The Carmelites have welcomed the largest group of 10 new novices in Timor-Leste. The ceremony, in which the new novices received the Carmelite habit, was held at St Elias community in Hera. Fr Bruce Clark (Prior Provincial) led the celebration and presented the habit to Ercio Manuel Freitas, João Martinho Falo, Celestino Exposto, Emílio dos Santos Ribeiro, Ricardo Carvalho Saldanha, Lorenço Colo, Zeferino José Carvalho, Domingo dos Santos Martins, Hajetelino Sanches Simões and Tósio João Maria Gutteres Rangel. During the ceremony the new novices undertook to continue their journey of learning to live according to the Carmelite charism of prayer, community and service. The celebration took place during Midday Prayer and was followed by Mass.

The novitiate year is a special year concentrating on the spiritual development of the novice - learning more about the Carmelites and more about themselves. The novitiate aims to help novices come into close contact with the God who dwells within and to make room for God in their hearts. 

We warmly welcome these young brothers and accompany them with our good wishes and prayers.