Photos of the Week

Dominican Institute for the Arts Summer gathering celebrates art and spirituality Dominican artists from as far away as England gathered July 24–26 in Adrian, Michigan, to celebrate and share their artistic gifts, socialize, pray, and reflect together on the gathering’s theme: “Art and Spirituality: Two Sides of the Same Coin.” The program was held at Weber Retreat and Conference Center on the motherhouse grounds of the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Read more

Grand Rapids Dominicans Seminar: ‘Catholic Religious Life in a New Millennium’ Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters Maureen Geary, OP, Lucianne Siers, OP, and Mary Ann Barrett, OP, were among more than 230 people attending a recent seminar on religious life presented by distinguished theologian and author Sister Sandra Schneiders, IHM, at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana. The week-long program included presentations and facilitated discussion on the meaning of vowed religious life in today’s world. Pictured above are some of the 29 members of the Dominican family who attended the seminar at Saint Mary’s.

Province of St. Martin de Porres Novice brothers to profess simple vows Aug. 10 Joseph Paul Albin and Hugo Rafael Rojas will make temporary profession of two years to the Order of Preachers in the Southern Dominican Province Aug. 10. Joseph Paul and Hugo Rafael began their canonical novitiate year last August at St. Albert the Great Priory in Irving, Texas. At that time, they began a rigorous process of discernment which includes daily praying of the Liturgy of the Hours, personal prayer, study and reflection, accompaniment of the poor, elderly and infirm as well as duties pertaining to the regular life of the community. Read article by Fr. Scott O’Brien, OP Above from left: Hugo Rafael Rojas and Joseph Paul Albin

Adrian Dominicans
Sister JoAnn reflects on 20 years of ministry to Indians

For 20 years, Sister JoAnn Fleischaker has been actively involved in the lives of Indians (Native Americans) in Northwestern Oklahoma: providing emergency food and clothing when needed; educating young women about how to prevent fetal alcohol syndrome; sponsoring a senior citizen lunch program; tutoring children after school; helping adults studying for their GED; counseling; advocating for families with the Department of Human Services; offering a medical clinic; and occasionally attending religious ceremonies. Read more

Sinsinawa Dominicans
Exhibit showcases work by Iowa natives

Sinsinawa Art Gallery, Sinsinawa, Wisconsin, will host “Nature: Water and Wonder” Aug. 12 through Sept. 30, 2014. The show will feature the work of two Iowa natives, glass art by Barb Zehentner McKinlay and photography by Stephanie Funke. An opening reception will be held Friday, Aug. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. Read more

Jubilees in July
Sisters celebrate anniversaries of religious life

Dominican sisters across the United States are celebrating anniversaries of profession as vowed women religious this month. Many of the congregations feature stories and photos about their Jubilarians online. We’ve compiled a list of congregations celebrating Jubilees, and links to more information. The list is being updated regularly, so please check back. Read more

Dominican Retreat and Conference Center
Drawing mandalas with Brother Mickey Aug. 15–17

Renowned artist Mickey O’ Neill McGrath, OSFS will present “Drawing Close to God: Creating Prayer Mandalas” Aug. 15–17 at the Dominican Retreat and Conference Center in Niskayuna, New York. With Hildegard of Bingen as guide and inspiration, participants will use basic materials and simple shapes to discover inner peace and the presence of God. No prior art talent or experience required. Br. Mickey’s work and ministry have been featured in the St. Anthony Messenger, USA Today, and many Catholic newspaper articles around the country. Several of his covers for America Magazine have been given awards by the Catholic Press Association. He creates art for many of today’s leading Catholic publishers, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. For more information or to register, visit www.dslcny.org.

Faith and Film
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Begin Again

“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” is a worthy successor to 2011’s “Rise of the Planet of the Apes.” “Begin Again” is a memorable independent movie about street musicians in New York, starring Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo. Reviews by Tom Condon, OP

Previous updates:

The next Dominican Life | USA update will be published on Wednesday, Aug. 13. Deadline for submission of articles/photos is Friday, Aug. 8.