J M + J T
The Discalced Carmelite Monastery in the diocese of Sacramento is situated high in the hills of the El Dorado forest: an ideal location for those who wish to draw near to the Lord in prayer. How often
does Scripture speak of Him going up to the mountains to pray, alone with our Eternal Father.
Actually, the Order of Mount Carmel began on the slopes of Mount Carmel in the Holy Land.
Saint Elijah, that holy, fiery prophet of God, lent inspiration to our founding fathers, Crusaders from Europe, who decided to remain there after the Crusades had ended. Carmel is known as Our Lady's Order, since they were the first to take her as their patroness, and cherished her with deep devotion. Shortly after they had settled there, and established communities throughout Palestine, the Saracens drove them out by sword.
So it was that those who were left of the hermits migrated to Europe.
They had a difficult time adapting their way of life to the cities. At one point, it seemed as though the Carmelites would be dissolved. But the Virgin Mary did not forget her spiritual sons, and through her intercession they obtained the divine assistance which has kept the Order flourishing until today.
In the 16th century, laxity had crept into many of the religious Orders. At that critical point, the Holy Spirit raised up two great Spanish saints, Teresa of Jesus and John of the Cross, to restore to its
primitive fervor the Order of Carmel. To this day, through the example of their lives and their spiritual writings, they continue to stir up the fire of Divine Love in the hearts of many throughout the world.
They draw willing souls after them in the pursuit of union with God, in imitation of Mary, who first showed us how to love and serve the Son of God, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
In the 18th century, before the American Revolution, Catholics were harshly persecuted in the eastern section of this country.
They were denied freedom of religion. Mass could not be celebrated publicly. Neither seminaries nor religious communities were allowed. Those desiring to be priests or religious had to take up residence in Europe to do so.
Thus it was that two young American women, who had gone to Belgium in order to become Carmelite Nuns, were summoned home by these words: "The Declaration of Independence has been signed. Religious
freedom has been declared."
They returned to Maryland, the first Catholic See in the United States which encompassed all thirteen colonies. They thereby became the first women religious in the new nation, and the foundresses of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns in the United States.
Carmelite Nuns do not engage in apostolic works per se.
Their mission in the Church is that of prayer. For this reason, they seek a place apart, so that they may live a life of intense prayer at the service of the Church and all humankind.
The Order of Carmel
is composed of the First Order (Friars), the Second Order (Nuns), and the Third Order: Religious and Seculars, and affiliates who are enrolled in the Brown Scapular of Our Lady.
The nuns take Solemn Vows of
poverty, chastity, and obedience. Since their ministry in the Church is solely one of prayer and silent witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ, they do not earn earthly salaries.
They are maintained by Divine Providence and the voluntary support of friends and benefactors.
Perhaps you feel that the Lord is calling you to a life of deeper prayer and greater intimacy with Himself.
Anyone who is interested in the vocation to the cloistered life as a Discalced Carmelite Nun, please contact:
Reverend Mother Prioress, Carmelite Monastery
P.O. Box 1720
Georgetown, California 95634
(530)333-1617
