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During these early days of November, we are called to contemplate the great doctrine of the Communion of Saints, which we declare every time we say the Apostles Creed. Sometimes in our recitation, we may not always give it the attention it deserves. The communion of saints is the spiritual harmony that binds together the faithful on earth, those still journeying to God, and the saints in heaven as the mystical body of Christ.

On October 11, we marked the Feast of John XXlll, which is neither his birth nor his death in 1962. However, he officially opened the Second Vatican Council. In his opening remarks at the Council, he said that the Gospel of Jesus had not changed but we have grown to understand it better. The Council

September comes softly; for some of us maybe with a glistening tear because that is what beauty can do. Lyrics from the musical “The Fantasticks” come to mind: “Try to remember the days of September when life was so tender that no one wept except the willow.” How can we look into all this golden

You are invited to listen to Sisters reflecting on their experience of receiving care after a lifetime of giving it to others. Sisters Muriel Cooney, Natalie DeNatalie, John Rose (Peggy) Hartling, and Mary Reynolds are facing forward with hope and integrity. These women of wisdom disprove the notion that we ever stop giving. Rather, we

Bust of Saint Dominic — found in Café Inggo 1587, this is a reproduction of the same bust found in Bologna that was carved after a scientific analysis had been made of the relic of his skull, so as to obtain a true image of the holy father’s face (photo taken by Rolando Edward Lim)

Mary Magdalene, Holy Equal of the Apostles © Sister Toni Harris, OP July, the month we celebrate the feast of St. Mary Magdalene, often brings to my mind the above quote from Sister Pat Walsh (RIP), who was a special part of our congregation, the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill. It is a quote I first

The encyclical letter Laudato Sí (“Praise be to You, my Lord”) was issued by Pope Francis in 2015. Sister Carolyn Wolfbauer (d. 2022) and I discussed with excitement and hope what the letter could mean for a world confronted by the destruction of climate change. Since its publication, millions of sincere and resolute people—scientists, theologians,

Sisters Valorie Lordi and Bernadette Nonnon shared their reflections upon their return from a 10-day mission experience in Slovakia and Ukraine. They went to be with our Dominican Sisters of Blessed Imelda, Slovakia, and the Ukrainian refugees whom they serve. Sister Valorie: I felt called to make this journey, to put my feet on the

800 years after the founding of the Dominican Order, its charism is alive and well at Albertus Magnus High School in Bardonia, NY. Let’s listen to the members of the Albertus Magnus Preaching Team, moderated by Sr. Nancy Richter, reflect on their experiences. These high school students are proclaiming the Good News in their own

During my childhood years, I was introduced to the Holy Spirit through a picture of a group of people gathered together, with small flames hovering over each one’s head. I remember thinking to myself, “Wow! The Holy Spirit is awesome!” I didn’t know then the reality and magnitude of that impression. As we celebrate the

Siena Hall is home to more than 40 Sparkill Dominican Sisters who receive nursing care. Join Sparkill Dominican Sister’s Chris Ferrar and Nora McCarthy as they share the story of the Sisters’ Peace Prayer for Ukraine. https://sparkill.org/wp-content/uploads/siena_hall_peacemakers_2.mp3

Happy Earth Day! Please join me in giving thanks for Senator Gaylord Nelson and others, especially those in the anti-war movement, whose efforts to connect the health of the planet with the health of the human family resulted in the annual celebration of Earth Day in 1970. Let us celebrate Earth Day 2022 with a

Afghan refugees, gathered in San Antonio, have come here with little more than the shirts on their backs. Most have been ripped away from their home, their culture, and their friends — especially their circle of supportive women. If given a choice, would they have taken the first step? Prior to this journey, life may

The call came in a letter from LCWR (The Leadership Conference of Women Religious) looking for more volunteers to help with the resettling of Afghan families in San Antonio. The call to assist in refugee resettlement had come before, but I had not been able to respond because of other responsibilities. Perhaps like you, when

My experience of volunteering with Catholic Charities of San Antonio was truly one of “widening the pegs of my tent.” Beginning with the blessing given us before we left St. Louis, we felt your presence, prayer, and support every day. Thank you! God must have enjoyed surprising us all along the way! How else to

It is hard to believe. We’re still saying, “Happy New Year,” yet we are now ready to mark Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, January 17th. Every year, many tributes to Dr. King include references to his “I Have A Dream” speech. Does Dr. King’s statement “I have a dream….” make him a

I imagine that many school-aged children look upon Labor Day with mixed emotions—saying goodbye to summer vacation and hello to a new school year. I wouldn’t be surprised if some start counting the days until their first school holiday and, for most, that would be Columbus Day. Throughout its history, this holiday has generated controversy,

One of the great gifts of living in the United States is the opportunity to learn about and celebrate our diverse cultures. From September 15 to October 15, we have the opportunity to enrich our lives by exploring National Hispanic Heritage Month which has been celebrated every year since 1988. Those of us who are