Yearly Archives: 2024

July 2, 2024

Fields of Sinsinawa Continues Growth

Farmer-Led Learning Center Makes Strides

by Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa Shiela Fitzgerald, OP

Fields of Sinsinawa now has its own logo! You may notice some similarities to the one we adopted as a Dominican Congregation. Just give it a little turn and you will see the green pastures, the brown Earth, and the blue running water that make up the land community at Sinsinawa. Each one of these is an essential component to the work now underway on our beautiful land at Sinsinawa Mound. All the love and care that makes this a beautiful whole is represented by that supportive hand holding it all together . . . your hand, the hand of our wonderful farmers at Sinsinawa, the hand of all who are caretakers of precious soil, water, and growing things. Notice the wheat . . . the nourishment that comes when all these things work together. It is the soil giving life . . . the Bread of Life if you will. Fields of Sinsinawa is celebrating Eucharist!

This logo also speaks of the strong partnership that is giving birth to this amazing organization. This land which is so precious to us and has given us our name now becomes the name chosen to carry the legacy of our mission into the future—Fields of Sinsinawa: A Farmer-Led Learning Center. Education will continue to be the hallmark of mission from the Mound outward!

Much activity is already underway. Fields are planted in the well-tended soil with an eye to sharing techniques and new learnings as the year progresses. Contented cows are now moving across the landscape in well-designed smaller paddocks for grazing. This practice is often referred to as rotational or adaptive grazing. These are dairy heifers who are pregnant with the next generation! They seem very happy with the new arrangement.

We are fortunate to have tenants who have been with us for many years. New around Sinsinawa is Rick Bieber, a member of the Fields of Sinsinawa Land Committee. We call him the “soil advisor.” He brings significant knowledge and understanding of how soil functions and how to let the soil speak for itself.

In addition, Rick and members of the land committee have been testing soil and water and observing all varieties of growing things to establish some benchmarks for comparison as various practices are introduced. What we know so far is that we have been blessed by the Runde and Leibfried families who have tended this precious soil for many years. Their organic practices have kept much of the water flowing through our land free of harmful nitrates as it continues its way downstream and on to the Mississippi River.

Fields of Sinsinawa plans to connect with partners beyond the Mound and even beyond the tristate area this summer. Ecdysis, known as the 1,000 Farms initiative, will make Sinsinawa a hub this August as it surveys and assesses regenerative practices on numerous farms in the area. This data will spotlight the impact of regenerative farming.

Fields of Sinsinawa has made gigantic strides in just one year. Finding the funding sources is the challenge ahead. May it be successful. We Sinsinawa Dominicans are proud to partner with this endeavor.

July 2, 2024

Father Don Vittorio Details Possible Miraculous Healing

Dominican Priest Survived Accident, Coma

by Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa Toni Harris, OP
Co-Promoter of the Cause

“Father Vittorio Mazzuchelli . . . has a strong assumption that he may be a great-great-grandnephew of your Father Samuel Mazzuchelli, OP.” With these words, Sister Mary Paynter, OP, then Promoter of the Cause for Father Samuel, was introduced to the story of Don Vittorio Mazzucchelli. This news reached Sister Mary in a March 2006 email from, Msgr. Schmitz, Vicar General for the Institute of Christ the King, the congregation to which Don Vittorio belongs. Msgr. Schmitz wanted Sister Mary to know that, after being involved in a very serious automobile accident, Father Don Vittorio “awakened from his profound coma, that lasted more than a month, on the very day after the novena to Father Samuel ended” (Feb. 24, 2006). Over the 18 years since this initial contact, Promoters of the Cause—Sister Mary; Sister Diane Kennedy, OP; and Sister Judy Schaefer, OP—have made efforts to obtain more information and connect with Don. Father Samuel founded the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation in 1847. Upon his death, a penance chain was found around his waist. Since that time, people have prayed with the penance chain for healing through the intercession of Father Samuel.

I was able to visit Father Don Vittorio in person on March 11, 2024, at Casa Santa Maria della Pietà, the care facility where he has resided for the past three years in Prato, Italy. Sister Nancy Celaschi, OSF, a Franciscan from the USA who has lived in Rome for decades, graciously accompanied me and translated our conversation with Father Don Vittorio. He is 60 years of age (born 100 years after death of Father Samuel), of medium height, and has brown hair, light blue eyes, a warm smile, and very gentle manner. His baptismal name is Mauro Paolo Mazzucchelli; Vittorio Maria is his religious name.

Father Don Vittorio told us that, in his family, Father Samuel was always referred to as “Zio Beato” (Blessed Uncle). He recalled when he was a child and if he misbehaved, his grandfather would say, “Your Zio Beato would not be pleased with you.” When Father Don Vittorio expressed his desire to become a priest, his grandfather told him that, if so, he’d better work especially hard and become a “saint” because the family already had a “blessed.” As he spoke about his family, it was very clear that there was a pervasive sense of relationship with and devotion to Father Samuel—especially on the part of his grandfather.

In the course of our visit, Father Don Vittorio described to Sister Nancy and me his experience of awakening from the coma. What follows is my summary:

While Don Vittorio was comatose, he heard someone calling his name. Then a boy (about 15 years old) wearing a white, medical coat came to him in his hospital bed and urged him to get up and follow him. He helped Don Vittorio remove the bed covers, sit up, and put his slippers on. He said Don Vittorio had to get up because “they” were waiting for him. The boy led him to an elevator, and they took it up to a place where the door opened onto a wide, green, grassy field. Don Vittorio heard bells ringing. He saw what looked like three wells, but rather than being filled with water, they overflowed with light beaming up into the sky. Many people were walking around these wells of light. Some approached Don Vittorio. His grandmother, who had died in 1989, approached him and said, “This is not the place where you belong.” His aunt, who had died in 1974, also drew near and said, “They are waiting for you back there. You don’t belong here.” Finally, he heard a voice which he continues to believe was that of his Zio Beato, Father Samuel, who greeted him and said it was not Don Vittorio’s time to be there. Indicating that Don Vittorio should go back, his Zio Beato said, “Mazzucchellis do not surrender (give up).” Don Vittorio said that Father Samuel spoke with the same accent that Don Vittorio knew from his grandfather. At this moment, Don Vittorio became aware that the doctor in the hospital was moving his arms and speaking to him. He was in his hospital bed, awakening from the coma.

Father Don Vittorio became emotional—was moved to tears—as he shared the experience of this vision, especially the encounter with his Zio Beato. The conversation was also moving for Sister Nancy and me.

Father Don Vittorio emphasized again and again how much affection he has for his “cousins,” the “daughters” of his uncle—Father Samuel Mazzuchelli’s Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters. He prays for the Sisters every day at his Mass. His grandfather showed him a photo of a large group of Sinsinawa Sisters and told him, “These are all your cousins.” Father Don Vittorio wanted very much to offer a blessing for all his Sinsinawa “cousins.” With my phone, I videoed Don Vittorio blessing the Congregation.

Sister Judy Schaefer and I are continuing our efforts to obtain the necessary medical records documenting the unexpected awakening of Father Don Vittorio from his coma. No matter the outcome, the opportunity to meet Father Don Vittorio and to experience his profound relationship with his Zio Beato were unforgettable gifts. Please continue to pray that the fervent love and labors of Father Samuel may become more widely known.

June 18, 2024

Events & Opportunities – 6.19.2024

Weber Center Offers Directed Retreat

Are you in need of a quiet, reflective break from the busy-ness of your life? Weber Retreat and Conference Center offers an in-person Directed Retreat with ample time to pray and contemplate. The Directed Retreat is from 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 15, 2024, through 1:00 p.m. Friday, July 19, 2024.

The retreat is open to all who seek solitude and guidance. You will have time and space for prayer and quiet reflection, the opportunity to participate in campus liturgies, and time to explore and savor the Motherhouse grounds and walk the labyrinth.

Each retreatant meets daily with their choice of a spiritual director. Directors for this year’s retreat are Sisters Esther Kennedy, OP, and Joan Delaplane, OP; Associates Joan Ebbitt and Trudy McSorley; and Janene Ternes, founder of Prayer in Motion, LLC.

The cost, including all meals for overnight guests and lunch for commuters, is $160 for commuters, $325 per person for double occupancy, and $450 for single occupancy.

Registration is required. Visit www.webercenter.org and click on “programs,” call 517-266-4000, or email webercenter@adriandominicans.org. Limited scholarships are available.

Weber Center is on the campus of the Adrian Dominican Sisters Motherhouse, Adrian, Michigan. Traveling east on Siena Heights Drive, pass the Adrian Rea Literacy Center and turn left just before the solar panel-covered carport. Follow the signs to Weber Center. For information, call the Weber Center at 517-266-4000.

Retreat Focuses on Mystics: Julian of Norwich and Thomas Merton

What can mystics of the past teach us about how to live in our troubled world today? Retreatants can gain an understanding of their message through A Retreat on the Mystics: Julian of Norwich and Thomas Merton. The retreat begins at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, July 28, 2024, and finishes at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

Joan M. Nuth, Associate Professor Emerita of Theology at John Carroll University in Cleveland, focuses on Julian of Norwich, a 14th-century English mystic whose eloquent theological writings served as an antidote to the fears and despair raised by the Black Death in her time.

Thomas Merton (1915-1968), an American Trappist monk, deepened his understanding of Christian mysteries such as the Trinity, the Incarnation, and the Paschal mystery through his encounters with the mystical traditions of the Buddhists and the Sufis. Joseph Quinn (Joe) Raab, a Professor of Religious Studies and Theology at Siena Heights University, shares his studies on Thomas Merton.

The retreat costs $180 for commuters, $280 per person for double occupancy, and $380 for single occupancy. Registration is required. Visit www.webercenter.org and click on “programs,” call 517-266-4000, or email webercenter@adriandominicans.org. Limited scholarships are available.

Tending Our Hearts to Tend the Earth (In-Person)

Friday, Aug 9 • 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

GRAND RAPIDS, MI –The effects of climate change are all around us. We feel it in little ways as we pull on summer clothes and harvest gardens a little earlier each year. And in big ways as we watch fires blaze through entire towns and our streets fill with rain. Climate anxiety touches nearly everything we do, and especially how we interact with and support the next generations. What do we do with the fear, grief, and anger we feel? Join us for a retreat to place our bodies on this sacred land allowing the stones and the wind to carry our grief. There will be time for story sharing, wandering the woods, practicing rituals around our grief and anger, settling in silence and rest, and summoning that wild possibility of hope. This retreat is open to all wanting to tend their hearts around climate anxiety, especially those involved with children: parents, teachers, grandparents, neighbors, etc. Each of us belong to this sweet earth, all part of this earth family that shares responsibility, emotions, and hope. For more information call 616-514-3325 or visit dominicancenter.com. Dominican Center Marywood, a ministry of the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids, is located in West Michigan off Fulton Street East, on the campus of Aquinas College.

Details & Registration: https://www.grdominicans.org/program-retreat/this-sweet-earth/

Foundations in Spirituality (In-Person)

Saturdays: Sep 21, Oct 19, Nov 16, Dec 21, 2024; Jan 18, Feb 22, Mar 22, Apr 26, May 17, 2025 • 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
GRAND RAPIDS, MI –Foundations in Spirituality is a serious reflective study that opens our minds and hearts to the teachings and life examples of the great Christian spiritual teachers that continue to deepen our present spiritual journey. It’s the beginning, the first step of the formation offerings at Dominican Center Marywood at Aquinas College. Explore the rich preaching of St. Dominic; the unbreakable faith of St. Teresa of Avila; the deep spirituality of St. John of the Cross; the life-giving wisdom of the Beguines; the daily prayerful life of St. Ignatius; and the lives of many more who continue to enrich our own faith and spirituality. The course introduces the practice of contemplative prayer as grounding practice for living a richer spiritual life. Immerse yourself in Foundations in Spirituality and begin deepening your relationship with God through study, prayer, and community. For more information call 616-514-3325 or visit dominicancenter.com. Dominican Center Marywood, a ministry of the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids, is located in West Michigan off Fulton Street East, on the campus of Aquinas College.

Details & Registration: https://dominicancenter.com/programs-and-retreats/foundations-in-spirituality/

Called to be a Spiritual Director ~ Year 1 Practicum

Sep 13 & 14, Oct 11 & 12, Nov 8 & 9, Dec 13 & 14, 2024; Jan 10 & 11, Feb 14 & 15, Mar 14 & 15, Apr 4 & 5, May 9 & 10, 2025
GRAND RAPIDS, MI –A Spiritual Director holds sacred the stories heard in a one-on-one relationship or in a trusted group. The Spiritual Director Practicum is filled with contemplative spiritual practices, prayer study, and shared reflection; strengthens our ability to stay present; attunes our listening to sense how the Holy Spirit is present in our lives and in the lives of others; looks to Spiritual Giants to mentor participants during the formation process; and reminds that the ultimate healer holds up director and directee in all ways. Using an Ignatian spiritual framework, you are encouraged to find meaning in every moment. You are given space to deepen your relationship with God – the God who loves us into life. Through the process, move closer to uncovering your authentic self that guides the discernment of your calling. For more information call 616-514-3325 or visit dominicancenter.com. Dominican Center Marywood, a ministry of the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids, is located in West Michigan off Fulton Street East, on the campus of Aquinas College.

Details & Registration: https://dominicancenter.com/programs-and-retreats/spiritual-director-practicum-year-1/

Travel Greece & Turkey: The Footsteps of St. Paul

October 5 – 18, 2024
It’s a good time to contemplate a Biblical Travel Tour coming up in October 2024. Spend 13 days exploring historical sites in Greece and Turkey made sacred not only by the presence of the Apostle Paul but also by the Evangelists John, Matthew, Luke, and other early Christian leaders. No other area in the world can match the natural beauty, spectacular archaeological, and significant historical sites connected with the first traces of the early Church as it moved out beyond the boundaries of Israel into the wider Gentile world. Here lie the historical foundations not only of the New Testament itself, but also the development of the earliest Apostolic Church as it began to take root in the Greco-Roman world.

Details & Registration: https://ctu.edu/event/2024-greece-and-turkey/

Centering Prayer (Online)

Tuesdays • Noon

Centering Prayer is a modernized prayer method based on the intuitive prayer rooted in Lectio Divina. It is a method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, prayer in which we experience the Divine’s immanent presence with us. Centering Prayer is grounded in relationship with God, through Christ, and is a practice to nurture that relationship. This method of prayer complements and supports other modes of prayer — verbal, mental, or affective prayer — and facilitates resting in the Divine Presence. Centering Prayer offers a way to grow in intimacy with God, moving beyond conversation to communion. For more information call 616-514-3325 or visit dominicancenter.com. Dominican Center Marywood, a ministry of the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids, is located in West Michigan off Fulton Street East, on the campus of Aquinas College.

Details & Registration: http://dominicancenter.com/programs-and-retreats/centering-prayer/

Renew Retreat ~ Schedule Yourself or a Group for an In-Person Retreat

Available for Individuals and Small Groups by Appointment

GRAND RAPIDS, MI –The Renew Retreat is an individual or group retreat that is a self-guided contemplative pilgrimage. The gentle Christian practice of using scripture and prayerful prompts aligned with the four elements — fire, water, earth, and air — will help guide your journey into and beyond the garden in ways that strengthen your awareness of creation as a renewable resource, energizing your beingness, and the world around you. We will begin at Dominican Center Marywood at Aquinas College, transition to the St. Francis of Assisi Sculpture Garden, and return to Dominican Center. As you walk the paths along the wooded trails, you are led into the pace and rhythms of the natural world. Water, earth, fire, and air greet you — each element of nature a reminder of the peaceful relationship between living organisms and their physical environment. For more information call 616-514-3325 or visit dominicancenter.com. Dominican Center Marywood, a ministry of the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids, is located in West Michigan off Fulton Street East, on the campus of Aquinas College.

Details & Registration: https://dominicancenter.com/programs-and-retreats/renew-retreat/

June 18, 2024

Aquinas Literacy Center Receives $9000 Grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation to Support English Language Literacy

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) recently awarded Aquinas Literacy Center a $9000 grant to support English language literacy. This local grant is a part of the Foundation’s more than $10.6 million donated to support adult, family and summer literacy programs in the 48 states in which Dollar General operates. With today’s grants, the DGLF also surpasses helping more than 20 million individuals achieve their educational dreams since its inception in 1993.

“We believe individuals of all ages deserve access to a quality education, and the Dollar General Literacy Foundation is thrilled to support thousands of learners across the country as they enrich their lives with literacy and education,” shared Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “This year’s spring grant cycle is equally exciting as we surpass impacting more than 20 million individuals. We hope these funds provide resources needed to positively change students’ lives, helping them to build a brighter future for themselves and generations to come.”

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports organizations that increase access to educational programming, stimulate and enable innovation in the delivery of educational instruction and inspire a love of reading. Each year, DGLF awards funds to nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center to support adult, family, summer and youth literacy programs. The Foundation also offers a student referral program for individuals interested in learning how to read, speak English, or prepare for the high school equivalency exam. Referrals to a local organization that provides free literacy services are available online here or through referral cards found in the Learn to Read brochures that are available at the cash register of every Dollar General store.

Since 1996, Aquinas Literacy Center has offered individualized instruction in the English language to the adult immigrant population of McKinley Park and surrounding areas (Bridgeport, Back of the Yards and Brighton Park) of Chicago. Through one-on-one tutoring, combined with supplemental learning opportunities (conversation classes, book clubs and writing workshops) and independent computer learning, learners are empowered to transform their lives by acquiring skills to become successful parents, productive workers and responsible citizens.

June 5, 2024

Events & Opportunities – 6.5.24

Spiritual Guidance Supervision Practicum Intensive

Being a supervisor for spiritual guides is a special, needed ministry. Siena Retreat Center’s Supervision Practicum is designed for experienced spiritual guides who are looking for a more extensive practicum experience to develop and refine their supervision skills. Offered in 8 virtual sessions (August 2024 – March 2025), plus practicum component.

Registration link: https://www.sienaretreatcenter.org/retreats/isg_supervision/

Weeklong Silent Summer Retreats

Siena Retreat Center’s weeklong silent retreats offer the opportunity for rest and reflection on the shore of Lake Michigan. Daily spiritual guidance sessions and daily group prayer or reflection enhance these sacred days.

Retreat schedule link: https://www.sienaretreatcenter.org/retreats/

Dominican Sisters of Peace Are Hiring at New Haven, CT Learning Center

The Dominican Sisters of Peace is seeking a visionary Director of its Springs Learning Center in New Haven, CT. This energetic and forward-thinker professional will help lead the Center’s efforts to break the cycle of poverty, empower adult learners, and enhance the quality of life in the community. More information can be found in the posting or at https://springslearning.org/.

springs-director-ad-2024 Download

Weber Retreat and Conference Center Summer Programming

Find meaningful programs in the Weber Center’s Summer Brochure.

Workshop Offers Introduction or Refresher to Daily Practice of Meditation

Meditation is a discipline that strengthens the ability to rest, concentrate, and listen to the quiet, still essence. An Introduction and/or Refresher to Meditation allows participants to try this life skill that applies to daily life and spiritual pursuits. This in-person session is held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Weber Retreat and Conference Center.

Carol Blotter has offered more than 70 retreats and taught more than 80 classes on meditation since 1999. She draws her meditation practice from dual roots in the Quaker and Buddhist traditions.

The cost is only $25 for the workshop and $35 for those who plan to stay for lunch. Registration is required. Visit www.webercenter.org and click on “programs,” call 517-266-4000, or email webercenter@adriandominicans.org. Limited scholarships are available.

Dine and Discuss Book Club Looks to Lincoln for Example of Managing Division

Many people believe that we are living in the most divided period of U.S. history. But the next meeting of the Dine and Discuss Book Club at Weber Retreat and Conference Center invites participants to explore how President Abraham Lincoln managed during his time of division and civil war.

The book club will read and discuss Differ We Must: How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America, by Steve Inskeep. The book offers an illuminating view of Lincoln’s great strategy of “agreeing to disagree” in a divided country – and lessons for our own time.

Dinner and discussion take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at Weber Retreat and Conference Center. Copies of the book are available beginning on Monday, June 3, 2024, at the Weber Center Shop and the Weber reception desk.

The cost of $20 includes the book and dinner. Registration is required. Visit www.webercenter.org and click on “programs,” call 517-266-4000, or email webercenter@adriandominicans.org.

Transformation in Presence ~ Integrating Awareness of God (In-Person)

Friday, Jun 7, 6:30 – 9:00 pm & Saturday, Jun 8, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

GRAND RAPIDS, MI –When our human experience is challenging, the pain can seem overwhelming and lonely. In this retreat, we will be practicing ways of and learning how to become more aware of the Holy Spirit. Immerse yourself in the moments — learning how to remain present to self and God, and how to return to God amidst our sufferings. Out of this awareness of everlasting Love can flow calmness, clarity, compassion, and creativity. With co-facilitators Amanda Waldron and Kristen Bylsma, experiences will include creative contemplative activities, embodied practices, and time in nature. For more information call 616-514-3325 or visit dominicancenter.com. Dominican Center Marywood, a ministry of the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids, is located in West Michigan off Fulton Street East, on the campus of Aquinas College.

Details & Registration: https://dominicancenter.com/programs-and-retreats/transformation-in-presence-integrating-awareness-of-god/

Journey into Silence Retreat ~ Summer Peace (In-Person)

Sunday, Jun 9, 5:30 pm – Friday, Jun 14, 2:30 pm

CONWAY, MI –Silence the world around you. Silence the world within you. Silence the thoughts that shout out to you. In the stillness hear God’s voice. In the quiet, sense the Divine’s presence and the spiritual love that is waiting to embrace you. Gently enter into silence during this retreat experience. A spiritual director will be here to companion with you on this silent retreat. The Journey into Silence retreat is held at the Augustine Center Retreat House in Conway, MI. The center is a retreat house welcoming individuals and groups for ongoing formation, education, and spirituality. For more information call 616-514-3325 or visit dominicancenter.com. Dominican Center Marywood, a ministry of the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids, is located in West Michigan off Fulton Street East, on the campus of Aquinas College.

Details & Registration: https://dominicancenter.com/programs-and-retreats/journey-into-silence-retreat-summer-peace/

SoulCollage® What is Growing in your Soul Garden? (In-Person)

Saturday, Jun 15 • 10:00 am – 12:30 pm

GRAND RAPIDS, MI –Every seed is an invitation to grow something new. As we think together about what we wish to grow, we will ask ourselves these questions: What seeds are ready to be planted in our soul? How can we hold steady in transition as the unknown is beckoning? What does it look like to trust the potential of transformation? How can we do this without caving into fear? SoulCollage® is a process where we take our longings and our fears and make a visual card to represent those aspects of our soul that need tending. Using found images, we create snapshots of where we are at the moment, and what we might be leaning towards. The cards are fascinating vehicles to uncover hidden parts of yourself—as well as creating cards for the support you find around you in your life. Whether you create one card or a whole deck, the process is sure to bring insight and encouragement to your life. For more information call 616-514-3325 or visit dominicancenter.com. Dominican Center Marywood, a ministry of the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids, is located in West Michigan off Fulton Street East, on the campus of Aquinas College.

Details & Registration: https://dominicancenter.com/programs-and-retreats/soulcollage-what-is-growing-in-your-soul-garden/