Brothers Albino Dos Santos, Marcolino Gomes and Matthew Tonini made their Solemn Profession as Carmelites on July 16 during a small Mass in the Community Chapel at Middle Park in Victoria.
Coronavirus restrictions meant they were unable to have a larger, public celebration of the significant milestone of making their lifelong commitment to the Carmelites.
Brothers Matthew Tonini, Albino Dos Santos, and Marcolino Gomes made their solemn profession as Carmelites in Victoria last month.
Fr Paul Cahill was the celebrant and during his homily Fr Paul reflected on the significance of the “little cloud of hope” mentioned in the first reading from the Book of Kings.
“During these times when we are confronted with and surrounded by so much darkness, we like Elijah, look for those things which will sustain us,” he said. “We draw our hope from Elijah the prophet, and Mary our sister, who sustain us in our following of Jesus Christ as Carmelites and as we seek to be of service to the people of the world.”
After completing an agribusiness course Albino and Marco joined the Carmelites in Timor-Leste together in September 2008 as pre-novices. Two years later they began the novitiate at Hera, making their first profession of vows as Carmelites in 2013.
During the novitiate, Albino says, he really “fell in love” with being a Carmelite. Marco says that during his formation, “I have been enriched and strengthened by Carmelite Spirituality which has become part of my life”.
For the next four years Albino and Marco studied Philosophy before coming to Australia - Albino in 2016 and Marco six months later. After 18 months of English Language studies, both began the Bachelor of Theology Degree at the University of Melbourne. This coming semester Albino will begin his Masters of Theological Studies Degree in preparation for his Ordination. Marco will complete his Bachelor of Theology and begin his Master’s degree in 2021.
Matthew Tonini joined the Carmelites in 2012 after completing science studies at university and teaching in rural New South Wales where he was also actively involved in the local faith community. After doing his novitiate in the USA Matthew returned to Australia to complete his Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Theology and is currently a member of the Carmelite Community at Coorparoo (QLD) gaining pastoral experience. Matthew says he is “passionate about living and sharing the riches of Carmelite spirituality”.
See more photos of the solemn profession ceremony on the website of the Carmelites of Australia and Timor Leste.