Relative, friends and members of the Carmelite Family gathered at Hera, Timor-Leste, to celebrate the Solemn Vows (life-long commitment) of Brothers Paulo Martins De Araújo, Celestino Soares, Elias Soares Sin, João Fernando Cabal, Fernando Gusmão and Samuel Lopes on 20 November.

In a ceremony the evening before the Professions, their families brought the brothers, in traditional dress, to the front door of the community and formally entrusted them to the Carmelites for the rest of their lives. The brothers were welcomed and received by Fr Bruce Clark (Prior Provincial) and other members of the community at Hera.

During the evening more relatives and friends arrived as well as a small army of volunteers who prepared food, tables, chairs and decorated the outdoor space for the celebration. By the beginning of Mass several hundred people had assembled for the celebration.

At the beginning of Mass each brother was accompanied by his parents, who together with servers, Carmelites, religious and diocesan clergy and seminarians, formed the Procession.

During the mass, each brothers was asked about his willingness to continue the Carmelite journey of transformation for the rest of his life. Each then made his Solemn Vows as a Carmelite, according to the Rule and Constitutions of the Order, in the hands of Fr Bruce Clark.

After Mass, the traditional ‘champaign and cutting of the cake’ ceremony took place toasting the Brother’s commitments. While the food was being distributed there were speeches, songs and cultural dances.

Congratulations, brothers, on your life-long commitment to follow the Carmelite Way as religious. Our prayers and best wishes accompany you.