Brother Roberto Mejia, O.Carm., professed Solemn Vows (final vows) on Sunday, August 15, 2021, at the Church of Saint Mark the Evangelist in Hyattsville, Maryland. Very Rev Carl J. Markelz, O.Carm., Prior Provincial of the Most Pure Heart of Mary Province received his vows.
Solemn Vows and Simple Vows
A Carmelite professes vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. During the Liturgy of Solemn Vows, the Carmelite publicly declares to live these for the rest of his/her life. Before professing Solemn Vows a new Carmelite professes Simple Vows. These are the same vows but the Carmelite agrees to live these for a limited time period of three or sometimes four years. Solemn Vows are professed towards the end of the time period of Simple Vows.
When a Carmelite professes Solemn Vows he/she becomes a ‘tenured’ member of the Order. He/she can then vote for leadership and can be elected to most positions within the Order. Note: Solemn Vows must be professed for those Carmelites seeking to be ordained to the priesthood.
Brother Roberto Mejia, O.Carm.
Place of Birth:
Tlalnepantia de Baez, Mexico
Date of Birth: June 7, 1985
Simple Vows: August 20, 2017
Solemn Vows: August 15, 2021
The Formula of Solemn Vows
I, NAME, with growing faith and firm intention, consecrate myself intimately to God and following the example of the Virgin Mary and the Prophet Elijah, am resolved to live in allegiance to Jesus Christ.
Wherefore, in the presence of my brothers and sisters here assembled and into your hands, Father Provincial NAME, I make my solemn profession and promise to God chastity, poverty, and obedience until death according to the Rule and Constitutions of the Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel.
With this solemn profession, I give myself to the Carmelite family in order to serve God and God’s people, aided by the grace of the Holy Spirit, with the simplicity of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and the zeal of Elijah, the prophet of Carmel.