Sister Maria Concepta Chang stands in the Chapel at Mt. Carmel Home, where she serves as Sacristan. In the background is a photo of the foundress of the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus, Blessed Maria Teresa of St. Joseph.

At 73, Sister Maria Concepta Chang shows no signs of slowing down. Waking up each day before sunrise to prepare the chapel at Mt. Carmel Home for daily 7 a.m. Mass for residents and fellow Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus, Sister Chang relishes her current role as Sacristan.

She recently celebrated her Jubilee Year with the church, marking 50 years since she first professed her faith as a Carmelite. Last year, her oldest sister, who is now retired, also celebrated her 50th Jubilee Year.

"It was Providential that I met three special Carmelite sisters in Bluefields, Nicaragua in 1947, because they had not planned on visiting that city," she explained. "They came to Nicaragua to choose a location for a new convent."

The child of a Nicaraguan mother and a Chinese father, Chang grew up with nine brothers and sisters. Back in her homeland of Nicaragua, she had always loved working with children and cherished her faith, so when the opportunity to join the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus in 1955 presented itself, she seized it.

Just 20 years old, Sister Chang soon found herself traveling to Wisconsin for training and education.

"I didn't speak a word of English and the Sisters didn't know a word of Spanish," she chuckled. "But we all knew the most important language: God's."

A tremendous source of inspiration for Sister Chang has been the foundress of the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus, Blessed Maria Teresa of St. Joseph, who founded the order in 1891. Beatified in 2006, Blessed Maria Teresa is currently in the process of being canonized.

"When she died, she had founded 58 homes for poor and neglected children. More than 1,000 sisters were caring for 10,000 orphaned children around the world," Sister Chang marveled. "She was a remarkable woman."

Sister Chang's travels around the world have included missionary work back home in Central America, five years at a mission in Tijuana, Mexico and as a caregiver at a senior home in La Mesa, California.

For the past seven years she has been a Sacristan at Mt. Carmel in Corpus Christi and admits her fulfillment for her vocation is immense. Whether it is preparing for the first Mass of the day, Stations of the Cross or Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration, Sister Chang approaches each task with the same love, care and devotion. It is a calling she takes seriously and one she says will be never-ending.

"I enjoy it so much…to be close to the Lord continually is wonderful," she said. "I never want to retire."

If she had it all to do over again, Sister Chang would not hesitate to choose a life devoted to God. She also encourages those contemplating a religious life to consider not only the spiritual benefits, but also the academic benefits, as well.

"As I look back on my 50 years and I thank God for my vocation as a Carmelite Sister of the Divine Heart of Jesus, alongside Blessed Mother Maria Teresa, I will forever sing the mercies of the Lord!"