Carmelite Friars, St. Elias Province

05/06/2026

Diaconate Ordination of Reverend Brother Joseph Tuan Bui, O.Carm., and Reverend Brother John Truc Nguyen, O.Carm.

Washington, D.C., May 2, 2026 — The Carmelite community gathered in profound joy and thanksgiving for the ordination to the diaconate of Reverend Brother Joseph Tuan Bui, O.Carm., and Reverend Brother John Truc Nguyen, O.Carm. The sacred celebration took place at the Crypt Church of the magnificent Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, where the Eucharistic liturgy began at 9:30 a.m.

The celebration brought together a vibrant assembly of Carmelite friars, diocesan clergy, religious sisters and brothers, family members, friends, and members of the faithful from many different communities. Their presence reflected the beauty of the Church as one family united in prayer, fraternity, and gratitude to God for the gift of vocations.

The principal celebrant and ordaining bishop was Bishop Evelio Manjivar-Ayala, whose warm pastoral presence gave special significance to the occasion. In his homily, Bishop Manjivar-Ayala invited the ordinands to contemplate the example of Christ the Servant, who came not to be served but to serve. He reminded them that the diaconate is not merely a role or title, but a sacred calling to embody humility, compassion, charity, and faithful dedication to the People of God.

Washington, D.C., May 2, 2026 — The Carmelite community gathered in profound joy and thanksgiving fo

05/02/2026

ORDINATION TO THE DIACONATE 2026

The ordination to the diaconate was joyfully celebrated on May 2, 2026, at the Crypt Church, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The Mass began at 9:30 a.m., drawing together a vibrant assembly of Carmelite priests, visiting clergy, religious men and women, family members, and friends, all united in prayer and thanksgiving.

The principal presider was Bishop Evelio Manjivar-Ayala, whose presence underscored both the local and universal dimensions of the Church. In his homily, he encouraged the ordinands to embrace their ministry with humility, service, and fidelity to Christ, especially through lives of charity and dedication to the People of God.

During the sacred rite, Reverend Brother Joseph Tuan Bui, O.Carm., and Reverend Brother John Truc Nguyen, O.Carm., were ordained as deacons through the laying on of hands and the prayer of consecration. Their ordination marks an important step in their Carmelite vocation, committing them more deeply to service at the altar, proclamation of the Gospel, and works of charity.

Although their families from Vietnam were unable to be physically present, they remained spiritually united with the ordinands through love and prayer. This sense of communion extended throughout the congregation, reflecting the Church’s unity beyond geographical boundaries.

The liturgy was marked by reverence, solemnity, and joyful thanksgiving. The presence of the Carmelite community added a distinctive spiritual richness, highlighting the charism of contemplation and service that shapes the ministry of the newly ordained.

As the celebration concluded, the faithful offered prayers for Deacons Joseph and John, asking God to strengthen them in their vocation. May they continue to serve the Church with generous hearts, faithful to the Gospel and attentive to the needs of all whom they encounter.

01/28/2026

We warmly welcome our new prenovices, Edmund and Emiliano, to the Province.

01/02/2026

Vocation Team at SEEK26
in Columbus, OH

From January 1–5, the Vocation Team of the Province takes part in SEEK26, held in Columbus, Ohio—one of the largest annual gatherings of Catholic college students and young adults in the United States. This year’s conference draws more than 18,000 participants, creating a vibrant environment of prayer, learning, and vocational discernment.

Together with many other religious orders and congregations, our vocation team was present in the Mission Way, hosting a booth at #522. During the five days, the booth becomes a welcoming space for conversation, encounter, and witness. Students and young adults stop by to learn about the Carmelite charism, rooted in prayer, community, and service, and to hear how this ancient spiritual tradition continues to speak to the needs of the Church today.

Members of the vocation team engage participants through personal dialogue, sharing their own vocational journeys and listening attentively to the hopes, questions, and struggles of those discerning God’s call. Many visitors express curiosity about religious life, while others sought deeper insight into prayer, discernment, and the possibility of a consecrated vocation. Resources about Carmelite spirituality, community life, and vocational discernment are made available, helping students take concrete next steps in listening for God’s voice.

SEEK26 provided a powerful reminder of the openness and generosity present among today’s young people. Amid the energy of keynote talks, liturgies, Eucharistic adoration, and fellowship, the Mission Way offered a unique space where the universal call to holiness was made tangible through the witness of consecrated life.

We, the Carmelites from Province of St. Elias are grateful for the opportunity to participate in SEEK26 and to walk alongside so many young people during these days. The encounters at Mission Way #522 affirmed the importance of presence, hospitality, and prayerful listening in fostering a culture of vocations within the Church.

SEL Media reported from Columbus, OH.

12/06/2025

A beautiful Friday Mass with the Catholic Realtors group and Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito of the Diocese of Palm Beach at our Saint Jude Church, Boca Raton, Florida.

12/06/2025

The Victorian Carolers Concert was held at the National Shrine on Sunday Nov. 29, 2025.

12/06/2025

Our St. Joseph Parish in the Diocese of Albany, New York celebrated the beautiful Rorate Mass. His Excellency Scharfenberger, Bishop Emeritus of Albany, was the main celebrant.

11/29/2025

The Portray of the new Commissary Provincial in Vietnam

The Province congrats to our brother, Rev Joseph Diep Dinh, O.Carm. as he elected to be Commissary Provincial in Vietnam 2025-2028. Thank you for your Yes to serve the Commissariat, the Province, and the Order in this important role.
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Chân dung Tân Bề trên Phụ Tỉnh Việt Nam

Tỉnh Dòng chúc mừng người anh em, Lm. Giuse Đinh Văn Điệp, O.Carm. vừa được bầu chọn vào vị trí Bề Trên Phụ Tỉnh Việt Nam nhiệm kỳ 2025-2028.

Tỉnh Dòng cảm tạ lời đáp trả của người anh em trong việc dấn thân phục vụ Phụ tỉnh Việt Nam, Tỉnh Dòng Hoa Kỳ, và toàn Dòng trong trọng trách quan trọng này.

SEL Media

11/29/2025

New Leadership Elected at the 3rd Chapter of the Commissariat in Vietnam

The Commissariat of St. Joseph of the Province of St. Elias in North America announced the election of its new leadership during the 3rd Commissariat Chapter. The meeting was held at the Vinh P**c Retreat House in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from November 24–28, 2025.

The Commissariat of St. Joseph was officially established during the Chapter of the Province of St. Elias in 2019. Today, it is home to 60 members across Vietnam and comprises six communities actively serving in three dioceses as well as in the United States.

Congratulations to Rev. Joseph Diep Dinh, O.Carm., Newly Elected Commissary Provincial; Rev. Joseph Tri Phan, O.Carm., Newly Elected First Councilor; Rev. Paul Therese Hung Tran, O.Carm., Newly Elected Second Councilor.

Pictured from left to right are Rev. Joseph Tri Phan, O.Carm., Newly Elected First Councilor; Rev. Marlon Beharry, O.Carm., Fourth Councilor of the Province of St. Elias; Brother Robert Chiulli, O.Carm., Prior Provincial of St Elias Province; Rev. Joseph Diep Dinh, O.Carm., Newly Elected Commissary Provincial.; and Rev. Paul Therese Hung Tran, O.Carm., Newly Elected Second Councilor.

CITOC and SEL Media

11/24/2025

Relic of St. Thérèse Visits DC: Our Carmelite Student Friars Assist at Historic Celebration

Nov. 19-21, 2025 - The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., welcomed an extraordinary grace this week as the relic of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face made a solemn visit, drawing thousands of faithful from across the region. The presence of the relic of the beloved Carmelite Doctor of the Church transformed the Shrine into a place of profound prayer, devotion, and thanksgiving as pilgrims gathered to honor the Little Flower and seek her intercession.

Throughout three days long lines filled the aisles of the Great Upper Church as families, religious communities, students, and pilgrims of all ages came to venerate the saint whose “Little way” continues to inspire countless souls. Hymns, quiet tears, whispered prayers, and the scent of roses created an atmosphere of deep spiritual intimacy within one of the largest churches in North America.

In a special way, the Carmelite student friars from Whitefriars Hall participated in the liturgical celebrations surrounding the visit of the relic. Faithful to the heritage of the Order and the spiritual family of St. Thérèse, the friars assisted in various roles throughout the Masses and devotional services. Their presence in three votive Masses was a visible reminder of the living tradition of Carmelite spirituality that St. Thérèse embodied so fully in her life of simplicity, trust, and love.

The liturgy of each day, celebrated in the presence of the relic, invited the faithful to reflect more deeply on Thérèse’s message of spiritual childhood. The celebration of the visitation of the relic reminded the assembly that St. Thérèse teaches us that holiness is not achieved through extraordinary feats but through fidelity in the ordinary moments of life—acts of love done for God alone. Therese's witness continues to resonate powerfully in a world longing for hope, gentleness, and meaning.

The relic remained exposed for veneration for three days. Many visitors and pilgrims expressed gratitude for the opportunity to encounter the relic, describing the experience as moving, peaceful, and spiritually renewing.

The visit of the relic of St. Thérèse to the National Shrine was more than an event; it was a moment of grace for the Church in the nation’s capital. And for the Carmelite student friars who served, it was a reminder of their vocation to carry forward the saint’s little way of love, trust, and surrender to God—one soul at a time.

SEL Media