Meet the Pre-Novices

The new classes have arrived in our three pre-novitiate houses: Casa Santa Teresita (in Houston, for the Most Pure Heart of Mary, Province), Saint Eliseus Priory (in Harrison, New Jersey, for the Saint Elias Province) and Casa del Carmen (in Mexico City). Let us pray for their success.

Saint Eliseus Priory in Harrison, New Jersey, welcomes four pre-novices

Joseph Tri Quang Phan was born in 1984 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. He has known the Carmelites since 1998. Joseph has enjoyed being at Saint Therese House, the candidate house in Vietnam, where he lived for four years. He realized during that time, that he was called to Carmel because of his love for Mary, Our Blessed Mother. It is his wish to talk with her in contemplation. Joseph believes that if you talk with Mary, you will hear the voice of God.

Nigel Ali was born on January 16, 1973, in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. He grew up with his parents and two younger brothers in Saint James, where he attended Catholic grade and high school. After completing high school Nigel started working at the Trinidad Telephone Company. After three years his vocation took to the skies. Nigel became a flight attendant with the National Airline of Trinidad and Tobago, B.W.I.A.. He flew the world until November, 2005, almost eleven years before joining the Carmelites. He is currently traveling a different path through his study at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey.

Vincent Phuong Duc Nguyen came to the Carmelites by chance, but was very glad it happened. Even though he loved God very much, he did not know what path to take in life until he met the Carmelites. Vincent says, “When I found it (the Carmelites), I knew that this was where I would be happy.”

At 25 years-old, Joseph Khoa Dang Hoang comes from Vietnam. He is currently studying English in New York City, while living at Saint Eliseus Priory, as a pre-novice. “Happiness, joy, sadness and difficulty are all part of our lives,” says Joseph. “I believe that our God is always with us on the journey.”

Casa del Carmen in Mexico City, Mexico, welcomes four pre-novices

Giovanni Martinez Ortiz, is a native of San Salvador, El Salvador. After high school, Giovanni studied engineering at San Juan Bosco University in San Salvador. His technical knowledge led to his position as audio-visual technician and electrician for the musical group, Compacto.

His favorite scripture passage in John 15: 12-17. Giovanni believes that in the passage Jesus speaks about love—and loving others and how loving them gives purpose to our lives. The best that we can do is to imitate Jesus by turning our hearts towards our brothers and sisters.

Fernando Jose Chavez Calderon, who is twenty years-old comes from the vacation spot of Acapulco, Mexico. Before his college studies in philosophy, he studied chemical biology. Prior to his studies with the Carmelites, Fernando worked with the diocesan newspaper in Acapulco.

His favorite quote from the New Testament is: “They will know that you are my disciples because you love one another!” For Fernando, this quote sums up Jesus’ teaching as well as His mission in the world. When asked how he came to Carmel, Fernando answered, “I truly believe that God has led me. I was inspired by the life of John of the Cross. Moreover, I want to follow Jesus with Mary, his mother.”

Alfredo Guillen Ernesto Sandoval was born in the west of El Salvador, in Santa Ana. He is the 10th son in the Sandoval family of 12 children. At the age of 43, Alfredo has received two Masters’ degrees, in Education and Human Rights, plus a Licenciatura (S.T.L.) in International Relations.

The spectrum of his work experiences across the years, have moved him along his journey to today. From being a coordinator of social projects for a Baptist Church to being the director of Catechetical Formation of pastoral services in the Archdiocese of San Salvador.

His favorite scriptural passage is the Magnificat, in Luke, 1:46-55. Alfredo believes that the passages allow us to hear this woman of faith by listening to her praying.

Miguel Angel Nieves Rivera was born in Las Piedras, Puerto Rico. He studied psychology at the University of Puerto Rico. He worked in that field after completing his studies in 2003.

His favorite bible passage is John 3:16. Miguel says that in the passage, Jesus invites us to appreciate the immense love God has for us. “Our life in Christ is a continual call to embrace this love in our lives,” says Miguel.

Casa Santa Teresita in Houston, Texas, welcomes two pre-novices

Meet Erick Saint John, who comes to us from Cleveland. He’s 37 years old. Erick was an outpatient therapist at a community mental health center before coming to Houston. His Bachelor’s degree is from John Carroll University in Philosophy and Religious Studies. He has a Master’s in clinical social work from the University of Chicago, and a Master’s in Divinity from Catholic Theological Union.

David Balok is a 39 yearold who started at Casa Santa Teresita back in January. He is finishing up a Bachelor’s degree here in Houston. He is originally from Rochester, New York, where he was a Unix Systems coordinator for Electronic Data Services (i.e., a ‘computer geek’) before entering. When described as a ‘computer geek,’ he says, “and proud of it!