Gilmore Carmel marks 100 years of contemplative life

The Carmel of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus in Gilmore, Quezon City, will celebrate 100 years of contemplative life this November. The centennial events include the opening of a Jubilee Door on Nov. 23 by Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr. of Cubao and an anniversary Mass on Nov. 24 presided over by Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan.

The community established its foundation in Manila on Nov. 24, 1926, following the arrival of four French Discalced Carmelite nuns from Hue, Vietnam, who founded the first Philippine Carmelite monastery in Jaro, Iloilo, in 1923. The monastery currently consists of 13 professed sisters, one postulant, and two aspirants.

During a homily on the Oct. 1 feast of St. Thérèse, Bishop Emeritus Honesto Ongtioco of Cubao stated that the sisters' hidden life of prayer is an integral part of the Church's mission rather than a withdrawal from it. He noted that the centennial highlights the importance of contemplative life within the Church.