of her daughters, her sons and Carmel’s friends. She participated in the foundation of Carmels in the northern part of the Philippines. She asked God for 30 years more of life to work for her dear Philippines and God gave her 35. Note: She is fondly called Ma Mere by her daughters while Mother Mary of Christ was called Notre Mere. Carmel of St. Therese of the Child Jesus - Gilmore, Quezon City October 21, 2020 Today, we remember the 62nd death anniversary of our dear Rev. Mo. Theresa of Jesus, OCD (Ma Mere), Foundress of Carmel in the Philippines. Brief Biography Rev. Mo. Theresa of Jesus, OCD was born Ma. Victoria Pagot on August 11, 1882 in Vandee, France, was fondly called 'Ma Mere' by her community of Discalced Carmelite Nuns. She was the youngest of eight children. Reared by deeply religious parents, she nevertheless experienced sufferings in the family due to business failures and sicknesses. One of her early trials was the death of her father which almost drove her to despair. It was by our Lady of Lourdes' intercession that her strength was restored. At twenty one, she entered the Carmel of Bruges, Belgium due to religious persecution in France. She offered to go to Carmel of Hue, in Annam (Vietnam) in 1911 when they appealed for help. This was her springboard to the missions in the Philippines. In 1923 she was appointed to be the leader of the Nuns that brought Carmel to the Philippines through the request of Bishop J.P. Mc Closky, the then Bishop of Jaro, Iloilo. The first foundation flourished followed by another request to have a Carmelite Monastery in Manila through His Grace Most Rev. Michael O'Doherty, Archbishop of Manila. The first Mass in the temporary convent was said on November 24, 1926 in Singalong, Manila. Together with Mother Mary Gabriel, and another French Carmelite they moved to establish the construction of the Monastery. The Secular Order of Carmel was also founded, and after the war, Manila proceeded to found Lipa, Laoag and Angeles Carmels. Two other foundations followed: Naga and Lucena Carmels. In the South, Jaro Carmel founded Bacolod, Davao, Cebu and Zamboanga. Ma Mere had a deep devotion to St. Therese of the Child Jesus. She was in fact in correspondence with one of the sisters of St. Therese, Sr. Genevieve of the Holy Face who was still living at that time. Despite the overwhelming cares which duty imposed on her, Ma Mere seemed to have been more and more growing in absorption in God at the same time evincing more and more maternal affection and care for her daughters and sons and even Carmel's friends. The love of God seemed to be taking full possession of her. This was felt by all those who knew her and lived with her. Ma Mere has expressed presentiments of her coming death but she continued with determination for her tasks and intense mortifications which hid the real condition of her health. She died on October 22, 1958 at the age of 78, exactly 35 years after her departure for the missions. At the same time of her death, there were eleven Carmelite Monasteries in the Philippines. Truly she had accomplished the task God entrusted to her. Mother Theresa of Jesus, our dear Ma Mere thank you for responding to God's invitation to bring Carmel to the Philippines. Pray for us especially for more vocations to all Carmels in the Philippines. The Foundresses of Carmels in the Philippine were French Mothers, American Mothers, Canadian Mothers and of course, our very own Filipina Mothers. Will post the list of Carmels and its foundresses separately. We owe our gratitude to these valiant women who came to the Philippines as missionaries to spread the Carmelite Reform of St. Teresa of Jesus.

MOTHER MARY OF CHRIST NOTRE MÈRE FOUNDRESS OF JOLO CARMEL, SUB-PRIORESS OF JARO CARMEL, THE FIRST CARMEL IN THE PHILIPPINES WHEN MOTHER THERESA OF JESUS, FOUNDRESS OF JARO, MANILA AND LIPA CARMELS, WAS THE PRIORESS. SHE WAS THE FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE SOUTH FEDERATION. Jeanne Marguerite Marie Legrand January 1, 1891 – August 20, 1979 Born in Paris, France. She entered the Carmel of Gravigny on Sept. 1, 1911 and made her profession on April 12, 1913. On Sept. 7, 1923 she left France with Sr. Germaine for the Carmel of Hue and for the Philippines with the group. Her outstanding virtues were: her love for the Gospel and ready obedience to the teachings of the Church, her love for truth and humility with Our Lady as her model, her love for community life, the priests, the poor and the Filipino people, her deep sense of gratitude, her passion for unity and her enjoyable sense of humour. She held the offices of Sub-prioress, Prioress and Novice Mistress. She was elected first President of the Southern Federation of Carmels in the Philippines. She initiated and participated in the founding of Carmels in the southern part of the Philippines. She spent 56 years of her life as a contemplative missionary in the Philippines, a woman with a “cathedral heart.”

S2.3 Je vous salut Marie, pleine de grâce, le Seigneur est avec vous, vous êtes bénie entres toutes les femmes et Jésus, le fruit de vos entrailles est béni. Sainte Marie, Mère de Dieu, priez pour nous pécheurs, maintenant et a l'heure de notre mort. Amen

The Foundress of San Pablo Carmel was the late Mother Mary Clare of the Blessed Sacrament, OCD (Marie Blanche Germette born in Paris, France and Home with God on January 9, 1989). She used to be the President of the North Association and the Prioress of Manila Carmel.

Ten Carmelite Sisters, kidnapped July 11 by Muslim rebels, returned to their hilltop monastery here July 17, thanking God for the opportunity to share for a while the life of the Muslim people. "For years we´ve looked down on the Muslim homes below, around the shores of Lake Lanao, and wondered what their life was, and now we know," said Carmelite Mother Madeleine Ledesma, prioress of the cloistered monastery. An American Protestant missioner, Brian Lawrence, kidnapped July 12 in Marawi City by other Muslim rebels, was released July 18. Paris Foreign Mission Father Michel de Gigord was similarly kidnapped for three weeks in June. The sisters said their kidnappers treated them well. One sister called it a to picnic," because their captors were kind to them and gave them special treats, such as roast corn. They said they would not testify against their kidnappers if the case came to court, but a young postulant said she was frightened throughout the five days. "God has been glorified," Sister Teresa, spokesperson for Carmelite Sisters in Manila, told UCA News. "Our sisters have shown, by the graciousness and courage of their words on their release, that they love the Muslim people without any thought of converting them. "The experience did more to draw the sisters and Muslims close together than years of talking could ever manage," she said. Bishop Fernando Capalla of Iligan, named special emissary to the kidnappers by Pope John Paul II, said "(they) realize they participated in a ´dialogue of life´ between Muslims and Christians. "They experienced literally having been lower than the Muslims who had power over them." Bishop Capalla said. "They feel lucky to have been given that experience, (but) we are not yet at ease. "There are too many unanswered questions about who did this and why." Many people whom UCA News interviewed in Marawi and Iligan attributed the kidnapping to followers of Lanao del Sur province´s former governor, Ali Dimaporo, a supporter of deposed President Ferdinand Marcos. Removed from office by President Corazon Aquino, Dimaporo heads a private army nicknamed the "Barracudas," estimated to have up to 5,000 members. Observers said the kidnappings are meant to demonstrate the lack of power of Aquino´s appointees to local offices and to indicate that Dimaporo and his followers should be returned to office to keep order. The sisters, however, said kidnappers told them they were kidnapped to make the public aware of Muslim demands for autonomy, as stated in the 1976 Tripoli Agreement, signed by the Philippine government and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels. The kidnappers also said they wanted to punish Cardinal Jaime Sin of Manila, describing him as anti-Muslim and too influential with President Aquino. They blamed Cardinal Sin for Aquino´s failure to do anything for Muslims since coming to power in February. Aquino promised to punish the sisters´ kidnappers, but observers said the president´s firmness had little effect. "Muslim groups in southern Mindanao kidnapped three other people within a few days of the sisters´ release, so they obviously don´t believe the government has such a ´get tough´ policy," he said. Bishop Capalla said Muslim religious leaders asked him to use the term "Maranao" (the tribal name of Lanao del Sur Muslims) rather than "Muslim," when describing kidnappers and politicians behind the crimes. The kidnappings were "un-Islamic," the Muslim leaders said. At one point, the bishop said, he was afraid some Catholics would retaliate against Maranaos for kidnapping the sisters. "I begged them not to do anything. It wasn´t right and wouldn´t do any good," he said. Despite the sisters´ release, neither Bishop Capalla nor Bishop Bienvenido Tudtud of Marawi indicated they see an end to kidnappings. "Bishop Tudtud knows something like this may happen again but he´s not taking any precautions," Bishop Capalla said. "This is not a religious problem but the Church sits in the middle of it all. "It seems the Marawi Church is the sacrificial lamb," he said. "We are preparing to respond to this role as a Church, so we are discussing what we should do should a similar incident occur. We will try to deal with the crisis but we will not fight it head on," Bishop Capalla said. "We prefer to make a non-violent response. Bishop Capalla´s Iligan diocese -- most of Lanao del Norte province -- is 76 percent Catholic; Bishop Tudtud´s Marawi prelature ~- the rest of Lanao del Norte and all of Lanao del Sur province -- is about 8 percent Catholic. Marawi and Iligan are about 25 km apart, almost 900 km south of Manila. The sister´s kidnapping was the third experienced by Bishop Tudtud. Sister Delia Coronel was kidnapped in 1978 and Father de Gigord in June. Both were also released unharmed. -- The Carmelite Sisters came to Marawi in 1984 at Bishop Tudtud´s invitation to pray for peace between Muslim and Christians. Since the late 1960s, more than 100,000 people have been killed in fighting between government troops and Muslim rebels seeking autonomy for the Muslim regions of Mindanao, about half of the country´s second-largest island. The Carmelite monastery sits on the highest hill in the area and overlooks Lake Lanao, the cultural heartland of Maranao Muslims. The sisters adapted their customs to the Muslim environment. Their songs and dress at prayer are Muslim in inspiration, Sister Teresa said. She said Carmelite Sisters in Marawi "witness to the folly of the cross, the purity of the Lord, and keep the spirit of prayer active in that world -- in short, they adore." "Why were the sisters kidnapped when they had done no evil?" Sister Teresa asked rhetorically. "Why did Jesus Christ die on the cross?" -- Mother Ledesma wrote the following selection for the book, "The Asian Religious Sensibility and Carmelite Spirituality:" "I am a Filipina. And I am a Carmelite. I was born a Filipina and became a Carmelite at 17. That is, I was a Filipina before I became a Carmelite, but it was only after I became a Carmelite that I became aware of how Filipina I was. "Perhaps because my education was so Western, the mentality I was exposed to in my early years (was) so colonial. Anyway, it was my being a Carmelite that made me touch the depths and riches of my being a Filipina. "Our community (in Marawi) is an all-Filipina community and has been from the start. Although there is still much of the colonial mentality, especially among our older Sisters, our community flavor is unmistakably Filipina." NOTE: Mother Mary Madeleine Ledesma used to be the President of the Association of Monasteries of Discalced Carmelite Nuns in the Philippines in and Marawi Carmel has been suppressed due to dangers of terrorism, with the nuns disperse to other Carmels.

ASSOCIATION OF MONASTERIES OF DISCALCED CARMELITE NUNS IN THE PHILIPPINES Established by the Holy See, 14 June 1983 HISTORY The roots of the Association can be traced to the Congress of Prioresses and Delegates from the then eight monasteries of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns in the Philippines, convened by Fr. Marie-Eugene of Jesus OCD, Vicar General of the Order, on 27 December 1954. Among the resolutions was the establishment of a federation of the Nuns in the Philippines, as recommended by the Venerable Pius XII in the Apostolic Constitutions Sponsa Christi. Despite unanimous vote, no further steps were taken until 1964, when Mother Mary of Christ (of Jolo Carmel) wrote the Holy See to request for the authorization to form the federation. Bishop Julio Xavier Labayen OCD, Bishop-Prelate of Infanta, was subsequently appointed by the Holy See as religious assistant to the nuns in forming the federation. On 10 May 1967, the Holy See approved the statutes of two federations: The Discalced Carmelite Federation of St. Therese of the Child Jesus (North Federation)(composed by Manila, Angeles, Laoag, and Lipa Carmels, and the Federation of the Discalced Carmelites of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the Philippines (South Federation)(composed of Bacolod, Jaro, Jolo, Ozamiz, and Zamboanga Carmels). The Carmels of Naga, Lucena, Cebu and Davao did not join either federation. In April 1972, the Prioresses-members of the two federations met in Angeles Carmel, and discussed the merger of the two federations. The unification, however, was delayed by the decision of the Quezon City (Manila), Lipa and Angeles Carmels to withdraw from the North Federation on October 1973. The sole member left in the North Federation, Laoag Carmel, decided to join the South Federation, which was subsequently approved by the Holy See on 24 February 1975. Meanwhile, a “broad union” of all Carmels, both federated and non-federated, was being proposed by Mother Teresa of Lucena Carmel, with the assistance of Fr. John Mary Chin OCD. Father Finian Monahan OCD, Superior General of the Order, during his visit to the Philippines in 1977, supported the proposal, and designated Fr. Chin as Coordinator, with Quezon City (Manila) Carmel as the National Secretariat and Sr. Mary Edith as secretary. After a period of discernment by Fr. Chin, a steering committee to draft the Statutes of the proposed association, met in 1982, and was subsequently approved during the General Assembly of Prioresses and Delegates held in Bago City from 11-13 January 1983. The Holy See formally approved these statutes on 14 June 1983, thus formally giving life to the Association of Monasteries of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns in the Philippines, and consequently, dissolving the South Federation. The Association, with the support of the various Carmels, supported the sending of missionaries all over the world, such as the foundations in Tamale, Ghana (1998) and Cape Town, South Africa (2002); and the request for volunteers to bolster the Carmels in Vilvoorde, Belgium (2003); Galway, Ireland (2004) and Kaneohe, Hawaii, United States of America (2018). The Association has also received in its fold Carmel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Kuching, East Sarawak, Malaysia on 16 May 2019. The Association also worked for the approval of the statutes for the extern sisters in the Philippines, which was approved by the Holy See on 15 October 2002 and have been recommended for use by other monasteries of the Order. LIST OF PRESIDENTS Discalced Carmelite Federation of St. Therese of the Child Jesus (North Federation), 1967-1973 1967-1973 Mother Mary Clare, Quezon City Carmel (Manila) (French Foundress) Federation of the Discalced Carmelites of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the Philippines (South Federation), 1967-1983 1967-1971 Mother Mary of Christ, Jaro Carmel (French Foundress- one of the original French Nuns from Vietnam) 1971-1977 Mother Therese Margaret, Zamboanga Carmel 1977-1982 Mother Mary Joseph, Bacolod Carmel 1982-1983 Mother Mary Joseph, Laoag Carmel Association of Monasteries of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns in the Philippines 1983-2021 1983-1986 Mother Mary Joseph, Laoag Carmel 1986-1995 Mother Mary Aimee, Cebu Carmel 1995-1998 Mother Mary Madeleine, Marawi Carmel (already suppressed) 1998-2010 Mother May Catherine, Bacolod Carmel 2010- Mother May Catherine, Bacolod Carmel NOTE: the union of monasteries is now under a new name: Philippine Federation of Discalced Carmelite Nuns

Francis' courage was challenged by his fear from within; overcoming his fear was instrumental in living his conversion and vocation. His response opened him up to his direction in life. How do we face our fears… all the feelings very real in our lives?’ May St Francis inspire us to face whatever fears in our life, so we may become more free to accept the embrace of the Father and discover how He is leading us. May you enjoy this brief reflection and be inspired to also 'Rebuild Church' in whatever way God calls you. https://fscc-calledtobe.org/2025/01/21/st-francis-fears-and-feelings-in-ordinary-time/