Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
HOLLADAY — The nuns at the Carmelite Monastery in Holladay are preparing for their annual fair on Sunday. It always "takes a village" of people of many faiths to support them.
Every September for decades, hundreds — sometimes even thousands — of people gather at the Carmelite Monastery for one purpose: to provide for the nuns. The fair raises money for their food and to pay the bills.
Many activities take place on the grounds of the monastery, located at 5714 Holladay Blvd. There are food booths, tables and chairs under tents, and new activities for children. But the heart of the Carmelite Fair takes place inside the monastery.
The rooms of the monastery center are filled with hundreds of baskets for a silent auction. Hundreds of volunteers collected or delivered them over the past few months.
Planning for the fair begins every February, according to Mary Solak, who oversees the donated items. Catholics, Episcopalians, Baptists and Latter-day Saints offer to help.
"It’s interesting to see our volunteer list. (It includes) people from every faith in the valley, and they are constantly contacting us. 'Can we do more? Are there other things we can offer? What else do you need help with?'” she said.
"We're really grateful (not only) to all the volunteers but to all the people who come. This is how we keep ourselves in existence, our main support," Sister Margaret Mary said.
Live auction items include a beautiful linen wall hanging and pillows made by the nuns, that feature the images of Noah, animals and an ark. Also, a harbor scene cross-stitch picture, and a restored buffet table that belonged to the very popular Sister Mary Joseph, who for many years was the monastery’s public relations sister.
Other live auction items — dinner with the new Bishop of the Diocese Oscar Solis, and a gourmet meal for 10 cooked by firefighters at Fire House 104 in Holladay. It includes a tour of the fire department.
Sister Margaret Mary and 10 others live cloistered and see visitors as they remain behind the grille, separated from the world. The order was probably founded in the 12th century, with women following the example of hermit monks who lived on Mount Carmel, chosen as the traditional home of the Prophet Elijah.
The nuns devote their lives to praying for the people of Utah and for all people.
“Not just for us but for the whole human race,” Sister Margaret Mary said. “We pray for people, for their problems, their needs, their sufferings.” They also pray for those struggling to recover from recent hurricanes.
Wayne Shaw is the monastery maintenance manager. He and his crew care for the 8 acres of land surrounding the monastery.
"I think they bring a lot of spirituality to the valley. They're a blessing to us," he said.
The Carmelite Fair takes place Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A 5K "Run for the Nuns" begins at 8 a.m. Shuttle buses will follow a 15-minute route around Holladay to ease traffic congestion. For more information, visit carmelslc.org/carmelpg4.htm.
