DÉDOUGOU — The Notre Dame du Mont Carmel convent in Dédougou celebrated the first religious profession of Brothers Jean Baptiste Marie de l’Amour Divin Batayodi and Thierry du Bon Pasteur Faho on Saturday, August 24, 2024. The ceremony, marked by a Eucharistic celebration, was presided over by Father Florent Traoré, the provincial delegate, with a large gathering of clergy, religious, and community members in attendance.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Brothers Jean Baptiste, originally from Kara, Togo, and Thierry, from Lékuy in the diocese of Nouna, concluded their five-year novitiate with the Discalced Carmelites, making their first vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. This event marks a pivotal transition in their spiritual journeys, deepening their commitment to the Carmelite life.

The profession ceremony included traditional elements such as the bestowal of the Carmelite vestment and the book of the constitution, symbols of their formal entry into the order. The two young men also signed their oath of commitment, a gesture of their dedication, in the presence of the novitiate master and the provincial delegate.

In his homily, Father Traoré encouraged the newly professed Carmelites to embrace humility, openness, and a deep communal and spiritual engagement, reflecting the core values of their order. He emphasized the importance of living in harmonious relationships within the community and the broader Church.

The celebration also coincided with the 462nd anniversary of the founding of the Monastery of St. Joseph D’Avila by Saint Teresa of Jesus, underscoring the historical and spiritual significance of the day for the Carmelite community.

The local Christian community participated actively in the event, with the Mont Carmel Choir of Dédougou providing musical accompaniment, enhancing the solemnity and festive spirit of the occasion. The support from numerous religious figures and community members highlighted the strong communal bonds and the support network sustaining the Carmelite novices in their spiritual journey.