On Monday morning, June 11th, the Very Reverend Michael Kissane, O.Carm., Prior Provincial of the Saint Elias Province, reminded the five novices planning to make their first profession of vows, along with all the Carmelites present, that the work of the novitiate is only an introduction to a life-long commitment to Christ and to each person’s growth in Christ. Then each novice professed vows of poverty, chastity and obedience to his respective Provincial; those of the Saint Elias Province (SEL) to Father Michael, and those of the Most Pure Heart of Mary Province (PCM) to Very Reverend John Welch, O.Carm.

After each profession, the newly-professed were attired with the white mantle of the Carmelite habit, assisted by their director of novices, Father Quinn Conners, O.Carm. Then all the Carmelites present greeted them as new members in the ranks of the professed.

Professing first vows are Timothy Swenson (PCM), Joseph Maides (PCM), Edgar Lopez (PCM), Anthony Trung Nguyen (SEL), and Joseph Dong Tran (SEL).

After the Liturgy, held at the Shrine Chapel of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Middletown, New York, the newly-professed and their guests were then received in Pilgrim’s Hall for a congratulatory luncheon.

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