Carmelite Monastery

The Monastery of Our Mother of Mercy and St. Joseph in Alexandria, SD, is a community of Discalced Carmelite Nuns dedicated to a life of prayer and reparation for blasphemy. Learn more about their mission.

The Monastery of Our Mother of Mercy and St. Joseph is a community of Discalced Carmelite Nuns located in Alexandria, South Dakota. Founded in 1997, the nuns live in strict papal enclosure and follow the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Their mission is to pray for the Church and the world, particularly through the devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus, which was revealed to St. Thérèse of Lisieux. The monastery offers Mass in the Extraordinary Form at 7:30 AM on Sundays, with doors opening at 6:30 AM. Visitors can explore the chapel, gift shop, library, and parlors, and may participate in prayer for intentions or purchase handcrafted scapulars with miraculous medals. The community also maintains an infirmary and cemetery for deceased sisters.

Carmelite Monastery in Alexandria, SD, offers a serene, prayer-focused environment rooted in the Discalced Carmelite tradition. First-time visitors would notice the peaceful atmosphere, devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus, and the welcoming availability of prayer for intentions. The Extraordinary Form Mass at 7:30 AM on Sundays reflects a traditional worship style, with visitors invited to explore the chapel, gift shop, and library before services begin at 6:30 AM.

Pros

• Provides prayer for intentions, a gift shop with handcrafted religious items, and a library for visitors.
• Offers Mass in the Extraordinary Form at a consistent weekly time with clear start times listed.
• Maintains a peaceful, contemplative environment with facilities like a chapel, gift shop, and cemetery for deceased sisters.
• Devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus is central to their mission, offering a unique spiritual focus.
• The monastery has been established since 1997, indicating a stable, long-standing community.
• Clear contact information is available for inquiries or to arrange visits.

Cons

• The monastery is in strict papal enclosure, which may limit interaction with the nuns beyond designated areas.
• Mass is only offered once weekly at an early hour, which may be less convenient for some visitors.
• Facilities like the infirmary and cemetery are noted but details about accessibility or visitor access to these areas are not provided.
• The website does not specify whether accommodations or family-friendly amenities are available for children or newcomers.
• No information is provided about music or liturgical traditions beyond the Extraordinary Form Mass.
• The early start time for visitors (6:30 AM) may be challenging for those unfamiliar with the schedule.