Bangkok (AsiaNews/UCAN) Discalced Carmelite nuns 'work' cloistered in their convent surrounded by the hectic world of busy downtown Bangkok. As the bustling world of banks and offices opens during the day and that of bars and restaurants opens at night, they pray. The rush of people and car traffic do not stop these nuns from their life of contemplation and prayers.
"We are a praying community. Our work is to pray for the world an its needs," said Sister Teresita of the Child Jesus, prioress of the Carmelite Monastery.
In a city like Bangkok, many people turn to the Carmelites for help and comfort. Many parents, Sister Teresita said, ask the nuns to pray for their children to remain strong in their faith. Some men ask for prayers that they do not get conscripted, while others seek God's help finding life partners or jobs.
"Another common reason people ask for prayers," she explained, "is to deal with serious illnesses such as cancer. A number of men and women with HIV/AIDS come to ask for prayers, as do relatives of men and women sex workers who want God to inspire these people to change their life."
In a world bent on producing, the nuns' mission would seem useless. But for Sister Teresita, praying "is our contribution to the Church and the world". Whenever possible, she added, the nuns try to teach visitors how to pray and "have a dialogue with God".
Somchai Thadaprathip, a Thai Catholic layman who visited the convent to request prayers, said that "the Carmelite nuns' ministry is not only relevant but has great value to society". Ordinary people can learn what 'total dedication' to others means.
The Carmelite community comprises 15 nuns. The first nuns arrived in Bangkok in 1925 when the land on which the convent was built was donated. They moved into it some years later. The whole compound covers a 9,800 m2 area.
The order of Discalced Carmelites was founded by Saint Teresa of Avila in 1562. Today there are 12,000 Carmelite nuns worldwide.