On October 15, the feast day of renowned Carmelite nun St. Teresa of Avila, the parish of Sts. Peter and Paul in Wheat Ridge celebrated 20 years of having the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles serving at their school and parish.
For the occasion, the parish celebrated a Mass, followed by a reception, alumni homecoming, and open house at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic STEM School. Special guests included Mother Gloria Therese, O.C.D., Superior General of the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles, Sr. Mary Patrice, O.C.D., School Principal from 2013-2017, and Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Elias Moo.
The celebration was “a great opportunity for our community to thank the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles for their outstanding service, sacrifices, hard work, faith-filled witness, and kindness towards our community over the past 20 years,” said Fr. James K. Goggins V.F., pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul.
Fr. Goggins said that he asked the sisters to come to the parish and school in 1999, while they were on a visit to Denver.
“At that time, Sr. Rosario Therese, O.C.D. responded, ‘If it is God’s will, it will happen.’ Without a doubt, her words were prophetic! Since then, Saints Peter and Paul parishioners never let up on prayers asking God to lead the sisters to Saints Peter and Paul. After much conversation, discernment, prayer, and creative cooperation, former Mother (General), Regina Marie, O.C.D., contacted me to say that the Carmelite Sisters had decided to accept our invitation and that the Sisters would arrive in August of 2003,” he added.
Currently, there are five sisters serving at Saints Peter and Paul: Sr. Madeleine, O.C.D., Local Superior and Teacher Aide, Sr. Faustina, O.C.D., School Principal, Sr. Ines, O.C.D., Vice Principal and Religion Coordinator, Sr. Celine, O.C.D., 8th Grade Teacher, and Sr. Juanita, O.C.D., Music and Spanish Teacher.
The Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles have their Motherhouse in Alhambra, California. Their 120 sisters serve the Church in education, healthcare, and hosting retreats in California, Colorado and Florida.