The Carmelites have restarted their Vocation Accompaniment program after a pause of some years due to lack of accommodation in Timor-Leste.

The newly designed program would see candidates undertake a 12 month ‘live out’ period of discernment, learning the Carmelite story and assessment while they continue to work or study. The group will meet twice a month with the Formation Team.

After assessment at the end of this time a limited number of candidates will be invited to begin a 12 month pre-novitiate. During this time they will continue to discern their vocation, explore the Carmelite story more deeply and learn the dynamics of living and praying in community.

Following further discernment at the end of the year some pre-novices will be invited to join the Novitiate for one year – a special time of spiritual preparation for making their first vows as Carmelites.

So far, there have been more than 14 young men who have applied to join the Vocation Accompaniment program this year.

Frs Roque Soares Da Cruz, Carlito Da Costa Araújo, Agostinho Exposto and Fausto Tilman De Araújo will be accompanying the candidates.