About Us
“In the Heart of the Church, I will be Love.”
St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles
We are women in love with the Gospel, called together by God to a communal life of prayer and service.
Our life and zeal are drawn from the prayer that fills our days, standing in the Presence of the Living God. Contemplative prayer is both the goal of our lives and the source of all our works. Called to a life of total consecration to God through vows of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience, we respond to God’s invitation to live a life of radical discipleship.
Faithful to the Magesterium of the Catholic Church, our life is structured according to the ancient tradition of the Discalced Carmelite Order, which imitates the prayer life of Mary, our Lady of Mount Carmel. The love we experience in God’s presence impels us to serve, making known to the world the personal love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Our charism, which blends the contemplative nature of Carmel with active apostolic works in service of the Church, is the unwavering bedrock of our life. This unique charism was a gift of the Holy Spirit to our foundress, Mother Luisita, whose cause for beatification is well underway. Since our founding in 1921, our Sisters have served the Church through our apostolic works of education, spiritual retreats, and healthcare.
Rooted in Prayer
There is a love worth living for.
Our lives as Sisters are rooted in prayer – from morning to night, we return again and again to the source and summit of our faith, as we encounter God in the Blessed Sacrament.
In the Eucharist, we come into direct contact with the Sacred Heart of Jesus. His Heart is the embodiment of God’s love for the world. He is on fire with love, drawing souls to God and interceding for them at the right hand of the Father.
Carmelite spirituality seeks to encounter this Heart, to be enflamed with His love so we can set the world on fire.
We are called in a particular way to pray for priests, and to offer our lives in prayer that all might encounter God’s personal, healing love.
Rooted in Prayer
There is a love worth living for.
Our lives as Sisters are rooted in prayer – from morning to night, we return again and again to the source and summit of our faith, as we encounter God in the Blessed Sacrament.
In the Eucharist, we come into direct contact with the Sacred Heart of Jesus. His Heart is the embodiment of God’s love for the world. He is on fire with love, drawing souls to God and interceding for them at the right hand of the Father.
Carmelite spirituality seeks to encounter this Heart, to be enflamed ourselves with His love so we can set the world on fire.
We are called in a particular way to pray for priests, and to offer our lives in prayer that all might encounter God’s personal, healing love.
Love in Action
Love is never stagnant
Ever since Elijah encountered the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, the Carmelite Saints have always been zealous for the Lord God of Hosts.
Anyone who embarks seriously in a life of discipleship of Jesus Christ discovers a growing need within the heart to give oneself in love.
For those consecrated to God in the religious life, this return of love to God is expressed in our service of one another in community, and freely given to all those we encounter in our apostolic service.
Whether our Sisters are serving students in the classroom, accompanying retreatants to grow in their faith, or walking alongside the families we serve in healthcare, our goal is always to bring them closer to God.
Love in Action
Love is never stagnant
Ever since Elijah encountered the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, the Carmelite Saints have always been zealous for the Lord God of Hosts.
Anyone who embarks seriously in a life of discipleship of Jesus Christ discovers a growing need within the heart to give oneself in love.
For those consecrated to God in the religious life, this return of love to God is expressed in our service of one another in community, and freely given to all those we encounter in our apostolic service.
Whether our Sisters are serving students in the classroom, accompanying retreatants to grow in their faith, or walking alongside the families we serve in healthcare, our goal is always to bring them closer to God.
Our Religious Family
Drawn together by Love.
The family is at the center of God’s plan for the world, meant to be a place of fruitful love and belonging.
Throughout the history of the Church, there have been men and women who have experienced God’s call to follow Him more closely in the religious life. This gift of a religious vocation is a call to belong to God alone, in a life of love that brings a spiritual fruitfulness to all of God’s children.
As Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles, we have been called to become part of this particular religious family. As we journey together through the blessings, joys and sufferings and struggles of life, there is deep joy as we become more and more authentically ourselves individually and as a community.
Our Religious Family
Drawn together by Love.
The family is at the center of God’s plan for the world, meant to be a place of fruitful love and belonging.
Throughout the history of the Church, there have been men and women who have experienced God’s call to follow Him more closely in the religious life. This gift of a religious vocation is a call to belong to God alone, in a life of love that brings a spiritual fruitfulness to all of God’s children.
As Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles, we have been called to become part of this particular religious family. As we journey together through the blessings, joys and sufferings and struggles of life, there is deep joy as we become more and more authentically ourselves individually and as a community.
consuming itself in the love of God and zeal for souls.”
Venerable Mother Luisita
Our Core Values
These four foundational elements are integral to who we are as daughters of the Church, in the Carmelite spirit and through the specific charism of our Foundress, Venerable Mother Luisita.
Joyful
Joyful
To delight in life as it is. Seeing God’s hand at work in the everyday movements of life, in the lives of those we are blessed to live and serve with, in the opportunities, and the graces received and are continuing to receive. All of this brings deep joy.
Authentic
Authentic
To possess and express your genuine self. As we do so at the deepest levels of who we are, made in His image and likeness, and continue to grow into the person God has called us to be as His daughters, as sisters, as spouse, as spiritual mothers, we become more and more our fully authentic selves.
Totally Given
Totally Given
Trusting in Divine Providence – Abiding in God’s Providence and being docile to His will was a hallmark of our Foundress, Mother Luisita. This was evident in how she responded to life’s challenges. Her steadfast “yes” to the Lord, wholeheartedly trusting in Him is part of her legacy to us, her daughters.
Family Spirit
Family Spirit
Sister among sisters giving and receiving love. We are sisters in Christ, sisters in Carmel. This is our family. And as a family, we journey through life’s ups and downs together, side-by-side, growing, receiving, giving, supporting, falling and getting back up.
Joyful
To delight in life as it is. Seeing God’s hand at work in the everyday movements of life, in the lives of those we are blessed to live and serve with, in the opportunities, and the graces received and are continuing to receive. All of this brings deep joy.
Authentic
To possess and express your genuine self. As we do so at the deepest levels of who we are, made in His image and likeness, and continue to grow into the person God has called us to be as His daughters, as sisters, as spouse, as spiritual mothers, we become more and more our fully authentic selves.
Totally Given
Trusting in Divine Providence – Abiding in God’s Providence and being docile to His will was a hallmark of our Foundress, Mother Luisita. This was evident in how she responded to life’s challenges. Her steadfast “yes” to the Lord, wholeheartedly trusting in Him is part of her legacy to us, her daughters.
Family Spirit
Sister among sisters giving and receiving love. We are sisters in Christ, sisters in Carmel. This is our family. And as a family, we journey through life’s ups and downs together, side-by-side, growing, receiving, giving, supporting, falling and getting back up.
Our History
During the virulent religious persecutions in 1920s Mexico, Mother Luisita remained a beacon of light and hope. She established and administered schools, hospitals, and orphanages and remained undaunted in her work despite the scrutiny of the government. The escalating violence ultimately drove Mother Luisita from her homeland and the people she had so lovingly served. In 1927, leaving everything behind and dressed in disguise, Mother Luisita together with two companion sisters embarked on a perilous journey to seek refuge in the United States. It was against this dramatic background that a new religious community was established in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The very persecution which sought to destroy her work only helped spread it to the United States – loving apostolic service that continues strong nearly a century later, seeking to make known the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
A Religious Family is Born
Establishment as a Pontifical Institute
The Charism Continues
Persecution & A New Home
90 Years of Prayer & Service
A Religious Family is Born
Persecution & A New Home
Establishment as a Pontifical Institute
90 Years of Prayer & Service
The Charism Continues
Our Sisters Today
Sister Mary Karen, O.C.D.
God drew me more and more into prayer and helping others, and now as a Carmelite Sister, I truly say that I “have found the fullness of happiness in my Carmelite vocation.”
Sister Gianna, O.C.D.
St. John Paul II canonized St. Gianna to hold her up as a model for the laity and to show us all that holiness is possible for ordinary people. God and all His angels and saints are rooting us on to be with them in heaven someday too!
Sister Mary Scholastica, O.C.D.
Being known AND loved by God, by my sisters. Deep friendships. Holiness is in the little things. God is always faithful. Perseverance is a grace… some of my life lessons as a Carmelite Sister, 23 years AND counting! Thank you Lord for calling me to Carmel.
Sister Mary Colombière, O.C.D.
“Confidence is the virtue that gives Him the greatest honor.” –St. Claude. Why do I love him? For his tireless zeal for souls in spreading the devotion to the Sacred Heart…
Sister Timothy Marie, O.C.D.
17 years of age seems pretty young to me now as I look back now at my age when I entered Carmel. Next year I will have been in Carmel 60 years. I am still learning to “let go and let God.” He still picks me up, dusts me off, and smiles His forgiveness.
Sister Agnes Marie, O.C.D.
My journey to Carmel began at 12 years old when I made my Confirmation and told my mother the next day I was going to enter the Convent and belong totally to God. My desire was to save souls even at a young age.
Sister Ines, O.C.D.
Lesson from Carmel: He loved me first. I was thinking about Jesus’ words about the sinful woman – “She has been forgiven much; hence she has loved much.” He loved her first. Each of us – chosen, loved, and lured by the One who always loves us first.
Sister Maria Kolbe, O.C.D.
St. Maximilian Kolbe used to say, “Love alone creates.” Early on in Carmel, I learned that love is never wasted; it goes onto Eternity. When an act of love is apparently accidentally forgotten or overlooked, that love with which I did the act redeems, loves, resurrects, carries.
Sister Joseph Francesca, O.C.D.
One lesson I have learned during my 11+ years in Carmel is that God always has a plan & gives us the grace to live it. His desires and dreams for us are so much bigger & better. All we have to do is follow Him. It requires a great deal of faith and trust to believe and consistently live this way, but He provides the grace for that too! Jesus, I trust in you!
Sister Rosalie, O.C.D.
St. Rose of Lima united all her sufferings with the sufferings of Jesus in order to bring His love to the world. In Carmel, I find the same fruit of suffering through the ascent of Mt. Carmel where the Carmelite sacrifices for souls; where I can die to self in the Sacred Heart of Jesus. From there, I can resurrect and live united to my God and those for whom I sacrifice.
Sister Gaudencia, O.C.D.
Mary our mother is my patron saint. She has been a truly loving mother to me and shows me that she is with me all the time by situations that has happened that I never dream that I was able to do and all because of our Blessed Mother. Quote: “Jesus Through Mary”
Sister Mariella, O.C.D.
The thought I would like to leave for others is that we need to follow Mary’s example. My feast day, the Birthday of Mary, reminds me of Mary’s courage to follow God’s will. She followed His will which she knew was in line with Scripture & God’s law.She gave her consent. Her example of doing the will of God is the kind we need to follow.
Sister Mercedes, O.C.D.
I am thankful to Our Lady of Mercy for my vocation to Carmel; since I come from the town of Merced, CA. The fervor of the Priests saying Mass, and the fervent singing of the parishioners instilled a joy in me when I worshipped with them! Our Ladys words to St. Juan Diego: ” I am your Merciful Mother, and to all the rest who love me, invoke and confide in me.”
Sister Mary Michael, O.C.D.
These words of our Mother Foundress, Mother Luisita have been a source of inspiration and guided me throughout my journey in Carmel. I share them with you, “Look to God, to your soul, and to eternity, and do not be too concerned for the rest. For greater things you were born. Pray for me very much, because I want to be what I am supposed to be.”
Sister Marina, O.C.D.
Is. 26:3 says, “He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in Him.” In Carmel, I have learned to trust God at every moment. I can be grateful when good things happen and when things don’t go so well, I am grateful because all circumstances are opportunities to grow in love with Him.”
Sister Mary Kathleen, O.C.D.
St. Catherine Laboure is known for her beautiful personal relationship with our Blessed Mother which gave the world the “Miraculous Medal.” Then she lived out a quiet, dedicated life of care for the elderly, and she is considered a patron saint of our elders. Her simplicity and purity of heart resonate with our Carmelite spirit.
Sister Carla, O.C.D.
Like St. Therese, I have learned that God wants our effort rather than our success. He wants to take the best that we can do and expand it, so that many more souls can profit from our sacrifices which are done with love.
Sister Immaculata, O.C.D.
In my years in Carmel I have learned that our God-given mission involves so much more than what can be perceived with the eyes. I believe God is counting on each one of us to complete a hidden mission. Sometimes the cross is heavy, but only He knows how many unknown souls are depending upon our faithfulness.
Sister Mary Elizabeth, O.C.D.
In Carmel I have learned that God is always loving and merciful. Daily He showers me with His graces and His unceasing LOVE. I am blessed to be a Carmelite Sister of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles.