OCDS KK

Secular Carmelites Order (OCDS)

Community of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

and

St Therese of the Child Jesus.

Kota Kinabalu

Foundation

1994 Drawn to the “POWER HOUSE”, Matthew & Magdalene Liow were introduced to Secular Carmel by Fr Henry Muscat OCD

1995 CLOTHED WITH THE BROWN SCAPULAR

brown-scapula

1998 Visit of Fr Macisse & Fr Serrao

1998-visit-macisse

Community (March 2013)

PhotoParticularsPhotoParticulars
Matthew Liow
Definitive Promise
Formation Director
Justine Paujik
Definitive Promise
Thasius Joeman
Definitive Promise
Stephen Kutai
Definitive Promise
1st Council
Celestina Kinajil-Jinu
Definitive Promise
President
Steven Lai Swee Ming
Definitive Promise
Formator
Magdalene Wong-Liow
Definitive Promise
3rd Council
Angeline Mojigoh
Definitive Promise
Catherine Lim-Pain
Definitive Promise
Thomas Chew
Definitive Promise
2nd Council
William Pain
Definitive Promise
Monica Lai Fung Ken
Temporary Promise
Agnes Moniu
Temporary Promise
Treasurer
Mary Lojinon-Naun
Novice II
Jacenta Chai Lee Pui
Temporary Promise
Dorothy Kinajil-Pinso
Temporary Promise
Secretary
Lucia Udus
Temporary Promise
Evelyn Masudal
Novice I
Catherine Wan
Definitive Promise
Formator

Formation

  • 1996-1997 Formation by visiting OCD Friars
    9697-visiting-friars
  • 1998 Meeting OCDS KL in Mantin
    98-visit-mantin
  • 1998 Formation Texts:
    “ Rule of Life (1979)”
    “ Be Holy ” a commentary on the Rule Of Life by Fr Hilary Doran OCD
    “Welcome to Carmel” a handbook for Aspirantswelcome-to-carmel
  • 2003 Canadian OCDS Manual of Formation
  • 2007 OCDS Philippines Program of Formation

Growth and Development

Secular Carmelites in Kota Kinabalu – Its Development & Growth

“I, (name ) inspired by the Holy Spirit, in response to God’s call…” those are the first few words in the Promise Ritual marking the novitiate to be a secular Carmelite , a member of the Order of Carmel Discalced, Secular (OCDS), belonging to the family of Friars, Nuns and Seculars of the Teresian Carmel, calling all to be in allegiance to Jesus Christ, whom we know loves us.

In October 2002, six such “inspired” persons made their first response to such calling in becoming the first novices of the OCDS KotaKinabalu, during the morning Eucharistic celebration with Fr Dominic Vas OCD, thus setting them on the ongoing process of being Secular Carmelites in the local Church. These novices were: Matthew Liow, Magdalene Liow, ThasiusJoeman, Florence Chen, Justin Paujik and James T. Tiking. For the next 2 years four more (CelestinaJinu, William Pain, Catherine Pain and Alexander Wong) were similarly “inspired” to be novices and their formation took on a “parallel” path culminating in a 10-strong Promisers taking the First Promise in July 2004, with Fr Aloysius Deeney, OCD.

Of course much has happened before October 2002. In fact, much self-learning from books and internet sources and formation sessions with visiting Carmelite Friars as early as 1995 have contributed towards the nurturing of this interest in “the power house” and its occupants initially, followed by a regular get-together in the guest room of the Monastery monthly. In particular, Fr. Henry Muscat OCD from Taiwan has been instrumental in promoting the Brown Scapular and getting together a few persons in forming a lay group. The Sisters were keen in promoting this as well.

These early contacts with Fr. Henry in May 1997 initiated links with him in both emailing and in surfing Carmelite websites on the internet. The Rule of Life was procured in this manner and its contents were shared among the few persons interested; other reading materials were sourced from the Sisters and Matthew subscribed to a number of mailing lists to source Carmelite literature, copies of which were made and shared with the others. The Sisters made available for our reading books on Carmelite Saints like Story of a Soul, Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity, Life of St John of the Cross.

There were some 12-15 persons regularly attending, preceded by praying the Rosary and Vespers and naturally the “consumption” activity was part of the evening’s agenda (pun intended). Indeed, the Carmelite house was another venue for some of the meetings some of which were graced with the presence of visiting Carmelite priests like Fr. John Mary Chin, Fr. Patrick Mootheril, Fr. Martin Pananathan, Fr. Tom Curran, Fr. CamiloMaccise, Fr. Charles Serrao, Fr. Raphael Mendoza, Fr. John Chua, Fr. Thomas Lim, Fr. Adrian Wee, Fr. Daniel Lim and so many others who visited the monastery for the Sisters’ annual retreat and other pastoral needs..

1st Promises - 31 July 2004 Top L-R: Matthew, Justin, James, Fr. AloyDeeneyOCDAlex, Thasius, William Bottom L-R: Magdalene, Celestina, Catherine and Florence

1st Promises – 31 July 2004
Top L-R: Matthew, Justin, James, Fr. AloyDeeneyOCDAlex, Thasius, William
Bottom L-R: Magdalene, Celestina, Catherine and Florence

In March 1998, the KL Mantin OCDS community invited us to join them for a weekend of study and fellowship at the monastery in Mantin, Negeri Sembilan. Thasius, Matthew and James went and found the experience very helpful. Several books on St Teresa of Avila and St John of the Cross were thus obtained for reading. Teresa Ee-Chooi the President of the KL community was the main contact person and so a link was established and much reading materials were shared. Teresa was to attend the 2nd International Secular Carmel Congress in Mexico in 2000 representing Malaysia in which she presented a paper entitled “Co- responsibility of the Secular Carmelite in the Apostolate of Spirituality”.

In particular we highlight the Pastoral Visitation of FrCamiloMaccise and Fr Charles Serrao in July 1998, in their respective capacities as Father General and Father Definitor, based in Rome. The month before a letter signed by nine persons was presented to Bishop John Lee to ask for his blessing to found a lay group. During the visit of FrCamilo on 8th July 1998, he gave us his provisional approval for the group to be established, a sort of “L” licence as someone put it!!! Thus this was a significant moment in the development of the group and this recognition of FrCamilo marked the purpose and legality of the group, an achievement which brought us closer to the novitiate.

1998-visit-macisse

Visit of Fr. Camilo Maccise (Fr. General) and Fr. Charles Serrao (Fr. Definitor) July 1998

8 July 1998 – In serious discussion with Fr.Camilo and Fr. Charles on the establishment of the OCDS group.

8 July 1998 – In serious discussion with Fr.Camilo and Fr. Charles on the establishment of the OCDS group.

Visit of Fr. Raphael Mendoza to Carmelite Monastery, Kota Kinabalu - 3 April 1999

Visit of Fr. Raphael Mendoza to Carmelite Monastery, Kota Kinabalu – 3 April 1999

A series of “Welcome to Carmel” a handbook for aspirants, “Commentary on the Rule of Life” “Story of a Soul” “Articles from CINCARM, EWTN, OCD General House.” were the study materials used in the evening meetings; in particular the “Handbook” was quite thoroughly read and shared among the aspirants and novices. This study mode was initiated in October 1998 after Matthew and Magdalene visited the Carmelite Priory in Oxford, England and obtained the books and study materials recommended for “beginners in formation” and thus set in motion the monthly 1st Thursday evening study/share on the “Handbook” chapter by chapter. One could say we were like “the blind leading the blind” and the unseen guide was the Holy Spirit! Such was our enthusiasm and the thirst to learn more about Carmel, apart from the “side orders”.

Visit of Fr. Patrick Mootheril OCD, May 1996, in the guest-room of monastery (L-R: James, Thasius, Beatrice, Florence, Matthew, Magdalene & Timothy)

Visit of Fr. Patrick Mootheril OCD, May 1996, in the guest-room of monastery
(L-R: James, Thasius, Beatrice, Florence, Matthew, Magdalene & Timothy)

After the passing of Maureen Paujik in 1998 and Beatrice Ben in July 2002, Justin and Thasius remained devoted to the group which continued to meet regularly, now with a “handbook” with which to study and share on. Over the next three years, the group would include some new members (Fred and CelestinaJinu, William and Catherine Pain and Alexander Wong) and there were by now some 15 “regular” ones who met with Fr Dominic Vas OCD from India who came in 2001 for the Sisters’ annual conference.

In October 2002, Fr Dominic was invited again to Kota Kinabalu for a conference. Most of his evenings were spent with the group in formation sessions/fellowship (one session was held under moonlight!) and realizing that some were ready to make a commitment, prepared to formalize the first 6 aspirants as novices whilst Victoria, Fred, Celestina, William, Catherine, Helen, Amelia and Alexander would follow an extended novitiate. On 30th October 2002, during the morning Mass, the six took their Novitiate and over the next two years continued to meet monthly together with the “extended” novices for study/sharing of the “Handbook”, prayer and fellowship. However, Fred was called to the Lord in 2003, Victoria in 2004.

In 2003, Fr Aloysius Deeney OCD, the General Delegate to the OCDS, in Rome, made his first pastoral visit to Kota Kinabalu having known about our group from the KL community and thus started a formal and regular visitation, and his presence and office were brought to the attention of Bishop John Lee. We later realized that Bishop had met with Fr Aloysius in Rome some time earlier.

In March 2004, the First Malaysian OCDS Conference, fondly dubbed as “Malaysia Boleh” was held in Kuching, at St Peter’s College, and this marked a significant step in both awareness of and growth in secular carmel as a national community with its statutes and the OCDS Constitutions as legislation, thus strengthening the links among the 3 communities. Fr Aloysius was the animator.

On 31st July 2004, in the presence of Fr Aloysius, having sought and obtained the blessing of Bishop John Lee, the first group of 10 persons (James, Justin, Magdalene, Matthew, Celestina, Catherine, William, Thasius, Alexander and Florence) made their First Promise during the morning Eucharistic Celebration, in accordance with the approved ritual for the OCDS, and a copy of the 2002 OCDS Constitutions was given to all the Promisers. Thus the KK OCDS Community was formed, now named after Our Lady of Mt Carmel and St Therese of the Child Jesus.
On 2nd August 2004, the community welcomed three novices (Catherine Wan, Helen Liew and Thomas Chu), and there were nine observers/aspirants since. Later in the year, Bishop John and Fr Nick granted us permission to use the present “OCDS House” as our meeting place thus allowing more space to be made available for the growing community, now numbering 22 strong… Using the Canadian Formation Guide as a planner and a reference, a more structured formation program was put in place for use by the three groups… Promisers, Novices and Aspirants…and commencing October 2004 the First Sunday of the month was set side for the monthly formation and meeting. The First Thursday was similarly ear marked for the Promisers formation.

The call to be a secular Carmelite is a vocation, a gift of God, a call to live our Christian life in the Teresian Carmel way and in service to the Church in the world. The brown scapular of Our Lady of Mt Carmel marks our Carmelite identity, and wearing the scapular is a sign of our devotion to our Blessed Mother, Queen of Carmel; our commitment to the Order is a reciprocal undertaking with and assurance of our belonging to the Order as Seculars.

‘I would describe a member of the Secular Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St Teresa of Jesus as a practicing member of the Catholic Church, who under the protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and inspired by St Teresa of Jesus and St John of the Cross, makes the commitment to the Order, to seek the face of God for the sake of the Church and the world” …Fr Aloysius Deeney in Profile of an OCDS.

Thomas, Catherine & Helen preparing to make their novitiate on 2 August 2004, assisted by Matthew (Formation).

Thomas, Catherine & Helen preparing to make their novitiate on 2 August 2004, assisted by Matthew (Formation).

This “Profile of an OCDS” and the 2003 OCDS Constitutions provided resources for a working paper and a slides presentation given by Matthew. The event was organized by the community in an in-house recollection held in the quiet country-side home of William and Catherine. This turned out to be a very welcome break for the group, savoring the fresh country-side environment and tranquility, good food and fellowship, and making attempts at rod and line fishing. This recollection brought the group closer together, especially in celebrating the Silver Jubilee of Religious Profession of Sr Josephine of Infant Jesus, OCD in September 2004 and the Golden Jubilee of Religious Profession of Mother Prioress Consuelo, OCD in October 2004.

During the year 2005, we were blessed with several aspirants who joined the community. Facilitated by Matthew the Formator, the aspirants embarked on a Aspirancy formation program which has been assembled from Carmel resources and support materials and compiled in a booklet for ease of use. Thus apart from using the Welcome to Carmel and the Rule of Life, other formation resources were diligently used. This situation persisted in the ensuing years, echoing the dire need for a comprehensive formation program, which was fortunately not too long in coming, being made available in November 2007 by OCDS Philippines.

Being always on the learning curve, some of the community attended a Human Formation Workshop in July 2005 in Kuching conducted by Fr Charles Serrao,OCD; a John of the Cross Retreat in Port Dickson in August 2005 conducted by Fr John Chua,OCD; a recollection in Kota Kinabalu in October 2005 by Fr Aloysius Deeney,OCD. To cap it all, excitement and festivities filled Carmel in the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Foundation of the Carmelite Monastery of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St Therese of the Child Jesus, on 17th December 2005, marking 75 years since the day (18 Dec.1930) the foundation was made by seven Spanish Carmelite nuns arriving from the Mother House,Ponzano,Madrid. The Foundation Prioress was Mother Josephine. Their foundation chronicles is related in “A Hidden Fire in the Missions”.

Our Spanish visitors with OCDS community. Visitors (L-R) Mercedes, Hernanda, Angela.

Our Spanish visitors with OCDS community. Visitors (L-R) Mercedes, Hernanda, Angela.

There were three visitors from Spain who joined in the celebration. One of them, Hernanda was the niece of Mother Josephine, the Mother Foundress. She was accompanied by Mercedes Sanchez and Angela who were close friends.

The 2nd OCDS Malaysia National Conference ( aka OCDS Malaysia Boleh!) was held in BunduTuhan Retreat Centre,KotaKinabalu in March 2006,participated by 40 Secular Carmelites coming from three communities (Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu) and the General Delegate to the OCDS, Fr Aloysius Deeney,OCD.

Presentations were given by the respective communities in respect of formation and community building. At the close of the Conference, the 1st National Council was elected and formed to hold office for the next two years. This Council  comprised of Agatha Chang (Kuala Lumpur), Stephen Tai (Kuching) and Matthew Liow (Kota Kinabalu), paving the way for a responsive and organised OCDS Malaysia , in accordance with the OCDS Constitutions and the National Statutes. A contributory National Council Funds was set up, initially set at RM50 per month in each community, towards which all the three communities regularly contributed.

Photo of Congress participants“supported” by Mount Kinabalu at back. OCDS Malaysia Boleh!

Photo of Congress participants“supported” by Mount Kinabalu at back. OCDS Malaysia Boleh!

The 1st National Council (L-R: Juliana, Matthew, Agatha, Fr. Aloysius, Cynthia, Theresa, Stephen)

The 1st National Council (L-R: Juliana, Matthew, Agatha, Fr. Aloysius, Cynthia, Theresa, Stephen)

Fr. Deeney was to come again in November 2006 to conduct a retreat with the community. Around this time, some changes were made in the Council under the direction of FrDeeney in his capacity as Spiritual Assistant to Community- in-Formation. Celestina was elected President, Thasius, Matthew and William were elected as Councilors, Justin was appointed as Formator. This new team was to hold office for three years.

In March 2007, we had a pleasant surprise when Fr Henry Muscat, OCD came to Kota Kinabalu for a short stay during his transit to Taiwan from Canada. As some of us could fondly recall, Fr Henry had been instrumental in getting our seed community formed way back in 1995. Fr General Luis Arostegui, OCD and Fr. Definitor Angelo Madelo, OCD came visiting in April 2007, staying two nights at Carmel. It was a time of formation and fellowship with the two Friars, since it was not very often we could have their company.

In remembrance of the visit of Fr. General and Fr. Definitor,with OCDS community.

In remembrance of the visit of Fr. General and Fr. Definitor,with OCDS community.

A quick photo taken in the Sacristry just before Mass.

A quick photo taken in the Sacristry just before Mass.

On 31st July 2007, the community celebrated the first Definitive Promise taken by 6 persons (Matthew, Magdalene, Thasius, Celestina, William and Catherine). Three other persons (Florence, Justin and James) decided to extend their formation for 1 year, and Alex chose to not continue in the community. This was an important development and a “maturing” transition to canonical erection, which was finally realized in 2009. The “for the rest of my life” Promise was the defining moment when all six persons confidently and conspicuously clothed with the large ceremonial Brown Scapular took that Final Promise. The Definitive Promise celebration was an occasion for breakfast and fellowship amidst showers of well-wishes and blessings from the Carmelite Sisters and friends of Carmel. The celebration was on track to move the community towards canonical establishment which was granted by Fr General in March 2009.

A comprehensive Philippines Program of Formation (PPoF) was now made ready and available by OCDS Philippines who invited Secular Carmelites in East Asia and Oceania to attend a Conference in November 2007 in a retreat centre in Tagaytay. Responding to this invitation, OCDS Malaysia communities participated, 42 members in total, sharing experiences and insights in Formation and Community with OCDS communities from Korea,Japan,Hong Kong, Taiwan ,Singapore,Indonesia and of course the host, the Philippines. Matthew represented OCDS Malaysia in a power-point presentation on Community and Formation. All three communities showcased our Malaysian cultures in song and dance. The highlights of the Conference were the launching of the Program of Formation written in 7 volumes, and the setting up of the Secretariat of OCDS East Asia and Oceania. At long last, a full program of Formation was available in print, reasonably priced, and ready to be adopted, assimilated, digested and adapted by OCDS Malaysia (and also by OCDS East Asia & Oceania countries). The catch word was AADA! and so the community implemented the PPoF in January 2008, commencing with Aspirancy.

Proudly and Definitely Promised for the rest of my life! 31st July 2007 (L-R: Matthew,Magdalene,Catherine,Celestina,William,Thasius, clothed with ceremonial brown scapular)

Proudly and Definitely Promised for the rest of my life! 31st July 2007
(L-R: Matthew,Magdalene,Catherine,Celestina,William,Thasius, clothed with ceremonial brown scapular)

KK OCDS in Cultural presentation night in Tagaytay, Philippines. November 2007.

KK OCDS in Cultural presentation night in Tagaytay, Philippines. November 2007.

In March 2008, the 3rd OCDS Malaysia National Congress, renamed National Retreat and Fellowship, was held in Gohtong Jaya Resort in Genting,Kuala Lumpur, attended by four communities and FrDeeney. The main agenda was fellowship and sharing ideas and approaches in using the PPoF as prepared by the individual community. A fresh National Council was elected with Cynthia Lim of Kuching community holding the Presidency and retaining the incumbent Councilors.

Our Canonical Establishment on 1st March 2009 was a very significant milestone and development in the community. Having secured the blessing of Bishop John Lee on 27 February 2009 in a meeting between His Lordship and FrDeeney, the community prepared to celebrate the grand occasion at the OCDS Centre, Carmel. FrDeeney read the certificate of canonical erection in a full community meeting. The certificate of Canonical Erection bore the signatures of Superior General, Fr Luis Arostequi,OCD and General Delegate,Fr Aloysius Deeney,OCD and was dated 1st March 2009, Rome. With this “full licence”, the community held its elections, forming a new Council consisting of Celestina as President, Justin, Thasius and Stephen as Councilors, Mattthew as Director of Formation. The Council appointed Catherine Wan (Secretary) Angeline (Treasurer),Steven (Reserve Councilor). The celebration continued in a pot-bless dinner, graced with the presence of several guests and friends of Carmel.

Canonical Establishment1st March 2009: Community of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St Therese of the Child Jesus.

Canonical Establishment1st March 2009: Community of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St Therese of the Child Jesus.

In April 2009, Matthew was selected to attend the OCD General Chapter held in Fatima,Portugal, to represent OCDS Malaysia in presenting the Philippines Program of Formation at the Conference. This took place on 25th April 2009 at the DomusCarmeli, Fatima. It had been a most daunting yet fruitful experience speaking at the General Chapter, during which a new Superior General and Definitory were elected and formed, headed by Fr.SaverioCannistra,OCD. The office of General Delegate to the OCDS was retained. At this time, suggestions were revived proposing a Carmelite Pilgrimage to Spain, to include the important sites and events of our Carmelite heritage in the reforms.

Matthew speaking at the OCD General Chapter, Fatima on 25thApril 2009.

Matthew speaking at the OCD General Chapter, Fatima on 25thApril 2009.

Matthew speaking at the OCD General Chapter, Fatima on 25thApril 2009.

Matthew speaking at the OCD General Chapter, Fatima on 25thApril 2009.

During the year 2009, Formation continued in earnest, following schedules accommodating different levels in formation. Dorothy, Monica and Mary took clothing and commenced Novitiate; Thomas and Catherine celebrated their Definitive Promise. Throughout the year, discussions were held in preparation of 4th OCDS Malaysia National Congress in March 2010 in Kuching. The Para VosNaci (I Was Born For You) series of study/share of the writings of St Teresa was initiated in the Order in October 2009 in preparation of the 5th Centenary of the Birth of St Teresa (1515-2015). In line with the Order’s reading guide, the community commenced fortnightly sessions on Book of her Life, aided by power-point presentation of insights garnered from the Life. Some of the insights were: Conversion of Teresa, Four Waters of Prayer, Reforms, Foundation of St Joseph’s Monastery,Avila. The reading continued in 2010, ending in October,when the series continued with Way of Perfection.

The death of Fr John Mary Chin,OCD on 16July 2009 was commemorated in a requiem Mass celebrated on 1st August 2009 by His Lordship, Bishop John Lee at Carmel. His ashes are kept at the Church of Sts Peter and Paul, Singapore.

Fr. John Mary Chin OCD, RIP

Fr. John Mary Chin OCD, RIP