PRESS RELEASE: Nuns Prepare for the Next Phase of the Monastery of the Angels

Public Access to the Property to End Effective January 1, 2024

HOLLYWOOD, CA – The Monastery of the Angels has started to wind down activities in anticipation of the next phase of the facility’s future. Effective January 1, 2024, public access to the facility will end. This will bring to a close all liturgies at the chapel and suspend the candy and gift shop operations. However, pumpkin bread and candy will continue to be sold online until the current inventory is depleted.

Though the property will still be maintained by long-time employees, ending public access to the facility will simplify operations for the nuns and allow more time, resources, and focus to be given to discerning its future.

“It’s never easy, but it’s natural for this moment to come,” shared Sr. Maria Christine Behlow, O.P., former Prioress. “We did our best to help everyone transition by keeping things open for a while, but the reality is the nuns aren’t here anymore. The expense and burden of continuing to manage the facility is simply unsustainable for us.”

When the community of nuns left the Monastery of the Angels in May 2022, the Master of the Order asked them to work with the friars of the Western Dominican Province to find ways to preserve the property that honored the nuns and continued to provide for their future medical needs. A formal RFP process began in April 2023, yielding inquiries and proposals from a large group of interested parties, including nonprofit, religious, education, and community groups, as well as private sector investors and developers.

Fr. Christopher Fadok, O.P., Prior Provincial of the Western Dominican Province, noted, “Along with formal proposals and offers, we receive a lot of creative and aspirational ideas, which we welcome and investigate with the nuns. We continue to be patient looking for the right fit for the nuns.”

Sr. Maria Christine added, “We sincerely appreciate the loving support and assistance received from our monastery friends, employees, and benefactors during this time of transition. Everything is in God’s hands, and we just keep praying for a little miracle.”

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