Photos of the Week

Sinsinawa Dominicans Habemus Papam! The Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters celebrated Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio being elected Pope Francis I on March 13! Many Sisters were gathered in community rooms around the Motherhouse awaiting this historic announcement. “Habemus Papam,” said Prioress Mary Ellen Gevelinger, OP. “The vision of Pope Francis, bowing his head to receive the blessing of everyone gathered in St. Peter's Square and around the world, was truly amazing. The Mound bells sang out our own welcome of this new Pope across the fields. May his gentle and humble spirit be filled with The Spirit, as he assumes his new role.”

Caldwell Dominicans Vocation Rally On March 11, the Dominican Sisters of Caldwell, New Jersey, met with juniors from their sponsored schools: Mount St. Dominic Academy, St. Dominic Academy, Lacordaire Academy, and St. Mary High School, Rutherford, to talk the talk about how they walk the walk of Dominican life. They shared their stories in words, in pictures, and in music. View more photos from the event

Obituary
Mary Nona McGreal was distinguished educator, historian

Sister Mary Nona McGreal, OP, died March 20, 2013, at St. Dominic Villa, Sinsinawa. Sister Mary Nona served for 18 years as president of Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin, and served as vicaress of the congregation from 1968 to 1977. She worked with Project OPUS (research regarding the history of the Order of Preachers in the United States) for more than 20 years. In 2008, Sister Mary Nona was the first woman to be named to the Historical Commission of the Order of Preachers. Read more

Justice Promoters
Dominican Call to Justice 2013–14, World Water Day

At their recent meeting in early March, the North American Dominican Justice Promoters have compiled the Dominican Call to Justice document for 2013–2014. The Call to Justice focuses on the following areas: Climate Justice, Economic Justice, Human Trafficking, Migration/Immigration, and Peace and Security for All Life. The Justice Promoters also prepared a Statement on Water Inadequacy for the Palestinians in response to the call of the United Nations, which declared March 22 as the first World Water Day.

Dominican Sisters Conference
A win-win OPportunity: DSC’s annual fundraiser

The DSC needs your support! While dues from member congregations covers a large portion of the expenses for Dominican Sisters Conference, it does not cover it all. This year, we will have a different type of fundraiser by asking you to donate in return for a chance to be a lucky recipient of some of the money raised! This will take the place of the May Gift-Sharing that we have had the past couple of years. Please read the flyer and join others by donating toward the operation of “our” Dominican Sisters Conference. The tickets are not limited to Dominican Sisters and Associates… check with your family and friends and give them a chance to be part of our “win-win OPportunity”! Download flyer

Dominican Young Adults
Kentucky chapter shares video of UN experience

The Dominican Young Adult group from Kentucky made a spring break trip to New York to attend the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations. During that time, they met at Mariandale with the Molloy Chapter of Dominican Young Adults, some of whom they knew from the National College “Preaching in Action” conference. The students created a video of their experience and posted in on YouTube. View video

Springfield Dominicans
Sister Peggy honored as Irishwoman of the Year

Sister Peggy Conway, OP (Springfield) was named the 2013 Irishwoman of the Year by the Peter F. Rossiter Chapter of the Sons and Daughters of Erin. Sr. Peggy was honored at a celebration on March 8 in Springfield, Illinois. Sister Peggy, a theology teacher at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, shares this honor with her great-uncle Judge William D. Conway and her uncle Tom Conway. Her aunt, Donna Conway Hickerson, is a prior Grand Marshall of Springfield’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. Read more

Retreat for Young Adults
Siena Center offers ‘Service and Spirituality’

Sisters Diane Poplawski, OP (Racine), and Mary Therese Johnson, OP (Sinsinawa), will direct a retreat for adults in their 20s and 30s that will incorporate service projects in the Racine, Wisconsin, area. Spiritual reflection activities will be individual or with a group, with variety throughout the course of the week. More than a resume-builder, this week connects you with mentors, peers, those in need, and yourself. Read more

Maryknoll Sisters
International film festival to include ‘Trailblazers in Habits’

“Trailblazers in Habits,” a 65-minute film documenting the pioneer work of Maryknoll Sisters, the first U.S.-based congregation of Catholic women religious dedicated to foreign mission, has been selected to be shown at the “Through Women’s Eyes” International Film Festival, April 6–7. Organized by the Gulf Coast chapter of UN Women, “Through Women’s Eyes” is part of the larger, 10-day Sarasota Film Festival, taking place in the city from April 5–14. Read more

Previous updates:

The next Dominican Life | USA update will be published on Wednesday, April 10. Deadline for submission of articles/photos is Friday, April 5. Have a blessed Holy Week and Easter!