On Friday, 20th of May 2022, five Carmelite brothers from St. Joseph’s Monastery (Infant Jesus Shrine) committed themselves perpetually to the Lord by professing the vows of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience for life. This event marks the height of religious life, and is thus regarded with great honour. The brothers who professed their vows 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 (Eliyar-Padavu). These brothers had made their First Profession on the 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 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. 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 shrine witnessed the joy the families felt at this celebration. These brothers are currently pursuing their theological Studies at St. Joseph’s Inter-Diocesan Seminary, Jeppu.