The Irish Province of Carmelites rejoices in giving thanks to God for the priestly ordination of Fr Jander Maria de Jesus, O.Carm, a member of the Irish Province, which took place on Saturday, 15 August, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in João Pessoa, Brazil.
The Ordination Mass was led by Dom Antônio Muniz, O.Carm, Archbishop Emeritus of Maceió, and brought together Fr Jander’s family, fellow Carmelites, parishioners, and many friends to celebrate this important milestone in his vocation and ministry. The celebration was filled with prayer, gratitude, and joy as Fr Jander offered his life in priestly service to Christ and His Church.
Representing the Irish Province of Carmelites was the Prior Provincial, Fr Simon Nolan, O.Carm, who travelled to Brazil to take part in the celebrations. He was joined by Fr Genildo DeQueiroz, O.Carm, Fr Brian McKay, O.Carm, and Bro João, O.Carm, whose presence reflected the close bonds of fraternity within the Province and the shared joy of welcoming a new priest into ministry.
The celebrations also brought together members of the Carmelite Province of Pernambuco, led by their Prior Provincial, Frei José Roberval Mendes Pereira, O.Carm. Their generous hospitality and prayerful support highlighted the strong relationship between the Irish Province and the Carmelite communities of Brazil, where Fr Jander first discerned his vocation before becoming a member of the Irish Province.
On the following day, Fr Jander celebrated his first Mass of Thanksgiving, surrounded once again by family, friends, and his Carmelite brothers. For every newly ordained priest, the first celebration of the Eucharist is a deeply significant moment, marking the beginning of a lifetime dedicated to preaching the Gospel, celebrating the Sacraments, and serving the People of God. It was a joyful and prayerful occasion, filled with gratitude for God’s faithfulness and the many people who have accompanied Fr Jander throughout his vocational journey.
As a Province, we give thanks for Fr Jander’s generous “yes” to God’s call and ask the Lord to bless him abundantly as he begins his priestly ministry. We also continue to pray for an increase in vocations to the Carmelite life and priesthood, trusting that God continues to call men and women to serve His Church with courage, generosity, and joy.
Please keep Fr Jander in your prayers as he begins this new chapter of his ministry. May Our Lady of Mount Carmel watch over him always, and may the Lord grant him many years of faithful and fruitful service.
