TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Some sisters embarked on summer studies in Theology and Education at various institutions throughout the U.S. and at the Motherhouse; some traveled for apostolic outreach, and some supported the daily life of the community through various assignments at home. Despite so many possibilities for action, the days together at the Motherhouse were also a special time of rest.

July ushered in a new wave of Community blessings. Two groups of sisters—the first group having been delayed by pandemic restrictions in 2020—celebrated their Silver Jubilee of profession. This began a period of retreat and renewal. The annual retreat in July culminated in the renewal of vows of fourteen sisters and the profession of perpetual vows of six sisters. July ended with the annual Community Days, in the course of which there were presentations about individual missions; conferences on religious life by Bishop Andrew Cozzens of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis; a talk by Mother Anna Grace; and time in Community. During these days, each sister received a hand-carved Dominican cross, made by one of the sisters from cedar wood taken from the original foundation of the Motherhouse building. It is a beautiful reminder that the Lord has protected the community since its beginnings, and continues to sustain us in every trial.

Early August found some sisters beginning retreat, while others began returning to various missions and schools for the new academic year. By St. Dominic’s Day, August 8th, many had already returned to their yearly assignments and the Sisters assigned to schools near our Motherhouse found the preparations of the year to be well underway. But the summer would not let go without three gifts of new life: in mid- August nine sisters received the habit and their religious names; four professed their first vows; and on the Solemnity of the Assumption, the community welcomed thirteen new postulants.

For each of us, this past year has presented its own particular challenges. As we move forward into this new year, the memory of these summer blessings reminds us that each challenge can be a participation in the grace of the Lord's Cross - and allows to walk with Him and those to whom He sends us.