*Sr. Mary Michael will not be accepting new discerners at this time*
My name is Sister Mary Michael of Jesus Crucified, O.C.D. I have been blessed to be a member of the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles since 1978. I grew up in a Catholic Family in Southern California. I had 4 brothers and 3 sisters. I am number 6 of 8. I spent a lot of my time with them at the beach and participating in various sports events. I loved the outdoors, gardening and going camping with my family.
It was in 7th grade that I first thought of “being a nun,” but that got buried beneath “Life Activities” as I journeyed through high school, worked at various jobs, dated and even became engaged to be married. My desire was to be a “Mom” and have a large family. Our Good Lord was very patient with me (I was a slow responder), and in my heart I knew there was something more. There was a deep longing for “something or someone” more. I cannot describe this adequately – but many events led me to pursue what my heart longed for despite the fears and uncertainty. I even discerned entering a cloistered Carmelite convent. In looking back my only “regret” is not having responded earlier to the Lord’s call.
Our community was founded to unite the contemplative life with active apostolic works in service to the Church. In the spirit of our Mother Foundress, Venerable Mother Luisa Josefa of the Most Blessed Sacrament, our mission is to promote a deeper spiritual life among God’s people through education, healthcare, and spiritual retreats. Each sister is called to witness to God’s love by living her vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience through prayer and loving service. Within His Sacred Heart and under the Patronage of Our Lady of Mount Carmel we seek to encounter Him in each moment and strive to live in docile obedience to the action of the Holy Spirit as our Lady did.
I have been privileged to serve in God’s vineyard in our Healthcare facilities as a nurse, cardiopulmonary technician, as well as in pastoral care and development; in our education apostolate, I assisted in our school in Florida, working in the office, teaching religion to 4th graders and CCD at the Pierre Toussaint Haitian Center. For seven years I helped oversee our retreat center and child care center in Palmdale, California; I have worked in formation with our Temporary Professed sisters and served at our Generalate in Alhambra, California. Currently, I am serving at Franciscan University in the Missionary Outreach office.
It is my prayer that I may be able to listen and possibly help others discern where God may be calling them – whether that be to religious life, married life, or the single life. He has a mission for you, be attentive to His bidding.
“You too, be courageous! The world needs convinced and fearless witnesses. Look to Christ who gives you the meaning of life.” -St. John Paul II
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