Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm - Founding and Core Values

Venerable Mary Angeline Teresa McCrory spent her early years in Northern Ireland and Scotland and after entering and professing vows with the Little Sisters of the Poor in France, was assigned to homes in America. She developed a great love for the American people and wished to care for them according to living standards in the United States. When this was not possible within the Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor, with the guidance and assistance of Patrick Cardinal Hayes of New York, she and six other Sisters began the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm on September 3, 1929 in an empty rectory in Upper Manhattan, New York. The Sisters now sponsor, co-sponsor or serve in 20 facilities in the United States and one in Dublin, Ireland.

In Carmelite homes, Sisters and staff alike seek to carry out the Venerable Mary Angeline Teresa McCrory’s philosophy of care. She stressed the dignity and worth of every older person and the need to provide more than an up to date facility. In her words we must bring Christ to every older person, “giving them his compassion, his interest, his loving care, his warmth morning noon and night. It means inspiring the lay people who work with us to give the same type of loving care.” This is summed up in the Carmelite Sisters’ slogan “The difference is love” and their core values of Hospitality, Compassion, Sanctity of Life and Shared Commitment.

St. Patrick’s Manor

On March 17, 1953, Richard Cardinal Cushing purchased the former Lafayette Hotel at 333 Commonwealth Avenue in Boston for the purpose of converting it to a 125 bed home for the aged. He welcomed the Venerable Mary Angeline Teresa McCrory and the Carmelite Sisters who would administer the facility. Eleven years later, when the home was deemed too small and the necessary repairs to it too costly, Cardinal Cushing again intervened and donated land in Framingham. The Sisters then built the current home, which began with 333 residents and now serves 292. It was dedicated on May 17, 1970.

About the Venerable Mary Angeline Teresa McCrory

The Congregation of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm was founded in 1929 by the Venerable Mary Angeline Teresa McCrory. As a young Sister she recognized a great and growing need to provide appropriate services for America’s aging, and often infirm, population. Strengthened by her faith she made her vision a reality by establishing her fledgling community during the great depression in America. St. Patrick's Manor has been a part of the Sisters' mission since its founding in 1953, when it was opened in the former Lafayette Hotel in Boston. Our current facility was built in Framingham, Massachusetts in 1969. Our building and grounds were designed to provide a gentle atmosphere where we can care for the holistic needs of our residents. Great attention is given to preserving each person's dignity and independence.

If you would like more information about St. Patrick’s Manor, please fill out the form on this page or call us at 508.370.8611.