Each Brother Brings His Gifts; Each Brother is a Gift — The Solemn Vows of Emilio Rodriguez, O.Carm.

In the colorful convent chapel of “las Esclavas de la Inmaculada Infantita” (the Sisters of the Immaculate Infancy of Mary), Brother Emilio Rodriguez, O.Carm., professed his Solemn (final) vows in the Carmelite Order, on Sunday, April 17, 2004. Very Reverend John Russell, O.Carm., Prior Provincial of the

The Casa del Carmen Carmelite community gathers around Brother Emilio (center) to celebrate his final vows.

Most Pure Heart of Mary (PCM) Province, presided at the Mass and Vows.

Brother Rodolfo Aznaran, O.Carm., Director of Carmelite Formation in Mexico, gave the homily. The theme of the homily is that each brother is a gift to the Order and the Order is a gift to each brother.

Brother Emilio was born and raised in Guadaljara (a city northwest of Mexico City) in the state of Jalisco in Mexico. He entered the Carmelite Order at Casa Santa Teresita in Houston, Texas, in 1997 and professed his first vows at the Carmelite novitiate in Middletown, New York in 1999. He then continued his studies at the Carmelite House of Studies,Casa del Carmen, in Mexico City, with an internship at Transfiguration Parish in Torreon, Mexico. He will finish his studies for the priesthood this December (2004). His ordination to the diaconate is expected early in 2005, and to the priesthood in the summer.