Faith & Film: American Sniper

“American Sniper” has become a huge hit, a multiple Oscar nominee, and the topic of much conversation this winter. Clint Eastwood has brought the true story of Chris Kyle, Navy SEAL and much decorated sniper in Iraq, to the screen. After serving four tours of duty in Iraq, Kyle was shot on a shooting range back at home by a mentally unstable veteran he was trying to help in 2013.

A bulked-up Bradley Cooper plays Kyle, a Texan who loves his guns. In an early scene, Kyle’s father tells Chris and his brother that there are three kinds of people in the world: wolves, sheep, and sheepdogs. It is the job of the sheepdog to protect the sheep from the evil wolves. Chris’ father makes it clear in no uncertain terms that he wants his sons to be sheepdogs, and never sheep. It’s a black and white world view, with little room for gray. Mr. Kyle teaches Chris and his brother to shoot and hunt at a young age. Chris becomes an excellent marksman and hunter.

After witnessing the 9/11 attacks on television, Chris volunteers with the Navy, saying that he wants to protect his country. Noticing Chris’ size and physique, the recruiter suggests that Chris train for the SEALs. Chris does so and graduates from the rigorous SEAL training. Using his skills as a marksman, he becomes an accomplished sniper in Iraq. While training as a SEAL, Chris meets Taya, (Sienna Miller) a lovely woman at a bar. They marry before Chris is shipped off for his first tour of duty.
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February 25, 2015

Brochures on Dominican values, foundations, charism

800th Anniversary of Dominican Order

The Sinsinawa Dominicans are honoring the 800th anniversary of the Dominican Order in 2016 by making available brochures that describe Dominican values, foundations, and charisms as well as ways to practice Dominic’s way. Each set of brochures offers in-depth information about the practices of the Dominican Order. The brochures were written and edited by Sister Ruth Poochigian, OP, with support from Sister Barbara Dannhausen, OP. The Sinsinawa Dominicans are happy to share this resource with the Dominican Family and those who want to learn more about the Dominican Order. View brochures

February 25, 2015

Maryknoll Sisters Congregation celebrates Jubilees

On Sunday, Feb. 15, The Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic honored members of the congregation celebrating their 75th, 70th and 60th anniversaries of religious life with a special Mass at the Maryknoll Sisters Center in Ossining, New York. Read more

February 25, 2015

Tucson sisters leave ‘profound legacy’

Peace Dominican Sisters Corina Padilla and Esther Calderon were among 23 nuns, brothers and priests who were honored for years of service at a Jubilee Mass on Feb. 1 at St. Augustine Cathedral in Tucson, Arizona. From the Feb. 21 article in the Arizona Daily Star: “I think their legacy has been a profound legacy,” says Guadalupe Castillo. “It is unsung in many ways, because their work was to be deeply rooted in our community… and to lead us in understanding how to join in issues and what that really meant. It didn’t just mean praying. It meant doing.” Read article

February 25, 2015

UN Briefing – 20 years after Beijing: Where are women now?

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, held in Beijing in September 1995. At that time, representatives of 189 governments set forth a series of commitments enshrined in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. This document is considered to be the most progressive articulation for the advancement of women’s rights. The main focus of the 59th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (March 9–20, New York City) will be a review of the progress, or lack thereof, of the Beijing Platform for Action. Read Article by Sister Margaret Mayce, OP.