Mexican nuns create first U.S. convent in Denver

'It is by the grace of God.'

Six Allied Discalced Carmelites of the Holy Trinity nuns, the first of their order, opened a convent in the United States.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - According to the Denver Catholic, the nuns began their order in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

It was founded by Sister Maria Ramirez-Mora on July 16, 1986, and boasts over 200 nuns, who serve in various apostolates from assisting at nursing homes to retreat centers across Rome, Italy, Mexico, Argentina and Chile.

Superior Mother Martha Patricia Malacara explained their move to the United States was "by the grace of God" and added: "He is making history [here]. We want to thank Archbishop Samuel Aquila for welcoming us. We are very grateful."

The six nuns are all Spanish-speaking Mexican natives who arrived in Denver March 14. Mother Malacara was joined by Sisters Imelda Cardona, Lidia Cortez, Elvira Esparza, Maria Patricia Mireles and Laura Martinez-Silvestre.

They wear black veils and brown habits with a triangular emblem representing the Holy Trinity. Within the emblem, there is a cloud, symbolizing the Father's providence, which floats over Jesus' cross, where a dove, representing the Holy Spirit, issues fire for the Holy Spirit's seven gifts, which fall over the globe.

The nuns are prepared to do God's works in the U.S. and are working hard to learn English.

"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."

She explained people communicate with them by using friendly gesturing, which made the nuns feel encouraged in their new environment.

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

While living in their new convent, at the St. John Paul II Center campus, where they will help with the needs and upkeep of the Holy Trinity Center and maintain various sacristies.

Though they will be busy with these tasks, their priority is prayer. They focus on the sanctification of priests and seminarians, for the conversion of sinners, the needs of the church and, above all, the Divine Office and daily Eucharistic adoration.

The nuns do welcome prayer requests as well.

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

The convent also encourages women to contact them if they feel called to serve.

"If you feel that call, answer it!" Sister Cardona said, adding there is no reason to fear the calling. "God loves you, so you should answer."

If you have a prayer request, please email Carmelites@archden.org or mail your request to Allied Discalced Carmelites of the Holy Trinity, 1300 S. Steele St. Denver, CO 80210.

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