Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles facts for kids
The Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles are a group of Catholic sisters. They are part of the Carmelite Order. Mother Maria Luisa Josefa of the Most Blessed Sacrament started their group. Their main home is in Alhambra, California, a city near Los Angeles.
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What Do the Carmelite Sisters Do?
The Carmelite Sisters live a special way of life. It is based on the teachings of the Catholic faith and the traditions of the Carmelite Order. They follow the example of their founder, Mother Maria Luisa Josefa.
Their main goal is to help people in three important ways:
- They teach in schools, helping students learn with a Christian mindset.
- They care for older people, supporting families.
- They help people grow closer to God through special quiet times called retreats.
How the Carmelite Sisters Started
The Carmelite Sisters began in the 1920s in Mexico. At that time, there were problems in Mexico, and religious groups faced difficulties. Mother Luisita, as she was known, bravely started schools, hospitals, and homes for children.
Because of the challenges, Mother Luisita and two other sisters had to leave Mexico. They came to the United States on June 24, 1927. This day is celebrated as the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. They found a new home in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
The community started with just three sisters in 1927. Today, the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles have grown a lot. There are now 143 sisters who have made their promises to God.
Serving Others: Their Work
Most Carmelite sisters live a quiet life focused on prayer. However, the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles are different. They are an active group. They combine their deep prayer life with serving people in the world.
They do this by helping older people, teaching in schools, and leading retreats. They work at 13 different places. These places are in California, Arizona, Colorado, and Florida. They help many thousands of people every year.
Caring for Older People
The sisters provide care and support for older adults. This helps families and ensures that older people are looked after with love and respect.
Leading Retreats
The sisters offer retreats for individuals and groups. These are special times for people to step away from daily life. They can pray, reflect, and grow in their spiritual journey.
Teaching in Schools
The sisters are very involved in education. They run different types of schools and centers:
Child Care Centers
They provide care and education for young children.
Elementary Schools
They teach children in elementary grades. One example was [Saint Joseph School] in La Puente, California.
High Schools
They also teach students in high school.
Important Carmelite Saints
The Carmelite Sisters follow the path of many holy people. Here are some important Carmelite saints:
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel
- Saint Teresa of Avila
- Saint John of the Cross
- Saint Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face
- Saint Teresa of Los Andes
- Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)
