Solo Dios Basta!
“Those who join the Carmelite Order are not lost to their near and dear ones, but have been won for them, because it is our vocation to intercede to God for everyone.” These words of St Edith Stein came true once again when 5 brothers in our province committed themselves wholeheartedly to the Discalced Carmelite Order for life through the pronouncement of the vows of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience. The brothers who professed their vows on 20th May 2022 are Br. Pranam Fernandes OCD, (Fermai), Br. Siltan Noronha OCD, (Mudkani, Karwar), Br. Anthony Stephen OCD (Vijayanagar, Bangalore) Br. Clifford Rodrigues OCD (Gurpur), Br. Santosh Menezes OCD (Elliar-Padavu). These brothers had made their First Profession on 14th December 2015, and as the tradition in the Religious Order is, they had been renewing the vows year after year. After seven years of deep discernment and 45 days of intense preparation during the second novitiate at Calicut, Kerala they made the ultimate choice for Carmelite way of life, thus embracing the vows for life.

This solemn event was held in the Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikkarnakatte during the Eucharistic celebration at 3:30 PM. The Provincial of the Karnataka-Goa Province of the Carmelites, Rev. Fr. George Santhumayor OCD presided over the Eucharistic celebration and welcomed the brothers into the fold of the Religious; the Councillors of the Province were among the many con-celebrants. The commentary for the event was read by Fr Rudolph Pinto and the brothers along with the Carmel Choir rendered their melodious voices for the event. Fr Lancy Lovis, the master of students, submitted the brothers to Fr Provincial for the admission to religious life! Providing wonderful examples of famous men and women who renounced their glamorous lives for simple religious life, Fr Provincial in his homily gave a clarion call to these brothers to live a life fully dedicated to God! He then received their vows and along with the other friars welcomed them to the Order. The profession of these brothers were witnessed by their family and friends. The brothers also sang a beautiful thanksgiving hymn after the communion. After the mass, refreshments were served to all those who participated in this solemn event. In the evening, followed by prayer at 7 PM, was the felicitation of these 5 gems of ours with cake cutting, wishing and thanksgiving by the brothers themselves. Overall, the solemn profession was indeed solemn and we pray that the lives of these brothers of ours grow in holiness and love for the Lord and Our Lady!