Our Day is regulated by the monastic horarium (daily schedule). We begin by rising at 5:00 a.m. with the greeting, “Praised be Jesus Christ and the virgin Mary His mother; come to prayer sisters, come to praise the Lord!”
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass takes precedence, and the whole Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours) is recited in common at various times throughout the day. This ‘Prayer of the Church’ continues the graces of Holy Mass, to take with us in our daily duties.
Wearing the full traditional Carmelite Habit, we live in fidelity to Our Holy Father the Pope, and the teaching of the Magisterium.
Reverence for Our Lord is of greatest importance in our life. We are privileged to have the legacy from our founding sisters, of many beautifully embroidered ‘frontals’ for our altar of repose, used on Solemnities and certain Feast Days.
‘Papal Enclosure’ for contemplative Nuns is observed, as well as the fasting and abstinence prescribed in our Rule. The horarium balances two daily hours of quiet prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, (one in the morning and one in the afternoon); as well as an hour of spiritual reading; work times; and times for solitude. We also have recreation together for about an hour after the noon meal and again after the evening meal. The Rosary is also said in common.
An interior life of communion with God is cultivated through unceasing prayer for the universal Church, our local Diocese, all priests, and the salvation of every soul. Our consecration, through Solemn Vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience, enables us to truly make a total gift of self to God, and to grow in His love.
Our Community life flourishes, where all of us are sisters to one another, sharing joys and sorrows, under the motherly guidance of the Prioress.
Postulant and Novice preparing the meal for Novices Day!
