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As part of their 150-year celebration of service, the Dominican Sisters hosted a Welcome Day at their motherhouse in Sparkill, New York, on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., with more than 250 people in attendance.
Sister Irene Ellis, OP, prioress of the Congregation, warmly welcomed everyone. At one point, she said, “The Dominican Sisters of Sparkill are part of the worldwide Dominican Family founded by Saint Dominic in the 13th century. Since our founding by Alice Mary Thorpe in 1876 to care for destitute women and children in New York City, we have continued to serve the people of New York and remain attentive to the cries of the most vulnerable and the suffering people of our time.” Her words were followed by a special 150th anniversary video that described the mission and ministry of the Sisters since 1876 to the present day.
Displays created by the Sisters and Associates highlighted many of the ministries in which the Congregation has participated over the decades, when they have served as school administrators and teachers at all levels of education, childcare workers, social workers, nurses, artists, counselors, spiritual directors, librarians, and researchers in Missouri (1900), Pakistan (1958), Montana (1973), Peru (1979), Botswana and Muan, Africa (1979/1983), Arizona (1990), Lithuania (1995), and many other parts of the United States.
Exhibitions of current ministries were also displayed, such as Days for Girls, One-to-One Learning, Albertus Magnus High School, St. Thomas Aquinas College, the Associates Program, Thorpe and Dowling Senior Housing, and efforts by the Justice Committee with Anti-Gun Violence, Laudato Si, and Mission Outreach.
The day was festive as long-time friends, collaborators, students, and teachers met again after many years. Delicious food, renewed friendships, and stories filled with laughter were generously shared. A Closing liturgy in Dominican Convent Chapel was filled with uplifting music and gratitude to God.
This milestone event marks fifteen decades of dedicated service, prayer, and compassionate ministry—an anniversary too meaningful to keep quiet!
Gus and Liz Nolan wrote, “What a beautiful day in so many ways! Your 150th Day and Year of your foundation. Each Sister can take pride in the blessing because you all participated and made it happen in your own way. We pray for your continued success in the years to come. We recall with love those Sisters (Jeanine and others) who served for years in the development of the Order. God Bless you all!”
Patrick Waters shared, “Happy Anniversary, Catherine (Patrice Morgan)! It was enriching to see the video tracing your community’s history—it deepened my appreciation for the values, courage, and service that shape your shared life and mission. The prayer highlighting preaching at the core of Dominican life was especially striking to me. I am blessed to have been formed under Dominican influence, and I thank you for blessing us in so many ways. God bless you as you continue to celebrate and move into a new phase of ministry. Forever your brother, Pat.”
To mark our anniversary, several additional events have been scheduled—many at Dominican Convent, Sparkill, New York. For more information or opportunities to participate or donate: sparkill.org/one50/