Pakistan

In the early 1950's, Bishop Cialeo, O.P. from Pakistan made our acquaintance. He would stop by to visit with the community every time he came to Los Angeles and at each visit would ask if the sisters would like to make a foundation in Pakistan.

In these years, the community was growing very large and there was much thought of making a foundation. Australia was the preferred place. Mother Mary Gabriel had no interest in Pakistan.

When the late Joseph Cardinal Cordiero became Archbishop of Karachi, Pakistan, one of his first decisions was to invite a contemplative community to his diocese. Bishop Cialeo heard of his desire and immediately contacted him saying he thought he knew just the community.

Eventually, Archbishop Cordiero formally invited the Nuns in Los Angeles to make a foundation in Karachi. In order to better evaluate the possibility, Mother Mary Gabriel and Sister Mary Imelda traveled to Pakistan in 1958. They both felt that, though it would be difficult, there was great potential for a community of cloistered Dominican nuns to flourish in this predominantly Muslim country.

In 1959, after much preparation and effort, Mother Mary Gabriel and nine sisters left the monastery in Los Angeles for Pakistan.

Originally the community was situated in Karachi proper, on Ingle Road in a rather large house. Early on in Karachi, the sisters learned to adapt to the many different ways of living they encountered. It was a challenging and difficult time. Gone were the many conveniences the country they had come from and yet they found the strength of mind and soul to overcome the many obstacles. With time it became imperative that they move to a more permanent location. This they did in the 1960's when they built a new monastery in an area outside of the city.

The community has been through many hardships and dangerous situations, wars, floods, etc. They feel their call to be witnesses to God's presence is most valuable and needed. They are greatly supported by their many Muslim friends. The monastery in Karachi was well founded and the majority of the sisters are now Pakistani.