In the sixty- four years’ history of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns of Danville, Pennsylvania there have been a merger with another Carmel, two relocations of the Community and a membership from nine different ethnic backgrounds. Founded in 1953 in a large private dwelling at Mount Carmel, PA from the Carmelite Monastery in Loretto, PA, the community quickly outgrew its space and moved to its newly built monastery in Elysburg in 1961. This property with 97 acres of farmland and forests was spacious and beautiful, a contemplative setting, and a gift from a priest benefactor. The Community grew.
In 1978 the Carmelite Monastery of Wheeling, WV, established for 62 years in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, merged with the Elysburg nuns. The merger was a perfect match, so to speak, and the new community was strengthened. People from the several surrounding small towns frequented the monastery for Mass, novenas and prayer requests. The local townspeople greatly valued the prayer and presence of the nuns in their midst. The Elysburg Ministerium held the Church of Unity Octave services and inter-faith Good Friday services the Chapel, viewing it as a prayer setting, open and welcoming to all. 
Through the years, with no new members and with health concerns rising, the Community decided to relocate to Maria Hall, a residence of the Sisters of SS. Cyril and Methodius, just eight miles from Elysburg. Here, the nuns have private quarters in the north wing of the large residence and continue their daily prayer and community life with daily Mass. They enjoy the privacy of their rooms, as well as in-house availability of personal care for sisters who need this, with a facility nearby for skilled care.
Often, we have felt: it is good for us to be here.
Contact Information:
Discalced Carmelite Nuns of Danville, PA
1 Maria Hall Drive
Danville, PA 17821-1237
Ph: 570-275-4682
Fax: 570-275-4684
e-mail: carmelmariahall@verizon.net
contact: Sr. Angela Pikus, O.C.D.
1 Maria Hall Drive
Danville, PA 17821-1237
Ph: 570-275-4682