By Adrianna Chan
KUCHING — On 11 May 2025, 24 St Teresa’s Secondary School students and seven (7) young ladies aged between 15 to 37 years were very honoured and blessed to be able to meet the sisters at the Carmelite Monastery visitors’ parlour from 3.30pm – 5.00 pm, and pray the Vespers from 5.00 – 5.30 pm at the Carmelite Chapel.
The girls were enlightened about the life of the Carmelite sisters in the monastery. Throughout the meet session, Sister Dominica Chai and Sister Karen Emmanuel of Jesus on the Cross shared how they were called to be Carmelite sisters.
Through the Q & A, students learnt that Carmelite sisters dedicate their lives to a contemplative life focused on prayer, spiritual reading, and manual labor, living in community and following vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. They spend significant time in silent prayer and meditation, engaging in the Liturgy of the Hours and daily Mass. The Carmelite nuns withdraw completely from the world and dedicate themselves entirely to a life of prayer and penance. But their sacrifices and their prayers reach out to the world they have left behind.
They have not fled the world because they did not enjoy the life they had there. They love the world – they love life – and they have found it in all its richness and beauty…by giving themselves to God.
According to Sister Karen, the greatest joy and peace experienced by her is to spend personal time praying and having personal relationship with the Lord.
Question was also asked regarding the length of formation to become Carmelite sisters.
The following information is shared by Sister Karen regarding the length of formation to become a Carmelite nun which is 9-12 years.
Aspirancy 1-2 years
Postulancy 1-2 years
Novitiate 2 years
Temporary professed nun (with temporary vows) – 5 years or more until a minimum of 9 years of formation is completed.
Solemn professed nun (with lifelong vows) – lifelong formation.
The earliest stage is a time to get to know the candidate and for the candidate to be exposed to some experience of stay-in with the community inside the monastery.
Interested candidates usually meet a few times with Mother Prioress or the nun who is appointed for formation, and eventually meet the whole community 2-3 times before applying for stay-in.
Candidates are to write a letter to apply for stay-in. Then wait for approval.
Duration of stay-in depends on the candidate’s choice, but generally, a longer stay-in period is recommended to better experience the Carmelite life (maximum length of stay-in period is three months).
For enquiries, candidates may come to the Turn at the monastery.
The teachers and students would like to take this opportunity to thank the Carmelite sisters for their warmth and kindness in sharing their vocation. We pray more young ladies would respond to God’s calling and seek divine guidance and inspiration to answer God’s call to a life dedicated to serving the Church. We pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in discerning and following one’s true vocation and for the strength and perseverance to live faithfully within that vocation.
Students share their experience during the meeting with Carmelite Sisters
After the visit, I think a lot more about the sisters’ daily routine, about how they are able to consistently keep their prayer while also experiencing temptation at the same time. This also reminds me that no matter how much you keep your daily prayer, bible studies and worship activities, etc, temptations will always find its way to consume you into doing sins like guilty pleasure. It is also a reminder that we need to consistently maintain a prayerful routine so that our faith and spirit can be stronger when doing things together with the Lord. To summarise, whatever we do in worshipping Christ, it is always to keep our spirit/faith energised for Him so that we could keep a prayerful surrounding. [Angelia Rhine Anak Christopher Rhine]
This year was my second time meeting the Carmelite sisters. As usual they will always answer whatever questions we had in mind. But this year I’ve learned something new. I have learnt that they never see serving the Lord such as praying everyday, doing the same schedule as a routine but part of their lives. Meeting again was a reminder of how enjoyable this session was and to be able to connect with the sisters and other people together in Christ.
I felt so glad that I got to see them again and because of this I got to know their lifestyle which is peace in their pure soul. They made me realise that we shouldn’t pray for the sake of praying and just doing the same thing without knowing what we are doing, praying for what we desire instead of focusing on our Lord Jesus himself. [Delphyna Kamul Anak Digran]
I’m truly thankful and grateful for the opportunity to meet the Carmelite sisters. This was my first time meeting them, and it was a deeply inspiring, eye-opening, and heartfelt experience for me. I was deeply touched by their kindness, the peaceful surroundings, and their strong faith in God. What inspired me most was their constant prayer life, which showed me what it means to fully rely on God, especially when facing life’s troubles or worldly temptations. Praying with them and hearing their stories reminded me to keep my faith in Jesus, even when I don’t feel His presence. It also reminded me to always love and serve others, just as Jesus loves and serves us. This experience has truly inspired me to walk more closely with Christ and to grow stronger in my faith every day. [Alexia anak Victor]
Last Sunday’s visit to the Carmelite sisters was a truly moving and enriching experience. Stepping into their serene and prayer filled environment reminded me of the beauty of silence, simplicity, and deep faith. Despite living a life hidden from the world, the sisters radiated a quiet joy and peace that can only come from a deep relationship with God. I was especially inspired by their dedication to constant prayer not just for themselves, but for the world. It reminded me that even in silence, we can have a powerful impact. I learned that vocation comes in many forms, and the contemplative life is one of profound love and sacrifice. [Hilda Hayden Gabriel]
Last Sunday I visited the Carmelite sisters. I had the best experience and learnt about their daily life in the Carmelite monastery. From 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm, from the Q & A, I have learnt about the lifestyle of the Carmelite sisters which inspired me especially in their daily prayers. After the Q&A, I got the chance to join the sisters to pray the Vespers prayer at the Carmelite Chapel. I hope I can visit the Carmelite sisters again next year. [Claryssa cassandra anak Maik]
 young ladies aged between 15 to 37 years were very honoured and...){kind=link}