The Carmelite Nuns came to Sacramento in 1935 from the Carmel of Saint Teresa in Alhambra, California, at the request of Bishop Robert Armstrong, who wished for the prayerful assistance of the nuns in his diocese. Mother Mary Agnes Valla and Mother Mary Seraphine Crowley journeyed to Sacramento to search for a site for the monastery. They found an ideal location on Stockton Boulevard but Mr. Artz, the gentleman assisting them, told them that it was not for sale.  It was the Gerber property, an old farmhouse surrounded by pastureland and citrus orchards.  Anna Gerber, the sole surviving member of her family, had lived in this house all her life and had no intention of selling.  Nevertheless, Mr. Artz took the two nuns to visit Miss Gerber.

     It was the last day that they could remain in Sacramento. Mother Seraphine was convinced that if a suitable site was not found at this time, the community in Alhambra would not be disposed to continue with this venture. The night before, she had knelt before a statue of Saint Therese and prayed, "If you don't help us find a place tomorrow, I doubt that the foundation will be made."

     It looked like the nuns had failed, but after their return to Alhambra, a letter came from Sacramento saying that Miss Gerber had decided to sell the house to them after all.

     They took posession of their new monastery on December 23, 1935.  The first Mass was the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, December 24. For nearly twenty years the community lived in the farmhouse until a new monastery was constructed in 1954. Then, due to changes in the neighborhood, it became imperative for them to relocate and in 1979, under the leadership of Mother Mary Ann, the last surviving member of the founding Sisters, they moved to Loomis temporarily while their new monastery in Georgetown was being built. They have been in Georgetown since July 1982.

     Since Vatican II, the Church has taken a new look at its prayer life. As a result, the attention of its members has been refocused on the necessity of prayer, of contemplation, on the call to holiness which is the most integral part of being Christian.  Therefore, Carmel's great saints, Teresa of Jesus, John of the Cross, Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, being known as the teachers of prayer par excellence, are today being studied by ever increasing numbers around the world.