Does anybody know of a Carmelite monastery that accepts 50+ women?

Question

Im 53 and I have been having difficulty finding a Carmelite monastery that is willing to accept me. The ones that I've looked into claim to accept women younger than 35. Any thoughts on the matter or references are greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Answer 1

Try again.

They'll take you.

Answer 2

I am Jewish so I do not kow but there are many Carmelite order communities with web sites. Why don't you email one and ask them. If they don't accept people you age, maybe they know a community that does.

I know I have heard of women becomming nuns at a later stage in life but I am not well versed on the different types of order. I am sorry.

Whatever you decide to do, I wish you all the best.  

Answer 3

There might be a rule that applies across the board for all of the Carmelite community. Many religious communities do not take people older than X years due to past experiences over the course of the community's history.

Some communities might take older people, some communities might have also been created exactly for older women. It's something you should look into.

Regardless, if you are called to a religious community, God will make it happen... however what God's plans turn out to be might not be what we expected. You seem to want to be with the Carmelites, this is good, but maybe God wants you with another community.

Jesus told Saint Faustina to basically become a nun, and so she went to community after community... one after the other all rejected her. When she was about to give up and questioned this calling and what Jesus told her, he affirmed her in his desire to become a nun, and not long after she was accepted into a community. All this to say, trust that the Lord will provide for you. I will keep you in my prayers.

Answer 4

Ummm, I don't really know.  I didn't realize monasteries had age restrictions.  Talk to your local diocese, maybe they can put you in touch with the head of the Carmelites who might be able to answer your question.

Answer 5

I think the one in St. Louis, MO will take women your age.  

http://www.rc.net/marquette/carmelite/di...

What about other contemplative orders?  Have you considered any others?

http://www.vocationanswers.com/religious...

Blessings on you as you continue to discern your vocation.