Anglophone Africa Second Novitiate Programme – 2025 at Carmel Prayer House, Dodoma – Tanzania
The Anglophone Africa Second Novitiate Programme for the year 2025 is being held at Carmel Prayer House, Dodoma, Tanzania, from 20th July to 20th September. This spiritually enriching programme gathers together 15 Carmelite brothers from various regions of Anglophone Africa, including Tanzania, Congo, Burundi-Rwanda, Kenya, and Nigeria.

The brothers are journeying together in deep reflection and preparation as they approach their solemn profession, under the guidance and animation of Fr. Raymond Sangu, OCD, from Tanzania, who serves as the Formator.

Inaugural Mass and Opening Address- The Inaugural Eucharistic Celebration took place on 25th July 2025, presided over by Rev. Fr. Philbert Namphande, OCD, the Definitor General for Anglophone Africa. He was joined in concelebration by Rev. Fr. Silvester Dsouza, OCD, Provincial Superior of the Karnataka-Goa Province, along with several other Carmelite priests.

In his address, Fr. Philbert emphasized the sacredness and depth of the Second Novitiate. He called upon the brothers to enter this period with a spirit of silence, prayer, and inner rootedness in Christ. Highlighting its importance, he reminded the participants that the Second Novitiate is a time of grace to rekindle the original call and to respond with mature freedom and fidelity.

On behalf of the Fr. General and the General Definitory, he expressed sincere gratitude to the Tanzanian Vicariate for generously hosting and organizing the programme, and he extended his best wishes to all the brothers for a fruitful and transformative journey.

Programme Content and Facilitators - Throughout the two-month period, the brothers will engage in intensive spiritual sessions, lectures, and community living, all aimed at deepening their Carmelite identity and preparing them for lifelong commitment. Various Carmelite friars from different jurisdictions and provinces will facilitate the programme, offering sessions on a wide array of spiritual, theological, and pastoral topics relevant to consecrated life.

We invoke the intercession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the saints of our Order to accompany our brothers in this sacred time of renewal. May this Second Novitiate bear abundant fruits of holiness, joy, and steadfastness in their vocation.