Three Brothers Enter the Novitiate: Sacred Vestition Ceremony at Tapovana, Kushalnagar
On the serene evening of April 30, 2025, the Tapovana Novitiate House in Kushalnagar witnessed a moment of profound spiritual significance as three postulants—Brothers Brayan Jackson Sequeira, Ethan Benedict Lobo, and Flen Johans Pinto —entered the canonical novitiate of the Discalced Carmelite Order through the sacred rite of Vestition.

The ceremony began at 7:00 p.m. with the praying of Vespers, setting a contemplative tone for the evening. This was followed by the Liturgy of the Word and the Rite of Vestition, a deeply symbolic and transformative moment in the life of a Carmelite.

Presiding over the ceremony was Rev. Fr. Silvestre D’Souza, Provincial accompanied by the Provincial Councillors and other friars. In his message, Fr. Provincial offered an inspiring reflection, drawing parallels between the novices’ journey and the experience of the first disciples who heard Jesus say, "Come and see." He invited the three young men to live the novitiate year with openness, courage, and deep faith—embracing the Carmelite way of life and immersing themselves fully in the charism of the Order and the mission of the Province.

A particularly moving moment in the ceremony was the blessing of the Carmelite Emblem and the Holy Scapular, symbols of commitment, protection, and Marian devotion. Fr. Provincial, together with the Councillors, personally vested each novice with the scapular and emblem—marking their official entrance into religious life.

The rite concluded with the singing of the Solemn Salve Regina, a hymn to Our Lady, followed by the Kiss of Peace, symbolizing fraternal communion and welcome into the Carmelite family. The entire celebration was marked by simplicity, reverence, and spiritual depth, resonating deeply with all those present.

In his concluding message, Fr. Provincial noted with joy that three—a number of perfection—had entered the novitiate and would be formed within a community of seven friars—another symbolically perfect number. He invoked God’s abundant blessings and graces upon the newly vested novices and the novitiate community, praying that this formative year bear much spiritual fruit.

The ceremony ended with warm felicitations from the friars, including the outgoing novices, who extended their heartfelt wishes and fraternal support to their new brothers in Carmel.