About the Sacred Heart Retreat Center - Sacred Heart Retreat House

About Sacred Heart Retreat House

The Sacred Heart Retreat House is directed by the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles. Located in Alhambra, California, the retreat house provides beautiful gardens and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere where one can encounter God.

Mission Statement

As Carmelites, we give priority to the retreat apostolate which flows from our charism -- promoting a deeper spiritual life among those with whom and for whom we work, above all by prayer and good example. The purpose of retreats, as envisioned by our Foundress, is to provide others with a silent, restful atmosphere in which they can come closer to God and deepen their prayer life in order to return to their homes consoled, strengthened, and spiritually refreshed. We are committed to selecting retreat masters who are loyal to the Church and treasure its magisterium.

The Carmelite Sisters

The Carmelites are a community founded in 1921 by Mother Maria Luisa Josefa of the Most Blessed Sacrament. The spirit of the community is that of Carmel, a way of prayer, sacrifice, and love. Mother Foundress, being a contemplative Carmelite Novice at one time, founded the group having as her motto -- to give to each one of her daughters the spirit of Carmel; in other words, to unite prayer with the active apostolate through teaching, nursing, day care, and retreat work. The Sisters currently serve in the Los Angeles, Miami, Tucson, Arizona, and Denver, Colorado Archdioceses. For more information on the Carmelite Sisters, visit our website.