End of an Era: Carmelite Sisters depart, leaving lasting impact on Canberra’s faith community

Carmelite Sisters from the Red Hill Monastery joined Mother Angela, Prioress and Sisters from the Kew Monastery at the Thanksgiving Mass and farewell at St Christopher’s Cathedral on 24 August.

In a poignant farewell, the Carmelite Sisters are departing Canberra after 50 years of dedicated service, leaving behind a legacy etched into Canberra’s spiritual fabric.

Hundreds gathered at St Christopher’s Cathedral for a heartfelt Thanksgiving Mass to honour the Sisters’ often silent yet profound contributions.

Archbishop Christopher Prowse addressed a congregation of over 500, acknowledging the monumental impact the Sisters have had on the community. “On one level, we have not been looking forward to this day,” he openly admitted.

In a light-hearted remark, Archbishop Prowse likened himself to “some sort of Episcopal Grim Reaper” as he shared his experiences of celebrating a similar Mass years ago to mark the closure of the Carmel Convent in Wagga Wagga. This event was soon followed by the closing of the Carmelite Convent in Tavarnelle, near Florence, shortly after his visit there.

He humorously added, “Sisters, please think twice before you invite me to visit you again in Kew!”

He likened the Sisters’ departure to an Aboriginal tradition where tribes would pass on hot coals from their fire to a neighbouring tribe’s fire.

Apostolic Nuncio, His Excellency Archbishop Balvo (Left) presented Mother Angela with a Papal Blessing at the Thanksgiving Mass

“Today, we prayerfully transfer the historic Carmelite prayer “hot coals” from Red Hill to Kew.  Our prayer intercessions, praises of God, requests to Mary, St Teresa of Avila and St Therese of Lisieux are transferred but not extinguished to the Mother House in Kew.”

“May Kew also be known as Kew-Red Hill in your hearts,” he encouraged.

The departure of the Carmelites from Canberra marks the conclusion of an era. However, the Archbishop highlighted that renewal within the Archdiocese is underway, with several young men and women exploring their vocations to the priesthood and religious life. He also welcomed the recent arrival of the Blessed Sacrament Fathers and Voluntas Dei priests, who are bringing new ministries to Canberra’s faith community.

(L-R) Long-time attendees to the Sunday Mass at the Red Hill Monastery, Sue and Brian Leonard, along with regular Mass attendee Rosa, joined in the celebrations after Mass

Canberra Carmelite, Sister Bernadette expressed gratitude to the community, saying, “Your presence today signals your respect for the Carmelite vocation of intercessory prayer. We have been privileged to enfold each one of you and your intentions in our hearts.”

She paid homage to early pioneers, Sr. Gertrude and Sr. Mary Agnes, and extended thanks to the clergy, especially the Papal Nuncios, who have supported them.

For long-time attendees like Brian and Sue Leonard, the departure is particularly bittersweet. “It’s a sad day for us,” Brian shared, reminiscing about the countless Sundays spent at the Carmelite Chapel in Red Hill. He fondly recalled manning the tombola stall at the annual fete with the Sisters, tirelessly attending to volunteers with refreshing cordial drinks and delicious ham and mustard sandwiches.

Mother Angela with Kevin Croker

After the Mass, Mother Angela, the prioress, announced plans to set up a fund supporting the education of priests and seminarians. Named in honour of St. Therese of Lisieux, this initiative will serve as a testament to the Sisters’ enduring commitment.

As the Sisters prepare to leave Canberra, many reflected on their profound connection with the community, a bond woven through decades of shared prayer, solace, and hope. Their influence transcends the convent walls, having quietly touched countless lives.

Though their departure is a heartfelt goodbye, it is also a profound thank you for the decades of unwavering spiritual support. As new ministries settle in, the spirit of dedication and contemplation the Sisters embody will continue to inspire, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and perpetual prayer in Canberra.