Centenary Jubilee Year of Foundation

Relics of St. Thérèse and Jubilee Triduum

A Centennial of Grace: Monastery Celebrated 100 Years with Saint Thérèse's Relics and Special Student Participation

The Carmelite Monastery of Our Lady of Grace and Saint Thérèse recently hosted a momentous four-day celebration, commemorating a century of contemplative prayer and faith since its foundation in 1925. The cornerstone of this centennial event was the blessed arrival and veneration of the relics of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux—"the Little Flower." Throughout the four days, approximately 2,250 pilgrims passed through the Chapel doors, offering a powerful testament to the enduring devotion to the saint and the vibrant life of the Carmelite community.

Photo: Michael Troutman/www.dmtimaging.com

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The Saint's Arrival and Solemn Reception

Thursday, October 23, 2025 Welcome Ceremony: 4:30 p.m.

The atmosphere on the first day was one of expectant joy as the precious reliquary containing the earthly remains of St. Thérèse arrived at the monastery grounds. Hundreds of pilgrims gathered to witness the solemn reception. The chapel itself was beautifully decorated for the occasion, adorned with fragrant white and pink roses on the altar and columns, symbolizing purity, grace, and joy and representing the “Little Flower” herself.

In a poignant display of faith across generations, the sacred reliquary was carried into the chapel by students from Palma High School and accompanied by the members of the Knights of Columbus, wearing their regalia. Leading the procession, the Carmelite nuns of the monastery entered first, their voices united in a welcoming song, "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee," as they greeted their patron saint. This powerful moment of shared reverence set a moving tone for the days to follow.

Following the procession, Father Mathias Lambrecht, OCD, a Carmelite Priest, offered a heartfelt welcoming prayer and remarks, officially opening the veneration period and inviting the assembled pilgrims to approach the relics. The nuns were granted the profound privilege of being the first to venerate the relics, a private moment of deep significance for the community who are inspired by her proclamation: “My vocation is Love.” The chapel remained open throughout the evening, allowing the faithful continuous time for prayer and veneration, reflecting the deep personal impact of Thérèse's "little way" of faith and trust in God.

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TRIDUUM—DAY ONE
Honoring Saint Thérèse of Lisieux

Friday, October 24, 2025 Mass: 11 a.m.

The first day of the Triduum focused on the spirituality of the "Little Flower" herself. A special Mass was offered in her honor, celebrated by the local Apostolic Administrator, Bishop Slawomir Szkredka, whose opening prayer emphasized Saint Thérèse’s simple path to holiness through everyday acts of love and sacrifice as well as her enduring relevance as a Doctor of the Church. The Mass was made even more beautiful by the harmonious voices of the Santa Catalina School Choir and the Camerata Singers. Their moving performances included the uplifting processional and closing hymns, the resonant Gloria, and the responsorial psalms, adding a profound musical dimension to the spiritual celebration.

Father Donald Kinney, OCD gave a beautiful homily referencing the historical connection between the canonization of Saint Thérèse and the foundation of this monastery. He noted that in 1925 a beautiful and holy young Carmelite from Lisieux, France, named St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and of the Holy Face, was canonized in Rome by Pope Pius XI. Bishop John Bernard MacGinley had just been appointed to a new diocese for the Monterey-Fresno area. He was in Rome for the canonization and was so inspired that he petitioned the Holy Father for permission to found a Carmelite Monastery in Carmel in honor of the newly canonized saint. That petition was quickly granted.

Fr. Kinney also paid a beautiful tribute to the original nuns who were the foundresses of this monastery. Father Kinney also paid a wonderful tribute to the current nuns, especially Reverend Mother Teresita for her strong leadership in strengthening the presence of the monastery within the Diocese of Monterey. He continued his homily by referring to Saint Therese as the “wrought iron of Little Flower” who never gave up in the mercy, charity and power of God.

Throughout the day, personal testimonies were shared by Carmelites and laypeople whose lives have been touched by the saint's intercession. The steady stream of pilgrims approaching the reliquary continued, with many who left prayer intentions and flowers and who gave thanks for the graces received.

Church interior with large saint painting.

TRIDUUM—DAY TWO
A Tribute to Our Lady of Grace

Saturday, October 25, 2025 Mass: 9 a.m.

Triduum Day Two shifted focus to the monastery's co-patroness, Our Lady of Grace. The special Mass celebrated the Virgin Mary's role as mother and guide to the Carmelite order and all the faithful. Father Matthew Williams, the Carmelite Provincial, presided over the Mass. The chapel atmosphere was further enhanced by the beautiful voices of the Carmel Mission Choir, who sang the Mass hymns. The exquisite preludial music, performed by Lucy Faridany on piano and Janneke Hoogland on cello, provided a deeply contemplative opening to the service.

Historic church with hanging lantern feature.

TRIDUUM—DAY THREE
Thanksgiving and Centennial Commemoration

Sunday, October 26, 2025 Mass: 9 a.m.

The final day was a grand culmination of the celebration: a Mass of Thanksgiving for the centenary of the monastery's foundation. The atmosphere was one of immense gratitude for a hundred years of faith, prayer and community. The preludial music, played by Andre de la Torre and Ephran Younger on guitars, set a peaceful and reflective tone.

The Mass was celebrated by Monsignor Steve Otellini. The monastery's very own Carmelite Nuns’ Choir sang the Mass Hymns, the Gloria and the responsorial psalms, which added to the reverence of the celebration. Marina Minelli was the choir director.

Following the Mass, the celebration continued with a vibrant community event. Pilgrims were invited to a special meet-and-greet with the nuns, offering a rare opportunity for personal connection. Concurrently, the nuns hosted a “Boutique on the Lawn” event featuring the sale of unique crafts, arts, jewelries, books authored by Saint Thérèse and baked items meticulously made by the nuns, alongside paintings, photographs, and various items generously donated by the local community. This social gathering provided a joyous conclusion to the celebration.

A Lasting Legacy

The four-day celebration was a spiritual feast for all who attended. The presence of Saint Thérèse's relics provided a powerful focal point for reflection and renewal of faith. The participation of the Palma High School students and the welcoming song of the nuns, as well as the beautiful music provided by the Santa Catalina School Choir and the Camerata Singers, highlighted the vibrant, intergenerational faith of the community. As the reliquary departed, the community was left with a renewed sense of purpose and a deep appreciation for the century of grace that has sustained the Carmelite Monastery of Our Lady of Grace and Saint Thérèse. The events successfully honored the past, celebrated the present, and looked forward to the future, inspired by the enduring message of "the Little Way."

Centenary Jubilee Holy Year

holy year of thanksgiving

The Church observes a Holy Year every 25 years. The year 2025 is the next such Holy Year for the entire church. Our monastery is also celebrating its own Centenary Jubilee Holy Year of Thanksgiving, beginning on Sunday, October 27, 2024 and continuing through a special Triduum on October 24-26, 2025.

What is a Holy Year?

The jubilee calls for us to set out on a pilgrimage, a journey and to cross boundaries. The journey is not necessarily physical traveling, but it is also an interior journey within our hearts and souls to find the center where God dwells within each of us. The journey takes place gradually. Taking time for contemplation of creation is also part of the journey and helps us to realize that care for creation “is an essential expression of our faith in God and our obedience to his will.” A pilgrimage is an experience of conversion, of transforming one’s very being to conform it to the holiness of God.

What is a Holy Door?

From a symbolic viewpoint, the Holy Door takes on a special significance: it is the most powerful sign of the Jubilee, since the ultimate aim of the pilgrim is to pass through it. The opening of the door constitutes the official beginning of the Holy Year. In crossing the threshold of the Holy Door, the pilgrim is reminded of the passage from chapter 10 of St. John’s Gospel: “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” Passing through the Holy Door expresses the decision to follow and be guided by Jesus, who is the Good Shepherd. The Holy Door is a passageway that ushers the pilgrim into the interior of a church. It is a sacred place of encounter and dialogue, of reconciliation and peace which awaits every pilgrim, the Church being essentially the place of the community of the faithful.

What is the Jubilee Plenary Indulgence?

Basic Mandatory Conditions for each indulgence

Receive the Holy Eucharist the day the indulgence is performed and say one Our Father and the Creed.
One Sacramental confession within twenty days suffices for several indulgences.
Prayer for the intention of the Pope (usually the Our Father and Hail Mary).
Interior disposition of complete detachment from sin, even venial sin.

Those who cannot make a pilgrimage due to illness or other circumstances are invited to take part in the spiritual movement that accompanies the Jubilee Year by offering up the sufferings of daily life and participating in the Eucharist.

A group of people standing in front of a building.

Consecration of the Chapel on Sept. 24, 1966 (L-R) Harry Downey; Fr. Juan Oronoz; Fr. Gabriel Barry, OCD; Bishop Harry A. Clinch; Bro. Christopher, OCD

A large building with two open doors and a couple of steps.

Blessing of the Holy Door at the Thanksgiving Mass on October 27, 2024, officially beginning our Centenary Jubilee Holy Year of Thanksgiving

Two men in white robes standing next to each other.

Bishop Daniel Garcia blessing the Holy Door on October 27, 2024

Celebrating 100 Years

Our 100^th anniversary
1925-2025

We are overjoyed to announce our Centenary Jubilee Year. We have received a Decree from the Dicastery of the Apostolic Penitentiary for the Holy Year to celebrate one hundred years from the beginning of our monastery, founded in October 1925. This year is also the centenary of the canonization of St. Thérèse. We will have the privilege to host her relics on October 24, 2025.

Bishop MacGinley, the first bishop of our diocese, went to the canonization of St. Thérèse of Lisieux in May 1925 and requested a Carmelite Monastery in the new diocese under the patronage of the new Carmelite Saint. Pope Pius Xi promptly granted permission and Bishop MacGinley appealed to the Carmelite Monastery of Santa Clara, California for the foundation. Five months later, Mother Augustine, then prioress, sent five valiant nuns from her community to establish the new monastery in a temporary little square wooden house on Carmel Point, near the village of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Six years later, in 1931, the Francis Sullivan Family, whose daughter, Mother Agnes, was a member of Santa Clara, purchased land and made arrangements for the construction of our beautiful monastery on this present site. It was accomplished in six months. The building is a memorial to Francis J Sullivan, who died in 1930, and is buried at St. Joseph’s side altar. At his request, Bishop MacGinley is buried in the alcove in the back of our chapel.

We extend our heartfelt love and prayers to all who have visited this holy place and prayed here over the past one hundred years. We remember, with love and thanksgiving, our sisters and many friends who have passed on and who are still praying for us in the Heavenly Jerusalem.

A black and white photo of an old building.

First monastery building, 1925

A black and white photo of a construction site.

Construction of the current monastery building, 1931

Carmelite Monastery of Our Lady and St. Thérèse

Second monastery building, 1931-present

A group of nuns sitting in front of some bushes

First community, 1925

Current community, 2025

History at a Glance 1925 - 2025

HIGHLIGHTS - HISTORY AT A GLANCE
1925-2025

1925 — Foundation began on Carmel Point – October 24
1930 — First novice: Sr. Anne of the Mother of God
1931 — Our present monastery completed – November 1
1950 — Sr. Elizabeth of the Trinity – foundress, dies (1882 -1950)
— Mother Alberta’s Golden Jubilee
1962 — Mother Alberta of St. Teresa, first prioress (1869 – 1962)
1964 — Sr. Mary of the Eucharist, dies (1893 – 1964)
1965 — Sr. Therese of the Infant Jesus, foundress, dies (1884 – 1965)
— Foundation made in San Rafael, California (9 sisters)
1966 — Consecration of our Chapel
1967 — Sr. Rose’s Golden Jubilee
1969 — Mother Marie Aimee’s Golden Jubilee
1970 — Oratory remodeled to meet Vatican II requirements
1977 — Sr. Rose’s Diamond Jubilee
1979 — Mother Marie Aimee’s Diamond Jubilee
1980 — Sr. Anne’s Golden Jubilee
1982 — Association of St. Teresa meeting held here
1985 — Sr. Rose of Nazareth, foundress, dies (1894 – 1985)
— Sr. Anne of the Mother of God, dies (1901 – 1985)
— Mother Teresa’s Golden Jubilee
1987 — We met with Pope John Paul II at Carmel Mission
— Oratory was enlarged and remodeled
— Mother Teresa of Jesus, dies (1906 – 1987)
1988 — Maintenance shop built
1990 — New parking lot on the north side
1991 — New enclosure gate on the North side
1993 — Mother Marie Aimee of Jesus, foundress, dies (1898-1993)
— Sr. Josepha’s Golden Jubilee
1999 — Sr. Gabriel’s 40th Ruby Jubilee
2000 — The relics of St. Therese came here in January
—Our 75th anniversary celebrated on October 24
2002 — 400th anniversary of first Mass in California by three Carmelites
— Sr. Josepha of Jeus and Mary, dies (1923 – 2002)
2004 — Began restoration of our 165 windows
2005 — Sr. Philomena of Calvary, dies (1919- 2005)
—Sr. Francis Mary of the Blessed Sacrament, dies (1915 – 2005)
—Sr. Gabriel of the Annunciation, dies (1923 – 2005)

2007 — Sr. Marie Cecile’s Golden Jubilee
2008 — Sr. Mary Lucy Ginoza’s Golden Jubilee
2010 — Sr. Mercedes’ Golden Jubilee
—Sr. Anne Marie’s Golden Jubilee
2011 — National Carmelite Meeting with Fr. Gen. Saverio in Oklahoma
—Double jubilee: Sr. Teresita Golden Jubilee with her parent’s 70th Jubilee
2012 — Capital Campaign - Monastery Renovation Project
—Our Website launched
2014 — Sr. Marie Cecile of Jesus Crucified, dies (1924 – 2014)
— Sr. Maria Teresa’s Silver Jubilee
— STJ 500 Festival Celebration in San Jose and premier of Virtual Choir
2015 — First National meeting all 4 Associations of Carmelite Nuns in Darian, IL
— Sr. Francisca of the Holy Spirit , dies (1918- 2015)
—New statues of St. Teresa and St. John for Chapel façade
— Sr. Mary Joseph’s Silver Jubilee
2016 — Historic meeting a Contemplatives in Rome with Pope Francis
—Amalgamation with the Guam Carmel
2017 — Sr. Mary Lucy Ginoza, dies (1925 – 2017)
2018 — Sr. Anne Marie of the Incarnation, dies (1929 – 2018)
— Sr. Mercedes of Mary Immaculate, dies (1939 – 2018)
2019 — Sr. Jacinta Mary’s Silver Jubilee
— Chapel closed for the first time since 1931 for COVID quarantine
2020 — Greenhouse built on lawn area
2021 — Triple jubilee for Sr. Bernadette, Sr. Rose Mary, Mother Teresita
—We hosted the Saint Teresa Association National General Assembly
2022 — Sr. Juanita de la Cruz’s solemn vows
2023 — Sr. Marie of Christ’s solemn vows
— Sr. Ana de San Jose’s solemn vows
—Sr. Collette’s Golden Jubilee
— New signage on our Entrance Wall at the highway
2024 — Solar Capital Campaign
— Sr. Mary Edel’s Golden Jubilee
— Official blessing of the Holy Door, opening of our Centenary Jubilee Holy Year

Carmelite Monastery of Our Lady and Saint Thérèse

Carmel, California

Centenary Jubilee Year of Foundation

Relics of St. Thérèse and Jubilee Triduum