Saints & Angels

03/03/2026

27/02/2026

PHILIPPINE CARMELITES ELECT NEW PRIOR PROVINCIAL AND COUNCIL: The Philippine Carmelite Province of St. Titus Brandsma is pleased to announce the conclusion of its 5th Provincial Chapter and the election of its new Prior Provincial and Council.

The following were elected to lead the province for the triennium 2026 - 2029:

Prior Provincial: Fr. Noel Rosas, O.Carm.
1st Councilor: Fr. Irvin Mangmang, O.Carm.
2nd Councilor: Fr. Melvin Lorono, O.Carm.
3rd Councilor: Fr. Sheldon Tabile, O.Carm.
4th Councilor: Fr. Edwin Magbago, O.Carm.

Extended Councilors:
Br. Sanny Gie Calacar, O.Carm. (representing simple professed)
Ms. Angela Ureta, a.O.Carm (representing lay associates)

The week-long event was graced by the presence of Fr. Desiderio García Martínez, O. Carm., prior general and president of the Chapter, and Fr. Robert Thomas Puthussery, O. Carm., councilor for Asia–Australia–Oceania.

In his address before the election, the Prior General reminded the "gremiales" that service, unity and humility were the foundations of authority, and that the provincial leadership should be the first to “put on the work apron” to serve their brothers and sisters.

Please keep our new leadership in your prayers, always!

19/02/2026

09/02/2026

05/02/2026

CHURCH NEWS | Filipino Jesuit Seminarian Who Died Saving Cambodian Students Now on Path to Sainthood

Bro. Richie Fernando, SJ, a 26-year-old Filipino Jesuit seminarian, is remembered for giving his life in Cambodia on October 17, 1996, after restraining a former student who attempted to throw a hand gr***de toward a classroom filled with trapped children.

The gr***de exploded at close range, killing Bro. Fernando as he shielded the student and protected the young learners from the blast. The Society of Jesus in the Philippines has received permission to begin the initial work for his cause for canonization, in line with Pope Francis’ norm recognizing those who freely offer their lives for others and persevere in that gift until death.

via Rappler

05/02/2026

Reflection for Thursday on the 4th Week in Ordinary Time
February 05, 2026
Gospel Reading: Mark 6:7-13

REFLECTION:


In the Gospel today, Jesus dispatches the Twelve, two at a time, and instructs them to carry nothing with them, no money, no additional clothing, no food. This is not easy to comprehend, particularly in the Philippines, where life is tough, and most individuals barely make ends meet, with corruption robbing the poor.

Jesus’ message is clear: Do not rely on power, money, and influence. Depend on God.

Nowadays, most individuals are preoccupied with seeking attention through vlogging, posting, scrolling, and creating images online. We are in constant contact, but we have no time to think, no time to hear God, and no time to observe the misery of the world. When leaders are struggling to gain power and their self-interest, common Filipinos have to suffer.

Jesus sends the disciples in pairs to remind us that we should not live alone in this life. We must have community, solidarity, and compassion in a country that is battered by corruption and injustice, rather than selfish ambition.

When Jesus tells us, when they do not receive you, go, He is showing us that we should not stay quiet in abusive, lying, and corrupt places. Shaking the dust off our feet is a decision to go with the truth, integrity, and dignity even when it is not comfortable.

The disciples brought about repentance, healed the sick, and helped the suffering, not through a rich and popular method, but through faith and obedience. Such a mission is what our country requires nowadays.

Choose simplicity. Choose truth. Choose a service. God can therefore heal our nation, despite having little, if our hearts are open.




BR. SANNY GIE CALACAR, O.CARM
4th Year Simple Professed Friar

02/02/2026