Kimchee, bulgogi, kalbi chin, bibim bap, udong… These were just some of the gastronomic treats that visiting Carmelite friars tasted in Incheon, Korea. The brothers from six circumscriptions namely: host-country Korea, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Philippines-Vietnam, Singapore-Taiwan met in Incheon last 
Oct. 12 – 16, 2009. They were there not just to savor Korean cuisine but to be part of the regular gathering of Carmelites in the Asia-Oceania region.
Every year, the friars meet to discuss a particular aspect of Carmelite life and/or ministry. The venue for the conferences rotates amongst the six separate juridical entities of the Carmelite Order in the region. The main theme for last year’s meeting centered on the “Retreat Ministry.” All together there were 19 delegates who attended the forum. The Philippine-Vietnam circumscription was represented by Fr. Alan Rieger, Fr. Buddy Torres, Rev. Jack Tangan and myself.
The main points of discussion focused on how the friars in the region can share their available resources (e.g., personnel, facilities, material, etc.) with one another. The different Provincials also agreed that whenever possible, they will allow member-friars to spend some time in the different retreat houses in the region so that said friars can experience Carmelite life as lived in the different circumscriptions.
The meeting in Incheon was also the first conference that the new General Definitor for the Asia-Oceania region, Fr. Peter Chung (Korea) attended. He replaced Fr. Angelo Madelo (Philippines) in this particular job. We will be seeing more of Fr. Peter this year as he makes his Visitation in the Philippines this coming April 15- 30, 2010.
For the current year 2010, the annual get-together is tentatively set to be held in Bangkok, Thailand. It will be a meeting of formators and formandees and will in turn be hosted by Singapore-Taiwan. I look forward to the lively discussions in the conferences as well as the renewal of fraternal bonds. You can also say that my gastric juices already anticipate the delights of Thai cooking. Hello… tom yam, phat thai, kai sate and pandan jelly.
