THE NATIONAL STATUTES OF THE

THIRD ORDER OF CARMELITES

IN THE PHILIPPINES

PROVINCE OF SAINT TITUS BRANDSMA

2021
CONTENTS

DEFINITION OF TERMS ................................................................................................................................ 4

PROMULGATION STATEMENT .................................................................................................................... 5
DECREE OF CONFIRMATION ........................................................................................................................ 6
PREFACE ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
I. Definitive Statutes ............................................................................................................... 7
A. PREAMBLE ............................................................................................................................... 7
B. VISION AND IDENTITY ................................................................................................. 7
II. Statutes on Commitment to Patronage and Role Models ............................. 9
A. ELIJAH ...................................................................................................................................... 9
B. MARY ....................................................................................................................................... 10
C. SAINTS OF CARMEL .......................................................................................................... 11
III. Normative Statutes ........................................................................................................... 11
A. THE CALL TO PRAYER ....................................................................................................... 11
B. THE CALL TO COMMUNITY.............................................................................................. 12
C. THE CALL TO MINISTRY................................................................................................... 14
D. PROMISES ............................................................................................................................. 15
E. VOWS ...................................................................................................................................... 15
IV. Formative Statutes ............................................................................................................ 15
A. STAGES OF FORMATION ................................................................................................. 17
B. EVALUATION ........................................................................................................................ 18
V. Statutes on Governance ................................................................................................. 21
A. THE LOCAL STRUCTURE .................................................................................................. 21
B. THE PROVINCIAL DELEGATE ......................................................................................... 22
C. THE SPIRITUAL ASSISTANT ........................................................................................... 23
D. MEMBERSHIP ....................................................................................................................... 24
E. SYMBOL OF MEMBERSHIP............................................................................................... 24
F. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERS ........................................................... 26
G. THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ............................................................................................. 28
H. NATIONAL ELECTIONS ......................................................................................................... 29
I. ELECTIONS ........................................................................................................................... 30

2
 J. DUTIES OF THE COMMUNITY OFFICERS ................................................................... 33
The Local Prior/Prioress ..................................................................................................................... 33
The Local Councilors........................................................................................................................... 33
Head Formator ................................................................................................................................... 34
The Local Secretary ............................................................................................................................ 34
The Local Treasurer ............................................................................................................................ 35
K. REGIONAL COMMISSIONS .............................................................................................. 35
L. REGIONAL CONVENOR ..................................................................................................... 36
M. REGIONAL FORMATOR ..................................................................................................... 36
N. REGIONAL SECRETARY .................................................................................................... 37
O. REGIONAL TREASURER .................................................................................................... 37
P. THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ................................................................................................ 38
Q. THE NATIONAL PRIOR / PRIORESS ............................................................................. 39
R. VARIOUS TOC NATIONAL BODIES/OFFICES ........................................................... 39
S. NATIONAL FORMATOR ..................................................................................................... 40
T. NATIONAL SECRETARY .................................................................................................... 40
U. NATIONAL TREASURER .................................................................................................... 40
V. NATIONAL COUNCILOR FOR THE APOSTOLATE ..................................................... 40
W. NATIONAL AUDITOR ..................................................................................................... 41
VI. Statutes on Clerical Members ..................................................................................... 41
VII. Statutes on Acquisition and Administration of Goods.............................. 43
VIII. Statutes on Conduct and Discipline..................................................................... 44
A. CODE OF CONDUCT ............................................................................................................... 44
B. DISCIPLINE AND ACCOUNTABILITY ................................................................................ 45
IX. Miscellaneous Statutes ................................................................................................... 46

3
DEFINITION OF TERMS

O.Carm. Order of Carmelites (Ancient Observance). Title used by friars and

cloistered nuns as well as active Carmelite sisters' groups who share in
the charism of this Order.
TOC Third Order Carmelite. A designation for "Lay" Carmelites or Carmelite
Tertiaries who are fully professed Carmelite brothers and sisters who
share in the charism of the Carmelite Order of the Ancient
Observance. Sometimes interchanged with the abbreviation: T. O.
Carm.
Third Order of A community of of TOCarm Lay members.
Carmelites
Community
Priestly Fraternity A community of TOCarm priests and seminarians.
of the Third Order
of Carmelites
Promises A public declaration telling God that one will or will not do something.
A promise made to God is equivalently a vow, and it binds in
conscience according to the gravity of the promise and the intention
to obligate oneself under pain of sin.
Vows These are public vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. These vows
are what make them into consecrated women and men—people set
aside for special purposes for God.
Formation Refers either to the process and practices by which a person may
progress in one's spiritual or religious life.
Formandee A person undergoing formation.
Spiritual Direction A relational process in which a trained spiritual guide listens to and
companions someone who desires a deeper relationship with God.
Local Council The governing body of a Third Order of Carmelites community.
Local Chapter A body composed of all the temporary and solemn professed
members of a Third Order of Carmelites community.
National Council Refers to the National Body that oversees every local community of
Lay Carmelites.

4
PROMULGATION STATEMENT

June 26, 2021

14TH NATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE THIRD ORDER OF CARMELITES
Philippines

TOC Brothers and Sisters,

The community priors/prioresses and formators, official delegates to the 14th TOC
National Convention have, for long period of time and successive leaderships,
formulated and amended this statute to guide the national, regional and local
community governance. This National Statute is the result of the collective efforts
and experiences well-discerned through the living out of the Order’s spirituality and
charism.

It is designed to promote the coordination and cooperation of the local

communities in the different aspects of its life as Carmelites. It also incorporates
the principles and processes of the regional and national levels the spiritual and
temporal management for the well being of every brother and sister journeying in
Carmel.

This National Statute, when used properly and religiously, can assist local, regional
and national council members and its adjoining commissions in responding to and
deepening the memberships’ promises of living their lives as witnesses and
disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ in our times.

This National Statute and its’ provisions became official upon the approval of the
delegates of the 14th TOC National Convention convened via online on June 26,
2021, Philippines, signed and dated below by the concurring local community
priors, prioresses and formators as represented by the Convention President.

Br. Alejandro of the Our Lady of Sorrows Bautista, TOCarm. 26 June 2021
Convention President Date

5
DECREE OF CONFIRMATION
(First Order Provincial Council)

6
PREFACE

‘Many and varied are the ways’ through the lived experience of religious that the Lord
has inspired forms of lay spirituality which are rich and appealing. For many centuries
now Carmel has been a pre-eminent and sure road to holiness for many lay people.
The Rule of St. Albert is like a spring from which the river of the charism flows. The
values that it expresses have been translated into ever-new forms, which are suited
to lay people in various places and in different periods. This has enabled lay people
to incarnate the Carmelite charism in a concrete way and to live out its spirituality in
a way proper to them.1

I. Definitive Statutes
A. PREAMBLE

1. The Second Vatican Council called the Church to new life in service of the
Kingdom of God in our modern world.2 All of the baptized, centered in Christ
and strengthened by God’s word and sacrament, form one community of
faith, hope and love.3 To all who would lead and serve within the Church,
there is a challenge to witness to the holiness of God’s gracious and loving
presence amongst us.4 Within this ecclesial setting, the Carmelite
community offers a specified response, spirituality if you will, to help God’s
people meet the demand for a holy way of life in the midst of an ambivalent
and pluralistic world. The Carmelite tradition has served the Church and the
world with charisms centered on prayer, community and service. Its
prophetic and Marian heritage has enkindled new life in every age.5 These
Statutes are offered as a synopsis of that tradition and as a fundamental
direction in our time for all called to Carmel.

B. VISION AND IDENTITY

2. The Third Order of Carmelites (TOCarm. or TOC) or the Secular Carmelite

Order of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel (SCO) commits to
the spiritual nourishment of the Carmelite family in the Philippines and in
the world. It shall be part of building and of creating a Carmel responsive
to the signs of the times, finding strength and motivation by “pondering
day and night the words of the Lord.”6

3. Responding to the challenges of the Second Plenary Council of the

Philippines (PCP II, 1991), we seek to participate more fully in the life of

1
Preface from the New Carmelite Third Order Rule
2
Redemptoris Missio, John Paul II
3
Rule of the Third Order of Carmel (RTOC) #1
4
Prayer for Vocations, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops #1
5
Carmelite Constitution No 28 - 29
6
Chapter 8, Rule of Saint Albert

7
 the church and in its tasks of mission, together with the clergy and religious,
as a community of disciples. The Secular Carmelite Order of the Blessed
Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel (historically known as the Third Order) is an
association of mainly laypersons. Its members, responding to a special call
of God, freely and deliberately commit themselves “to live in the following
of Jesus Christ” according to the traditions and spirit of Carmel under the
authority of the Prior General of the Carmelite Order. The members, though
not in Religious Life, choose to live out their baptismal commitment
according to the spirit of the Carmelite Order.7 Carmelite spirituality
stresses purity of heart and “vacare Deo,” the emptying of self so that God
can be our all. The call to Carmel, a call to seek God’s will in the ordinary
circumstances of everyday life, roots the Carmelite Tertiaries in a love of
those with whom they live and work, in the search for God’s face, and in
solidarity with God’s people everywhere.8

4. The Carmelite Tertiaries through their promises or vows become associated

with the Carmelite Order and share in the spiritual benefits of the Order.9
Endowed as they are by the Holy Spirit with their own unique gifts, they
share these gifts individually and collectively in a spirit of true communion
with the entire family of Carmel, of which they form an integral part. Their
mission is the mission of the Church and the Order itself, to live the Gospel
message and to bring Christ to others through their lives.10 It shall have a
special concern for the poor and the underprivileged in both their temporal
and spiritual needs.11

5. Diocesan clergy may be admitted to the Third Order and shall adapt its
goals and spirit according to their state of life as ordained priests.12

6. Members of the Third Order of Carmelites shall be called Carmelite

Tertiaries. Lay communities will be known as a Third Order of Carmelites
Community. Communities of TOCarm priests and seminarians shall be
called “Priestly Fraternities of the Third Order of Carmelites”. They may sign
TOCarm. or TOC if they wish, after their name to indicate their affiliation.13

7. The purpose of this secular branch of the Order of Carmelites is to provide

a community in which to live the Gospel way of life according to the
Carmelite charism of seeking God in contemplative prayer, a communion
of faith, hope and love and in a spirit of service to God and the human
family.14

7
RTOC #11
8
RTOC #28-29
9
RTOC #12
10
RTOC #24
11
RTOC #88
12
RTOC #76
13
RTOC #85
14
RTOC #30-31

8
 8. The Communities of the Third Order shall take the name of the parish or
Religious house where they are established, or they may take another
name, if the membership so decides.15

9. The community shall be faithful to the Rule of the Third Order of Carmelites
and these National Statutes.

II. Statutes on Commitment to Patronage and Role

Models

10. The Carmelite family draws its inspiration from the lives of the Blessed
Virgin Mary and the prophet Elijah. Mary is our Patroness, Mother and
Sister. An appreciation of her deep influence in our lives is given in the
statement “Carmelus totus Marianus est” (Carmel is eminently Marian).16
In her we find the model of all that we desire and hope to be “because her
living presence in the history of salvation reminds us of our duty to co-
operate in the incarnation of Christ in the modern world.”

A. ELIJAH

11. Elijah is the prophet of Mount Carmel and our father in faith “because he is
the prophet constantly ready to hear the voice of God and sensitive to the
most profound needs of the people, the man of God in the midst of a people
in need of liberation and salvation”. With an ardent desire for the true and
living God, he spent his whole life in faithfully testifying to Yahweh’s
presence in the world.17

12. The Carmelite Tertiaries will find in the person of Elijah a valid inspiration
for this witness. It was he who said, “I have been most zealous for the Lord,
the God of hosts (1 Kings 19:10).” In doing battle with the false prophets
of his day, Elijah proclaimed the reign of God and worked hard for its
establishment. The Carmelite Tertiaries in the spirit of Elijah is called to
critique the values, actions, systems and goals, which are inimical to the
Gospel.18

13. His prophetic spirit in combating the evils of his day is an integral part of
any Carmelite life. Members should incorporate this Elijahn spirit in their
ministry. Blessed Titus Brandsma is a modern day example of such a
spirit.19

15
p. 20, Carmel’s Call – Manual for Members of the Carmelite Tertiary Order 10th Ed
16
https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/carmelite-spirituality-12567
17
p. 31, Carmel’s Call – Manual for Members of the Carmelite Tertiary Order 10th Ed
18
Ibid, p. 32
19
Ibid., p. 32

9
 B. MARY

14. From its beginning, the entire Carmelite Family has been especially
dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Indeed, we have always been known
as the Brothers and Sisters of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Therefore, all
Carmelite Tertiaries shall honor our Lady with a special love and devotion.
She is the model of all that we desire and hope to be.20

15. The Carmelites have always put themselves under the maternal care of Our
Lady, invoking her as Mother. The Order enjoys her special patronage. The
brown scapular is a sign of her protection, a symbol too of one’s interior life
of devotion to Our Lady.21

16. Our mother Mary is a wonderful example for ministry, walking with Jesus
every step of the way, even to the foot of the Cross.22

17. The Blessed Virgin Mary in her earthly existence showed herself to be the
perfect image of the disciple of Christ, being the mirror of all the virtues,
and putting into practice in her life the beatitudes proclaimed by Jesus
Christ.23 Her life as a model for the Carmelite Tertiaries is always to be kept
in view.

18. To be a living witness of Our Lady, the following practices are

recommended:
a. Imitating her role as a woman of faith attentive to the Word of God
and to the service of the Kingdom.
b. Fostering as an apostolic concern the devotion to Our Lady of Mount
Carmel and the wearing of the Brown Scapular. As the habit of the
Order and a sacramental of the Church, it is a fitting symbol for
expressing our devotion and consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary
of Mount Carmel and the affiliation of the faithful to the Carmelite
family. It is also an efficacious means for making Mary known to
God’s people.
c. Praying the Rosary and other Marian devotions.
d. Celebrating her feast days with honor when possible, especially the
solemn commemoration of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and also that
of St. Joseph, her spouse and protector of the Order.
e. Having a blest image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the homes of
the members.24

20
Ibid., p. 31
21
Ibid
22
Ibid
23
Marialis Cultus, Pope Paul VI, Feb. 2, 1974, 37
24
p. 31, Carmel’s Call – Manual for Members of the Carmelite Tertiary Order 10th Ed

10
 C. SAINTS OF CARMEL

19. Saints Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, and other mystics have shown us
through their lives and their writings the way to contemplative union with
God. Members should familiarize themselves with these mystical traditions
of Carmel. Saint Therese of the Child Jesus is a wonderful modern-day
example of the spirit of Saints Teresa and John of the Cross. Her “Little
Way” is highly recommended as a way of love and oblation to the Father.
Carmelite spirituality is also well exemplified in the lives and writings of
Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, Elizabeth of the Trinity, Teresa Benedicta of the
Cross (Edith Stein), Titus Brandsma and many others. They provide us with
a rich heritage that can foster our spiritual growth.25

20. Saint Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, being the Protector of the Third Order of
Carmel, has a special place in every Carmelite Tertiary’s life. Saint Mary
Magdalene de Pazzi’s teaching is concentrated on the Mystery and the person
of Jesus Christ. She gave witness as a Carmelite to the authenticity of
contemplative prayer being rooted in the daily life of fraternal charity and
humble service to those around her. She lived out her vow of poverty in
accepting the limitations of human nature and the frailty of each of those
around her.26

III. Normative Statutes

A. THE CALL TO PRAYER

21. For over 800 years the gift of contemplative prayer has been one of the
richest treasures of the Order, giving birth to some of the greatest saints
and mystics of the Church. Members shall cultivate this spirit of prayer in
their lives. In order to help the members in this area, the Council shall invite
persons knowledgeable and personally experienced in prayer and spiritual
guidance to share with the community, especially those versed in Carmelite
Spirituality.27

22. The challenge of Carmel is to seek God’s presence in prayer while living an
active, busy life in the midst of the world. This was the situation faced by
the first Carmelite hermits who migrated to Europe, men used to praying
in solitude and now called to be involved in active ministry. Prayer and
ministry are mutual companions according to our traditions. Prayer
develops a center of faith, which reaches out generously to others while
involvement with others often energizes the movement to prayer. It is an

25
Ibid, p. 32
26
L’Ossevatore Romano, 25 May 2006
27
Ibid, p. 29

11
 attempt to live a prayerful presence in a busy world. It is a vitality, which
has graced the Church over the centuries.28

23. The sacramental life of the Church is central to the heart of a Carmelite
Tertiary.29

24. The Liturgy of the Hours sanctifies our day and unites us to the prayer of
the Church. In communities where the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin
Mary is the only book available, it may be used in place of the Liturgy of
the Hours. All professed members are however encouraged to use the
Liturgy of the Hours. The Carmelite Tertiary shall be faithful to liturgical
prayer and Marian devotions, especially the daily Rosary, as far as their
circumstances of life allow.30

25. We are called by the Rule of Carmel to quietly listen to the Word, which is
formed in our hearts. This stillness and prayerful reflection on Scripture will
lead to contemplative prayer after the pattern of Mary, our Mother, who
“treasured all these things and reflected on them in her heart (Luke
2:19).”31

26. Through these efforts, the Third Order of Carmelites Community shall
become a clear sign to all others of the Church at prayer.32

B. THE CALL TO COMMUNITY

27. The establishment of Third Order communities provides a means by which

the members of those communities are helped to be faithful to the
commitment called forth by their Baptism, that is, to live with others a
Gospel way of life. This call to community is deeply reflected in the original
Rule of Carmel, that of St. Albert, Chapters 7 to 11, which mandates that
Carmelites are to live as a community, celebrating the Eucharist, praying
together in common, meeting frequently to encourage one another and
manifesting a spirit of poverty, detachment and contemplative prayer in
their personal lives. As members of Third Order of Carmelites communities,
they emulate the early Christians, being “of one heart and one mind,”
devoting themselves to “the communal life, to the breaking of bread and
the prayers (Acts 2:42-47, 4:32).” This relationship of mutual love, though
difficult to achieve, provides the power by which the members in a spirit of
loving, active cooperation are strengthened to establish the reign of God in
a secularized and often hostile world. This spirit of love shall extend not
only to Carmelites but also in the service to the poor and marginalized, in
an effort to establish peace and justice in our modern world. Living as a

28
Ibid, p. 18
29
Ibid.
30
Ibid, p. 18 – 19
31
Ibid, p. 19
32
Ibid.

12
 Carmelite Tertiary also implies faithfulness to the duties of one’s state in
life as a single or a married person.33

28. Third Order of Carmelites communities are called to be witnesses to

Christian community within the Church and to the world.34

29. The common life of love in Carmel is to peak whenever possible in the
celebration of the Eucharist as a group. Daily Eucharist is a tradition that
goes back to the Rule of St. Albert. The Carmelite Tertiary has great esteem
for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.35

30. The community prayer life shall also be strengthened whenever possible by
the Liturgy of the Hours, Lectio Divina (Divine Reading) and Lectio Vitae
(Life Reflection), the praying of the Rosary, shared prayer and Gospel
reflections.36

31. Community life is also strengthened through apostolic activities, the

corporal and spiritual works of mercy, special activities and other projects
in which all the community members can participate so that the bonds of
unity may grow strong. Promoting the spirit of Carmel in the members’
parishes is a valuable ministry.37

32. A special concern shall be shown to the sick and homebound members of
the community. Care shall be taken that they are visited according to their
need. In serious illness or in danger of death, the Council shall notify the
members so that the prayers of all may assist the person who is ill.38

33. Our spirit of community calls us to commend our deceased brothers and
sisters to the Lord, especially on November 15, the commemoration of all
the deceased members of the Carmelite family.

34. For all the deceased members of the Order, Carmelite Tertiaries, especially
the clerical members, should offer three Masses (Triduum Masses) every
year preceding November 15 and should recite one Our Father, Hail Mary,
and the antiphon “Eternal Rest” every day.

35. When a brother or sister dies, all the members shall:

a. Attend the Liturgy of Christian burial for the funeral Mass offered for
the deceased as a community;
b. Pray the Office for the Dead, attend a Mass, receive Holy
Communion, and pray the Rosary for the deceased member;

33
Ibid, p. 19
34
Ibid, p. 20
35
Ibid, p. 28
36
Ibid.
37
Ibid.
38
Ibid, p. 29

13
 c. The Community Carmelite Banner is to be conspicuously displayed
during the wake.39

C. THE CALL TO MINISTRY

36. Carmelite Tertiaries, as all baptized persons, are called to be deeply

involved in the mission of the Church. Immersed in the world as they are,
they shall reflect a Christian spirit of service to their families, in their work
or professional surroundings, in their social responsibilities and relations
with others and in every action of their day.40

37. Living as they do in the world, the Third Order of Carmelites should be
particularly aware of current social attitudes of clannishness and the need
for constant conversion to the values of the Gospel, especially social justice
and solidarity with the poor and the oppressed.

38. Ministry in our day involves a sacrifice of time, talent and treasure on the
part of the individual. The Third Order of Carmelites accepts this obligation
of stewardship, holding in esteem the invitation of the Lord that we deny
ourselves, take up our crosses daily and follow Him.41

39. The first ministry of all Carmelite Tertiaries is his or her local community
and the whole Third Order. They shall give support to the ministry and
activities initiated at the national level.

40. Any ministry undertaken by individuals or the local communities shall flow
from our Carmelite heritage, and bring about the sanctification of our
families, our work and society. The ministries shall be integrated with the
other areas of Carmelite life. Praying for others is a valid ministry,
exemplified so well in the Second Order, our Sisters in Carmelite cloisters
all over the world. St. Therese of Lisieux viewed prayer as redemptive -
praying and sacrificing for others.42

41. This Gospel way of living, which Carmelite Tertiaries seek to live, a life of
contemplative prayer, a communion of life and ministry, is summed up by
one word, love. St. Therese of the Child Jesus, a great saint of Carmel,
showed this clearly to us when she cried out: “O Jesus, my love … my
vocation, at last I have found it… MY VOCATION IS LOVE!”43

39
Ibid.
40
Ibid, p. 20
41
Ibid, p. 21
42
Ibid
43
Ibid, p. 18

14
 D. PROMISES

42. In many circumstances, the Christian is called to make promises to God.

Baptism and Confirmation, Matrimony and Holy Orders always entail
promises. Out of personal devotion, the Christian may also promise to God
this action, that prayer, these alms giving, that pilgrimage, and so forth.
Fidelity to promises made to God is a sign of the respect owed to the divine
majesty and of love for a faithful God.

E. VOWS

43. A Final Professed member may be permitted after three (3) years to make
the vows of chastity and obedience44 in the presence of the Community
after fulfilling and obtaining the following:
a. manifestation of a strong desire to live a deeper commitment of
his/her Promise and be of greater service to the Church and the
Order;
b. full consent of the member’s immediate family;
c. written recommendation from the member’s personal Spiritual
Director;
d. written approval from the Provincial Superior upon recommendation
by the Council.

IV. Formative Statutes

44. The formation of the Carmelite Tertiary is an ongoing process of change

and transformation. The main objective of the formation is a clearer re-
discovery of one’s own vocation and the willingness to live according to it
and to fulfill one’s mission. Fulfilling this objective, the Carmelite Tertiary
understands best the signs of the times and God’s presence in the history
and how the Lord can use them and their community for the transformation
of the world.

45. Thus, a layperson who becomes a member of the Order and decides to live
faithfully “in allegiance to Jesus Christ” – living fully in the company of Jesus
and letting Him live in his own heart, can recognize Jesus in daily events as
his neighbor and to witness Him along the byways of the world by his own
presence.45

46. Those who are interested in joining the Third Order of Carmelites are given
adequate period of observation and discernment before they are admitted
to a period of spiritual formation in accordance with these statutes.

44
RTOC #12
45
Rule of St. Albert, 3; RTOC 24

15
 47. The candidates are required to undergo initial formation based on the
teachings of the Church and the history and tradition of Carmel. They are
to study and to live the Rule of the Third Order of Carmelites as well. After
successfully completing the initial formation, a deepening of their
knowledge of the spirituality of Carmel, its history, and the teachings of the
major figures of the Order are then provided. These stages of initial and
on-going formation will help ensure the development in each member the
desired human and Christian maturity and will help them live their
commitment as members of the Church and of the Order.

48. All these are to be done under the guidance of the Director of Formation,
with the help of a formation team. With the council, the formator bears the
responsibility for assuring sufficient instructions, if necessary, having
recourse to other qualified people and the most appropriate means.46

49. The TOC National Council in the Philippines, through the National Formation
Team, specifies the formation program by providing a manual to serve as
a guide for all TOC communities.

50. The TOC initial formation generally takes six years and six months: six
months of Aspirancy, twelve months of Postulancy (Pre-Novitiate), two
years of Novitiate, and three years of Temporary Profession leading to the
Solemn Profession.

51. The Ongoing formation shall continue for life.

52. The interested person may be allowed to observe the community dynamics
after given permission by the Director of Formation with the approval of the
Prior/Prioress. Should the observer desire to pursue membership in the
community, he/she should fill up the TOC application form 1, submit the
required documents and then attend the monthly community meetings for
three consecutive months prior to acceptance to the Aspirancy.

53. Vocation to the Third Order of Carmelites is not just about following a set
of rules. It is about listening to the voice of the One who called the person
from the past, present, and in the future—God. If a Carmelite Tertiary
would take the formation lightly and will not be serious about the vocation
he or she freely chose, the tendency is that he or she will also entertain

46
RTOC 81

16
 things that are not related to his or her vocation and as a result he or she
will lose track of the path he or she has chosen to take.47

54. The moment the interested person enters the Third Order of Carmelites, he
or she should mindfully allow to be formed not by his own but by the help
of the formation and the formators directing him or her towards the image
of Christ. This means that the moment he or she responds to the formation,
he or she already abandons his or her old ways and allowing himself or
herself to conform to the formation, that is, being given and molded
according to the image of Christ.48

A. STAGES OF FORMATION

55. Aspirancy. An aspirant will undergo preparation and orientation for

formation, which affords both the community and the candidate an
opportunity to make adequate discernment. This will last for six (6)
consecutive months from entrance to Aspirancy and upon completion of the
Aspirancy module. In case of absence within the six months period, the
candidate is to start again from zero in counting his / her period of
Aspirancy which requires six straight months without absence. Such
requirement is a measure and test of how serious and committed the
candidate is in entering the Order.

56. Postulancy (Pre-Novitiate). After fulfilling the above-mentioned

requirement, candidate now proceed to the Postulancy that will last for
twelve (12) months until invited for reception to the Novitiate and upon
completion of the Postulancy module.

57. Novitiate. The Novice is one who has been clothed with the Ceremonial
Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and will undergo a minimum of one
year to a maximum of two years of deeper formation until admitted to make
the Temporary Profession and upon completion of the Novitiate module.
However, the Novitiate period may be prolonged for another year upon the
recommendation of the local director of formation and the local council.
After two years, the director of formation shall conduct the following:
formation team evaluation, self-evaluation and peer evaluation of the
formandee to determine the readiness of the candidate for profession.

58. A criteria for Initial Formation Evaluation will be made by the local council
and the formation team which will assess the candidate according to his/her

47
Espinas, Angelo; http://www.davaocatholicherald.com/2019/09/does-a-seminarian-need-to-commit-to-a-
romantic-relationship-girlfriend/
48
Ibid.

17
 lived experience of the charism of Carmel based on the Manual of Formation
of the Third Order of Carmelites.

59. Temporary Profession. After making this profession which is renewable

every year during the three-year temporary profession period and can be
extended for another three years, the member will undertake a more
intensive study on prayer, the Scriptures, the Documents of the Church,
the Saints of the Order, and formation on the Apostolate of the Order until
invited to make the Solemn Profession.

60. Temporary Professed members maybe invited by the local council to apply
for the renewal of their profession yearly on the date of their temporary
profession until invited to make Solemn Profession.

61. The process for evaluating the Temporary Professed for Solemn Profession
is intensive. It involves the evaluation by the representatives of the local
council, endorsed by the regional council and deliberated by the national
council.

62. Solemn Profession. After solemn profession, a Carmelite Tertiary shall

continue with lifetime formation to nourish one’s spiritual journey.

B. EVALUATION

63. The formation period may be extended or shortened by the Local Council if
it is for the best interest of the Formandee and the Community:

a. Aspirancy and Postulancy Programs may be shortened for three

months or extended by six months at each level. Novitiate may be
extended for one year. Temporary Profession may be extended by a
maximum of three years. Exceptions to the above may be granted in
cases where the formandee49 takes a leave of absence for a valid
reason and is allowed to come back at a later time to resume or even
repeat formation, subject to the Local Council’s approval, under more
favorable circumstances (e.g. improvement in health, family or job
stability, among others). For those who are lay theologians, ex-
seminarians, and those working within the Carmelite Family, it can
be shortened to three months and will be called as Pre-Postulancy
Period.

A Carmel Youth, who have been a full pledged member for 5 years,
can be accepted in the Novitiate program of the TOC.

49
A formandee is a person undergoing formation

18
 b. Members who are lawfully absent for more than 3 years shall
undergo a re-integration program.

i. This re-integration period is rightly called probationary period.

ii. The purpose of this probationary period is to prepare the member
in his/her return to the Order. This lasts for six (6) months and
they must have a perfect attendance in the community life
(formation and business meeting). The reason for this is to assess
the sincerity and commitment of the returning member to this
way of life.
iii. After completing the at least six (6) months probationary period,
they will be re-instated to their former status. That is:
1. Former novices will be reinstated as Novice I;
2. Former temporary professed will be re-instated as
Temporary Professed I; and
3. Former solemn professed member will be re-instated as
Solemn Professed and renew his/her Solemn Profession

c. Formators should evaluate their formandee by conducting a Fraternal

Dialogue twice a year or as needed. This is an effective formative
accompaniment for assessing the formandee’s human and spiritual
growth. The evaluation report shall be confidential and given to the
Formation Director who shall inform the local council of each
formandee’s progress and the possible need for special attention
and/or action.

64. Process of Evaluation. At the end of each level of initial formation, the
Formation Director with the help of the formation team will evaluate and
recommend the formandee for promotion as needed. The Formation
Director will make a narrative report on each formandee. This will be based
on the anecdotal records noted during the regular fraternal dialogues and
gathered from the written reflections and experiential sharing of the
formandee on the various lessons taken. The local formation team will
evaluate him/her and will recommend the same to the local chapter for
approval on promotion. The candidates will be evaluated based on prayer,
community, and ministry.

65. The local chapter will recommend for the Local and National Councils’
approval either for the formandee’s acceptance to the next level, or an
extension at the same level, or dropping from the formation program. The
local council will deliberate on the recommendation and vote for or against
the formandee in the following prescribed manner:

a. Proceedings must be held in a place where confidentiality can be

preserved. The formator shall inhibit from the proceedings. Each
members of the local council shall give their vote with justification.

19
 b. The Secretary will tally the votes in the presence of the Chapter.

66. The Prior/Prioress should inform each formandee of the Council’s decision
in person and in writing. The formandee not favorably voted upon should
be informed in a constructive and charitable way. However, the Local
Chapter, the Council and the Secretary are duty bound to maintain
confidentiality of the deliberation and the voting process.

67. The Local Council has the capacity to approve the formandee’s elevation to
the next level of formation. The Regional Council shall review all
applications for the rites and shall interview all the candidates. Once
reviewed, they shall endorse the applications to the National Council for
further deliberation.50 The National Council confirms the decision by
administering the rites associated with it. However, the National Council
thru the National Prior or Prioress has the capacity to veto the approval of
the local council if it found certain issues about the formandee that were
not seen at the local level. This will be relegated back to the Regional
Council for resolution. Once resolved, it shall be submitted to the National
Council through the National Formator.

68. Ongoing Formation. Ongoing formation should be provided by the local

Community for all its professed members through the regular monthly
formation and business meetings, periodic days of recollection, and yearly
retreat. Members are also encouraged to attend any adult catechesis
provided in their parishes. Ongoing formation can be significantly improved
and nourished through attendance of any of the Regional and National
Conferences/Conventions of the Order.

69. Ultimately, a member’s spiritual growth is primarily his/her own duty and
responsibility. More than anything, self-formation is the most necessary
tool for one’s success in the spiritual journey. Many good books, magazines,
programs, videos on Carmelite spirituality is readily available in the
bookstores, television, videos and the internet.

70. Annual Retreats and days of recollection shall be fostered by the community
for the purpose of spiritual growth.51

71. The community shall bring to mind the constant need for a conversion of
life in the light of the Gospel.52

50
RTOC 83B and 74
51
p. 29, Carmel’s Call – Manual for Members of the Carmelite Tertiary Order 10th Ed
52
Ibid.

20
 72. The community shall foster in its members a Gospel spirit of penitence,
recommending practices of fasting, abstinence and reparation in union with
the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.53

73. Spiritual direction, when possible, is recommended for individual Carmelite

Tertiary.54

V. Statutes on Governance

A. THE LOCAL STRUCTURE

74. The Third Order of Carmelites is a true branch of the Order of Carmelites.
Members of the Third Order are neither “affiliates” nor “associates” of the
Order, but fully professed Carmelite brothers and sisters who share in the
charism of Carmel. Thus, the Third Order is under the jurisdiction of the
Prior General of the Order.55

75. As the spiritual father, head and sign of unity of the family, he delegates
the care and spiritual good of the Third Order of Carmelites of each Province
to the local Prior Provincial and his Council. In the Philippines, the Prior
Provincial or his delegate shall ensure that the fraternal, pastoral and
spiritual guidance and assistance to the Third Order of Carmelites are
given.56

76. Third Order of Carmelites communities are formed in consultation with the
Prior Provincial and the Provincial Delegate. There should be at least three
Solemnly Professed members meeting regularly before a community may
be formed. Interested people may begin a Lay Carmelite group in
consultation with the Provincial Delegate and the TOC National Council.

77. Third Order of Carmelites Communities are erected canonically by the Prior
General of the Order through a decree of canonical foundation after written
permission from the local Bishop.57

78. The Provincial Delegate, the National Council and members of each local
Community Council share the responsibilities in the formation of the
members.

79. Each Third Order of Carmelites community is governed by the Local Council
made up of the Prior/Prioress, Director of Formation, two or more but not

53
Ibid.
54
Ibid.
55
RTOC #30 & 52
56
RTOC #53
57
RTOC #56

21
 more than four Councilors depending on the size of the community,
Secretary and Treasurer, Auditor. The Spiritual Assistant is also a member
of the Council serving as its spiritual director.58

80. The elected Local Council, that is, the Prior/Prioress and the Councilors,
shall select a Formation Director/Directress, a Secretary, Treasurer and an
Auditor from their own ranks or from the members at large.59

81. It is the duty of the local Council to serve for the good of the community,
enabling the members to live up to their baptismal vocation of striving to
extend the reign of Christ in the world. The community should be formed
according to the spirit and charism of Carmel, a formation guided by the
example of our Blessed Mother, the prophet Elijah and all the saints of
Carmel.

82. Local Council meetings are to be held at least quarterly or semi-annually,

depending on the needs of each local community, apart from the regular
business meeting of the community. In their deliberations, all shall share
their views openly and honestly in a spirit of charity, responsibly working
together for the good of the community. Decisions reached in council shall
be binding on all members.

B. THE PROVINCIAL DELEGATE

83. In order to encourage an ever-growing involvement of Carmelite Tertiaries

in the Order and in the Church, a Provincial Delegate is designated to take
spiritual care of the Third Order, according to each province’s statutes.60

84. The Provincial Delegate is to help particularly the individual communities of

the Third Order of Carmelites within the framework of his jurisdiction so
that these may be permeated with the genuine spirit of Carmel. He is to
ensure that in their activities, the Carmelite Tertiary will remain faithful to
the Order’s principles and directives.61

85. He is to ensure that individual communities help in the activities of existing

apostolates in the dioceses where they operate, working under the direction
of the Ordinary of the place, and with other associations of the faithful in
the diocese which have the same aims.62

58
RTOC #60
59
RTOC # 62 – 65
60
RTOC #57
61
Ibid.
62
Ibid.

22
 C. THE SPIRITUAL ASSISTANT

86. The Spiritual Assistant is the person designated by the Prior Provincial to
carry out the service of spiritual direction for a specific community of the
TOC. In order to be a witness of Carmelite spirituality and of the fraternal
affection of the religious towards the secular Carmelites, and to be a bond
of communion between his Order and the TOC, the spiritual assistant should
be a Carmelite Friar.63

87. The Spiritual Assistant is appointed by the Prior Provincial or by the

Provincial Delegate, after consultation with the council of the community
concerned. When it is not possible to give the community a Spiritual
Assistant who is a member of the Order, the Prior Provincial may entrust
the service of spiritual assistance to:
a. Religious of other Carmelite institutes, or
b. Clergy who is a Third Order Carmelites, or
c. Other diocesan clerics or any non-Carmelite religious specially
prepared for such service.

88. In ecclesiastical matters, the Spiritual Assistant’s jurisdiction is related to

the authority of the Bishop of the Diocese. In matters related to Carmelite
life, the Spiritual Assistant’s jurisdiction comes from the Prior Provincial
through the Provincial Delegate.64

89. The principal task of the Spiritual Assistant is to foster a deeper insight into
Carmelite spirituality and to co-operate in the initial and continuing
formation of the Third Order of Carmelites. In the Council of the community
and at the time of community elections the Spiritual Assistant will be
respectful of the responsibilities and role of the Third Order of Carmelites,
giving them priority with regard to the guidance, co-ordination, and
animation of the community.

90. The Spiritual Assistant, when invited by the Council, participates actively in
the discussions and decisions taken by the Council or by the Chapter. He is
specifically responsible for the animation of liturgical celebrations and
spiritual reflections during the meetings of the council or of the community.

91. The Spiritual Assistant fosters communion within the community, and
between the community and the Province. In harmony with the Prior
Provincial or Provincial Delegate, he sees to it that between the religious
and the secular communities a real life-giving union with each other exists.
He fosters the active presence of the community in the Church and in
society.

63
RTOC #58
64
p. 23, Carmel’s Call – Manual for Members of the Carmelite Tertiary Order 10th Ed

23
 92. The Spiritual Assistant aids the local Council in the formation of the
candidates. The Spiritual Assistant may be invited by the local Council to
help assess each of the candidates at different stages of formation. He may
also be requested to have a dialogue with members in need, e.g. who want
to leave the order, retire from the community or in serious violation or
opposition to the Rule, etc.

D. MEMBERSHIP

93. A degree of maturity, understanding and well-being is necessary for the

member’s adequate formation and for full participation in the life of the
Third Order. Aspirants should be at least eighteen (18) years old and not
more than sixty-five (65) years old. However, the Local Council may make
exemptions to this provision if it discerns a candidate to be physically and
mentally capable of undergoing formation.

94. There should be no moral, legal and canonical impediments including

membership in other Third/Secular Orders and/or organizations that would
prohibit the person from participating fully in the life of the Third Order of
Carmelites. Candidates will be required to submit baptismal and/or
marriage certificates; if widowed, death certificate; if above 65, medical
certificate of good health and recommendation from his/her parish priest
or a priest who knows the applicant.

95. An “isolated” member, that is, who, because of distance from an established
community or for some other valid reason are unable to belong to a
community, may still be admitted to the Order. They make application
through the National Council. The National Formator will keep contact with
them and through the Regional Convenor and the nearest local community,
organize and assist in their formation and arrange for the reception and
profession.

E. SYMBOL OF MEMBERSHIP

96. The symbol of membership in the Third Order of Carmelites is the

Ceremonial brown Scapular, which is given at the reception as a sign of
incorporation into the entire family of Carmel, and as a constant reminder
of the obligations that the members have taken upon themselves.65

97. The Habit proper is a brown woolen Scapular measuring 5-1/2 inches long
and 4 inches wide. It may be worn in public at functions of the community.

98. A small brown Scapular may be worn under the clothing for everyday use.

65
Ibid, p. 27

24
 99. A pin with the Carmelite Coat of Arms may be worn as a distinguishing
mark of membership in the Order.

100. The ceremonial brown Scapular can be worn over the brown uniform or
appropriate church attire. However, when in community like ceremonies of
reception and profession it should be worn over the official uniform.

101. The prescribed brown uniform is optional when attending Community

meetings and Formation meetings but it is a must to be worn when
members are gathered as a Community in celebration of the rites of
reception and profession and during the celebration of the feasts of the
Order. When one is an isolated member of the parish to which his/her TOC
community belongs, he/she has the option not to wear his/her brown
uniform in his/her own parish or locality.

102. The official Gala Dress for the solemn professed ladies shall be long sleeves
having the length of six (6) inches from the ground, with white veil and
black belt, closed black shoes and stockings (optional) and long cape while
for the novice and temporary professed ladies shall be the same as above
except that it is short sleeved and no cape.

103. On the other hand, the official gala shirt for the men shall be a beige Barong
Tagalog, with burnt brown pair of pants and long cape for the final
professed. However, the male members (cleric and lay) can wear the full
habit similar to the First Order excluding the capuch.

a. This is composed of the following: brown soutane, black belt, long

version of the scapular, and beige long cape with hood.
b. Solemn professed male members who wish to don this alternative
habit must request approval from the National Council. Those who
are destined to serve as altar servers or acolyte are allowed to use
the alternative habit.66

104. The uniform for the male aspirants until Novitiate is brown polo shirt with
hood.

105. The Gala dress shall be worn during the profession/reception ceremonies in
local communities and during the celebration of the feast of Our Lady of
Mount Carmel. It can also be worn from time to time at the discretion of
the local council when they see a need to do so in their own locality. It is
also understood that the full habit shall be the burial habit and thus the
respective family of the member should be properly informed about it.

66
Prot.

25
F. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERS

106. A member is allowed to miss 3 meetings in any 12-month period. Excused

absences for community/formation meetings, retreats, and days of
recollection will be granted for illness, unavoidable family obligations, or an
extraordinary circumstance. For those who are not attending the monthly
meetings, retreats and days of recollection, their status can be only one of
the following situations stated below. There is no longer an “inactive”
member status. A non-attending member must request in writing one of
the listed five situations:

a. “Permanently sick or disabled” due to age or infirmity for one who is

not working and unable to routinely go to other cultural activities or
in other words, Hermitage.
b. “Isolate” who lives too far to attend meetings but maintains contact,
participates in ongoing formation, and attends the annual retreat and
day of recollection.
c. “Temporarily relocated” and attending a nearby TOC community
meetings and expects to return to the former community. Maximum
of two years then transfer to the new community.
d. “On Leave of Absence” approved by the local council for one year for
the Final Professed with an extension of up to two more years for
serious reasons and three months for those in Temporary Promise
with an extension of another three months upon consultation with
the local council. Valid reasons include caring for others and non-
permanent illness, and mission work. This person must maintain
contact with the formation director and continue formation if
possible.
e. “Released from the order permanently” After one’s solemn
profession the Provincial Delegate and the National Council must
approve a written application to be released from the Order. Prior
to one’s final promise the local Council may approve a release.

107. Renewal of profession by the Solemnly Professed member shall be made in

community on suitable occasions for the purpose of strengthening and
witnessing to their commitment.

108. In danger of death, the Local Council may admit to Temporary Profession
a new member who has been received in the Order (Novitiate). Any priest
is delegated to dispense with Reception and accept the Profession of the
person in such danger. If complete recovery occurs, the newly professed
member must resume to the formation program level where he or she used
to belong.

109. Reception or Profession by promises ceases immediately when one leaves

the Order or is lawfully dismissed. In the case of a Solemn Professed
member, one wishing to leave shall after prayerful deliberation submit this

26
 request in writing to the Local Council and to the National Council. The
Provincial Delegate issues the dispensation after having been notified in
writing of the request.

110. Persons who wish to transfer from another Order may be professed after
completion of the Carmelite formation as prescribed in these statutes.
Transfers of a Tertiary coming from the Carmelite Family to TOC follows the
following procedure:

1. A candidate coming from the Carmelite Family, who desires to

become a TOC, by way of exception, may transfer if he/she has
already made final profession. The receiving Community determines
conditions of acceptance;
2. A letter of recommendation from the Council of the transferee to the
TOC local Council will be required;
3. The transferee, who desires to become a TOC, will retain his/her
profession during a discernment period of directed TOC formation
agreed upon by the receiving Council;
4. Formation timeline and curriculum will be established by the
Formation Director and the other members of the receiving Council;
5. Upon completion of the formation, and after a period of at least one
year of discernment, a letter of release from the Provincial Delegate
of the transferee must be obtained. A final profession will confer
membership in the TOC.

For those transferring from other Third Orders, they should secure the
release papers from the previous Order and will be received as an Aspirant
and will undergo the initial formation process.

111. A Carmelite Tertiary whether a Novice or Professed may transfer in any of

the following ways or as stipulated in Statute 106:

a. From one community to another community in the Region, in which

case, the novice or professed Carmelite Tertiary shall be required to
obtain the consent of the Spiritual Assistant and the majority of the
members of the local Council of the former Community. There must
be a valid, adequate and satisfactory reason/s for such transfer.

The transferring Carmelite Tertiary shall be received with charity, in

the same status enjoyed from the former Community with the
consent of the spiritual assistant and the majority of the local Council
of the receiving Community. The receiving Community may require
an integration period of 6 months. During the integration period, an
evaluation is to be done.

The formator of the receiving community shall request from the

former community their evaluation or feedback on the transferee

27
 before the integration program shall start. The former community
shall be informed of the decision of the receiving community.67

b. When a Carmelite Tertiary wishes to join a religious community, the

Provincial Delegate of the Philippine Province of the Order shall
furnish any information concerning the Carmelite Tertiary transferee,
as may be required by the Superior of the religious community.

c. Aspirants and postulants are not allowed to transfer to any TOC

community.

G. THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

112. The National Convention or National Assembly is a general assembly of all

Local Councils with the National Council, convoked by the National
Prior/Prioress in writing at least six months before the Convention. The
following process is observed:

a. A Preparatory Committee of five members is elected from among the

delegates: one member from the National Council but not the
Prior/Prioress, two members from the Formator-delegates and two
from the Prior/Prioress delegates
b. The Preparatory Committee prepares the design and content of the
convention: Program and Documents
c. The Preparatory Committee has the first three months of the six
months convocation period to prepare the convention design and
content.
d. A Steering Committee of five members is elected from among the
delegates: one from the National Council but not the Prior/Prioress;
one from the Preparatory Committee, two from the Formator-Prior-
Prioress delegates and the President which is elected during the
convention.
e. The Steering Committee is headed by the President and serves in the
convention.
f. Other Committees of the convention are appointed to the serve in the
convention: Secretariate, Logistic, Accommodation, Liturgy,
Transportation, Finance by the National Council.

113. A National Convention shall be held once every three years as determined
by the incumbent National Council and attended by the Prior/Prioress and
the Formation Director/ Directress who shall be the official representatives
of the local communities as recognized by the National Council. Official
Delegates shall have active voice in the election. In case the Prior/Prioress
and the Formation Director/Directress will not be able to attend, the local

67
RTOC 77

28
 council shall appoint representatives who are also professed members to
take their place who likewise shall have active voice.

114. Other official delegates entitled to vote are officials of the incumbent
National Council and Regional Commissions.

115. Other TOC members may be invited to the Convention as observers.

Observers will not be allowed to vote but will be allowed to participate in
the deliberations and discussions.

116. The task and functions of the Convention are the following:
a. It is the highest policy and decision-making body.
b. Adopts and amends the Local Statutes of the Philippine Third Order
of Carmelites.
c. Decides on the nature and schedule of the next Convention.
d. Approves the National Budget as presented by the National Council
e. Elects the National Prior/Prioress and the National Councilors

117. National Council takes care of the well-being of the delegates and aids the
committees that serve during the convention; and sees to it that smooth
transition of responsibilities is accorded to the newly elected national
council. The National Council bequeaths its function to the assembly. The
Steering Committee headed by the President of the Convention presides
the convention in full force and effect. The President of the Convention
presides the convention, the Steering Committee as its members until a
new Prior/Prioress and council is elected and affirmed.

H. NATIONAL ELECTIONS

118. In times of an election-convention, the following procedures shall be

undertaken:
a. An election committee will be created prior to the Convention to
supervise the election proceedings during the convention.
b. Only the position of National Prior / Prioress and National Councilors
shall be elective.
c. The election will be done through secret voting. Only the official
delegates will be allowed to vote. The candidate to get absolute
majority votes (50% + 1) gets elected.
d. If no one gets absolute majority on the first voting, the second and
final voting is undertaken and a simple majority is required for one
to get elected. In case there is a tie, the senior by profession shall
be considered elected.
e. The above voting procedure is repeated until all elected positions of
the National Council have been filled up.
f. The elected positions of the National Council must be confirmed by
the Prior General or the Prior Provincial.

29
 119. The elected officers shall serve for a term of three (3) years and may be
re-elected for another term. After the second term, he / she cannot be re-
elected for the same office after a lapse of three years.

120. General criteria for all elective officials:

a. Ability and availability.
b. Personal and spiritual maturity.
c. Acceptance by the membership.

121. Special criteria for National Prior/Prioress:

a. The candidate shall have been actively involved in the work of the
TOC in the Regional or National level at least three years prior to
his/her election; or
b. The candidate shall have served as Prioress or Formation Director of
his/her community for at least one term.
c. The candidate, in case, he or she lives outside of Metro Manila should
be willing to travel quarterly or semi-annually to attend the Council
meetings and other functions required of a National Prior/Prioress for
the duration of her term. He/she should be able to oversee the
management of the National Secretariat Office.
d. The candidate must be physically and mentally fit to travel.
e. He/she must be a Solemn Professed member for at least 3 years
prior to the election.

122. The purpose of the National Convention is to promote the spiritual and
apostolic life of the Third Order of Carmelites. They are tasked to revise the
legislation of the Order to be able to meet the needs of the present times,
to improve communication and mutual support among the communities and
their members, and to decide on any matter, which may be proposed by
various communities.

123. In case of force majeure or Acts of God that inhibit the holding of the
Convention in the regular manner, the sitting Council will be allowed a hold
over “status” for a period of not more than one year from the end of its
term of office. But, during this period, the Council is expected to exhaust
all effort and means to be able to proceed with the convention particularly
the holding of election.

I. ELECTIONS

VOTING CONDITIONS FOR ALL ELECTIONS

124. All solemnly professed members of the community have active voice.

30
 125. Solemnly professed members who exceed the number of absences
(unexcused) in business and formation meetings during a three-year period
as prescribed in these statutes shall have passive voice and they are not
eligible to hold office.68

126. Those who are temporary professed members have passive voice.
However, their opinions and feelings should be respected in matters
pertaining to the common good or to themselves.69

127. Canonical communities shall have representation during the National

Convention. They shall have active voice.

128. Non-canonical communities with solemnly professed members shall have

representation during the National Convention. They shall have active
voice.

129. Developing communities which are not canonically founded with no

professed members shall submit names for the position of local officers.
Based on the recommendation, the National Council shall appoint the
officers of this new community. The National Prior or Regional Convenor
reserves the right to exercise necessary consultations before arriving at
decisions on appointing officers. During National Conventions, the
appointed Prior / Prioress shall represent the new community, but they will
have passive/consultative voice.

LOCAL ELECTIONS

130. The Prior / Prioress and Councilors are elected for a term of three years and
may be re-elected once to the same office, after which they can be re-
elected to the same office after a lapse of three years. In necessity, the
holding of the same office for three or more terms is possible only with prior
approval from the National Council with a recommending approval from the
Regional Convenor of the same area.

131. Elections in local community shall be held not later than six months before
the National Convention is scheduled. This is to ensure that attendees to
the National Convention are composed of incumbent officers who will be
responsible for implementing the resolutions approved during the National
Convention.

132. If there is an election, everyone with active and passive voices are to be
notified.

68
Ibid.
69
Ibid.

31
 133. All elections to the Local Council are by secret vote. The following procedure
shall be strictly observed:70

a. All solemnly professed members shall nominate three (3) to four (4)
names for the position of Prior/Prioress via straw balloting. The top
3 nominees with the highest number of votes will be chosen. Only
Solemnly Professed members are qualified to be nominated.
b. On the second ballot, only the professed members will be allowed to
cast their votes. The members will choose from among the three (3)
to four (4) Nominees for Prior/Prioress. Whoever gets absolute
majority votes (50% + 1) during this second voting shall be the
elected Prior/Prioress.
c. If nobody gets absolute majority in the 2nd voting, another secret
voting procedure shall take place. This time only a simple majority
will suffice to elect the Prior/Prioress. In case there is a tie, the senior
by profession shall be considered elected. If there is a tie on the
profession date, then seniority by age shall determine the election.
d. The same procedure as the above shall be followed in the election
for two or at most four Councilors. The number of Councilors shall
be determined by the community depending on their needs.
e. The elected members of the Council can appoint the Formation
Director, Secretary, Treasurer, and Apostolate In-Charge from
among their ranks or from among the members of the community at
large.

134. The National Council confirms the election results of every local community.
The Regional Convenor is to preside in the elections of the local
communities. As presider of the elections, the Regional Convenor should
inhibit himself or herself from the election proceedings and nominations.

135. If any office becomes vacant within the three-year term, the local Council
shall appoint a successor to fill up the unfinished term. Offices of the
appointed officers are co-terminus with that of the elected officers.

136. Criteria for all elective and appointive positions:

a. He/she must be in good standing.

b. He/she must have the ability and availability.
c. He/she must have personal and spiritual maturity.
d. He/she must be voted in good conscience.
e. He/she must NOT EXCEED THE ABSENCES in all community and
formation meetings and functions during the three-year period prior
to a given election. The primary purpose for this attendance
stipulation is to assure that those who become leaders have first-
hand and continuing awareness of the situation in the local and

70
Ibid, p. 27

32
 national level and to ensure his or her commitment in the ideals of
the Order.71

J. DUTIES OF THE COMMUNITY OFFICERS

The Local Prior/Prioress

137. He or she is first among the members, serves the rest of the members,
leads the Council and exercises a guiding influence upon the affairs of the
Community. The Prior/Prioress shall prudently and charitably encourage the
following of the Rule and the Local Statutes and the carrying out of all
resolutions of the Council. He/she shall see to it that all officials perform
their duties and that peace and a good spirit of cooperation exist and
flourish among the members.72

The Local Councilors

138. Depending on the number of Councilors in a given community, the following

functions should be distributed or combined so that they are covered:
a. Each community is to reflect the Carmelite charism of prayer.
Accordingly, one Councilor shall be charged with the responsibility of
arranging for days of recollection and retreats and periodically
inviting experts to the monthly meetings to discuss questions
concerning the Carmelite life, the apostolate, etc. the council shall
oversee these programs.
b. Special attention should be given to the sick and the isolated
members of the community. A Councilor should arrange for visits to
the sick in hospitals and in their homes.
c. A Councilor shall be given the responsibility of coordinating the
recruitment activities of the community. Personal contact and
example are very important for recruiting interested prospects to join
the community. This Councilor shall keep the members aware of their
responsibility in this matter.
d. Ministry has always been an important part of the Carmelite charism.
A Councilor shall promote a spirit of ministry among the members by
encouraging them to participate in the following TOC ministries:
YCPF, Vocation Promotion, JPIC (Justice Peace and Integrity of
Creation), and Confraternity of the Brown Scapular without
jeopardizing the need of the local and the national priorities.73

139. All committees formed by the local community are accountable to the local
Council and ideally shall have a local Councilor as a member.74

71
p. IV – 9, Community Manual for Carmelite Tertiary Communities, Carmelite Press 2002
72
Ibid, p. 24
73
Ibid, p.25 – 26
74
Ibid, p. 26

33
 Head Formator

140. He or she should be knowledgeable of the Order and be of mature

experience in the spirit of the Order, directs the preparation period for
candidates to the community. The Formation Director / Directress shall
interview Aspirants, conducts psychological and psycho-emotional
evaluation, individual colloquium among the formandees, and shall
implement the programs of formation provided by the National Secretariat
Office through the National Formation Team. This will ensure that the
candidate receives sufficient instruction in the Third Order of Carmelites
life. The Formation Director shall present the candidates to the Council for
reception and profession upon completion of their instructions.75

141. It is the duty of the Formation Director to create a Formation Team to

handle the different levels of formation. It is recommended that the
Formation Director keeps a record on each member, giving the date of
instruction periods and type of instructions, dates of any interviews, dates
of reception and profession and other matters which might be related to
formation, such as, for example, retreats, recollections, fraternal dialogues,
etc. He/she shall also be in charge of the on-going formation of all
members.76 It is the responsibility of the Formation Director to discern, to
accompany, to nourish, and to evaluate the formandees.77

142. In all communities, the director of formation should be solemnly professed

for at least three years. If no solemn professed can take the responsibility,
a formator from another community within the region will be assigned by
the regional council.

The Local Secretary

143. He or she records the minutes of the Council and monthly Community
meetings, keeps members informed of these meetings, attends to other
correspondences when applicable, maintains accurate records of
community membership which includes the dates of reception, profession
and death of members, and keeps the National Secretariat regularly
informed of the Community’s activities. The Secretary shall also furnish the
National Secretariat Office all records and reports needed by the National
Secretariat Office from time to time.78

75
Ibid.
76
Ibid.
77
RIVC #67, p. 51-52
78
Ibid, p. 25

34
 The Local Treasurer

144. He or she deals with the collection, banking, recording and disbursing of
funds belonging to the community. The Treasurer shall make the
community aware whenever the treasury becomes low and incapable of
meeting future needs.79

145. Financial statements are regularly given to the local and regional councils.
Financial reports are to be regularly given to the members-at-large.80

K. REGIONAL COMMISSIONS

146. The Regional Commission is composed of the Regional Convenor, Regional

Formator, Secretary, Treasurer, and the Local Priors/Prioress and Local
Formators of a given region.

147. The Regional Commission has the following duties and responsibilities:

a. Discusses and deliberates matters pertaining to the well-being of

the region.
b. Resolves and to decides on local community problems, issues and
conflicts. Its decision is recommendatory.
c. Forms a Regional Formation Team which validates candidates for
promotion or for profession and shall submit it for further
deliberation and approval to the National Council.
d. Encourages and prepares joint formations, recollections and
celebrations of feasts and festivities among the local communities
of the region to foster a closer relationship, cooperation and
collaboration among them.
e. Invites the Provincial Delegate and the National Prior/Prioress for
important events especially during rites and professions
administered by the region.
f. Plans and conducts annual visitations in the region which promotes
cooperation and camaraderie among the members in the region.
Such effort provides a more practical and economic advantage for
both the regional and the national level.

148. The Regional Commission appoints its secretary and treasurer.

149. The Regional Commission is not duty-bound to legislate any rules or
procedures which would bind a local community.

79
Ibid.
80
Ibid.

35
 L. REGIONAL CONVENOR81

150. The Regional Convenor is elected from among the local priors/prioresses
and local formators of the region by the region’s delegates during the
National Convention.

151. The Regional Convenor has the following duties and responsibilities:

a. Liaison between the region and the National Council. They shall
represent the local communities in their region in the National
Council.
b. Facilitates communication between the National Office and the local
communities.
c. They shall give the National Council regular feedbacks and updates,
preferably written, on the membership and activities of the local
communities under their respective areas.
d. They shall resolve problems of local communities and give written
reports about this to the National Council thru the National
Prior/Prioress.
e. Assists for formations and instructions to a developing community.
The Regional Convenor or the one delegated by the Regional
Convenor should have the means and the competency to do this.
f. They shall coordinate all activities of the local communities such as
schedules of election, reception and profession ceremonies with the
National Council thru the National Secretariat’s Office.
g. They shall supervise local election in all communities under their area
of responsibility.
h. Promote annual gatherings of all the communities within their region
for one of the following:

i. Days of recollection;
ii. Carmelite Family Day;
iii. Carmelite rites as approved by the National Council;
iv. Regional conferences at which a speaker or speakers can be
invited.

152. The Regional Convenor shall serve for three (3) years and can be re-
elected for another term not exceeding two terms.

M. REGIONAL FORMATOR

81
p. 38, Carmel’s Call – Manual for Members of the Carmelite Tertiary Order 10th Ed

36
 153. The Regional Formator is elected from among the local priors/prioresses
and local formators of the region by the region’s delegates during the
National Convention.

154. The Regional Formator has the following duties and responsibilities:
a. Member of the National Formation Team.
b. Heads the implementation of the formation programs from the
National Formation in the region and in the developing
communities.
c. Regularly updates and reports to the National Formator any
changes in membership, issues or problems regarding formation.
d. Regularly attends scheduled Regional Formators’ meetings,
trainings and programs organized by the National Formator.

155. The Regional Formator serves for three years and can be re-elected for a
second term.

N. REGIONAL SECRETARY

156. The Regional Secretary shall be appointed by the Regional Commission

from among the local priors/prioresses and local formators of the region
and shall serve for three years and can be re-appointed for second term.

157. In exceptional cases and urgent consideration, with the discretion of the
Regional Convenor and the Regional Commission, the secretary may be
replaced and the position may be recalled.

158. The Regional Secretary has the following functions:

a. Supports and assists the Regional Commission with the

documentation of its meetings and activities and with the dispensing
of communication.
b. Prepares and submits annual report of TOC Regional Statistics to the
National Secretary.

O. REGIONAL TREASURER

159. The Regional Treasurer shall be appointed by the Regional Commission

from among the local priors/prioresses and local formators of the region
and shall serve for three years and can be re-appointed for second term.

160. In exceptional cases and urgent consideration, with the discretion of the
Regional Convenor and the Regional Commission, the secretary may be
replaced and the position may be recalled.

37
 161. The Regional Treasurer has the following functions:

a. Receives and disburses regional fund following standard operating

procedures and prepares and submits a monthly financial report to
the Regional Commission and the National Council.
b. Collects Zarephath Fund from the local communities and remit it to
the National Treasurer.

P. THE NATIONAL COUNCIL

162. The National Council is the leading body of the Third Order of Carmelites.
It is the decision and policy-making body in between Conventions.

163. The National Council is authorized to engage the services of competent and
professional persons in the field of finance, accounting, audit, legal,
information technology and other related services to ensure proper
management and governance of the entire order.

164. In the administration of rites for acceptance in the different levels of

membership, the National Council reserves the right to deliberate upon and
approve the application for the performance of such rites, where such
applications have been formally submitted by the local council(s) using
whatever approved forms and procedures as may be adopted.

165. The National Council appoints from among its member or from one of the
members in the different local communities, one who shall serve as Lay
Head of Liturgical Celebrations and Popular Devotions, who shall provide
well-researched advisory and designs of different liturgies that may be
appropriate for the TOC as a whole or upon request or concern of different
regions or local communities.

166. The National Council represents the interest of the whole Third Order of
Carmelites and should be in touch with what is happening in all the local
communities. The Council members deliberate together on matters and
arrive at a consensus except on certain major matters, which would require
a decisive vote.

167. The National Council is composed of the Provincial Delegate; National Prior
/ Prioress; four (4) National Councilors, from whence will come the National
Formator, National Secretary, National Treasurer, and National Councilor
for the Apostolate. The National Councilor of the TOC clerical communities
shall also be part of the National Council as voted by the cleric members.

168. In case of vacancy in the National Council due to resignation, termination,

sickness, death and any mental and physical incapacity, the following
procedure shall be observed:

38
 a. In case the position of the National Prior / Prioress is left vacant, the
First Councilor automatically takes over and down the line.
b. In case any other position is left vacant, the Council shall appoint a
successor to fill out the term until the next Convention. The office
of the appointed officer is co-terminus with that of the elected
officers and will still enjoy the right to be elected for another term.

169. The National Secretariat Office will publish a national directory of members,
which shall be updated from time to time, listing at least the name of the
member, birth date, address, contact number, community and status of
membership.

170. The National Auditor shall be elected during the National Convention.

Q. THE NATIONAL PRIOR / PRIORESS

171. The National Prior / Prioress is the over-all head of the National Body which
is the National Council. He/she shall take on the role of guide, person in
charge, overseer of the whole Third Order of Carmelites and shall represent
the Philippine TOC in National and International affairs.

172. He/she facilitates and presides at the National Council meetings and
prepares its agenda. He/she shall also preside over Conventions except for
the election of National Prior/Prioress.

173. He/she shall prepare the State of the TOC or accomplishment report
addressed to the General assembly.

174. He/she and the Provincial Delegate shall conduct consultations with the
local communities through their Regional Convenors, resolve problems and
issues and looks after the general well-being of each community.

175. He/she, together with the Provincial Delegate and National Secretary, shall
make an official visitation to a specific pre-determined/agreed local
community wherein all communities in the region will be duly represented,
at least once a year. During this fraternal visit, the Local Council updates
the National Council and may discuss matters pertaining to the well-being
of the community.

R. VARIOUS TOC NATIONAL BODIES/OFFICES

176. The National Formation Team is tasked to implement a uniform Formation

Curriculum for all local communities.

177. The National Secretariat is the administrative staff of the National Council.

39
 178. The National Center of the Cofradia del Nuestra Senora del Carmen serves
the need of the Confraternity of the Brown Scapular in the Philippines. They
keep the record of the memberships of the Confraternity. The TOC National
Secretariat shall oversee its administrative needs.

S. NATIONAL FORMATOR

179. The National Formator heads the National Formation Team and shall
implement all its plans, programs and projects related to Formation.

T. NATIONAL SECRETARY

180. The National Secretary shall support and assist the Provincial Delegate and
TOC National Council with the following functions: documentation, central
record repository, monitoring, publishing of newsletter and dispensing of
communication.

U. NATIONAL TREASURER

181. The National Treasurer receives and disburses fund following standard
operating procedures, makes an annual report of inventory of properties to
the National Council, and prepares a monthly financial report to the National
Council.

V. NATIONAL COUNCILOR FOR THE APOSTOLATE

182. The Councilor for the Apostolate oversees the implementation of the
different TOC ministries on Vocation Promotion, Scapular Confraternity,
Carmelite Family Core-Group, YCPF and JPIC.

183. He/she shall appoint commissioners to plan and implement program for
these apostolates.

184. He/she shall oversee the National Center of the Cofradia together with the
TOC National Secretariat.

185. He/she shall assist the confraternity in the different parishes and in their
application for canonical recognition.

186. He/She shall oversees the relationship of the TOC in the wider Carmelite
Family particularly to:

a. The Carmelite Family Core Group

b. Carmel Youth

40
 W. NATIONAL AUDITOR

187. The National Auditor must be independent, competent, experienced and

with knowledge in the position.

188. The National Auditor reviews the financial books, the financial report of the
TOC and the authenticity of the documents.

189. Makes financial policy recommendations to the National Council.

190. Provides guidance on financial management in the local communities.

191. The National Auditor should also work in collaboration with the third-party
external auditor.

VI. Statutes on Clerical Members

192. Clerics (diocesan priests and seminarians) who join the Order in this way,
with a view to being a part of the Carmelite Family, “strive to be imbued
with the spirit of the Order inspired with the Carmelite saints” and tend to
a more perfect apostolic life, so that from the assiduous contemplation of
God, they attain a firm faith and an apostolic spirit which is fully concerned
for the salvation “of every creature”82 “to the ends of the earth”83

193. Mindful of their sublime vocation, the cleric members of the Third Order of
Carmelites “should labor at preaching and teaching”84, “believing what they
have read and meditated upon in the Law of the Lord, teaching what they
believe, and practicing what they teach”.85 In this way they are true
“educators” of the people “in faith”86 and preachers of the Gospel in the
world.

194. Since, by reason of their pastoral office, they live in the world, they should
develop those human virtues which make their ministry credible to the
people, such as “goodness, sincerity, mental strength and constancy,
assiduous concern for justice, civility”87, generosity, and every other virtue
which makes them lovable to all in the Lord88.

82
Mark 16:15
83
Acts 1:8
84
1 Tim 5:17
85
Vatican Council II, Lumen Gentium Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, no 28.
86
Vatican Council II, Presbyterium Ordinis Decree on the Ministry and Life of Presbyters, no. 6.
87
Ibid., no. 3.
88
Phil. 4:8.

41
 195. Those seeking admission should be made aware that membership in the
Third Order is a way of life, to be embraced and expressed holistically within
the universal call to holiness, the baptismal vocation, the liturgical life of
the Church, the contemplative charism of the Order and diocesan priestly
formation. Prior to applying for membership, candidates should be clear
that membership entails cultivation of a life of prayer, observance of the
statutes and a promise of obedience to the Prior General and his delegated
authorities. They shall send their application form and other documents
related to their stages of formation to the National Office for proper filing.

196. Stages of formation for the clerical members shall follow this criteria:

a. Pre – Novitiate: Six (6) months

b. Novitiate: One (1) year
c. Temporary Profession: Three (3) years leading to Solemn Profession
d. Three years after Solemn Profession, they can take Solemn Vows.

197. The traditional or alternative habit of the Third Order of Carmelites is given
during the reception to the Novitiate of the clerical members.89

198. Cleric members who are in the seminary can form their own community
upon the consent of the rector and shall closely coordinate with the
Provincial Delegate for the flow of their formation program as Third Order.
Priests who are interested in joining the Order should be admitted to the
nearest TOC seminary community in his area. If there is none, he can be
admitted in the lay fraternity existing in his area.

199. Priests however, who profess the Carmelite Rule together, even if they do
not live in a religious community, should not forget that they constitute a
part of the Carmelite Family and belong to a special fraternity. This
fraternity should always be a living reality and should manifest itself in
some regular common gathering.

200. The clerical members should also have frequent and cordial relations with
our Lay Fraternities, united with them in that common priesthood which is
based upon Baptism. Sometimes, too, they should come together with their
lay counterparts who will gladly and joyfully receive them into their
communities and houses of prayer, so that these priests may become
sharers of the graces and blessings of the Order in a visible way.

201. TOC Priests should also be animators and guides of our TOC communities
as stipulated in the Statutes No. 86 - 92; they should instruct and lead
them along the path of perfection and draw them to Christ by word and
example. However, they should allow the laity that just autonomy which is
theirs and is granted to them according to these statutes.

89
RTOC #84

42
 202. The Priestly Fraternities of the TOC should form a federation and meet at
least once a year for fraternal gathering. They shall choose one member in
the federation who shall be their representative to the TOC National
Council. This representative shall be a National Councilor for Clerics and
Seminarians in the National Council and a delegate in the National
Convention.

VII. Statutes on Acquisition and Administration of

Goods
203. Both the Third Order of Carmelites as such, and the individual communities
of Tertiaries which are canonically constituted, acquire through the decree
of erection a juridical personality according to canon law. They also receive,
as required, their mission for the purposes that they have set themselves
in the name of the Church.90

204. The Third Order of Carmelites as such and its individual communities in as
much as they are public juridical persons are subjects that are capable of
acquiring, retaining, administering and alienating temporal goods according
to the norms of canon law91. All their goods are ecclesiastical goods, and
their use is governed by the common law of the Church, as well as
statutes92, which in harmony with the law, determine the way goods are
administered.

205. The patrimony of the Third Order and its individual communities is made
up of all the fixed and liquid assets however acquired. In particular, it
includes the contributions from individual members and from benefactors,
as well as income from activities, gifts, legacies and bequests by any right.93

206. In the spirit of the canon law of the Church94, a Finance Council is tasked
to help the National Council in the administration of the goods of the Third
Order. Its role and mission, therefore, is to assist and advise the National
Council in the development, mobilization and maintenance of the financial
and material resources of the Third Order.

207. All the members of the Third Order of Carmelites, by virtue of their final
promise are the immediate owners and beneficiaries of all its goods as
stated in the aforementioned paragraph and as such all professed members
are duty bound to support, protect and promote the welfare of the
patrimony by:

90
Canon 115; RTOC #67
91
Canon 116
92
Canon 117
93
RTOC #70
94
Canon #537

43
 a. Paying of the monthly Zarephath contribution for the support of the
National Office;
b. Using and patronizing the available resources like the printed and
published formation materials, and facilities such as the houses of
prayer which is managed by the TOC National Council;
c. Supporting the fund raising activities for the Third Order of
Carmelites in the local, regional and national level.
However, aspirants, postulants and novices are encouraged to help in the
finances of the Third Order of Carmelites.

208. The Finance Council handling the acquisition and administration of finances
of the Third Order of Carmelites are the following:

a. TOC Finance Commission composed of the National Treasurer and

the duly appointed members by the National Council which handles
the Zarephath and other fund raising activities;
b. The Auditing Team which is composed of the elected National Auditor
and the internal audit team among the membership who shall be
reporting independently to the National Council and shall be working
directly with a third-party external auditor.

209. The composition and organization of the Finance Council are:

a. TOC Finance Commission

i. National Treasurer
ii. Regional Treasurers – follow up and keep updated records;
validation of local contributions to the National Fund
b. Auditing Team
iii. National Auditor
iv. Internal Audit Team

VIII. Statutes on Conduct and Discipline

A. CODE OF CONDUCT

210. By principle of subsidiarity, officers and members of the canonical

communities and communities under formation, shall resolve tension,
conflict and misunderstanding among themselves. They are to act in the
spirit of fraternal dialogue and charity in solving conflicts within the
community.

211. Rumor mongering and open character assassination have no place in the
Carmelite way of living and in our communities.

212. All members are prohibited from disclosing via the Internet any information
that is held in confidence by the Third Order of Carmelites.

44
 213. All owners of personal social media sites are exhorted to be responsible for
whatever is posted by him/her, exercising vigilance in ensuring that the
page is free from postings that are deemed obscene, harassing, offensive,
derogatory, defamatory or otherwise potentially scandalous. This includes
links, sexually explicit or exceedingly violent images, and other materials
deemed inappropriate and not in accordance with our Carmelite spirit or
way of life.

214. Avoid discussing or criticizing publicly over the Internet your co-members
and even the Church.

215. Officers and members shall attend regular monthly meetings as well as
emergency meetings called by their Prior/Prioress. In case of absence, they
are to inform desirably in advance the reason for it.

216. Officers and members shall conduct themselves in a manner befitting their
office, and must therefore be exemplary in faith, morals, and doctrine.

B. DISCIPLINE AND ACCOUNTABILITY

217. Persons can be dismissed from the Order for adequate causes. Grounds for
Dismissal must be grave, external, imputable, and juridically proven. The
National Council, after allowing the accused member to give his/her defense
and/or appeal for reconsideration, and after consulting the Prior Provincial,
may dismiss any member under the grounds provided in Canons 316 #1
and #2 of the Code of Canon Law or under any of the following grounds
considered as “just cause” in accordance with Canon 308:

a. chronic absenteeism as provided in Statutes #138 (meetings and

retreats) and for solemnly professed who is “illegitimately absent”
from the community for 12 uninterrupted months and is
unreachable;95
b. willful violation of the Rule and/or Local Statutes particularly on the
Code of Conduct;
c. involvement in a public scandal;
d. convicted of an offense in civil and criminal court;
e. delicts against the sixth commandment of the Decalogue consisting
of:
i. forcing someone, by violence or threat or through abuse of
authority, to perform or submit to sexual acts;
ii. performing sexual acts with a minor or a vulnerable person;
iii. the production, exhibition, possession or distribution, including by
electronic means, of child pornography, as well as by the
recruitment of or inducement of a minor or a vulnerable person
to participate in pornographic exhibitions;96

95
Canon 694; Motu Proprio ‘Communis Vita’
96
Motu Proprio ‘Vos Estis Lux Mundi’ Title 1, Article 1

45
 f. open obstinacy, hostility and willful disobedience towards the higher
authorities of the Third Order (national council, prior provincial and
his delegate; prior general) and the magisterium of the Church; and
g. grave abuse of authority. The National Council shall be consulted and
shall provide guidelines in determining the grave abuse of authority.

218. Grievance Mechanism: If the concerned member would like to be heard,

the National Council will task the Regional Commission to form a grievance
committee to hear the complaint and facilitate dialogue and resolution.
However, if the complaint is not resolved, he/she may bring it to the higher
authority which is the National Council. In the event of legitimate
grievances, the National Council is duty bound to follow these guidelines
and to promote the spirit of dialogue and charity at all times. In cases
involving members of the National Council, the Provincial Delegate is the
authority to hear the complaint and facilitate dialogue and resolution.

IX. Miscellaneous Statutes

219. All other parts of the statute thereof which are inconsistent with are hereby
amended, modified or superseded accordingly.

220. Upon approval of this statutes by the assembly, all sitting members of the
National Council and the amendment team are disqualified to any national
elective position so as to protect the integrity of the process and of the
intentions and character of all personalities involved in the drafting,
submission, and approval of the said statutes.

221. If any part of this amended statute shall be held invalid, other parts of the
provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full
force and effect.

222. This statute shall take effect immediately upon the approval of this
assembly.

46