Join us as we celebrate 150 Years of Service!
During these past few weeks, I’ve spent more time than usual with our Blessed Mother as I worked to prepare these reflections. I must admit, it has been an unexpectedly good way to enter more deeply into this beautiful Advent season!In exploring a bit of history of this feast, I discovered that there are differences […]
Feast of the Immaculate Conception Read More »
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.
Feast of All Souls Read More »
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
We know that each of the saints in our Catholic roster tried to emulate the life of Jesus in her or his unique way. Saint Bonaventure writes that Saint Francis of Assisi became the epitome of this effort. Francis had lived a privileged and worldly youth, sought honor as a knight and experienced suffering through
Feast of St. Francis of Assisi Read More »
This is the first of a three-part series to introduce the educational ministry of our Sisters in Pakistan. This piece focuses on Multan, a densely populated city. The next article will focus on the small desert village of Loretto. The third installment will introduce the small city of Bahawalpur, the center of our Community’s life
Dominican Middle School Raza Abad Multan, Pakistan Read More »
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
The Litany of Loreto: A Way of Remembering Mary in the Beauty of September Read More »
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
Women of Wisdom, Giving and Receiving Read More »
Today’s feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a time when I like to pause and reflect upon the young Jewish maiden who courageously gave her “yes” to become the Mother of the long-awaited Messiah—and to the mystery that constantly unfolded during her lifetime. When I do so, I discover once more
To Jesus Through Mary Read More »
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)
St. Dominic Friended an Order Read More »
We have much to celebrate in the life and legacy of Dominic de Guzmán, founder of the worldwide Order of Preachers. In his fervent desire to share the light of truth (Veritas), Dominic took a holistic approach to life and learning when he integrated the strength of four pillars of study, prayer, service, and common
Feast of St. Dominic Read More »
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
I’ve got good news: We all preach! Read More »
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,
Feast of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Read More »
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
Our Sisters Return from Ukraine Read More »
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
In Their Own Words Read More »
Sister Jeanne Shary’s conversation with Sister Mary Rose Mullervy Sister Mary Rose: From early years, as children in our home, we always had a plaque with the Sacred Heart prayer in the foyer. In the bedroom, there was also lovely picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I grew up with and I still frequently
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I Place All My Trust in Thee Read More »
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
Wow! The Holy Spirit is Awesome! Read More »
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
Siena Hall Peacemakers Read More »
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
In late October 2021, Catholic Charities of San Antonio (CCOSA) sent out a request for Religious Sisters to volunteer for at least two weeks to assist with the influx of Afghan refugees arriving in San Antonio, Texas. The refugees were members of Afghan security forces who had been working with the American Military. The men
All Come Bearing Gifts Read More »
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
A Journey to Freedom Read More »
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
Your Prayers Heard and Answered… Read More »
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
Widening the Pegs of My Tent Read More »
Preaching is the mission of the Dominican Order. Dominicans live out this mission in their encounter with the Word of God through an informed wisdom, the fruit of our daily contemplation. Having the Word as a filtering lens during our contemplative prayer helps us to focus our speech and actions in all our encounters during
Fra Angelico – A Dominican Who Preached Through Art Read More »
Some years ago, I visited Mt. Vernon, home of George Washington. A beautiful early spring day brought many people, many families out to visit the site. It was lovely to see so many young families of diverse ethnic heritages. I found myself totally distracted by the number of Black families touring the facilities. How, I
Water the Seeds of Healing Read More »
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
Gather The Dreamers Read More »
What a blessing it is to be exposed to so many different cultural values and perspectives in life! I am extremely grateful for my thirty-eight years living with the Chippewa Cree tribe in Montana. They taught me so much about the presence of the Great Spirit God in all of creation. Randy Woodley, a Cherokee
A Gift From The Chippewa Cree Read More »
The leaves are finally beginning to show their fall colors on the Motherhouse grounds here in Sparkill and they dazzle! Many of us are blessed to be able to walk this property for exercise and reflection each day. Last week, I attended the wedding in Sacred Heart Chapel of a young woman whose mother was
More than eight hundred years ago a man by the name of Francis fell in love with the God of creation through experiencing the gift of the natural world. He saw the face of his creator in every wildflower he touched and in the blades of grass his feet trod through the countryside of Assisi.
Saint Francis Assisi and Laudato Sí Read More »
What a great night I had Friday, October 1, 2021, with former colleagues from New Hope Manor, Barryville, NY. The organization was honored for 50 years of community service in helping women recover their lives from addiction. The evening was hosted by the Friars of the Atonement, Garrison, NY; the event was their annual Sharing
New Hope Manor Receives Honor at Gala Read More »
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,
A holiday to reflect on… Read More »