By Joanna Puddister King and Tereza Ma
JACKSON – The small community of Discalced Carmelite Nuns in Jackson celebrated a milestone in their monastery on Saturday, Nov. 22, as Sister Marie Claire professed her first vows during a quiet morning ceremony in the chapel.
Originally from the Congo, Sister Marie Claire made her temporary vows of poverty, chastity and obedience before a small gathering that included members of the Carmelite Seculars and supporters from the greater Jackson community. After Mass, she greeted guests with a radiant smile, wearing a crown of flowers symbolizing her vocation as a bride of Christ and her commitment to a life of purity and devotion.

Founded in 1951, the Carmelite monastery has long served the diocese as a place of contemplation, where the nuns devote their lives to prayer, silence and simplicity in service to the People of God.
For those present, the ceremony was a moment of deep joy and inspiration.
“It was a day of great joy,” said Dorothy Ashley, a Carmelite Secular. “I praise God for her vocation and will be praying for her – and hope she’ll be praying for us too.”
For Taylor Coe, who entered the church this past Easter, witnessing his first profession of vows was especially moving. “It was a very enlightening experience,” he said. “Seeing someone commit their entire life to God was beautiful. The nuns have been such a blessing in my life, especially their prayers and their presence.”
The Carmelite community continues to welcome visitors seeking quiet, prayer and the presence of Christ – a mission they describe as sharing “an overflow of contemplation” with the world.