The first Indian from the deaf and dumb community on May 25 pronounced his first religious vows, in a historical and rare event.

Brother Joseph Thermadom made became a member of the Holy Cross Society as the congregation’s novitiate at Yercaud in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu State.

Joseph hails from the Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese in neighbouring Kerala State. He was born deaf to Thomas and Rosy Thermadom, who are hearing parents, says a press release from the congregation.