By Sr Karen Emmanuel
KUCHING — The 14th General Assembly of the Philippine Federation of Discalced Carmelite Nuns was held from 8 to 12 November 2022 at Mere Monique Home in Iloilo, Philippines to elect for a new triennium, the Federation’s President and 6 councillors.
A total of 21 out of 23 member monasteries, of which Kuching Carmel was one, sent their representatives, comprising their respective Mother Prioress and an elected delegate. Sr Margaret of St Joseph and Sr Karen Emmanuel of Jesus on the Cross represented Kuching Carmel as Prioress and delegate.
Ever since the release of the implementing instruction Cor Orans (I April 2018) by the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, it is obligatory for even women contemplative monasteries to form Federations with other monasteries to support each other in the formation courses, and in living out their charisms more faithfully.
The Federation also provides aid to monasteries that are in difficult situations. Currently, Malaysia does not have an existing federation.
Mother May Catherine of Christ, Prioress of Bacolod Carmel was re-elected as Federation President for another 3-year term. During the Assembly, the Carmelite General Definitor for East Asia – Oceania, Rev Fr Chris Surinono OCD was present to give a session.
This assembly also coincided with the Opening of the Centenary Year of Carmelite presence in Philippines, which included a Mass at Jaro Carmelite Chapel. Jaro Carmel was founded in 1923 and is the oldest Carmelite Monastery in Philippines.
