“Imagine trading worldly possessions for divine love.” That is exactly what happened here at Saint Teresa Convent. This order is both contemplative and apostolic.
Welcome to the Carmelite Monastery of Saint Teresa. It is a haven of prayer, silence, penance, and sacrifice. Established in 1913 the Carmelite life in Southern California began. Five nuns journeyed from St. Louis Missouri to Los Angeles.
Initially, the sisters resided in rented houses for a decade. Then, the present monastery in Alhambra was built. The location was carefully chosen for its beauty. Imagine an orange grove. This is what the land originally was. It offered unrestricted views of the San Gabriel Mountains. Snow-capped ranges could be seen in the distance.
The monastery and chapel were constructed of red brick. The tile roof reflects the history of both the Order and California.
The Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel was established in the 13th century. It was founded on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land. The first Carmelites were hermits. They lived on the slopes of Mount Carmel near the spring of Elijah. The contemplative aspect is the essence of the Order. The apostolic ideal flows from the love of God into the love of neighbor. Saint Teresa of Avila initiated a reform of the Order in the 16th century. From Spain, it spread throughout the world.
Life inside Saint Teresa Convent follows the tradition of Saint Teresa. A typical day begins at 5:30 a.m. and ends at 10 p.m. The nuns fill their days with various forms of prayer. This includes Mass, personal prayer, spiritual reading and the Divine Office. Manual labor occupies half of their day. It is an external expression of the life of prayer and an expression of poverty.
The sisters take vows of consecrated chastity, poverty, and obedience. They surrender themselves to God. They love God above all else. They are totally consecrated to Him.
Why do these women leave their careers for this life? It is not because life was unattractive. It is because of an appreciation for the good and beauty in the world. They put aside earthly possessions for the love of God. This is a special way of loving and serving God.
The Carmelite Nuns live as a small family. They help one another toward sanctity. Joys and sorrows are shared. The members are committed to one another as sisters for their entire lives. The Eucharist is at the heart of their community life. It symbolizes unity and charity.
Saint Teresa Convent stands as a testament to faith. It is a beacon of hope. It is a place set apart for divine love. Here, the sisters’ lives are dedicated to God. They are devoted to prayer and service. Their story is a reminder. It highlights the beauty of a life surrendered to a higher calling.