For the year of Consecrated Life, the Carmel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. Teresa in Santa Fe, New Mexico, has put together a charming little video to give people a glimpse into their life.
The Carmel is situated in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo (“Blood of Christ”) Mountains, on the high desert of northern New Mexico, reminiscent of the terrain of the Order’s first founders who lived in the 12th century on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land.
They are part of the Spanish Catholic legacy of Santa Fe that has been present for more than 400 years. Santa Fe means Holy Faith! Their monastery traces its heritage back to Avila, Spain by way of Mexico.
A history book on the Carmelite order states that St. Teresa actually arrived here before the Carmelite sisters! A picture of her is found on the reredos of San Miguel Mission (built in 1610), the oldest church in the United States. The oval picture, found on the top left of the reredos, dates from the early 18th century and originated in Colonial Mexico. It is considered one of the earliest portraits of the saint.
The Carmeles arrived in Santa Fe in 1945 from the Carmel in Dallas, Texas. They in turn founded houses in Albuquerque, NM; Jefferson City, MO; and Kenya.
We pray that we may be a second Bethany where Our Lord may rest among those who have chosen the better part.
I just came back to this page and saw your comment, Lauren. It’s true that was a very interesting environment! I made it to my Novitiate, but my beloved Father died while I was there and my life got turned upside down. Some of the most spiritually important moments of my life were experienced there. I believe I may have been their last Novice to enter the Community.
The monastery itself, as you know, was a converted barn or ranch house that had new sections added on, such as the side building with a second story for we novices and postulants. There was a long, glass-enclosed hallway between the two sections (professed nuns had their own wing). The chapel itself was simple but rich with spiritual meaning and beauty, with the blue glass windows at the front being especially memorable. I’ll never forget chanting the daily book of hours from a heavy Liber Usualis, with each side taking a turn and bowing at the appropriate time. Sitting in the chapel floor on folded legs for considerable time was difficult for me but you become adjusted to it. Incense, candles and chanting some of the most beautiful and spiritually uplifting Gregorian melodies that are always close to my heart.
Do you remember where it was located outside of Bryan, because my Father drove me there and an uncle brought me back to Dallas. I’ve tried finding it on maps but I was so young and failed to pay attention. Is it even there anymore?
Thank you for writing and I wish you the best!
I wonder if this community has any information on the Discalced Carmelite nuns from Bryan, Texas, to whom I belonged for a brief time back in the late seventies? I know they were expecting to move to a new foundation in Bloomfield, New Mexico, but since I’ve never been able to trace it, I’ve considered the possibility that the Sisters went to Santa Fe, instead? It’s all so long ago, but they’ll always hold a place dear in my heart.
You might try contacting the Carmelites in Dallas. They are very up on Carmelite history in that area!
I’ve wondered about the Bryan, TX Carmelites for as long as I can remember. My parents bought the old monastery, and I actually grew up there. I’d love to learn more information about their history if you ever found any – I’d even love to hear your own experiences. It was such an interesting place!
If you’d like to share, please reply to this comment – if you’re still paying attention years later, and I’d love to connect.