CARMEL YOUTH

Philippines
Third National Congress
May 5-10, 2015
San Francisco, Agusan Del Sur, Philippines

Theme: “CARMEL YOUTH: Igniting community’s devotion through prayer and service
with compassion”
 
 

OUR VISION
 
We are the young, vibrant, dynamic and committed Christians of today’s generation. We are
called to respond to the invitation of Jesus to love and serve God, our brothers and sisters, and
the whole of creation in our own capacities and giftedness.
 
We are the sons and daughters of the Church attracted to Carmel’s way of life. We are the Youth
of Carmel who want to share Carmel’s charism to the people of God as Contemplatives (to pray,
to serve and to live in community as brothers and sisters) in the midst of the world today.
 

OUR MISSION
 
In the zeal of Elijah, our Holy Father and Mary, out Patroness, and all the saints of Carmel, we
are resolved:
 
TO PRAY…
 
And thank God “for his love is without end.” [1]
For the intentions of the Church and of the Carmelite Order,
For the well-being of peoples and of the whole of creation.
Reflect on the Word of God through Lectio Divina and
Celebrate the Eucharist together in the spirit of sharing and loving fellowship.

 Song of Three Young Men in the Fiery Furnace

1

TO SERVE…
 
In any and various ways and capacities
in the priestly prophetic and kingly mission of Christ.
Respond to the call of the times and manifest Christ’s life and teachings in us
and in our service to the community where we belong.
Participate in the mission and ministries of the Carmelites and the Philippine Church.
 
TO LIVE IN COMMUNITY…
 
As brothers and sisters of our Lord Jesus Christ
under the maternal care and protection of Mary, the Lady of Mount Carmel.
Supporting, loving and affirming each other in our own little way.
Our living as community is our humble gift to the Church and the world today.

THE STATUTES OF
 CARMEL YOUTH PHILIPPINES
 

CHAPTER ONE
The Name and Nature of the Carmel Youth Philippines
(CYP) Community
 
1. The name of this Community and Federation is Carmel Youth Philippines. These are young
men/boys and women/girls, single, ages twelve (12) to thirty one (31) who are inspired by the
Charism and Spirituality of the Order of Carmelites.

2. Carmel Youth Philippines is the official name of the National Federation; however local
communities may adopt the same name or will have different name (e.g. Children of Carmel,
Barkadahan ni Elias, Kapatiran ni Teresita, Young Carmel Circle, Daughters of Mary, Mother
of Carmel, Knights of Elijah, Donum Dei Youth, etc.)
 
3. Wherever a Carmel Youth is situated; (in the parish, in school, in the monastery of nuns, in the
seminary, in a Carmelite community), shall collaborate and cooperate with the Carmelites in the
realization of their common aspirations and mission. A Carmel Youth being the youngest
member of the Carmelite Family shall be a partner in Carmel’s mission. [2]
 
4. Every Carmel Youth Community is distinct from each one. Each Carmel Youth community
has its own unique context and mission. These different and varied Carmel Youth Communities
are organized into a Federation.
 
5. As Federation, it means; all Carmel Youth Communities are interrelated and integrated into
one as Carmel Youth Philippines, the National Federation; that all parts compose and comprise
the whole. The Carmel Youth Philippines as a Federation shall represent the young Carmelites
all over the country in the Carmelite Family group and in Carmelite Regional Centers.
 
6. The focus of the Carmel Youth life is putting into practice, the important saying of St. Therese
of Liseaux, "Our Vocation is Love." This call shall be lived in the homes, in the schools, in the
parishes, among their circle of friends, in offices and workplaces, and in the communities where
they are involved in.
 
7. A Carmel Youth shall take active part in the life of the Carmelite community, of the Parish,
and of the School. They will assist in forming prayer groups, practice and promote "Lectio
Divina", they shall set a regular meeting adjusted to their time and situation for praying the office
and discussion of their life; as the Rule provided they shall “discuss matters of discipline and
spiritual welfare, the failings of the members will also be lovingly corrected during times
convenient to the community.” [3]

2
The Mission of the Entire Order
3
Carmelite Rule, Number 15
8. It is important that wherever the CYP Community is found, a Carmelite Formation will be
provided to the members. In communities where the Carmelite Friars, Nuns, Tertiaries, Lay
Carmelites (e.g. Donum Dei), Lay Associate Carmelites and the like are present, these
Carmelites should take an active part in guiding this Youth Community. The guidance expected
from these communities will be of spiritual nature, material support and to assist the organization
in expansion. Among these groups, one should be appointed that will serve as Spiritual Director
to the community and federation.
 
CHAPTER TWO
The Charism of the CYP Community
 
9. The Charism of the CYP Community is based on the Carmelite Order's charism of Prayer,
Service and Community. The Charism are interpreted and lived-out in the context of the Youth's
life wherever they are.
 
10. The Brotherhood/Sisterhood of the CYP Community is lived in the expressions of
cooperation, respect and mutual care for one another. Like in the family, the members of the
Carmel Youth take care of each other's needs as one would be showing concern to his/her very
own brothers and sisters in their homes. Building of exclusive relationships within the group is
discouraged.
 
11. The Service of the CYP Community is shown in living out their apostolate, whether in
participation of the Eucharist, active involvement for the Parish, in the works of mercy, in the
JPIC activities, support for Carmelite vocations, and the like. All these are geared towards
serving other people, for we see in them the image of God and we believe that “to love another
person is to see the face of God.”1[4]
 
12. Prayer is realized in the active participation of prayer gatherings and Lectio Divina and
prayer meetings. Each member is expected to attend regularly to scheduled prayers, where on
such occasions the Hours/Office is prayed with reverence. Whenever it is possible, the Carmel
Youth must live the prayerful atmosphere wherever they are.
 
13. The Eucharist is central to the Carmel Youth's life. When celebrating the Eucharist, they
should try their best to be attentive to the Gospel and lessons of the day. The attendance of the
Eucharist must be done in deep meditation and contemplation.
 
CHAPTER THREE
The Stages of Formation
 
14. ASPIRANCY. The candidate must submit his/her Letter of Intention, a Baptismal
Certificate and Bio-Data to the Prior/Prioress. Once accepted by the officers, the candidate will
undergo a Six (6)-month to One (1) Year Formation Program where he/she is expected to attend
all the set formation courses. Also, the candidate is asked to take an active role in the
community’s activities as planned by the officers of the community. He/she is expected to be
present in community activities like prayer meetings, fraternal corrections, visitations to the sick
14
Les Miserables. Victor Hugo
and prisoners, recollections, retreats, meetings, project-making, recreations and others. The said
candidate should also pay a membership fee of fifty pesos (P50.00)
 
15. The Aspirant must be introduced to the basics of the History of the Carmelite Order, Carmel
Charism and Spirituality, History of the Carmel Youth, Introduction to the Carmelite Rule, the
Carmelite Saints, Cum Nulla, A Study on the Carmel Youth Statutes, The Brown Scapular, and
other Carmelite Writings.
 
16. TEMPORARY MEMBER. After the 6-month to 1 year of Aspirancy, the candidate will
now be accepted as temporary member of Carmel Youth with the imposition of the Brown
Scapular, the pinning of a Carmelite Seal, and the giving of the certificate of recognition. It will
be done in a solemn ceremony within the Eucharistic celebration. The temporary member will
pronounce his/her Act of Commitment before an Authority duly delegated by the Carmel Youth
Philippine Federation. This will be done after the Community’s council has reached a consensus
that the candidate is ready and has been judged suited despite the age and condition in life.

17. As Temporary Member, he/she will be asked to take responsibilities and tasks for the
betterment of the community. It is also encourage that the Temporary Member will know
himself/herself better and to discover deeper the vocational motives in joining the community.
The temporary member is expected to understand deeper the Carmelite Tradition and Charism.
 
18. Temporary Membership will be a maximum of two (2) years.
 
19. Twenty (20) unexplained or unexcused absences, whether consecutive or interrupted, will
invalidate the acceptance of the temporary member to full-pledge membership. The
Prior/Prioress will then advice the candidate to repeat the whole temporary membership period.
 
20.  There will be a standard design of habit to be followed by all Carmel Youth members of
each community. This will show that the Carmel Youth is clothed in the armor of the habit as
he/she bravely does battle for God and for his/her fellowmen; and that he/she is called to carry
the Cross of Our Lord, Jesus Christ and to imitate the humility of the Blessed Virgin.

21. FULL-PLEDGE MEMBER. For a full-pledge membership, the candidate must be

examined mature enough by the officers of the Local Community.
 
22. Through an Act of Commitment in a Eucharistic celebration, the temporary member will be
accepted and confirmed and will be fully integrated as full-pledge Carmel Youth Member.
 
23. Before he/she may be admitted, a common consent and evaluation must be reached among
the full-pledged members, spiritual advisers and the Community’s council.
 
24. The full-pledge membership is not the end of the Carmel Youth's involvement to the
activities and way of life but rather a beginning for greater commitment to the Order. Hence, it is
expected that the full-pledged members do actively involve himself/herself to all the activities of
the community depending on the availability of his/her time.
 
25. Full-pledged members are expected to give guidance to their younger brother and sisters
during this stage. As mature persons, they shall exercise their authority in brotherly/sisterly love
to all Carmel Youth who are younger to them.
 
CHAPTER FOUR
The Governance in Local Community
 
26. All the members of the CYP Community are basically equal with respect to rights and
obligations. However, in order to that "those things that need to be done may be well ordered,
“among themselves are officers chosen to guide them in their works and activities. All the other
members must promise them respect.”2[5]
 
27. The Governance of the Organization shall be composed of the following:
 
a) Prior or Prioress / Coordinator
b) Assistant Prior or Prioress / Asst. Coordinator
c) Secretary
d) Formator
e) Econome
f) Liturgist
g) Apostolate Chairperson
h) Socio-Cultural Chairperson

28. PRIOR/PRIORESS. He/She is to be chosen by common consent of the membership.

 
29. The Prior/Prioress leads the whole chapter of the organization, he/she decides for the best
and common good of the group.
 
30. He/She shall direct the activities of the members and promote their active and responsible
obedience in a climate of respect and love.
 
31. The Prior/Prioress of the community shall be designated for two years, after which, his/her
term may be renewed for another two years. One term is two years.
 
32. Only Full-Pledged Members can be voted Prior/prioress. He/she must show humility in
his/her duties as Carmel Youth. He/She, at all times, must exercise fairness and prudence in
relating with the members.
 
33. ASSISTANT PRIOR/PRIORESS. In the absence of the Prior/Prioress, the Assistant will
act and function as the Prior/Prioress.

34. SECRETARY (cum Recorder, Archivist). He/ She will be the center of communication.
The data profiles of the Carmel youth and other important documents will be under his/her care.
 

25
After the Albertine Rule Number 2
35. FORMATOR. The Formator is a Full-Pledged member, responsible for all the studies,
courses and formation related activities of the community. He/She will make plans to expand
formation trainings to cover other related studies which are basically in the direction of
developing Christian Faith.

36. It is also the responsibility of the Formator to oversee that the members take active
involvement in the said studies. He/She shall check the regularity of their attendance in their
studies. He/She will make reports to the Prior/Prioress concerning the development of the
members.

37. ECONOME. The stewardship of the material and financial resources is the responsibility of
the Econome. He/she collects the agreed and approved monthly dues and other contributions for
the upkeep of the community. He/She will also find ways to raise funds for their community.
 
38. LITURGIST. Prayer is one of the distinctive marks of a Carmel Youth. The Liturgist will
find avenues that the members will develop their prayer lives. The Liturgist will also give
education concerning liturgy and will design liturgical activities suitable for the youth.
Eucharistic celebrations, Lectio Divina, Prayer of the Divine Office, Holy Hour, Retreat and
Recollection, and the like are a few suggested spiritual exercises of the community.
 
39. APOSTOLATE CHAIRPERSON. He/She is responsible in the development of apostolate
where all the members can participate. This apostolate will always be at all times being a form of
loving service to the poor. It is the responsibility of the Apostolate Chairperson to design
programs, such as JPIC works, participation of the Eucharist, stewarding the creation, and the
like, that will help promote and advance the value of life.

40. SOCIO-CULTURAL CHAIRPERSON. The Socio-Cultural Chairperson is responsible

for the internal dynamics of the group. He/ She must be focused on building rapport among the
community by establishing camaraderie through worthwhile activities such as team buildings,
sports fests, talakayang buhay, fraternal corrections, and the like.
 
CHAPTER FIVE
The Governance in the Federation
 
41. The Congress will decide on the officers to be elected in the Federation. The Federation
Officers of Carmel Youth Philippines will be composed of:
 A National Coordinator or National Prior/Prioress
 A National Treasurer
 Three (3) Regional Coordinators representing the regions of Luzon/NCR, the Visayas
Islands, and Mindanao
A sub-core group per region will be composed of three representatives coming from each Carmel
Youth community, where the leader of the sub-core group will represent to the National
Federation as a regional coordinator.
42. The Federation Officers’ Leadership will be elected by and among the Carmel Youth
Delegates in a National Federation Congress held every three years. The Federation Officers
have coordinative and directive tasks and functions as assisting, overseeing and monitoring the
different Carmel Youth communities and their programs.
43. The Federation Officers has a term of office for three years with one term re-election. One
term is three years.

CHAPTER SIX
The Election of Officers
 
44. Only qualified members of good standing of Carmel Youth Philippines can be elected
officers of the local community and in the Federation.
 
45. The election will be done in secret balloting. The elected officer needs fifty percent plus one
vote of the total voting Congress Delegates.
 
46. The elected officers of the Federation and the local community need the confirmation of the
[Link]. Youth Ministry Commission or the duly authorized representative (Adviser, In-charge,
Spiritual Director).
 
CHAPTER SEVEN
Finance and Fund Sourcing
 
47. Every Carmel Youth community is financially independent and autonomous from each other.
Every Carmel Youth Community must have a clear financial policy in fund-raising, disbursing,
bookkeeping and reporting.

48. Every Carmel Youth Community may decide on their membership fee, monthly dues and
the like. Also, Carmel Youth Communities are encouraged to explore programs and activities
where they can express their talents and initiatives for fund-raising in the context of their Vision
and Mission; like Christmas caroling, card making for all occasions, candle making, project for a
cause, variety shows, concerts, and other programs. However, big projects (e.g. nationwide
solicitations, raffle tickets) need the approval of the Federation officers.
 
49. Every Carmel Youth community is encouraged to remit 20% of the agreed individual
membership fee yearly and 20% of the agreed monthly dues quarterly to the Federation treasurer.

Carmel Youth communities who are better off financially are encouraged to help and assist the
communities who needed more financial assistance.
 
CHAPTER EIGHT
Dismissal and Disciplinary Actions
 
50. Any youth who acts contrary to the guiding principles of the Carmel Youth community can
only be dismissed by the Community’s Council headed by its Prior/Prioress.
 
51. A youth who incurred so many absences as provided by the stages of formation will be given
warning. If such person will not heed the fraternal correction, he/she will be dismissed by the
Community’s Council headed by the Prior/Prioress.
 
52. Misbehavior will be given disciplinary action like suspension or dismissal according to the
weight of misconduct. The Community’s Council can give disciplinary action or in special cases,
the Adviser of the Carmel Youth community.

CHAPTER NINE
Effectivity and Amendments

53. This Statutes shall take effect immediately upon the unanimous approval of the delegates.

54. Amendments of the same Statutes will only be done by the Congress in session.

EPILOGUE
 
The Statutes of Carmel Youth Philippines will serve as guidelines. Local Carmel Youth
community may have their own internal rules and policies that would help their particular
community. Let us always remember, a Carmel Youth is first and foremost the child of the
Christian Family and Community. Therefore, it is his/her duty to support and build a Christian
environment wherever he/she may be at home or in the community he/she serves.
 
 
 
 
The Carmel Youth Philippines VISION, MISSION AND STATUTES was unanimously
amended, approved, and adopted by the official delegates and representatives to the Third
National Congress of Carmel Youth Philippines held on May 5-10, 2015, at San Francisco,
Agusan Del Sur, Philippines.
 

CONGRESS DELEGATES

Federation Officers:

1. Noel Niño O. Montebon (National Coordinator/ National Prioress)

2. Elisabeth Arendina Buena O. van Vugt (National Treasurer)
3. Regional Coordinators – Luzon
 Raicy Dela Peña
 Liezel Aquino
 Dorian Jasper
4. Regional Coordinator – Visayas
 Margarette Rio
 Gerald Cataag
 Mark Liemuel Jaranilla
5. Regional Coordinator – Mindanao
 Bel Christian Palarca
 Stella Maris Laurencio
 Jypee Caplis

From Luzon Region:

1. Aquino, Liezel 7. Nacional, Janette

2. Bagat, Reynaldo Jr. 8. Tamayo, Jovelyn
3. Balgos, Jomer 9. Sr. Beatrice Nanga Sanang
4. Dela Peña, Raicy 10. Sr. Belen Vista
5. Gellez, Zenaida 11. Sr. Tran Lan Lucil
6. Kataag, Gerald 12. Sr. Nguyen Nhung Anna

From Visayas Region:

1. Calamba, Chequit
2. Esgana, Arcon James
3. Jaranilla, Mark Limuel
4. Montebon, Maricon
5. Montebon, Noel Niño
6. Rio, Margarette
 From Mindanao Region:

1. Alab, Treshia 16. Portigo, Dante Jr.

2. Alvizo, Nicole 17. Precioso, Rejan Mary
3. Caplis, Jaypee 18. Quicos, Fritchel Mae
4. Demetrio, Lerry 19. Salazar, Andrew Bryan
5. Jamero, Earl 20. Sangalia, Zyra Mae
6. Hibaya, JKen 21. Alvarez, Jessame
7. Mateo, Kathleen 22. Areja, Alfichie
8. Niño, Anjoe 23. Elliardo, Jyko
9. Oclarit, Noerine 24. Lectora, Ellafe
10. Ortiz, Vivien 25. Sevellano, John
11. Ungab, Gerrah 26. Buena van Vugt, Elizabeth Arendina
12. Aladado, Jayrald 27. Palarca, Bel Christiane
13. Cabeltes, Sarah Mae 28. Simbajon, Paul Arnold
14. Laurencio, Prince Eduard 29. Tagalog, John Mark
15. Laurencio, Stella Maris

[Link]. Youth Ministry Commission

1. Fr. Christian B. Buenafe, [Link].

2. Fr. Marlon, [Link].
3. Fr. Alain Balasabas, [Link].
4. Fr. Keth Arriba, [Link].
5. ……

Act of Commitment
 
 
God, our Loving Father, in the name of Jesus, Your Son, I come before you today, to
express my great desire to follow You and commit myself to You in the Carmelite way of life
through the Carmel Youth Philippines.
 
I humbly ask You, dear Lord, to strengthen my will to follow You so that I may be a
faithful witness of Your loving presence in the world today.
 
May Mary, our Lady, Patroness, Sister and Mother help me to learn to love and serve
God and the Church in imitation of the Saints of Carmel.
 
Amen.
 
 

Accepted on the day of , 20 , at the

 
  .
 

____________________________
Printed Name & Signature

 
 
Accepted by:
 
 
Name:

Position:
 

(This will be accomplished in triplicate copy.)

Rite of Acceptance
(Temporary membership)
 
 
1. The Prior/Prioress of the local Carmel Youth Community will call the names of the
members of the community, As individual name is called, he/she will say: “Here I am
Lord”. Then, each one will genuflect at the center aisle and go forward towards the altar.
   
2. The presider will greet them and will ask them to profess the Act of Commitment.

3. The presider will bless the Carmelite Brown scapular and the Carmelite seal/pin:
 
 
Priest: Lord, show us your mercy and love.
People: And grant us your salvation.
 
Priest: Dearly beloved brothers and sisters, let us pray to God, the almighty and loving
Father that we may be transformed into Christ’s image through the devout use of this sign,
the Carmelite seal, as symbol of our Carmel community and family.
  
May the Lord in his love and mercy cherish and reinforce with his + blessing this Carmelite
seal/pin as token of our identity, devotion and piety. So that we may take up the course of the
present life without offending anybody and we may attain eternal life with joy, through
Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
(The priest will bless the Carmelite pins with the holy water.)
 
4. The presider will now impose the Carmelite Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount
Carmel to the candidates, saying:”May the Lord bless you all the days of your life and Our
Lady of Mount Carmel protect you in her loving care and love! “

5. The presider will now put on the Carmelite pin upon the individual member.

6. The presider will now ask the congregation to affirm and acknowledge the newly accepted
members of Carmel Youth Philippines through a warm applause. The members will face
the congregation and acknowledge the people.