After many years of waiting and work the Ministry of Home Affairs in Vietnam agreed to the establishment of the Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel in Vietnam on December 25, 2023. The official seat of the Order will be at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Priory in Thu Duc City. The government of Vietnam directed the Union of Major Superiors in Vietnam to guide the Order according to the civil law so that the Order can conduct religious activities in accordance with the Catholic religion and the purpose of the Order throughout the country.
This changes in that previously the Carmelites were only permitted in Ho Chi Minh City. This change in status will facilitate the establishment of additional houses in other provinces of the country.
“This is a tremendous moment, something we have worked for since 1996, and it came as a Christmas gift. We thank God, Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Joseph for this government recognition which further opens the door legally for the Carmelite Friars in our life and ministry in the country. Blessings to the leadership and members of the Commissariat and Province for all their work to bring this about,” wrote Mario Esposito, the prior provincial of the North American Province of St. Elias.
There are currently six houses of the commissariat: two in Ho Chi Minh City, one in Dong Nai Province, two in Binh Duong Province, and one in Dak Lak Province. There are 14 pre-novices, three novices, and 36 solemnly professed members.