Glory to Jesus Christ!

I would like to ask for your prayers as I start the process of petitioning for solemn vows in the Order of the Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, also known as the Carmelites.

Over the next month I will be meeting individually with each member of the house chapter (7 friars) and 2 peers who are evaluating me. Then the house chapter will meet at the end of February to vote. After that I will petition the prior provincial and the council will vote.

God willing it all works out solemn vows will be in August.

I will let you know how it turns out.

Br David, O.Carm.

O Lord our God, older than all creation, You have made us in your image and likeness. You have given us the gift of the Holy Spirit through your servants who proclaim the good news of your Church all that is necessary for our sanctification. We humbly beg You, do not leave your people deprived of spiritual gifts, but grant us an abundance of vocations to your holy priesthood, the diaconate and consecrated life, and to lives dedicated to your service. Open the hearts of men and women to hear your words,

"Come, follow me!"

Indeed, do not leave us orphans, but be with us through your Holy Spirit, who is present everywhere and fills all things, and who raises up mere mortals to divine service by the mystery of His grace. Truly You will never forget your promise to be with us always, until the end of the world, but forgive us if we have, in our weakness, failed to follow You as we should.

We thank You for all our clergy and religious, and pray that You keep them holy always. We also pray especially at this moment for your servant, Brother David, as he continues walking in Your footsteps toward his blessed calling.

For You alone are holy, now and ever and forever. Amen.

Prayers, may Our Lady of Mount Carmel protect and guide you...

Prayers for our brother and long-time friend, Brother David, as he continues his spiritual journey, that his petition to enter into solemn vows be granted, that God grant him many years in His service, and that his health be sustained.

You will continue to be in my prayers, and in the prayers of all of us here at St Melany's. I'll let the others know of your post.

Brother David,

I've been following your journey now for some years.

I hope and pray that it all works out well - that your confreres will recognise that you are where you should be, and that your petition for Solemn Vows will be granted .