Today in 1971 the Carmelite Community of the Word was founded. The following is taken from the community’s website:
The initial foundation of the Carmelite Community of the Word took place on July 23, 1971 in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania when fourteen former Sisters of St. Ann created a new community with the assistance of Bishop James J. Hogan. Upon his appointment to the diocese in 1987 Bishop Joseph V. Adamec affirmed our ministry and encouraged us to continue using our talents to further the mission of this diocesan “Household of God”. On September 23, 2001, Bishop Joseph Adamec completed our petition to be established as a Religious Institute of Diocesan Right.
Carmelite — Our Carmelite heritage, founded on Mary, Mother of Carmel, and as exemplified in the spirituality of Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross and Therese of Lisieux is of particular significance to us.
Community — We freely choose to share every aspect of our lives. By vowing celibate chastity, we agree to share our human affections; by vowing poverty our material goods, talents, and needs; and by obedience, the decisions of our lives. This total sharing ultimately overflows into the world community.
Of The Word — We believe that as individuals and as a community we have been called and formed by God’s Word. That the person of Jesus and the Scriptures, is at the heart of our spirituality and ministry. It gives shape to our lives of penance and service as we, like Jesus, seek to enflesh it.
We see ourselves as primarily women of prayer who choose to engage ourselves actively in ministerial labors that contribute to the building up of the Body of Christ. As those especially called to divine service, we recognize the connection between election and ministry; and once having meditated upon and believed in the Word of God, we accept our call to be heralds of the good news to others.
Our ministries flow from an intimate union with Christ and be motivated by a sincere love for those to whom we are sent.