Join us as we celebrate 150 Years of Service!
Today the Church presents us with a conundrum or a paradox of sorts—connecting the word exaltation with a symbol of intense suffering: the cross. We human beings think of triumph, victory, or jumping up for joy when we use the term exaltation, hardly a description of an instrument of torture. However, we must distinguish the
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross: From Suffering to Hope Read More »
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” And God said, “Let there be light”—the sun, source of all life. And God said, “Let the waters above and below bring forth life,” providing sustenance for the fruits of the fields and nourishment for the animals. And
Springs of Living Water Read More »
Saint Augustine was born in present day Algeria, where, presumably, his mother Saint Monica, lived. Here is a painting of Saint Monica by artist John Nava. It has been said that behind every great man there is a great woman, and surely this is true of the saint we honor today, St. Monica, the mother of
In God’s Good Time Read More »
Welcome to Sacred Stories, a podcast celebrating the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill and their enduring legacy of faith, service, and community. In this episode, we meet Brother Michael Harlan, OFM, a Franciscan friar and longtime friend of the Sisters. His connection to Sparkill began in childhood. His grandfather, Edward Harlan, worked for the Dominican Sisters
EPISODE 5 – Holy Ground: Brother Michael Harlan’s Dominican Roots Read More »
It is a Joy for us to be together on this blessed feast of our Holy Father Dominic. It is a gift to celebrate the transfer of leadership within our Sparkill congregation as it connects us to the lineage of Dominic and the worldwide Order of Preachers, especially to the Dominican women of Prouille, the
Mustard Seed Faith: Our Time Is Now Read More »
The Assumption of Virgin Mary by Guido Reni Vigil of the Assumption 2026 Our first reading for the Vigil Mass begins: “David assembled all Israel in Jerusalem to bring the ark of the Lord to the place which he had prepared for it.” The Ark of the Covenant and the Assumption of the Queen into
Mary, Mother of Hope Read More »
Today we honor Mary Magdalene, patroness of the Dominican Order. It has been ten years since Pope Francis raised the liturgical celebration of the Memorial of Saint Mary Magdalene to the dignity of a Feast, the same rank given to the liturgical celebration of the Apostles. A special Preface was created for the feast, highlighting
Mary Magdalene: Tower of Faith and Witness Read More »
Jesus Forgives Peter On this feast day of the Sacred Heart, I invite you to listen to the advice of the great St. Ignatius Loyola, who encouraged his followers to frequently use their imaginations during prayer and to place themselves in the time of Jesus, using their sight, hearing, and all their physical senses. Today,
Living with the Heart of Christ Read More »
The Visitation by Jacopo Pontormo The Feast Day of Visitation is an event of faith, compassion, joy, gratitude, and love. This event has great significance in the Bible. If a woman goes to visit her sister, what is unusual about it? Family visits are normal. It could not have been the first time that Mary
A Journey of Faith and Love: Reflection on the Feast of the Visitation Read More »
The Ascension Into Heaven, by Eldre Delvie There is a lovely true story that reflects somewhat on today’s feast day that I would like to share with you. It concerns the completion of the opera Turandot by Puccini, the composer who was dying of cancer in 1928. He was aware that he probably would not
Ascension Thursday, 2026 Read More »
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
Celebrating a Living Legacy Read More »
We invite you to see through the creative eyes of our poets!
Poetry for the Soul Read More »
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
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.
Making a Difference: Changed by Encounter, Sent in Hope Read More »
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
Called by Name: From Moment to Mission Read More »
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
Awakening to Resurrection All Around Us Read More »
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
With Mary in Sorrow Read More »
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
New Life is Possible Read More »
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
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
EPISODE 4 – Voices of New Hope Read More »
In today’s readings, we hear God tell Abram to go forth, leave his home, family, and all he knows. In the second reading, Saint Paul admits that there will be hardship, but we will receive strength from God. The account of the Transfiguration in Matthew’s Gospel (Ch.17) may seem so extraordinary that it is difficult
Where is Your Mountain? Read More »
Kieran Keenan, STAC ’24, MS in Ed, ’26 It’s great to be with all of you. I recognize some familiar faces from STAC’s feast day Mission Moment program a couple of weeks ago. I had the privilege of sharing my experience walking in the footsteps of St. Dominic during my trip to Fanjeaux, France. And
Led Into the Desert: From Ego-Drama to Theo-Drama Read More »
From the earliest days of Christianity, the Church has commemorated the forty days preceding Our Lord’s public life as a season of transformation for His faithful followers, during which we are encouraged to follow His example of prayer and fasting. During His desert experience, Jesus was presented with temptations that were both physical and psychological,
Ash Wednesday 2026 Read More »
“Nations shall walk by your light, and kings in your shining radiance.” Today’s Feast of the Epiphany is the feast of the manifestation, as we know, of Jesus—of God, the Christ child—to all the nations, all the nations walking in the light. And in the Gospel that we read, that Father read this morning, the
Guided by the Star Read More »
Tonight, we celebrate the most improbable mystery of all time. The Scriptures remind us of the human genealogy of the birth of a special child, promised through many generations. What was not expected was the manner in which this long-anticipated event would take place. For in ages past, humankind was—and still is—impressed with might, power,
“A virgin shall conceive and bear a Son and shall name him Emmanuel – God with us.” (Isaiah 7:14/Matthew 1:23) Throughout Advent, we have heard Isaiah’s prophecies, and this week before Christmas, we pray as Gospel acclamations, the “O Antiphons,” from ancient times. We ponder, who is this child, this Son, who shall do great
First, I would like to thank Sister Diane and the Dominican Sisters for inviting me to give a reflection today. I admire all the work that you do for our community and the world, and I am honored to be speaking today Two weeks ago, we began the season of Advent by lighting the first
Hope, One Day at a Time Read More »
The original image of Our Lady of Guadalupe impressed on the cloak of St. Juan Diego is seen in the basilica in Mexico City February 13, 2016. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) Today, the Church celebrates Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas and one of the most tender expressions of God’s closeness to all people.
Our Lady of Guadalupe: A Mother for All Peoples Read More »
The first verse from the Isaiah reading (Isaiah 11:1-10) we heard this evening said: “Then a shoot will sprout from the stump of Jesse; from Jesse’s roots, a branch will blossom.” According to Google, the stump of Jesse is a biblical prophecy that symbolizes hope for a future ruler from the line of Jesse, the
Advent: Returning to Our Roots Read More »
Today, we enter the season of Advent, a time of longing, watchfulness, and hope. The readings place us right at the threshold: God is coming. We are invited to prepare, not by fear or anxiety, but by opening our eyes, our hearts, and our world to the transforming presence of Christ. Isaiah stands before us
Answering Advent’s Call Read More »