Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Bishop James Conley is set to lead a Solemn Pontifical Mass of Thanksgiving on February 2, celebrating the 70th anniversary of vows taken by Mother Teresa of Jesus. The event will take place at the Carmel of Jesus, Mary and Joseph near Agnew. Mother Teresa, a former prioress of the Carmelite Sisters, has been recognized for her long-standing commitment to religious life.

The Carmel of Jesus, Mary and Joseph is located in one of Nebraska's scenic areas known as the Bohemian Alps. This region is noted for its rolling hills and rural setting, reminiscent of the homeland for Czech immigrants who settled there in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Mother Teresa met Bishop Conley when he became Bishop of Lincoln in 2014. Father Christopher Barak, chaplain to the Carmelites, described her as having "a gentle strength," adding that she exudes joy through her devotion to prayer and penance.

Originally from Chile, Mother Teresa came to the United States for college education and graduated in 1953. Her interest in religious life was sparked by reading about St. Teresa of Ávila and St. Thérèse of Lisieux. She later joined a Carmelite community in San Francisco where she embraced a cloistered life dedicated to prayer.

The daily routine at the Carmel begins at 4:30 a.m., centering around Mass, mental prayer, work such as needlework or gardening, and creating vestments for Mass. The sisters also pray for local church needs and accept public prayer requests.

Msgr. Timothy Thorburn recalled his first interaction with Mother Teresa when she sought permission to establish a new Carmelite foundation in Lincoln Diocese. He praised her leadership style as one rooted in love rather than authority.

In November last year, Bishop Conley invited Professor William Shomos from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to perform excerpts from "The Dialogues of the Carmelites" opera at the monastery—a story about martyred nuns during France's Reign of Terror.

As preparations continue for February's celebration, Father Barak mentioned that spiritual bouquets and special music are being arranged for Mother Teresa’s milestone anniversary.