Sister Helene Therese
of Jesus (McAdams), O.C.D.
With great joy,
the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles
invite you to witness the total Consecration to Christ by the
Perpetual Profession of Vows
Sunday, February 9, 2025
10:00 A.m.
Mass of Perpetual Profession
St. Joseph Chapel at Santa Teresita
819 Buena Vista Street
Duarte, California 91801
The Most Rev. Andrew Cozzens
Bishop of Crookston, MN
(Main Celebrant)
Reception
following the Mass
Madonna Hall, Santa Teresita
819 Buena Vista Street
Duarte, California 91010
Where did you grow up?
Hi y’all! I grew up in Augusta, Georgia in the Alleluia Community.
How did you find out about the sisters?
After I graduated from nursing school, a priest friend of mine, Father Dan Firmin, graciously agreed to be my spiritual director. When I told him that I wanted to “hard core” discern religious life, he introduced me to the Carmelite Sisters. I couldn’t believe that there were Carmelites, who have a deep spirituality of an urgency for union with God, and who served as nurses
What first drew you to our community?
When I met our Sisters, I felt that these Sisters could be my Sisters. They were real. Also, we had the same ideal – to love Jesus as faithful daughters of the Church.Â
One of your biggest joys in living religious life?
There are so many joys! You want me to name only one? Number one is Jesus’ presence. He’s by my side forever and we get to live under the same roof (an oratory is in every convent). Another joy is making my Sisters smile or laugh.
Your thoughts as you prepare for final vows?
My thoughts are, “Yikes! It’s forever.” For real though, it takes faith, so I pray for the grace. As I prepare for final vows, I am filled with gratitude and love for all of the family and friends and teachers who have formed my heart and helped me be open to the gift of my vocation to belong totally to Jesus
What is a lesson you’ve learned through your past years in Carmel or are learning?
I’ve learned that Our Lord delights to see me delight. I’m learning to lean into His delight and rest in His gaze of love. Even when I make a mistake or do something unholy, Jesus looks at me with love and heals me through the sacraments.