On Saturday 18 July 5 young East Timorese Carmelites made their Solemn Profession (life commitment) in the Carmelite Order. Brs Donato De Jesus Marcal, Agostinho Exposto, Pedro Amaral, Januario Pinto and Carlito Da Silva made their commitment during Mass in the groups of the Carmelite Community at Hera.

Fr Denis Andrew (Prior Provincial) received the Vows and Fr Bruce Clark (Regional Prior) celebrated the Mass in Tetun language.

About 2,000 people attended the ceremony held in the grounds of the Carmelite Community at Hera, near Dili.

Fr Wayne Stanhope (Director of Formation) and Brs Agedo Bento, Martinho Da Cruz Lemon and Matthew Tonini travelled from Australia to be present at the ceremony. Br Januario Pinto has been studying in Australia since 2013 and Agedo and Martinho since 2014, completing their studies for Ordination.

We offer our prayers and congratulations to Donato , Agostinho, Pedro, Januario and Carlito on taking this important step on their Carmelite journey.