The establishment of the Carmelite Monastery in Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu) was inspired by the Apostolic Constitution Auspicantibus Nobis, issued by Pope Pius XI on 6 January 1929. In this document, the Holy Father expressed his earnest desire that bishops and apostolic prefects throughout the mission territories establish contemplative religious communities to support the evangelization of the world through prayer. This call deeply touched the Discalced Carmelite Nuns of Monasterio de Santa Teresa de Jesús (Ponzano) in Madrid, Spain, despite the challenges and sacrifices such a mission would entail.

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On 4 February 1930, the Feast of St. Andrew Corsini, the nuns learned through a publication of the Belgian Benedictine Fathers, The Reviews, that numerous mission territories were requesting contemplative foundations. Among the 105 missions that expressed interest, 41 requested an immediate foundation. One of them was the Prefecture Apostolic of British North Borneo under Msgr. August Wachter, who had a deep devotion to St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, the Little Flower, and entrusted the proposed foundation to her intercession.

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Following the necessary approvals from the Holy See and the Superior General of the Order, Msgr. Wachter's long-cherished dream became a reality. On 6 November 1930, seven courageous Discalced Carmelite nuns departed from Spain aboard the ship Trier. Led by Mother Josephine Mary, the founding community also included Sr. Margaret, Sr. Mariana, Sr. Maria Teresa, Sr. Mary Joseph, Sr. Casilda, and the novice Sr. Conception.

After a 41-day sea voyage, the nuns arrived safely in Jesselton on 18 December 1930, the Feast of the Expectation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Deeply moved, Msgr. Wachter repeatedly expressed his gratitude, thanking God for their generous response.

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Thus began the contemplative presence of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns in North Borneo. As the community flourished and vocations increased, the monastery became the motherhouse for new foundations in Kuching (19 December 1948), Guam (17 January 1966), and Miri (6 June 1986), all dedicated to the greater glory of God.

 

Daily Mass (Monday to Saturday): 6.30 am (English)

Sunday Mass: 7.00 am (English)

 

For vocation enquiries, please visit or write to:

Carmelite Monastery of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and 

St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus 

No 83, Jalan Sang Kancil, Lorong Bukit Carmelite, 

88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.