NEW BEGINNINGS
In 1946 sisters from the Carmelite Monastery in Boston arrived in Concord, New Hampshire, to begin a new foundation of Discalced Carmelite Nuns. Carmel flourished and has been a presence of God’s love in the Diocese of Manchester for 75 years. Throughout the history of our foundation, countless women answered God’s call to the Carmelite vocation. They faithfully witnessed to a life of prayer wholly centered on God and shared with others in a vibrant community.
In recent years our community has decreased in numbers, and sisters are facing limitations of aging and frailty. It has become evident that God is calling us to live our Carmelite vocation in new situations. With sorrow in our hearts, as well as deep faith and trust in God’s providence, we have made the decision to close our monastery. Each sister is in the process of relocating to a setting most suitable to her needs.
We are daughters of our holy Mother, St. Teresa. Like her, we have heard the voice of God in the circumstances in which we find ourselves at this time. As we seek to follow God’s will for us, we have sought direction and sound advice to guide our decisions. In the spirit of St. Teresa, we respond with courage and openness, with a deep love for God, one another, the Church and our Carmelite vocation. As Carmelites, the motivation for all our decisions is God’s glory and the good of the Church.
The life of Carmel—seeking God in prayer and solitude—transcends the boundaries of walls and buildings. Although there is a sadness in endings, as Christians we believe that every ending promises a new beginning in ways we cannot imagine at present. We are a Paschal people. Christ’s death and resurrection are the foundation of our faith and the assurance of our hope in God’s care for us.
We will never forget the many friends and benefactors who have supported us throughout our community’s history. We carry them in our hearts and prayers wherever we live.
Contact Information:
Carmelite Monastery of Concord
275 Pleasant Street
Concord, New Hampshire 03301
60e-225-5791
Website: www.concordcarmel.org