Honoring Foundation Day, Jubilarians, and 150 Years
On Sunday, May 4, the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill gathered in Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel to mark a meaningful and joy-filled occasion: the celebration of our Foundation Day, the honoring of our 2024 Jubilarians, and the official opening of our 150th Anniversary year. With hearts full of gratitude, we came together in prayer, reflection, and celebration, giving thanks to God for the many blessings that have marked our journey since 1876.
Founded in New York City in response to the needs of immigrant children, the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary—now known as the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill—has been committed to living and preaching the Gospel through education, healthcare, social work, and advocacy for justice and peace. Over the decades, our Sisters have served in schools, parishes, community centers, and ministries across the United States and abroad, responding with compassion and courage to the signs of the times.
This year’s Foundation Day celebration held special significance, as it marked the beginning of a yearlong commemoration of 150 years of living our mission and sharing our ministry. The Eucharistic liturgy in our Chapel was a sacred and moving tribute to both our rich heritage and our hopeful future. Sister Barbara Paul, OP, offered a powerful reflection on persistence throughout our history, which you can read [here]. Following the liturgy, a joyful reception brought the community together to share stories, recall milestones, and renew commitments to carrying forward the legacy entrusted to us.
A highlight of the day was the recognition of our thirty-one Jubilarians, whose lives of vowed service total an extraordinary 2,140 years of religious life. These women, with anniversaries ranging from 50 to 80 years, represent the heart and soul of our Congregation’s mission. Their lives of prayer, service, and witness continue to inspire and uplift our community and all those they have touched through their ministries. You may see the smiling faces of our Jubilarians by “band” [here].
As the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill celebrate a century and a half of mission and ministry, their legacy of compassion, justice, and service shines ever brighter. Rooted in deep faith and a commitment to truth, their story continues to evolve, responsive to the needs of the world and the signs of the times. Sister Nancy Richter, OP, speaking on behalf of the Leadership Team, captured this spirit with these words:
“Our story of faith continues in our time and place, as we remain attentive to the cries of the earth and the poor, committing ourselves to care for all creation. As we face forward, encountering the signs of our times, let us respond with the same trust in God as did our founders. In that same spirit, in this Jubilee Year of HOPE, let us join together. . . . I am honored in the name of the Leadership Team, and all of us, to proclaim the opening of the 150th Anniversary year of the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary!”
Please visit our dedicated webpage at https://sparkill.org/one50/ for more information, podcasts, and 150 moments to see all the ways you can join us in marking this milestone.