Statement on the Suppressed Carmel of Philadelphia

From the foundation of the St. Joseph’s Association in 1976, the Carmelite Monastery of Philadelphia at 1400 66th Ave. has been a valuable and cherished Member of the Association. This Carmel and Carmelite spirituality have a special place in the Philadelphia Archdiocese, and devotion to Carmel is deeply rooted in the hearts of the faithful, going back to the foundation of the Monastery in 1902. It is widely recognized that the Philadelphia Carmel is the cradle of devotion of St. Therese in the United States. Carmelite celebrations, especially the Triduum to St. Therese every Fall, and the novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel on July 16th, drew an overflowing congregation every year. Lay people, seminarians and priests flocked to the Monastery to pray in the Chapel, to speak to the Nuns and to offer their loving support, and they have spoken of the graces they have received from their visits. There are many monasteries of Discalced Carmelite Nuns throughout the United States, but none of them hold such a cherished place in the hearts of the faithful.

Most unfortunately, recent events have seen the community of Carmelite Nuns in Philadelphia dwindle to the point of extinction. There are now no Carmelite Nuns at 1400 66th Ave. The love of the Carmelites for the people of Philadelphia and the love of the people for the Nuns is enshrined in the hearts of all those who have ever been to the Monastery.  The future of the Carmel is in God’s hands, and we know that He holds both the Carmel and those who cherish it in His loving Heart.

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