Brs Albino Dos Santos, Marcolino Gomes and Matthew Tonini will make their Solemn Profession (life-long commitment) as Carmelites on 16 July, the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The ceremony will be held at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Middle Park. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are unable to invite you to join with us in person, but we will have video and photos available shortly after the ceremony.

After completing an agribusiness course Albino and Marco joined the Carmelites in Timor-Leste in September 2008 as pre-Novices. Two years later they began the Novitiate at Hera, making their first profession of vows as Carmelites in 2012. During the Novitiate, Albino says, he really ‘fell in love’ with being a Carmelite. Marco says that during his formation, ‘I have been enriched and strengthened by Carmelite Spirituality which has become part of my life’.

For the next 4 years Albino and Marco studied Philosophy before coming to Australia - Albino in 2016 and Marco 6 months later. After 18 months English Language studies, both began the Bachelor of Theology Degree at the University of Divinity, Melbourne. This coming semester Albino will begin his Masters of Theological Studies Degree in preparation for his Ordination. Marco will complete his Bachelor of Theology and begin his Masters degree in 2021.

Matthew Tonini joined the Carmelites in 2012 after completing science studies at university and teaching in rural New South Wales where he was also actively involved in the local faith community. After doing his novitiate in the USA Matthew returned to Australia to complete his Bachelor and Masters degrees in Theology and is currently a member of the Carmelite Community at Coorparoo (QLD) gaining pastoral experience. Matthew says he is ‘passionate about living and sharing the riches of Carmelite spirituality’. He will be ordained a deacon on 18 July.

 Our prayers and congratulations accompany Albino, Marco and Matthew as they make this formal commitment in the Carmelites.