Dominican Life 
USA
A web crossroads for the Order of Preachers
The Dominican Sisters of Springfield hosted a “Girls’ Night In” at their motherhouse March 23–24. The high school students enjoyed prayer, journaling with Scripture, liturgy and sharing a meal with their sister prayer partner.
The Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt, New York, Associates held an orientation session for Associate candidates on March 30. Sister Mary Ellen O’Grady, promoter of collaboration for the Northeast Dominicans (Amityville, Blauvelt, Caldwell, Hope and Sparkill,) presented the “Four Pillars of Dominican Life.” Associates from Blauvelt and Sparkill also attended. A dinner followed the presentation.
On Good Friday afternoon, members of the local peace and justice community came together in downtown Houston, Texas, to walk the Stations of the Cross commemorating the passion and death of Jesus. Fr. Richard Wahl, CSB, led the opening prayer, and students from St. Christopher Parish enacted the stations. The annual event is sponsored by Pax Christi, which extended an open invitation to organizations addressing crucial justice issues of our times to lead the stations. The Dominican Sisters of Houston led Station 3, “Jesus Falls the First Time.” Their reflection focused on the realization that just as Jesus suffered from the weight of the cross, Earth, our home, is suffering from the weight of environmental devastation. We walked with Jesus from the beginning when he was condemned until he was laid in the tomb. Just as it did not end there for Jesus, our journey did not end there. We celebrated the 15th station, “The Resurrection,” reminded of the hope that drives our work for justice and peace. — Sister Ceil Roeger, OP (Houston)
Dominican Sisters of Peace
On Good Friday, nine Dominican Sisters and Associates of Peace participated in the 30th Annual Way of the Cross/Way of Justice, which took place in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana. Read more
“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.
WATCH YOUTUBE VIDEO Watch the seven-minute trailer of the film (from YouTube)
“Trailblazers in Habits” tells the story, in the sisters’ own words, of the congregation’s work in education, health care, and the cause of social justice. A moving and absorbing chronicle that spans 100 years and several continents, the film celebrates the intelligence and tenacity, the love, compassion and generosity of these early feminists. The premiere coincides with the Maryknoll Sisters’ Centennial year.
Production of the film was almost entirely funded by donations from the thousands who attended Maryknoll schools around the world. Maryknollers wanted a way to tell the full story of the sisters’ contributions to their communities, from the building of schools and hospitals around the world to helping lay the foundation of Hong Kong’s social welfare system.
By turns tragic and joyous, yet always inspirational, this insightful documentary by award-winning director Nancy Tong, is a revealing portrait of these courageous women and a timely testimony to the sisters’ lifelong dedication to helping the disenfranchised.
“Trailblazers in Habits” will be shown twice during the festival: on Saturday, April 6, at 10 a.m., and Monday, April 8, at 1 p.m. Both screenings will be held at the Regal Hollywood 20 Theatre, 1993 Main Street, Sarasota. Tickets are $12.50 each and may be purchased online at www.sarasotafilmfestival.com, over the phone at 941-366-6200 or toll free at 1-866-575-FILM; or at the theatre box office.
For more information on the film, visit www.trailblazersinhabits.com
For more information on “Through Women’s Eyes,” visit www.throughwomenseyes.com
USA
A web crossroads for the Order of Preachers
