Order of Carmelites

Carmel at 60

/ Carmel News, Carmelite Schools / By

By Hilario Belonio

Despite the limitations posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mount Carmel College of Escalante, Inc., was able to successfully celebrate its 60th founding anniversary.

Last February 18 to 20, the Carmelian community in Escalante City gathered both physically and virtually to participate in activities that reflected it’s theme, “Carmel: Gifted to Give @ 60.”  

The celebration with a motorcade within the city center of Escalante City, followed by a Eucharistic Celebration at Mount Carmel Parish presided by the newly appointed MCCEI President, Rev. Fr. Fernando Cruz- Lopez, O.Carm., and concelebrated by  Fr. Pablo Ramirez, O.Carm., parish priest, Fr. Paul Rey Senturias, O.Carm., and Fr. Harry Bloem, O.Carm.

This was then followed by a program that highlighted the recognition of employees for their exemplary service to the school, and alumni who excelled in their respective fields. A fellowship lunch then followed, attended by some school alumni, guests from the local government, teaching and non-teaching staffs of the school, parish workers of Mount Carmel Parish, and members of the Escalante Carmelite community.

In the afternoon, Rev. Christian B. Buenafe, O.Carm conducted a 60 minute talk on the history and triumphs of the institution over the years. The day was capped with presentations showcasing the talents of the staffs from the different departments and fun games.

The second day was highlighted by the announcement of the winners of the Literary-Musical Competition (Spoken Poetry, Vocal Solo, Poster Making, and TikTok) and the gift-giving in an adopted community of the school where 150 families received relief goods, snacks and health tips from the school nurse and volunteers.

The highlights of the last day include a Zumba session kicking off the Brigada ’60, a campus clean-up drive, boodle fight for lunch, and a film presentation that featured the different activities of the three-day event. (Contributed photos).