Reflections – Contemplatio
Celebrating a Living Legacy
Today’s readings speak with remarkable clarity to this occasion – one hundred and fifty years of Sparkill Dominican ministry and the joyful celebration of 32 women whose vowed lives have become living chapters in that story. We read in Acts that the early Church is facing a crisis: the needs of the community of believers […]
Grateful and Sent
We come together to celebrate this Mass of Thanksgiving, grateful for the blessings that we have received during the mystery of our time together. We have shared more deeply in our time together than we ever do, as we have spoken about that which is most dear to us, our mission and life together. In […]
Making a Difference: Changed by Encounter, Sent in Hope
James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836-1902, Chenecey-Buillon, France). The Pilgrims of Emmaus on the Road (Les pèlerins d’Emmaüs en chemin), 1886-1894. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum) As I look at these two readings, I think about “making a difference.” In the first reading, we have the story of the crippled man who asked Peter and John for alms. […]
Called by Name: From Moment to Mission
Good morning, and a blessed Easter Tuesday. “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.” Amen. Easter and Chapter are not simply events we mark on a calendar-they are moments. Living, grace-filled moments that invite us to pause, to listen, and to respond. In today’s Gospel (John 20:11-18), Mary […]
Awakening to Resurrection All Around Us
There are times when we allow ourselves to become almost numb to the continual miracles of life, death, and resurrection that constantly surround us in our day-to-day living. The multitudes of distractions in our fast-paced world can rob us of what nature also can teach us. We are just leaving the barren season of winter […]
With Mary in Sorrow
Station of the cross, Saint Symphorian church of Pfettisheim, Bas-Rhin, France. XIXth century. In today’s liturgy, there is a recommended second collect prayer referring to the sufferings of Mary during this time before holy week. We heard the priest say, “Give your Church the grace to imitate the Blessed Virgin Mary devoutly in contemplating the […]
New Life is Possible
I’d like to begin with the responsorial psalm that preceded Claire’s reading: “With the Lord there is mercy.” I hold on to that, because when I look at the world-at the news, at daily life-mercy can feel in short supply. And yet the psalm assures us: with the Lord there is mercy and fullness of […]
How Am I Blind?
Sister Mary Ann Collins, OP, of the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Blauvelt, offered the following reflection on John 9:1-41 during Evening Vespers for the Fourth Week of Lent. Have you ever looked at someone and not really seen them? I’m reminded of my first day ministering in a maximum-security prison for women. Although I […]
EPISODE 4 – Voices of New Hope
In this episode, we meet New Hope Manor alumni Barbara and Lisa, who reflect on their journey of recovery and the profound influence of Sisters Maureen Conway and Patricia Conway. Founded in 1970 by Father Daniel Egan, New Hope Manor is a residential treatment program for women seeking freedom from substance use. While many helped […]