Carmelites Friars – North of American Province of St. Elias in allegiance to Jesus Christ
On the afternoon of September 2, 2025, at 5:00 PM, the Commissariat of St. Joseph, Vietnam joyfully welcomed priests, brothers, and students in formation for the opening Mass of the new academic year. The Mass was presided over by Fr. Carl Markelz, O.Carm., Prior Provincial of the Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary.
Also concelebrating were Fr. Simon Nolan, O.Carm., Prior Provincial of the Irish Province; Fr. Raul Maravi, O.Carm., former General Councilor and Commissary Provincial of Peru; and two friars of the Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary, Fr. Rolf Nepi Willemsen, O.Carm., and Fr. Chuy, O.Carm. The celebration was joined by the formation team, the scholastics, and candidates from St. Thérèse Monastery.
At the beginning of the celebration, Fr. Joseph Hung, O.Carm., Commissary Provincial, warmly welcomed all the brothers to Vietnam, wishing them a joyful and enriching stay. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Carl Markelz, O.Carm., for the generosity shown to Vietnamese Carmelites when they were students at Whitefriars Hall in Washington, D.C. He also extended thanks to Fr. Simon Nolan, O.Carm., recalling the sacrifices of the early Irish friars who helped establish the Province of New York, which in turn became the foundation for the Carmelite presence in Vietnam today.
In a solemn and prayerful atmosphere, the Mass was offered in thanksgiving and as a special prayer for the new academic year, asking the Holy Spirit to enlighten and guide the formation of Carmelite friars so that they may grow in wisdom, holiness, and apostolic zeal.
In his homily, Fr. Simon Nolan, O.Carm., highlighted the role of the Holy Spirit as light and guide in the academic journey of Carmelites. He reminded the friars that study is not only the transfer of knowledge but also the shaping of mind and heart, always leading to deeper communion with God. He encouraged them to be contemplative learners, rooted in prayer and open to the Spirit, and to remain faithful to fraternity and mission. He concluded by entrusting the new academic year to the intercession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
After the homily, all the formators and professors made the Oath of Fidelity and the Profession of Faith, affirming their commitment to uphold the Church’s teachings and remain in communion with the Pope and bishops. The Mass then continued with the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
The celebration concluded with joy and hope, opening a new academic year filled with God’s grace, dedicated to forming Carmelites who may become instruments of peace and love for the Church and the world.
