Discalced Carmelite Convent of San José and Santa Teresa (Puebla) facts for kids
The Convent of San José and Santa Teresa in Puebla, Mexico, has a long history. It was founded by a special group of nuns called the Discalced Carmelites. This story began when two sisters, Ana and Beatriz Núñez, came to what was then called New Spain (now Mexico). They were from a town in southern Spain called Gibraleón.
The sisters traveled to the New World to meet their brother, Pedro Núñez. Sadly, he passed away soon after they arrived in Veracruz. After this, Beatriz married a man named Juan Bautista Machorro. Her sister, Ana Núñez, chose to live a very religious life. She stayed at her sister's home, almost like living in a small, private monastery.
Founding the First Community
Following Ana's example, she decided to start a religious group. In 1563, Ana Núñez, along with Elvira Suárez and Juana Fajardo, founded a community in Veracruz. This group was dedicated to San José (Saint Joseph).
However, living in Veracruz was difficult. The weather was not good, and the area was not very safe. Because of these problems, the group decided to move their home. They chose to move to the city of Puebla.
Moving to Puebla
In 1601, the women received official permission to create a sanctuary for women in Puebla. This permission came from Don Diego Romano. He gave them a small chapel and a house next to it. More women joined their religious group in Puebla.
Two years later, in 1603, a very important document arrived. It was a papal bull, which is a special order from the Pope. This document officially allowed the founding of a Carmelite Order convent. This was the very first Carmelite convent in all of the New World! It opened in Puebla that same year.
Later, on December 27, 1604, another important document was issued. This was a royal decree from the king. It gave permission to build the main convent building. This new convent was named after Saint Joseph (San José) and Santa Teresa.
