QUEEN OF CARMEL COMMUNITY – LUCENA

The late Most Rev. Ruben T. Profugo had welcomed the first two missionary CMT sisters:  Sr. Asuncion Ciuraneta and Sr. Gloria Esther Alonso in the Diocese of Lucena on May 13, 1993. The sisters were given the chance to stay in one of the stances of Centro Pastoral and lived there for seven and a half months.

On May 16, 1993, Bishop Profugo officiated the thanksgiving Mass for the canonical erection of the community. There was the house blessing on the first day of January 1994 at Peridot Street, Phase II, Pleasantville Subdivision Iyam, Lucena City. Sr. Asuncion Ciuraneta had led the community as the first Local Superior. In the same year of 15^th of October, Sr. Mercedes Pérez arrived and incorporated into the community.

On July 16, 1997 was the groundbreaking ceremony of the Center.  This occasion was presided by Msgr. Juanito Claudio, in the presence of the sisters, benefactors and friends of the community. The following year took place for the blessing and inauguration of Sr. Teresa of Sto. Nino Center, on February 26, 1998, officiated by Most Rev. Ruben T. Profugo, D.D. The Center is named after the Venerable Teresa Mira, CMT.

As the years passed by, the Center had felt so much need to open other more services in bringing back the dignities of the beneficiaries. Because of this, Aug. 11, 2002 was dated as the birth of the Housing Project in partnership with Quezon Coco Palm Habitat for Humanity came alive. At present, 86 families are relocated and given the opportunity to have a house of their own at St. Dominic Village 1, Brgy. Calumpang, Tayabas, Quezon. While Microcredits and vehicles services have been established to provide works.

Along the years, the Center has been recognized and accredited by the local government, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Education, and Lucena Diocesan Catholic School Association for its continuous service to the Church – God and humanity. The spirit of love, collaboration, family atmosphere and co-responsibility remains amongst sisters, staff, volunteers and beneficiaries. And the teachings of Fr. Palau inspire them continuously, “Because I love you, I seek in service, the means of pleasing you.” (M.R 9,7).