Walking Together with Realism, Daring and Hope
Gathering of younger Dominican sisters set for October

A gathering of younger members of North American Dominican congregations will take place at the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose motherhouse in Fremont, California, Oct. 7-10, 2011. This gathering was inspired by an international panel of younger Dominican sisters who spoke during the 2010 DSI Assembly in Rome. Read more

Blauvelt Dominicans
South African sisters live, learn as part of community

Dominican Sisters of Montebello (South Africa) Ethel Mthembu and Caritas Nakabane have been studying at Dominican College of Blauvelt since January 2008 and received their degrees on May 22. During that time, they lived in the motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, shared life in a local community, and have blessed the congregation with their gift of music during numerous liturgies. Read more

Sisters in the News
Dominican Sisters of Peace take mission across borders

The simple, honest, radiant faith of Sisters Rene Weeks, OP, and Helena Sause, OP (Peace), is in rather stark contrast to the headline of the broadcast in which they appear: “Dominican sisters risk lives to help in Juarez.” The sisters minister at Centro Santa Catalina in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, crossing the border daily to help the women and children they serve. KDBC-TV (El Paso) featured their story in a May 23 news segment. In an interview, Sister Rene sums it up: “This is what we do.” Watch video

Sparkill Dominicans
Sister Cecilia honored for her work with immigrants

Sister Cecilia LaPietra, a Dominican Sister of Sparkill, New York, received the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor at a gala ceremony May 7. Sister Cecilia was one of 106 awardees honored by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO) at their 25th anniversary celebration held on Ellis Island. Sister Cecilia was honored for her work with immigrants as the founder and executive director of One 2 One Learning in Nyack, New York. Read more

Dominicans in the Americas
Webcast Nov. 21 commemorates 500th anniversary

Arriving late in the year 1510, Dominicans have been preaching and teaching in America for 500 years. Our legacy is significant as we began our ministry in the New World. The first friars publicly denounced the treatment of the indigenous peoples, who were seriously oppressed and pushed into submission by the Spanish who colonized their land. The program will focus on the past and present issues challenging the Dominican Family in America. Read more

Dominican Province of St. Joseph
New priory being built in Charlottesville, Virginia

Dominican friars who minister at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Charlottesville are looking to bulid a new home. The parish, described as a “growing Catholic community,” is made up of 2,300 families, as well as students of the University of Virginia. The new priory will be a highly visible reminder to the community of the Dominican presence there. Archbishop J. Augustine DiNoia, OP, attended and spoke at the groundbreaking in April. From the Dominican Daily e-newsletter. Read more

Sinsinawa Dominicans
Sisters celebrate arts heritage with exhibit, concert

In June, the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters will celebrate their arts heritage with a visual arts exhibit, opening June 2, and a June 12 concert featuring the Matisse Trio. The sixth annual Sinsinawa Dominican Heritage Exhibit, “A Sacred Point of View,” will feature a collection of new prints by Sister Rose Marie Conway, OP; two new copper repousse panels by Sister Chiara Pauloni, OP, and other works from the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters’ heritage collection. Read more

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The next Dominican Life | USA update will be published on Wednesday, June 8. Deadline for submission of articles/photos is Friday, June 3.