Mission and History

As our population continues to live well into its 80's, and the needs of our elders with cognitive impairment become more critical, we will be there to answer the educational needs of those who will serve the elders.


Our Foundress, Mother Angeline Teresa McCrory, O.Carm.

Our Roots

Nearly 90 years ago, our Foundress Venerable Mary Angeline Teresa McCrory, O.Carm., a religious woman of great courage and vision believed that elders entrusted in her care should live in a homelike environment. She believed that they should be treated as unique, individual human beings; she acted on her beliefs and founded the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm that would teach others by its example.

The Educational Arm 

The Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm incorporated the Avila Institute of Gerontology (AIG) in 1988 as a response to the growing complexity of geriatric health care. As the educational arm of the Congregation, the Institute disseminates information on philosophy, values, and innovations in care of elders to the larger community of caregivers. 

Avila Institute of Gerontology Education for Compassionate Care
Sr. Peter Lillian receives Father Dunklee Award

Education for Compassionate Care

Educational programs sponsored by the Avila Institute cover topics such as ethics, regulations, and modalities of caring, including dementia, behavioral concerns, palliative care, and many more. These programs feature expert speakers from throughout the country. For the past 30 years, Council members, a very active Board of Directors, and the staff at AIG have worked devotedly and tirelessly to develop programs that address the challenges facing Catholic long-term care, earning recognition throughout the United States.

Our Goals for Long-Term Care:

Our commitment is to offer education, training and consultation to healthcare professionals working with elders and to assist them as they continue their ministry.

We seek:

  • to advance the field of Gerontology through high quality educational programs and services
  • to offer educational programs, services and consultation to enrich and benefit long-term care facilities, their staff and the elders they serve
  • to disseminate information on philosophy, values and innovations in care of the elders to the larger community of caregivers
  • to create opportunities for individuals to share experiences and knowledge regarding their work with the aged and infirm
  • to meet the continuing educational needs of all long-term care professionals and caregivers including: Administrators, Nurses, Social Workers, Recreational Therapists, Dietitians, Spiritual Care Givers and Health Care Professionals

Our Programs and Services

Providing compassionate care sets long-term care facilities apart from the rest. The Avila Institute of Gerontology offers education for compassionate care through seminars, webinars, programs, staff training and more. Many of our educational programs also offer continuing education hours for Nursing Home Administrators, Nurses, Dietitians, Social Workers and Catholic Chaplains. Let us serve as your educational resource.

Mother Angeline Flos Carmeli Award

The Flos Carmeli Award

We believe in recognizing our staff and caregivers for their hard work to help us fulfill our mission to best provide care for our elders. During the Carmelite Mission Conference, we hold the Flos Carmeli Award ceremony to recognize those who exemplify the values and mission of our Foundress and the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm.

Our Director and Staff

Since 1997, Sr. M. Peter Lillian Di Maria, O.Carm. has been the Director of the Avila Institute of Gerontology, Inc. Supported by a dedicated and talented staff, together they provide the education for long-care facilities, religious communities, families and all caregivers who provide care to elders.

Director and Presenter Sister Peter Lillian Di Maria, O.Carm.
Avila Institute of Gerotnology Education for Compassionate Care

The Latest News

To learn more about the latest happenings at the Avila Institute, check our blog and be sure to sign-up for our newsletter and announcements below.

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