Bro. Peter Mary's Profession

On September 8, 2009, Feast of the Nativity of Mary, Bro. Peter Mary of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus professed the Evangelical Counsels of Poverty, Chastity and Profession. In his homily, Fr. Matthew, Provincial Superior, noted that this is the seventh First Profession of our Province within the last year (4 in California and 3 in Uganda).

Bro. Peter joins eighteen of our Friars who look to September 8 as their anniversary of Profession.

Happy Anniversary to:

Fr. Reginald – 64 years

Fr. Ailbe – 62 years

Fr. David – 54 years

Fr. Colm – 53 years

Fr. John of the Cross – 52 years

Fr. Albert – 50 years

Fr. Gilbert – 34 years

Fr. Stephen – 31 years

Fr. Donald – 27 years

Fr. Thomas – 26 years

Fr. Matthew – 26years

Fr. Richard Classen – 24 years

Fr. Jan – 22 years

Fr. Christopher – 21 years

Fr. Adam Gregory – 11 years

Fr. Laurence – 11 years

Fr. Mario – 11 years
Fr. Jose Luis - 11 years

Bro. Peter Mary 1 day

Happy Birthday Blessed Mother!

First Profession of Vows

Bro. Richard of Bl. Teresa of Calcutta, O.C.D.(Castillo)

Bro. Marinello of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, O.C.D.(Saguin)

Professed First Vows on February 2, 2009

at Mt. St. Joseph Carmelite Monastery, San Jose, California

Slide shows of the recent Solemn Profession and First Profession may be viewed at: www.discalcedcarmelites.com - recent events

Solemn Profession

Bro. Mark of the Sacred Hearts (Silva)

and

Bro. Mark of the Most Precious Blood (Kissner)

professed Solemn Vows on January 25, 2009

at St. Mary Church, Mount Angel, Oregon.

First Profession of first Ugandan vocation

On August 22, 2008 (Feast of the Queenship of Mary), Fr. Godfrey Chandya Lega, a diocesan priest of the Archdiocese of Gulu in Northern Uganda, made his First Profession of Vows as a Carmelite Friar of the California-Arizona Province.

Impressions of my First Religious Profession
By Fr. Godfrey Chandya, OCD

In thanksgiving to God on this day of my first religious profession as the first Ugandan Carmelite under the Western Province of the Discalced Carmelites (USA) I am greatly indebted to Fr. David Costello, OCD and the entire California/Arizona Province, headed by our Provincial Superior, Fr. Matthew Williams, OCD, for having requested for my profession to be in Uganda, and not in Nigeria, where I have had my novitiate experience.

I was honored by the fact that my vows were received by Fr. David Costello OCD, in the presence of Fr. Edmond Shabani, OCD, Fr. Larry Daniels, OCD., the Sisters of our Lady of Mount Carmel, Sr. Ulrike, OCD, representing the Carmelite Nuns of Kiyinda-Mityana, a few Sisters from other congregations and other People of God. This was a cause of great joy for me on this day of my profession, which by its mode was quite simple, but very solemn. The liturgy of the day was vibrant, the choir and the participants made it very prayerful.

Lastly, I am grateful for the gifts I received on this day of my profession. I am also grateful for the items of entertainment that were presented in the Hall after the Mass.

May these impressions help me to live by the vows I have professed. May God grant me to drink always of the Spirit of Carmel in order to attain union with Him.
In Carmel,
Fr. Godfrey Chandya Lega, OCD

First Profession of Vows - Bro. Charles of Jesus and Mary, O.C.D.

On Sunday, September 14, 2008, Feast of the Exultation of the Cross, Bro. Charles Nawodylo of Jesus and Mary made his First Profession of Vows. He is shown here venerating his Profession crucifix which he will wear over his heart and beneath his scapular. For a slide show of the ceremony go to http://discalcedcarmelites.com/events.html

Solemn Profession of Bro. James of the Holy Wounds

On Saturday, May 24, 2008, Bro. James Zakowicz of the Holy Wounds, O.C.D. professed Solemn and Perpetual Vows at St. Therese Church. The Profession liturgy also celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Parish Perpetual Adoration Chapel.

Click here for a slide show on the celebration.

Please pray for our Brothers

Please pray for Bro. Robert and Bro. Thomas who will be ordained to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ on June 13, 2008.

...and for Bro. James who will make his Solemn Profession on May 24 and then be ordained to the transitional diaconate on May 27, 2008.

February 2, 2008

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

First Profession of Vows

Bro. Jason of the Holy Spirit (Parrott)

Fr. Provincial, Gerald of the Resurrection, presiding

Bro. Jason with his mother, Linda, and brother, James.

December 14, 2007

Solemn Profession of

Bro. Ramiro of Christ on the Cross, OCD

Today, at the International Carmelite College (Teresianum) in Rome, Italy, our brother, Ramiro Casale of Christ on the Cross, professed his Solemn and Perpetual Profession in the hands of our Superior General and in the presence of our Provincial Superior. Along with eleven other Carmelite Brothers from around the world, Bro. Ramiro professed the evangelical counsels of Poverty, Chastity and Poverty for life.

Along with Fr. Provincial, Gerald Werner, representing our Province and attending the ceremony was Bro. Thomas Reeves, OCD and Theresa Thomas, OCDS. Members of Bro. Ramiro's family from Mexico were also present.

Bro. Ramiro is presently in his final year of Theological studies at the Teresianum. He is expected to return to the Province this summer.

September 8, 2007

Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Queen and Beauty of Carmel

20 of our Friars celebrate Profession anniversaries today:

Fr. Reginald – 62 years
Fr. Ailbe – 60 years
Fr. David – 52 years
Fr. Colm – 51 years
Fr. John of the Cross – 50 years
Fr. Albert – 48 years
Fr. Gilbert – 32 years
Fr. Stephen – 29 years
Fr. Donald – 25 years
Fr. Thomas – 24 years
Fr. Matthew – 24 years
Fr. Richard Classen – 22 years
Fr. Jan – 20 years
Fr. Christopher – 19 years
Bro. Michael – 16 years
Fr. Fernando – 15 years
Fr. Adam Gregory – 9 years
Fr. Laurence – 9 years
Fr. Mario – 9 years

Fr. Jose Luis - 9 years

August 3, 2007

Bro. Salvador Professes his Solemn and Perpetual Vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience

Bro. Salvador with his parents, Salvador and Elvira Roman
On August 4, 2007, Bro. Salvador of Our Lady of Refuge, OCD (Roman), made his Solemn Profession of Vows for life into the hands of Fr. Provincial Gerald Werner, OCD. The ceremony took place within the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at our parish in Alhambra, California

January 31, 2007

Bro. David Guzman of the Lamb of God and Bro. Mark Moran of the Immaculate Heart of Mary profess their Solemn and Perpetual Profession of Vows