Who We Are

A Lamp to my feet and a light to my Path

We are part of the Carmelite family, followers of St. Teresa of Avila. Following the inspiration of St Teresa, a woman for God, a woman of prayer, a woman for others we live and pray in community in a life of friendship with Christ and one another. We look to St Teresa who remains a prophetic figure for our world today, as a forerunner of the feminine voice of the church. Our monastery here in Tallow was founded in 1836 and is our home. Over the years we have been blessed with loyal and supportive friends who assist us in so many ways.

A Carmelite is one with all people, everywhere, those who believe, those who search and those who do not know that they are searching, and she identifies with all that is great and worthy of humanity’s endeavour. We are nuns without borders. Yet we live a way of life that is in many ways counter-cultural. In our contemplative prayer, we carry the needs and hopes of every person before God, lifting the face of humanity to the Father and opening our heart to be a channel of his outpouring love for all.

Our Carmel has a long tradition of Printing, which is our sole source of income. In 1970, the Sisters received the gift of a small letterpress and began a small printing project which has continued to grow and prosper into the present day. Here, the artistic gifts and talents of the Sisters find expression in creative design.

Personalised and Celtic designs are among the printed material produced. Also included are greeting cards, mass cards and wedding stationary. However, we are best known in our production of memoriam and acknowledgement cards.

This brings us into contact with many people recently bereaved. We remember them and their deceased loved ones in our prayer.

Machinery and technology has evolved since 1970 and the Sisters have adapted to the IT. While St. Joseph’s Printing department retains the spirit of a small home enterprise operated by the sisters. We are always grateful for the support of customers on whom we rely.

For a copy of our Memoriam & Acknowledgement Cards Brochure,
please contact us for further details