Las Casas: Dominicans in Ministry with Native Americans

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha canonized in Rome Oct. 21

As a representative of the Las Casas board of directors, I had the privilege and rare opportunity to participate in the canonization ceremony for Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, known as “Lily of the Mohawks.” A delegation of more than 700 formed the official pilgrimage, joined by smaller groups arranged by individual dioceses across the country and many hundreds more from Canada. Read article by Sister Marilyn Winter, OP (Adrian)

November 16, 2012

Adrian Dominicans ‘Class of Hope’ graduates in Baghdad, Iraq

Sister Aman Miriam Mansoor, OP, a friend of the Adrian Dominican Sisters, shared the joyful news of the Oct. 20 graduation of the “class of hope” from St. Thomas High School for Girls in Baghdad, Iraq. The class, composed of Christian and Muslim students, is a testimony to the harmony that can exist in Iraq and throughout the Middle East. Read more

November 16, 2012

UN Briefing Human trafficking: ‘We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers’

Trafficking happens right here in the United States. As President Obama articulated in his address to the Clinton Global Initiative, “It’s the migrant worker unable to pay off the debt to his trafficker. The man, lured here with the promise of a job, his documents then taken, and forced to work endless hours in the kitchen. The teenage girl, beaten, forced to walk the streets. This should not be happening…” How can we as individual citizens play a part in the prevention of human trafficking?

November 16, 2012

Dominican Sisters of San Rafael Congregation welcomes new candidate

attienza_at_mike On Nov. 3, the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael welcomed their newest candidate, Christina Atienza. As a candidate (also known as a “postulant”) Christina will live with the sisters in their house of formation, Jane D’Aza Convent, and participate in the daily life of community. She will learn about Dominican life and spirituality, and take Scripture and theology classes at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, participate in some ministry, and visit sisters in their local living communities. Read more

November 16, 2012

Dominicans Promote Racial Justice in the 21st Century Webcast

From left: Sister Tanya Williams, OP; Sister Joan Duerst, OP; Leroy Jordan, Sister Marcelline Koch, OP; and Barbara Johnson.

By Sister Marcelline Koch, OP

Members of the Sinsinawa and Springfield Anti-Racism Teams presented a webcast focusing on systemic racism. Sister Mary Ellen Gevelinger, OP, Sinsinawa prioress, welcomed those present in Sinsinawa as well as those joining via the Internet, noting that we cannot pretend that racism has gone away—that it is systemic within our institutions. She also echoed a challenge that this is the moment for Dominicans today to summon the transforming grace of our charism and to continue to preach for justice.

In introducing the presenters, Sister Tanya Williams, OP, recalled the two challenging questions of Antonio Montesinos: By what right do we still discriminate and disenfranchise persons and groups in our world? Are they not human?

The presenters included Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Joan Duerst, Sinsinawa Associate Barbara Johnson, Springfield Dominican Sister Marcelline Koch, and Springfield Associate Leroy Jordan. They engaged the audience in examining racism today, coming to a common definition, and understanding racism as a systemic issue. The evening concluded with a call to continue the conversation. The Resource Listing shares ideas that you can use.

You can also view it by visiting www.sinsinawa.org/live. (Click on the “On Demand” tab in upper right column, then click on the “WATCH” text next to the title “Dominicans Promote Racial Justice in the 21st Century.”) As of Nov. 16, the presentation has been viewed 130 times by individuals and groups around the globe.

View archived presentation

Download Resource Listing (PDF)