Situated in the hills of Wayne County, you will be welcomed by the kind abbot who will tour you around the holy ground, the monastery church, and the museum while sharing knowledge about this spiritual treasure. You are about to enter into the silence and solitude of the desert of Carmel. By agreement with, and invitation from, Archbishop Chaput and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, as well as the few older nuns still residing at the Philadelphia Carmel, the new and younger nuns came to revive the Carmel. Bizarre.25. They are fixated on financial gain. Between the years of 1206 and 1214, there existed a group of hermits living in Mt. Prior to the 2017 arrival in Philadelphia of the thriving traditional Carmelite nuns whose roots are in Valparaiso, Nebraska, the historic Philadelphia Carmelite community was heading for extinction. Praises be Jesus Christ! It has been constructed on the top of the hill where the finished monastery will stand, located in a clearing on wooded acreage in a rural area of Pennsylvania. Dont forget to submit a guest reservation request if you wish to stay longer and you can offer donations to help the community. This immense purpose is two-fold: the glory and honor of God in reverent worship and the sanctification and salvation of souls. Cor Orans, number 73, should not apply. Other Websites: Horarium; Vocation Updates; Coffee; . Such are the strange ways of God that this fight is not about Mother Pia personally, but about standing up for all that is good and holy in the Church against those who oppose it. If the monastery were to be suppressed, she would need to find another Carmelite monastery as a new home. With the departure of Mother Pia, the Archbishop of Philadelphia saw to the cessation of all Holy Masses at the Carmel and, as the law would consequently demand, he ordered the removal of the Most Blessed Sacrament. To complete your visit, enjoy the spiritual fellowship that you will encounter while attending the Extraordinary Mass that is carried out in a sacred and mystical way. 29. This is all the more imperative given Mothers advanced age, when major changes can be especially difficult, and taking into account that the Philadelphia Carmel is her material and spiritual home. Fairfield, Pennsylvania. Mother Pia is vulnerable. These institutions are the evidence of our support for the Church. Carmelite Nuns - Allentown Monastery - Founded by Mother Therese of Desiring to become great saints, this monastery of strictly cloistered contemplative men have a vehement longing to live the entirety of the spirituality and way of life established by St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Jesus in the Discalced Carmelite Reform including strict monastic enclosure, two hours of contemplative prayer daily, study and spiritual reading, and manual labor. Complete silence. An outdoor enthusiast who treats the summits and pristine beaches of the Philippines as her protected playground. O my Lord, of all the millions of people you have created, shouldn't just a few of them give their complete attention to You? See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data. They arrived in Philadelphia in late July 2017, bringing with them their cherished customs and the traditional rites of the Roman Liturgy, confident that they would be able to live their vocations as before. Mother Pia and her foundation board were on one side and the Association of St. Joseph with the support of the Archbishop of Philadelphia were on the other. Suppression would be required under the provisions of Pope Francis Cor Orans, a document whose provisions are supposedly intended to regulate female contemplative religious communities for the good of the Church.3. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, celebrates Mass with cloistered Carmelite nuns of the Monastery of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Joseph, on Feb. 26, 2023, in their temporary home at the former Saint Gabriel Retreat Center near Clarks Summit. Notice the one party absent in the deliberations concerning the fate of the Philadelphia Carmel: the friends, benefactors, founders and donors of the Carmel. The Carmel Bookstore will remain closed until further notice. She realized she and her foundation board had to resist this wrong-doing in some way from now on, however cautious and feeble that resistance might be. Yuletide season, Holy Week, and The Feast of the Transfiguration That happens every August are some of the best times to attend the services and celebrations in the monastery. Prior to the 2017 arrival in Philadelphia of the thriving traditional Carmelite nuns whose roots are in Valparaiso, Nebraska, the historic Philadelphia Carmelite community was heading for extinction. Once again, Mother Pia had been played by the authorities. Suppression would be required under the provisions of Pope Francis Cor Orans, a document whose provisions are supposedly intended to regulate female contemplative religious communities for the good of the Church. Second Carmelite community to move into Elysburg monastery To obey the norms of Cor Orans and the spirit they instill would have been suicidal for the Philadelphia Carmelites, as it has been and will be for other female religious communities if not resisted and rejected. Carmelite Monks of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. A community of Carmelite nuns left this monastery; however, the Old Mass is still said daily. In your charity, please pray for Mother Pia, for the board members, and for all involved in helping them, so that the mission entrusted to them to successfully preserve and perpetuate the Philadelphia Carmel as a consecrated sanctuary of prayer be continued, This was the rationale for the foundation of Carmel in Philadelphia in 1902. 73. According to Rome, it was Cor Orans, number 73, not 72, that would now be operative in determining the fate of the Philadelphia Carmel. Wearing loose and comfortable clothing is highly recommended in every session and observing silence upon entering is a must to avoid distracting other students. Bring peace to your restless heart and mind while engaging in a long period of silence, chanting, and uninterrupted walking meditation. The Carmelite Monks embrace the fullness of the Rule and spend eight hours of their day in manual labor. If parties claiming an interest in the fate of the monastery were of good will from the beginning, they would have agreed to more nuns joining Mother Pia in Philadelphia, or at least they would have found a solution respecting the interests of Mother Pia and, it must be said, the donors, supporters and benefactors of the monastery. May God Reward You. HARRISBURG -- Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of the Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg announced Friday that a second community of Discalced Carmelite nuns will be established in the diocese in the. That may be seen as reasonable when it comes to the liquid assets, but the real estate and contents of the monastery are another issue. Please note: You must include an e-mail address if you would like a response. The unique monastery ambience of the Avila Bookshop has a beautiful setting and a large array of religious books, apparel, gifts for all seasons and ages, and a room dedicated just to Catholic childrens books and toys. A visit to monasteries can give you a chance to know the depth of your faith and witness the spiritual way of life of others. St. Teresa of Avila would have understood this and would have defended the Divine Majesty with the very last drop of her blood. Hover over markers to learn more about each monastery. The nuns said otherwise. Note: To date, there was never a public statement from Archbishop Perez or his communications director regarding the Philadelphia Carmelite Monastery and all the issues surrounding the situation. These people comprised a board which would eventually incorporate as the Carmelite Foundation of Philadelphia. Given official opposition to the continuation of a Carmelite community, Mother Pia then sought to save the monastery for religious use, not excluding the eventual return of Carmelite nuns in better days to come. They would have respected the monasterys sacred character and its continued use as a property dedicated to Catholic religious or spiritual purposes. The Nuns pray daily for all of our benefactors. They would have respected the monasterys sacred character and its continued use as a property dedicated to Catholic religious or spiritual purposes.18. Exceptions can be considered for those in Holy Orders. At this point, Mother responded to the foul play and wanted to appeal the suppression. Call us today about discerning with us: (307) 645-3310. Fairfield Carmelite Sisters Wait and Pray for an End to Their Saga Like the good Catholic benefactors of the Philadelphia Carmel, she was considered as good as dead. The animus against sacred tradition and the integral Catholic Faith is evident today in the ecclesiastical structures, from the Vatican down to the local parishes and the many Catholics-in-name-only.17. Many people are asking about the current status of the Philadelphia Carmel. Feel closer to a higher power as you step on the sacred ground of this joy-filled community nestled on 17 acres (6.9 hectares) of land in Langhorne in Bucks County. You will be welcomed by a modest priest who will serve breakfast, and you will also get to work in the kitchen and play with the kids. Should Lake Elmo or other parties, by wiping out the spiritual benefits provided by the sacred precincts of Carmel, profit at the expense of Catholic Philadelphians, many of them friends and benefactors of the monastery? Unsubscribe in one click. The dissolution of the Philadelphia Carmel would be to the advantage of her new community, and rightly so, to the extent that at least some of the Philadelphia assets should follow Mother Pia to Minnesota. Worship God and feel the love of humanity as you visit this religious institution that offers a quiet place to find peace, holiness, and solitude. Welcome to our Carmel, named after St. Thrse of Lisieux, the Patroness of the Missions and the "Greatest Saint of modern times". We continue to recognize the priceless treasure the Carmelite monastery is, not simply materially, but, even more, spiritually because it stands and functions as a place of prayer for the honor of God and the spiritual welfare of His people. 10 Must-Visit Monasteries In Pennsylvania, USA | Trip101 Our Lady of Clear Creek Benedictine Abbey. Mother Pia had no say. A soul called to live the Carmelite charism in its primitive form follows Our Lord in the way of perfection by a religious formation and observance based on the religious life of the ancient Carmelite community on Mount Carmel in the 1200s and of the contemplative and eremitical Holy Deserts established by the Discalced Carmelite, Ven. In the event of the suppression of a totally extinct monastery, when there are no surviving nuns, unless otherwise provided by the Holy See, the destination of the suppressed monasterys assets, in compliance with canon and civil law, go to the respective higher juridical person, that is, to the Federation of monasteries or to another structure of communion among the monasteries equal to it or to the female monastic Congregation. According to this norm, which presupposes that there are no surviving nuns, the assets of the Philadelphia Carmel would go to the Association of St. Joseph. The medieval-looking Chapel of the Holy Spirit appears to have remained unaffected architecturally, complemented with stunning stained glass windows, paintings, and sculptures. Cor Orans, number 73, should not apply.11. Founded in 1953 in a large private dwelling at Mount Carmel, PA from the Carmelite Monastery in Loretto, PA, the community quickly outgrew its space and moved to its newly built monastery in Elysburg in 1961. That may be seen as reasonable when it comes to the liquid assets, but the real estate and contents of the monastery are another issue. Note: To date, there was never a public statement from Archbishop Perez or his communications director regarding the Philadelphia Carmelite Monastery and all the issues surrounding the situation. The assets of the suppressed monastery, respecting the will of the founders and donors, follow the surviving nuns and go, in proportion, to the monasteries that receive them, unless otherwise provided by the Holy See, which may dispose, in individual cases, of a portion of the assets to be given to charity, to the particular church within whose boundaries the monastery is located, to the Federation, and to the Fund for the nuns. In this case, since Mother Pia is the surviving nun of the Philadelphia community, the assets should follow her to the community receiving her. 35. Now realizing it had uncontested ownership of the Carmels assets, the Association then teamed with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to secure total control of the Carmel and its assets that it now owned, reneging on the promise to give Mother Pia what she was due.30. She had vowed to live and die there, just as her fellow nuns did and whose bodies now lie buried on the Carmel grounds awaiting the resurrection. They will no longer rest in peace in their heavenly Mothers garden, but, with a stroke of Archbishop Perezs pen, they will be unceremoniously exhumed and carried away from the Philadelphians whom they loved, and who loved them.42. Discover a number of beautiful architecture in Philadelphia, learn about the historic town of Gettysburg, and witness the famous lake of Lake Erie surrounded by a natural beauty that is second to none. Address: 121 St Elias Ln, Saxonburg, PA 16056, United States. John Szada Additional information. What was going on? Should they be liquidated, should the sacred be treated like dime-store baubles to be sold to the highest bidder? Our tradition continues to offer age-old, well proven monastic structures for a life dedicated to unceasing prayer and penance. While only one of the original advisers remainedone committed to a serious fight to save the CarmelMother Pia assembled around her a different group of people, including long-time friends, to pursue her plans. 13. Sundays and Weekdays: Cancelled. By their own public admission, published in June 2021, they explained that the Archdiocese of Philadelphia failed to uphold its end of an agreement regarding the communitys membership in the Association of St. Joseph. Carmelite Monastery of the Sacred Hearts Mother briefly gave up the fight Labor Day weekend, but quickly changed her mind and started fighting again after strong encouragement from others and the prospect of the press getting wind of the stinking mess of the Philadelphia Carmel. Carmel rose and flourished in no small part due to the material and spiritual investment of our forebears and ourselves up to this current year. Sadly, Mother Pia and the board lost valuable time to achieve their purpose. Find the love of Christ amongst monastic sisters while feasting your eyes on the tranquil views of the area covered with lush Bermuda grass and dense forest nearby. Thus, the Philadelphia Carmel is crushed and ground into oblivion by its enemies, its walls no longer resounding with fervent prayer, its enclosure emptied of precious virgin souls, its altar now a stranger to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, its tabernacle no longer sheltering our Eucharistic King, and its chapel once consecrated to Almighty God now stolen from Him by sacrilegious hands that were meant to offer Him everything. It was established by a Romanian princess and it is now run by hospitable nuns. Carmelite Monks. Located in Westmoreland County, this institution is considered the oldest Benedictine monastery in the United States that actively nurtures the spiritual life of many individuals. As the Rule points out, the Carmelite must imitate St. Paul in "laboring and wary, toiling night and day" as an example for us, showing us that idleness leads to vice. To contact the Carmelite Nuns of this Monastery with questions about the Shrine, visits to the Tomb of Mother Therese of Jesus, celebration of Mass, other inquiries of a general nature, and Vocational Inquiries, please write or call: Carmelite Nuns St. Therese's Valley 3551 Lanark Rd. The Vatican decree stated that the Philadelphia monastery was now suppressed. However, in the case of the Philadelphia Carmel, the community is not extinct; there is a surviving nun, namely, Mother Pia. Read about the Carmelite Monks of Wyoming Horarium Schedule on the Horarium website here. This property with 97 acres of farmland and forests was spacious and beautiful, a contemplative setting, and a gift from a priest benefactor. Find a Cloister Cloistered Life Carm., was able to help her find that new home with the Carmelite nuns of Lake Elmo, Minnesota, to whom Fr. Here are the pertinent passages of Cor Orans to keep in mind: 72. If the monastery were to be suppressed, she would need to find another Carmelite monastery as a new home. These institutions are the evidence of our support for the Church. Mother briefly gave up the fight Labor Day weekend, but quickly changed her mind and started fighting again after strong encouragement from others and the prospect of the press getting wind of the stinking mess of the Philadelphia Carmel. One might see her approach arising from an inability to recognize the breadth and depth of corruption in the Church today and the weaponizing of obedience against the demands of faith and morals. As far as we have been able to determine, the board members are as follows: The list of names is subject to correction, so if you have any corrections or additions, please send us a message and we will correct the information. The bookstore was shut down, the chapel locked against those wishing to pray there, and the main gates were locked around the clock to prevent anyone from entering.34. Times Sundays and Weekdays: Cancelled. The Hermits of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a Roman Catholic religious order observing the ancient Carmelite charism as it was lived on Mount Carmel and in the Discalced Carmelite Holy Deserts. While fear appeared to be motivating themperhaps the fear was justifiablethe board proceeded to clamp down on people frequenting Carmel to pray or to visit the re-established bookstore. May God grant wisdom to those who hold the fate of the Philadelphia Carmel in their hands. The Monastery of St. Therese is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt organization. We. She would still be considered the last surviving member of the Philadelphia community. As the monks rely upon Divine Providence, the Carmelite community is deeply mindful that God bestows His blessings upon them through you, the faithful children of God. They were thus like foxes sent to determine the fate of the henhouse. ABOUT THE PROJECT: Delving into their rich Carmelite history of architecture and tradition, the Nuns are seeking to re-create the beauty of the monasteries of old. Note: The monasteries listed in this directory are Affiliates and Associates of the Institute on Religious Life. This monastery is being built around a traditional courtyard with the Church standing in its center. People willing to help Mother Pia preserve the Carmel property for religious use offered their services. It is situated in the very heart of the Pocono Mountains, one of the best places to go on vacation in Pennsylvania.