blogtcs.com

Our front page from June 2, 2005.

Sunday marked the fifth anniversary of the Poor Clare Sisters of Perpetual Adoration’s journey west. They ventured from the motherhouse in Alabama At the invitation of Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted in order to establish a cloister in Phoenix.

Here’s part of their blogpost marking the anniversary:

Since our arrival, the Diocese of Phoenix has become family to us. Interceding for the needs of the faithful here has been our main way of explaining why a contemplative monastery is so necessary for a diocese. Email after email, phone call after phone call: so many people have entrusted to us the their needs – so that we can interecede for them as we adore Our Eucharistic King. Burdens, joys, hopes, disappointmentsP we have been privileged to share all of this with those who ask for our prayers.

It’s hard to imagine life without knowing so many of the wonderful people in Phoenix – our Bishop and Priests and Deacons, the Seminarians and Religious, our benefactors, friends, all the faithful we have met at the parishes or the grocery store, the children at schools that we have visited: Our Hearts are Filled to Overflowing! So to all of you, please be assured of how happy we are to be here in Phoenix – serving the diocese through our life of prayer and adoration. We thank you for your friendship and your support.

The Poor Clares are still in temporary quarters in Black Canyon City, but their permanent chapel (and ultimately, a monastery/cloister) in Tonopah, is well underway. Learn more about supporting the Poor Clares’ quest for a monastic reality.

The sisters make regular site visits to check on construction and make key decisions. Here’s a highlight video of their recent site visit and Mass in Tonopah with friend Bishop Jim Wall from Gallup.

The Catholic Sun has reported on the Desert Nuns over the years covering everything from building updates to women discerning a religious vocation with the sisters to  their pets. Re-visit some of your favorite stories.