History and The Charism of the Sisters of Mount Carmel

The Sisters of Mount Carmel opened their first foundation in the Philippines in 1962 in Dumaguete City upon the invitation of Bishop Epifanio Surban. The sisters, who were engaged in socio-pastoral and health ministries, managed two diocesan facilities,  the Holy Child Hospital and a school, Dumaguete Cathedral School.

In 1969, the Congregation opened a house in Manila and in 1972 built its central house in Fairview, Quezon City. Two years later, responding to the needs of the Fairview community and to a petition presented by the barangay captain, the Sisters used the convent facilities to accommodate preschoolers and grade one students. The subdivision owners, began the construction of a school building adjacent to the convent. In June 1975, the school accepted students up to grade four. The congregation was asked by the owners to manage the school. The preschool remained in the convent and continued to be owned and operated by the Sisters of Mount Carmel.

In 1995, with the favorable results of the feasibility study, the Sisters of Mount Carmel Catholic School (SMCCS) was incorporated. Grade one students were accepted and subsequent levels were added toward completion of complete elementary and high school facilities.

‍

Vision, Mission and Spirituality

Vision

An integrated Catholic education where students are developed into responsible citizens through the values and teachings of the Catholic Church in the light of Christian and Carmelite traditions.

Mission

To help the students to form prudent judgments, to weigh religious and social values, to examine their cultural heritage, and to develop spirituality based on openness to life and confidence in God’s loving care.

Spirituality

SMCCS symbolizes more than a school. The Carmelite way is a tradition of relating to God in prayer. It represents openness to all of life and form of education based on truth, justice and love.

‍

The official symbol of the Carmelite Order is a modern-day version of an ancient symbol probably dating back to 1499. It symbolizes a centuries old tradition that was interpreted in many different ways over the years. Each rendition had a special meaning for the people in that era.

The colors of the shield are brown and white. The cloaked shield represents the habit of the Order, a brown tunic and a white cloak.

Some writers say the shield itself represents defense of our Church and of the Faith. The mountain inside the shield represents the mountain of Carmel where the first Carmelites lived.

At different times, different meanings have been attributed to the stars. One explanation is the stars represents the periods in history of the order. Because Elijah is considered to be the founder of the Carmelite Order, the star inside the mountain represents the period Elijah to the birth of Christ, the second from Christ to the crusaders; and the third, the period from 1251 scapular promise. After the scapular promise in 1251, the Carmelite order entered upon the period of prosperity that lasted for more than 300 years. The Order’s purpose of spreading devotion to Mary was supplemented by a renewed interest in learning.

Still another tradition gives the following meaning to the stars. The star in the lower section, just below the mountain top in Mary Queen of Carmel, mother of God. The two stars in the upper section represent the patriarchs of the Order of Carmel, Elijah and Elisha.

In heraldry, accessories to the shield can include the helmet, the crest, the motto, and the supporters of the crown. The crown was an addition to the shield of those whose dignity or office entitled them to be distinguished.

The crown above the shield of our coat of arms symbolizes Mary, Queen of Carmel. It reminds all Carmelites that they are called to enkindle devotion to Mary in the hearts of her children. The five flowered points of the crown indicate the nobility of the Carmelite institution.

The sword represents defense of our faith. It reminds Carmelites that the Order will grow and prosper when it is fired by zeal of the prophet Elijah.

The banner swirling around the shield contains the words of Elijah, “Zelo Zelatus Sum Pro Domino Deo Exercitum” of “With zeal am I zealous for the Lord God of hosts”. The motto reflects the Carmelites’ sercret of success.

The spirit and tradition of Carmel are that of Mary and Elijah.

‍