Frescoe: Sedes Sapientiae: Père Marie-Alain Couturier,OP (Toulouse) St. Catherine Hall Chapel, Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine de' Ricci, formerly of Elkins Park, PA. Dear Readers: There is no doubt that the preaching mission of the Order is flourishing, as evidenced by the hundreds of stories and events that were offered here this past year. As we celebrate the Christmas Season, may you grow in wisdom and find new ways to share the Good News. We are pleased this year to share with you a frescoe of fr. Pere Marie Alain Courtoureir, OP of Toulouse, France, whose work graces the chapel of St. Catherine Hall, Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine de 'Ricci, formerly of Elkins Park. Thank you for sharing your stories with the Dominican Family. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Anne Lythgoe, OP, editor

Car Bomb in Mosul Hits Dominican Motherhouse

MOSUL, Iraq -December 22, 2008 -- Last week, the Dominican Motherhouse in Mosul, Iraq was hit by a car bomb which badly damaged the entire street side of the building. The sisters were not injured. According to reports from Sr. Marie Therese Hanna, the street explosion happened near the motherhouse generator and fuel tank.  She said it was a miracle that this did not explode as well. Unfortunately, 27 people died in the shops across the street, which seem to have been the actual target. Please keep in prayer the Dominican sisters and those tragically affected by this latest bombing.

Mission San Jose Dominicans
Olive Oil Tradition Leads to Unique Partnership

A man with a mission is helping to preserve California’s olive agricultural history. Dan Sciabica’s mission - literally and figuratively - is to help the Dominican Sisters at Mission San Jose continue their long tradition of olive oil making. A local television program examines a unique partnernship. READ MORE

Dominican Young Adults USA Receive Chapter Status

AMITYVILLE, NY - December 22, 2008 -- The newest member organization of the Dominican Family Dominican Young Adults USA received word from the International Dominican Youth Movement that they have been approved as an official chapter of the IDYM. This will allow the young adults of DYA USA to be active and voting members of the International movement and represent the United States Dominican Young Adults at the International meeting which will be held next summer in Portugal. READ MORE

Dominicans Featured at Women and Human Rights Conference in Rome

ROME, Italy -- December 12, 2008 - Fabiola Velasquez OP (DSI) and Toni Harris, OP (North American Co Promoter of Justice) were members of a round table discussion on Women and Human Rights at the Angelicum. Featured Speakers and round table remarks are available on line. READ MORE


Dominican Sisters Promote Human Rights in Iraq Through Education

ROME (CNS) -- Despite years of economic hardship and violence in Iraq, the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena are working in the country to promote human rights. READ MORE

OUR CONVICTION NEVER ENDS
A Letter from Grand Rapids Dominican Activists

Three Grand Rapids Dominicans, who served lengthy prison sentances after being convicted of federal charges after breaking into a nuclear missile site, will complete their post incarceration probation on December 21, 2008. Ardeth Platt's probration ends that day. The three have written an open letter expressing their gratitude for support and continuing passion to advocate for peace and an end to nuclear arms. READ MORE

Maryknoll Playwright Directs Play in Prison

OSSINING, NY -- December 22, 2008 -- Seven years ago, Maryknoll Sister Joanna Chan, a playwright, director and founder of a theatre group in NYC, took a turn in her profession when she began working with the “Rehabilitation Through the Arts” program in Sing Sing Maximum Security Correctional Facility in Ossining, NY. Ossining is also the home base of the Maryknoll Mission family which includes Fathers and Brothers, Sisters and Lay Missioners. READ MORE