Carmel of The Holy Spirit, Sheffield (Kirk Edge) is closing

[graciandelamadrededios]

A friend of mine from this forum wrote to me that Discalced Carmelite Nuns of Monastery of The Holy Spirit, Sheffield is closing.

This Carmel is one of the most conservative and traditional Carmels following the 1990 Constitutions.  This is a wonderful monastery and based on the photos I saw, they are of French origin Carmel (the habit is "French style") and still wears the alpargatas or hemp sandals.

I am sad to hear this news.  

 

[Graciela]

Gracian-

Do you know if their numbers are so low and/or their ages and health issues such that they are being supressed? I recall a phatmasser who entered there about 10 years ago, so I was thinking of her and wondering whether the nuns would be dispersed or be able to remain together. I also recall it being a very old monastery and wonder if it needed a great deal of much repair and updating that was prohibitive to remaining open.

Prayers for all the nuns there as they move through the process of closing. May God give them strength and consolation.

[GraceUk]

I think a phatmass poster did enter there but didn't stay.  But she did love the place.  I hope the nuns find suitable convent  to relocate to 

[graciandelamadrededios]

On 9/17/2024 at 3:12 PM, Graciela said:

Gracian-

Do you know if their numbers are so low and/or their ages and health issues such that they are being supressed? I recall a phatmasser who entered there about 10 years ago, so I was thinking of her and wondering whether the nuns would be dispersed or be able to remain together. I also recall it being a very old monastery and wonder if it needed a great deal of much repair and updating that was prohibitive to remaining open.

Prayers for all the nuns there as they move through the process of closing. May God give them strength and consolation.

Hello Graciela, 

Unfortunately, the specific reason why they closed was not disclosed so it could be the aging members of the community, few younger nuns, building issues, etc.  There is no news online.

Based on what I saw on the vocation brochure that the Nuns provided, majority of its members are old and that was several years ago.  In addition to that, UK has few vocations for religious life and even fewer for cloistered life.  

This is sad but a reality of the situation nowadays.

[ffraid]

Kirk Edge are dispersing, not staying as one community. Founded originally from Notting Hill, several sisters will be going there, including at least 2 in their 80s. I dont know where the others are going, or how many sisters there still are.

Kirk Edge joined the Association of British Carmels a few years ago, which will have - presumably - given them more contact with and knowledge of the different Carmels.

[graciandelamadrededios]

This is really sad, I think they are the last of the 1990 Carmel in the UK.

Their situation is similar to Danvers Carmel, after Mother Dawn Marie (former Prioress of Guam Carmel) was appointed Prioress, their monastery closed thereafter.  I heard Danvers Carmel is a wonderful community.

Vocations in the USA and Europe is really a challenge.  Except for the JMJ Carmels in the USA who are thriving with vocations and Eastern Europe Carmels such as Poland.  

There are new novices in our Carmels in the Philippines (OCD) but they are not founding new ones which means that there new comers just replaces the older nuns who joined our Lord.  They have 22 houses, I think, as of the moment, The 23rd Carmel was closed due to security reasons.  This community were kidnapped and held hostage several years ago.  

However, Carmels (O.Carm) have been founding new houses for the last few years.  Even Poor Clares (OSC) have started new foundations.

 

 

 

[SorrowfulHeart]

Hi! I can say, as a person discerning with an O.Carm Carmel, there is a heavy lack of vocations in the Ancient Observance, especially here in the US. There are four Carmels (I believe) of the Ancient Observance and in all of them, there are only five or six fully professed nuns. The community I'm discerning with (there are two nuns) are trying to revitalize aspects of the Observance that fell out of practice in the 60s, like Gregorian Chant and Latin and full Monastic Silence. 

It's a struggle, and I pray for all Carmels and vocations. The Lord will provide what He Wills.

[graciandelamadrededios]

On 10/30/2024 at 12:43 PM, SorrowfulHeart said:

Hi! I can say, as a person discerning with an O.Carm Carmel, there is a heavy lack of vocations in the Ancient Observance, especially here in the US. There are four Carmels (I believe) of the Ancient Observance and in all of them, there are only five or six fully professed nuns. The community I'm discerning with (there are two nuns) are trying to revitalize aspects of the Observance that fell out of practice in the 60s, like Gregorian Chant and Latin and full Monastic Silence. 

It's a struggle, and I pray for all Carmels and vocations. The Lord will provide what He Wills.

This is true in the US O. Carm. monasteries of Nuns.  But not here in the Philippines.  They have many aspirants, postulants and novices, hence, they are founding more houses to dioceses in the Philippines that needed cloistered-contemplative presence.   I think there are O. Carm. Nuns from the Philippines helping out Allentown Carmel. Carmelite Nuns Carmelite Nuns, please check their website under photos - community life.