14 candidates enter Marist religious life at Tamontaka novitiate

Fourteen novices who are part of the first group of the inter-regional novitiate in Tamontaka (Philippines) formally began their novitiate on 19 April. Nine are from East Timor (Province of Australia), three are from Vietnam and two are from India (District of Asia).

The postulants arrived at the Tamontaka novitiate from Davao on 13 April and were welcomed by Br Pepito Mahong, who has been appointed novice master in mid-February 2021.

“I know we all wish these young men every blessing as they commence the serious study and rigorous discernment that is central to this phase of their formation”, said Br Peter Carrol, Provincial of Australia, in his message sent to the Brothers of the Province (Australia, Cambodia, East Timor, Vanuatu, Papua Guinea, Solomon Islands). Br Dominador, Provincial of East Asia, was present at the celebration and received the novices on behalf of the other superiors who could not be present. Brothers from the communities of Lagao, Dadiangas, Malutok, Kidapawan, Cotabato and Fourviere were present.

In May 2020, in anticipation of the influx of candidates and the inability of the present novitiate in Tudella, Sri Lanka, to accommodate a large number of novices, the leaders of the Asia and Oceania regions decided to establish another inter-regional novitiate in Tamontaka. The idea is that Tudella and Tamontaka will receive the first year novices alternately. More information about Marist novitiates around the world can be found here.