Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles
Promoting a Deeper Spiritual Life through Healthcare, Education and Retreats

The way of life of the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles is rooted in the Gospel, and in the Carmelite spirituality of St. Teresa of Ávila.  “Carmel” means enclosed garden in which God Himself dwells. The divine indwelling in the soul is the foundation of Teresa’s doctrine.

Thus, our charism unites the contemplative nature of Carmel with active apostolic works in service of the Church.  We live the charism of our foundress, Venerable Mother Maria Luisa Josefa of the Most Blessed Sacrament in promoting a deeper spiritual life among God’s people through education, healthcare, and spiritual retreats.

God calls us to be a presence inflamed within our world.  We are called to witness to God’s love through prayer and loving service. Our God-given mission overflows from each sister’s profound life of prayer. It is a mission of the heart, a labor of love, to serve those entrusted to our care.

Mother Luisita used this analogy to describe our mission, “The soul of each Carmelite raises herself to Christ, Who is her heaven, while her shadow falls in charity upon earth doing good to all people.”

Our life is characterized by:

– A life of prayer and union with God

– A deep love for Jesus in the Holy Eucharist

– Devotion to our Blessed Mother

– Steadfast fidelity to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church

– Praying for priests

– Commitment to apostolic service of the Church through healthcare, education, and spiritual retreats

– Daily prayer together: Holy Hour, with Eucharistic adoration and rosary; chanting of the Divine Office; and two half hour periods of meditation (one is included during Holy Hour)