By Marc Lester Jozsef Hallig, O.Carm.
Carmel breaks ground for new spirituality center in Ormoc City, Philippines. In the photo are (L-R) Br. Marjune Caloring, O.Carm., Young Carmel Philippines Foundation Director Fr. Ken Ombrog, O.Carm., Prior Provincial Fr. Rico Ponce, O.Carm., Provincial Secretary Fr. Esmeraldo Reforeal, O.Carm., Carmelite Mission and Development Office Director Fr. Christopher Labrador, O.Carm., Third Councilor Fr. Christian Buenafe, O.Carm., Ormoc Carmelite Spirituality Center Director Fr. Joiezl Fern Piñon, O.Carm., and Provincial Hagiographer Br. Lester Hallig, O.Carm.
The rebuilding project of the Carmelite Spirituality Center & Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Ormoc City, Leyte in the Philippines officially kicked off with a groundbreaking ceremony last January 29.
The ceremony, which was preceded by a celebration of the Holy Mass, was graced by the Philippine Carmel’s Prior Provincial Fr. Rico Ponce, O.Carm., together with First Councilor Fr. Esmeraldo Reforeal, O.Carm., Third Councilor Fr. Christian Buenafe, O.Carm., and Extended Councilor Fr. Christopher Labrador, O.Carm. Overseeing the event was Fr. Joiezl Fern Pinon, O.Carm., director of the Carmelite Spirituality Center & Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Established in 2008, the spirituality center and shrine had been ravaged by powerful earthquakes and typhoons. Both natural disasters are commonplace in Leyte province. Thus, the damages incurred from these catastrophes through the years have rendered the entire Carmelite complex wanting of reconstruction.
The rebuilding project should help Carmel Ormoc back on its feet again. Prior to its current state, Carmel Ormoc was known as a safe haven for people who wanted to experience silence, solitude, retreat, meditation, and rejuvenation from the stress and strife of daily life.
Carmel Ormoc also provides livelihood for the underprivileged people living nearby through their employment in its altar bread-making facility and general maintenance department.
The friars of Carmel Ormoc assist the diocese and local parishes for their ministerial and pastoral works, as well as carry out charity programs and relief operation.
Most importantly, Carmel Ormoc takes upon itself the task of inviting people to appreciate the Carmelite spirituality as a means to deepen and to find purpose in their respective lives.
The rebuilding project of Carmel Ormoc is expected to establish a residence for the friars since the existing house has already been declared uninhabitable by the local authorities, and to build a multipurpose structure that has a chapel, function hall, souvenir shop, and altar bread-making facility. It is hoped that generous patrons and donors would help assist in rebuilding Carmel Ormoc and regaining its capacity to serve the spiritual needs of the people, some of whom attended the groundbreaking ceremony.