I give myself to you forever… Twelve Novices make their First Profession
“The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore, pray earnestly…” (Mt. 9:38)
In response to this divine call, the Lord of the harvest has graciously sent twelve new laborers into the vineyard of Carmel. On May 1, 2025, at Tapovana, Kushalnagar, twelve novices — Brs. Aiqwin D’Souza, Ashwin D’Souza, Aren Machado, Denzil D’Costa, Elroy Monteiro, Jackson Crasta, Jostin Crasta, Melroy Crasta, Nihal D’Souza, Rishal D’Souza, Royson Thoras, and Sohan Rego — solemnly embraced their sacred vocation by making their First Religious Profession.

The Solemn Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by Rev. Fr. Silvestre D’Souza, Provincial Superior of the Karnataka-Goa Province. He was joined by the Provincial Councillors and a large gathering of thirty-eight priests representing the Carmelite Order, various religious congregations, and diocesan clergy — a true testament to the ecclesial unity and joy of the occasion.

The deeply moving rite of simple profession was witnessed by a multitude of religious sisters, the families and friends of the newly professed, benefactors and well-wishers of Tapovana, and parishioners from the local Church of Kushalnagara. In his homily, the Provincial urged the brothers to offer themselves wholeheartedly to Christ and the Church, taking inspiration from St. Thérèse of Lisieux, who entrusted her life to God in loving surrender at her own profession. He exhorted them to remain rooted in God’s steadfast love and to become beacons of that love to their communities and beyond.

The liturgy was prayerfully animated by Fr. Santosh Menezes, while Fr. Wilfred Frank gracefully compered the felicitation program that followed. Newly professed brothers Aren and Ashwin expressed their deep gratitude on behalf of their companions, especially acknowledging the guidance, support, and spiritual formation provided by their Novice Master, Fr. Alfred Menezes and the formative community.

The celebration was enriched by the uplifting melodies of the choir, beautifully led by the OCD brothers from Pushpashrama, Mysuru. Fr. Provincial warmly congratulated the newly professed and offered heartfelt thanks to their parents for generously offering their sons to the service of the Church and the Order. Fr. Joseph D’Souza, on behalf of the community, extended his appreciation to all who had joined in this joyful occasion.

The celebration concluded with an agape meal, where all present shared in the joy, fellowship, and thanksgiving, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of these twelve young Carmelites.