Our Community of cloistered Discalced Carmelite Nuns, who pray for the Church and for the world, especially for the sanctification of priests and the salvation of souls, would like to share with you a difficult situation in which we find ourselves at present, with the hope that our Lord might inspire you to help us.
Our Carmelite Monastery, in the Diocese of Brooklyn, is located next to a park (just 10 feet away from our enclosre wall) which has proved to be a real problem and in recent times, even a danger for our Community. The noise level coming from the park has always been a difficulty, but this past year it has grown to be unbearable, especially following the outbreak of the pandemic and the curtailment of the police. The area directly behind our wall has become a hangout for gangs who blast horrendous music (if one can call it music) all hours of the night.
Worse than the noise, however, is the late night carousing, drinking and drugs, as well as the evidence of satanic rituals just feet away from us. Under such conditions it is impossible for our Community to grow and flourish. We have several inquiries from young woman who feel called to our Carmel; however it would be impossible to receive them at our present location. In addition, a rural setting would be a great help and stimulus to contemplative life and with the uncertainty of these times, it would afford us the opportunity to be more self-sufficient.
This summer, as we were praying and searching for some place where we could move, we were put in contact with a family near Scranton, PA who were willing and eager to donate 13 acres of their property to us in order to build a Carmelite Monastery. They have already consecrated their property to our Blessed Mother, calling it the "City of God on Mary's land", and we really felt that this was an indication of her guidance, since we are daughters of Our Lady, and clothed in her Holy Scapular. We went to visit the property in question, which is located in Pleasant Mount, PA, and found that it was beautiful, abounding in silence! It is an ideal site for a Contemplative Monastery.