Who We Are - Carmelite Sisters

The heritage of the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles is rooted in the Gospel, the Church, and the spirituality of Carmel as lived out through the charism of our foundress, Venerable Mother Maria Luisa Josefa of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

In His merciful goodness, God has graced our Institute with the Carmelite charism which has its roots in a long history and living tradition. The spirituality of St. Teresa and St. John of the Cross is rooted in this tradition. Carmel means enclosed garden in which God Himself dwells. The divine indwelling in the soul is the foundation of Teresa's doctrine. Thus, our vocation is a grace by which contemplation and action are blended to become an apostolic service of the Church. We promote a deeper spiritual life among God’s people through education, healthcare, and spiritual retreats.

Our ideal finds a living expression in the life and charism of our beloved Foundress, Mother Maria Luisa Josefa of the Most Blessed Sacrament, whose spirit we faithfully preserve and foster.

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 ½ hour periods of meditation (one is included during our
Holy Hour)