Brother Joseph Alba, O.Carm., on the day of his profession.

"Sent Out To Love"

On Monday, June 14th, 2004, the Feast of the Prophet Elisha, three young Carmelites made their first vows (a temporary profession of three years) at the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Middletown, New York. Brother Joseph Alba, O.Carm., of the Most Pure Heart of Mary (PCM, Chicago) Province and Brother Francis Xavier Chinh Nguyen, O.Carm., and Brother Joseph Nguyen Do, O.Carm., of the Saint Elias (SEL, New York) Province professed poverty, chastity and obedience during the Mass.

Very Reverend Michael Kissane, O.Carm., Provincial of the SEL Province, presided, and Very Reverend John Russell, O.Carm., Provincial of the PCM Province, gave the homily. Father Russell mentioned how Saint Thérèse of Lisieux had wanted to go to Vietnam, and, although she never was sent, her message was sent out not only there but throughout the world, and that these men, newly professed in Carmel, were being sent to bring that same message, love, to their ministries. Brother Francis Chinh Brother Joseph Nguyen are assigned to internships in Vietnam and Brother Joseph Alba to an internship in Leavenworth, Kansas.