Uncategorized

Many of us have memories of a picture of the Sacred Heart displayed in our homes when we were growing up. Perhaps we still say the prayers that we learned at that time. Perhaps we have different thoughts and prayers now What follows are random jottings for you, dear Reader, to ponder. My hope is […]

Sr. Helen Robert Boyd offered the following reflection on the Feast of the Ascension at Mass in Dominican Convent. If you long for the power, presence, and promise of Christ, read on.

A few months ago, while attending physical therapy in Rivervale, New Jersey, I noticed a large picture of Lucy and Charlie Brown in the waiting room. Lucy was holding the famous football for Charlie to kick. If you are familiar with that particular cartoon, you remember that Charlie Brown fails to kick the football many

Pope Francis (d. April 21, 2025). May he rest in peace. With heavy and hopeful hearts, we mourn the passing of Pope Francis, a humble servant who led with love, compassion, and courage. His life was a living example of the words often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi: “Preach the Gospel at all times,

On April 22, 2025, we will celebrate the 55th anniversary of Earth Day. While we’ve come a long way since that first Earth Day in 1970, we still have a very long way to go as we respond to the call of Laudato Sí, the encyclical by Pope Francis which will mark its tenth anniversary

As we draw closer to commemorating the events of Holy Week, we are confronted this weekend with a story that encapsulates what Jesus had spent three years trying to teach his disciples: the importance of mercy and compassion over judgment. He emphasized the overall Mosaic Law, which taught that justice was to be tempered with mercy (Micah 6:8), and which the religious leaders of the day had conveniently forgotten.

Fourth Sunday of Lent, 2025 This Sunday’s reading from the Hebrew Scriptures describes a key transition moment in Israel’s history. Joshua records a huge event, the Lord saying, “Today I have rolled away from you the disgrace of Egypt,” in a measured and powerful proclamation. The exodus period of wandering is over; the time/or settlement

We invite you to see through the creative eyes of our poets!

Sr. Helen R. Boyd, OP Today we hear these words: “Fear not Mary for you have found favor with God,” and later, “For you shall conceive and bear a son who will be called Son of the Most High.” Mary responded, “How can this be since I know not man?” Others in the Old Testament

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil.  [Luke 4:1-13] All three Lectionary cycles give us the same gospel story for the First Sunday of Lent: an account of Jesus’ temptations in the desert—a clear

Fra Angelico portrait by Luca Signorelli Today we take time to honor one of our Dominican brothers who became an outstanding artist of his time; namely, Fra Angelico who was born Guido di Pietro in 1395 during the early stages of the Renaissance. There was excitement in the atmosphere as men and women entered the

Thanks to Sister Cecilia LaPietra, who shared this reflection on February 2, 2025, at St. Francis of Assisi Church in West Nyack for the celebration of Vita Consecrata on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. We are happy to be here with you, Parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi Church and with you

Today, we mark the beginning of the liturgical year once again. Once again, we enter into the mystery of God’s coming into our world. Advent is a season of expectant waiting, a season of longing. In the first reading from Jeremiah, we are reminded that God’s coming is near. This is not a cause for

Brother Norbert McAuliffe, SC, originally known as John McAuliffe, embarked on a remarkable journey to sainthood. His spiritual journey began when he and his brother William, orphaned at a young age, found refuge at St. Agnes Home for Children in Sparkill in 1895. At 16, John experienced a profound spiritual calling to join the Brothers

On October 17th, I joined the fourth annual “Shine the Light” walk in solidarity” sponsored by the Center for Safety and Change. This organization serves both domestic violence victims, survivors, and family members. We began in Nyack, while Westchester agencies, advocates, and others came together at midspan on the Tappan Zee Bridge to honor and

Happy Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary to all of our Sisters and Associates who, as members of our Dominican Congregation, have served God for the past 148 years under her holy protection. Since it is such a joyful day for us, I thought it appropriate to contemplate the meaning of the Joyful Mysteries

Sister Lesley Block shared this reflection at Mass for the Feast of St. Dominic celebrated at Dominican Convent. So, it’s impossible for the truth to ever be cruel or judgmental or any of those other things we sometimes associate with it. It’s not a bad thing to keep wrestling, challenging oneself, and testing one’s authenticity. I pray that Jesus will live in me more and more each day until there is only his truth residing in me.

Art by Katy Olsen Sister Ellen Joseph shared this reflection at Mass in Dominican Convent on Monday, July 22, the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene. Good morning, and happy Feast Day. Today is a glorious day for all Dominicans. It is a feast of preachers, and preachers means all of you gathered here and all

Sr. Helen Robert Boyd offered this reflection for the Feast of the Sacred Heart at Mass in Dominican Convent, Sparkill, NY. The three readings of today point to the theme of God’s undying love. Whether the parental image of God in the Book of Hosea, the reminder of Saint Paul that our lives should be