DISCALCED NUNS OF THE ORDER OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY OF MOUNT CARMEL

(Launceston, Tasmania)

Founded by St. Teresa of Avila in the 16th century, the Discalced Carmelite Nuns live a contemplative lifestyle in small monasteries (no more than 21 nuns) secluded by a strict enclosure where solitude and silence are maintained and a life of deep prayer and friendship with Christ can flourish.

Within the enclosure the nuns lead a life centred on the daily celebration of the Mass and Liturgy of the Hours. In addition to this life of liturgical worship and prayer there is in St. Teresa's Carmels the distinctive feature of two hours, one morning, one evening, of silent contemplative prayer made in community.

Teresa returned to the eremitic origins of the Carmelite Order, so in each of her Carmels there is special place for solitude. There is a hermitage in the garden where the nuns can make their private retreats and monthly days days of recollection.

A healthy balance is maintained between the eremitic and communal aspects of the Carmelite life by the two hours of recreation each day. Here the sisters share their lives in simple sisterly communion. Manual labour - work in house and garden, sewing, printing, the distribution of altar breads - is also part of everyday life in this monastery.   Hidden from the world by their enclosure, the nuns are nevertheless acutely aware of the needs of the Church and the world for which they pray incessantly.

CONTACT:

Mother Prioress OCD.,
Carmelite Monastery,
7 Cambridge St.,
LAUNCESTON, TASMANIA 7250
Ph: (03) 6331 3585