Mexican nuns of new order open first US convent in Denver

Denver, Colo., Apr 19, 2017 / 23:11 pm

It seems providential that a new order of Discalced Carmelite nuns, whose charism is to know and to make known the glory of the Holy Trinity, has arrived to Denver to care for the archdiocese's Holy Trinity Center.

The six Allied Discalced Carmelites of the Holy Trinity are the first nuns of their order, which was born in Aguascalientes, Mexico, to open a convent in the United States.

"It is by the grace of God," Mother Martha Patricia Malacara, superior of the community, told the Denver Catholic. "He is making history (here).

"We want to thank Archbishop Samuel Aquila for welcoming us," she added, "we are very grateful."

Founded by Sister Martha Maria Ramirez-Mora on July 16, 1986, the order has 200-plus nuns serving in various apostolates – ranging from assisting at nursing homes to retreat centers – in Mexico, Italy, Rome, Argentina and Chile.

The semi-cloistered nuns are active contemplatives.

"We have the Carmelite essence of contemplative prayer but we also have an apostolate," Mother Malacara said.

Residing in the convent at the St. John Paul II Center campus, which includes the chancery offices and the archdiocese's two seminaries, the nuns will help run the day-to-day functions of the Holy Trinity Center, which includes the archbishop's residence and rooms for large-scale meetings, conferences and events. The nuns will also help maintain the various sacristies on the campus.

The nuns' primary task, however, is prayer – particularly the Divine Office and daily Eucharistic adoration. They pray especially for the sanctification of priests and seminarians, for the conversion of sinners and for the needs of the Church. They also welcome prayer requests.

"We want to let people know that we are praying for them," Mother Malacara said. "Prayer is our main charism."

Ranging in age from 35 to 46, the nuns are all Spanish-speaking natives of Mexico. They arrived to Denver March 14. Serving under Mother Malacara are Sister Imelda Cardona, Sister Lidia Cortez, Sister Elvira Esparza, Sister Maria Patricia Mireles and Sister Laura Martinez-Silvestre.

Clad in sandals, black veils and brown habits, the nuns' habits are emblazoned with a triangular emblem that represents the Holy Trinity: one God comprised of three persons – the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Inside the triangle, a cloud signifies the Father's providence, which floats over his son Jesus' cross, upon which the Holy Spirit, as a dove, issues tongues of fire for the Spirit's seven gifts, which descend on a globe.

The nuns' first impressions of their new land have been of warm hospitality.

"The United States is very beautiful," Mother Malacara said. "People have welcomed us well. We do not speak English but people have tried to speak to us in Spanish."

The nuns are learning English, but when language fails, the nuns said laughing, those involved have resorted to friendly gesturing.

"From the first moment we stepped on the land of the United States, very friendly people have helped us and guided us," said Sister Mireles.

Not only do the nuns welcome prayer requests, but women interested in their order are invited to contact them.

"If you feel that call, answer it!" Sister Cardona said, adding that there is no need to be afraid. "God loves you, so you should answer."

Prayer requests may be emailed to Carmelites@archden.org or mailed to Allied Discalced Carmelites of the Holy Trinity, 1300 S. Steele St., Denver, CO 80210.

This article originally appeared in the Denver Catholic. Reprinted with permission.