Carmelites Friars – North of American Province of St. Elias in allegiance to Jesus Christ
Middletown, New York — July 25, 2026
The Carmelite Friars of the North American Province of Saint Elias gathered with family and friends on Saturday, July 25, at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Middletown, New York, to celebrate the Solemn Profession of Vows of Brother Joseph Tung Nguyen, O.Carm., and Brother Schafer Knostman, O.Carm.
The celebration of the Eucharist began at 11:00 a.m. and was presided over by Rev. Anthony Trung Nguyen, O.Carm., First Councilor of the Province. During the Rite of Solemn Profession, Rev. Robert Chiulli, O.Carm., Prior Provincial, received the solemn vows of Brothers Joseph and Schafer on behalf of the Province and the Carmelite Order.
In the presence of their confreres, Carmelite sisters, priests, family members, and friends, the two brothers made their lifelong commitment to God through the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty, and obedience. By making their solemn profession, they formally entered into a lifelong commitment to live as Carmelites and to serve the Church according to the Carmelite tradition.
For Brother Joseph, the day was also a special moment for his family and for the wider Carmelite community. Having come from Vietnam and continued his formation and religious journey with the Carmelites in the United States, his profession brought together people from different places who have accompanied him along the way.
For Brother Schafer, the profession marked the completion of many years of discernment and formation as he made his final commitment to the Carmelite way of life.
The Mass was followed by a time of celebration with family, friends, and members of the Carmelite community. It was a joyful occasion, but also a quiet reminder of the commitment that Joseph and Schafer have made: to seek God in prayer, to live in fraternity with their brothers, and to place their lives at the service of the Church and God’s people.
The Carmelite Province gives thanks to God for the vocations of Brothers Joseph and Schafer and for all those who have supported them throughout their formation. Their profession is not only a personal step in their journey, but also a gift to the Carmelite family.
We entrust both brothers to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, asking her to accompany them as they continue their lives as solemnly professed Carmelites. May they remain faithful to the Lord who has called them and find joy in serving Him and His people.
Please continue to keep Brother Joseph Tung Nguyen, O.Carm., and Brother Schafer Knostman, O.Carm., in your prayers.
“The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.” — Psalm 126:3
