Photos of the Week

Immigration Pius V Parish, Fr. Brendan influence Illinois legislation Leaders from St. Pius V Parish were instrumental in passing legislation Jan. 8 that will provide undocumented immigrants with drivers’ licenses. Fr. Brendan Curran, OP and others from the parish were in Springfield, Illinois to actively lobby legislators and witness the culmination of long campaign to garner support for the legislation. They were sent off from St. Pius V Jan. 6 with an Epiphany blessing that included a prayer from Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who also championed the measure. The bill passed with support from the Illinois bishops. One legislator said on the floor, “Thanks to Fr. Brendan for bringing the Holy Spirit who changed the hearts of many legislators who had opposed this bill.” Mayor Emanuel said when he spoke at Mass at St. Pius V on Epiphany Sunday—the start of National Migration Week—that he sees the drivers’ licenses as an important step toward national comprehensive immigration reform, which has had the support of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for years. Above from left: Chicago Alderman Danny Solis (25th Ward), Blanca Rodriguez, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel, and Fr. Brendan Curran, OP at St. Pius V Jan. 6.

Dominican Young Adults Winter break crew helps families in Long Island Students from the Molloy College Chapter of Dominican Young Adults began their new year with a week of service. Jan. 3–5, students volunteered with Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish in Lindenhurst, New York, to assist some of the families whose homes were devastated by Hurricane Sandy. Read article by Sister Gina Sullivan, OP

Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic
Congregation begins second century of service

“Ready to set forth again to be the presence of our loving and compassionate God in the times and ways to come…” Sister Janice McLaughlin, president of Maryknoll Sisters, led the congregation of women religious in, once again, saying yes to following their God “who dwells in stables and humble homes, in prisons and refugee campus, in our neighbors, in each other and all of creation” at a special Eucharistic liturgy marking the opening of the sisters’ second century of service on Sunday, Jan. 6, at the Maryknoll Sisters Center near Ossining, New York. Read more

Province of St. Joseph
Gun control: What does the Church say?

The horrible shooting tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut on Dec. 14 has led to a national focus on gun control. What does the Church say about this issue? There is not precisely a Catholic position on gun control. Since the use of weapons like handguns and rifles has never been ipso facto condemned by the Church, their regulation is a prudential matter. Read reflection by Fr. Francis Belanger, OP, Promoter of Social Justice of the Province of St. Joseph. From Dominican Daily.

Adrian Dominicans
Justice promoters publish booklet on immigration

The Justice Promoters of the Adrian Dominican Sisters, under the auspices of the congregation’s Office of Global Mission Justice and Peace, have released a 48-page study and prayer booklet, “Immigration: An Initiative for Our Times.” Read more

Dominican Province of St. Joseph
Lecture on Catholic health care ethics set for Feb. 2

The Dominican Friars Health Care Ministry of New York will host Brother Ignatius Perkins, OP, PhD, RN, for the inaugural lecture of the Saint Catherine of Siena Chair in Catholic Health Care Ethics on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013 at 1 p.m. at the Church of Saint Catherine of Siena, New York, New York. The event is open to the public. From Dominican Daily. Read more

Faith and Film
Silver Linings Playbook, Les Miserables

“Silver Linings Playbook” has the Catholic sensibility that director David O. Russell displayed in “The Fighter,” one of my favorite movies of recent years. I don’t think “Silver Linings Playbook” is quite as good as The Fighter, but it sure comes close. “Les Miserables” makes the transition to the screen with mixed results. It’s such a great story, rich in theological themes, with a wonderful score, and all that survives. Reviews by Tom Condon, OP

Previous updates:

The next Dominican Life | USA update will be published on Wednesday, Jan. 30. Deadline for submission of articles/photos is Friday, Jan. 25.