Welcome to the PRESTON CARMEL Web Site

Welcome to our site where you will be able to find out more about us, our history and what we do.

The Carmelite Order takes it name from Mount Carmel in the Holy Land and traces its origins back to the ancient hermits leading lives of solitude and prayer on that mountain in the 12th century in the spirit of the prophit Elijah.The Carmelite Monastary of Preston is the only enclosed Contemplative house in the diocese of Lancaster.

Carmelites are known as enclosed Nuns. Just as the ancient hermits went out into the desert to seek the silence and solitude in which God makes himself known and prayer can develop, so today the Enclosure of our Monasteries helps to establish similar conditions favourable to living a life of intense prayer. It is also a symbol of the sanctuary or place set apart for God which each Sister is endeavouring to create in her heart.