United States and Philippines

Who Are We?

Identity and Charism

The Congregation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, commonly called Sisters of Mount Carmel, is a Pontifical congregation of active Carmelite women who minister primarily in South Louisiana and in the Philippines. We belong to the Carmelite family and follow the Rule of St. Albert. Our Mother House in the United States is in New Orleans, Louisiana. A Regional House is located in Quezon City, Philippines. Our historical roots are in France. The Congregation was founded in New Orleans in 1833.

Albert's rule specifies only one work: a life of continual prayer. Carmelite prayer, a living in the presence of a loving God, is the beginning and end of zeal to discover, proclaim, and incarnate God's love. The special charism of the congregation is an orientation to a life of prayer and of service, in union with Jesus, in whom continual prayer and action coexist harmoniously.

Like our foundress, Julie Therese Chevrel, we strive to bring a Carmelite presence to the needs of the times. Each of us is missioned in the name of the congregation to minister in particular works of charity... in Christian education and in pastoral, social, and health care services.

[ from Constitutions, chap. 1 "Identity", art. 1-4]

The Vowed Life

In response to God's call, each sister makes a life-long gift of herself to Jesus Christ and to the church by profession of public vows of celibacy, poverty and obedience. Living a simple lifestyle in community, we support, challenge, and inspire one another to a life of prayer nourished by solitude and silence.

[ from Constitutions, chap. 1 "Identity", art. 5,6]

"...as if holding your heart in your hands,
present to God a whole-offering and holocaust
of all that you are...
do not reserve anything for yourself
but the sole desire to please God
and to love God at any cost."
-- Letter of Mother Therese Chevrel, June 13, 1853.