Dominican Sisters of the Immaculate Conception

In this short video, singer and songwriter Sarah Bauer visits the Dominican Sisters in Justice, IL to find out more about the community and spend a day living their life!

Sarah, whose goal in life is to “challenge young people to dream big and to recognize the great plans that God has for their lives,” performed at World Youth Day 2005 in Germany and has produced several albums. (Her website is Sarahbauer.com.)

The Dominican Sisters share the idea that life in their community is not just about their ministry, but who they are as people. Naturally, prayer must take a priority! The day begins with prayer and a consecration to God, and is one thing which is constant and stable in the life of the community.

As Sarah talks with the Sisters, Sr. Margaret shares the story of her vocation: how she went from dating in high school to discerning God’s calling to the consecrated life. Her goal in life was to be a doctor and marry, and have a large family, but as she pointed out, God’s call requires sacrifice. Her family’s life in communist Poland prepared her for this sacrifice, as her parents were forced to make choices that while morally honorable, would jeopardize their careers or family. Continue reading ‘Video of Our Dominican Sisters Shows that Sacrifice Is the Path to God’s Action in Your Life’ »

Blessed Jordan of Saxony relates the drama of the opening of the coffin.

The translation of a saint’s body refers to the ceremony surrounding its being moved from one place to another, usually to a higher-status location. The following is from the Dominican Office of Readings, and is from the letters of Blessed Jordan of Saxony, second Master General of the Order of Preachers, and patron of Dominican vocations.  The translation occurred on May 24, 1233, and its feast is celebrated the same day. Read also our post on the translation “ ’Aroma of Christ’ Noted at the Moving of St. Dominic.”

[To all the brothers of the Order of Preachers whom he loves in the beloved Son of God, Brother Jordan, humble Master and Servant of the same Order, wishes health and eternal joy.]

In its unsearchable wisdom the divine goodness is often accustomed to delay the manifestation of virtue, not that it might slip into oblivion, but rather that after having been hidden, it may be revealed more abundantly at an opportune moment. Whether God wished to so provide greater benefits for the Church or whether for some other reason, certain brothers whose simplicity outweighed their prudence decided that it would be quite sufficient if the glory of Saint Dominic, the servant of the Most High and the founder of the Order of Preachers, were known to God alone. They decided it was not worth the effort to bring that glory to the attention of others.

However, some thought otherwise, but offered no opposition since they were fainthearted. So it was that for nearly twelve years the glory of our blessed Father Dominic remained hidden, with little regard for his holiness. The treasure was hidden and of no use to anyone. Dominic’s virtue had been demonstrated many times, but it had been covered over by the negligence of his sons. Continue reading ‘Feast of the Translation of the Body of St. Dominic, May 24’ »

The ark, or tomb, of St. Dominic, in Bologna, Italy

This is the continuation of the story of the life of the Mother Maria Kolumba, foundress of the Dominican Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. In our previous installment, Mother Kolumba reluctantly took a leave for her health, traveling to southern France at the insistence of the Father General, Reverend Jandel.

In April, Mother Kolumba left Cette to travel to Marseille in Southern France. It is there that Mary Magdalene was believed to have traveled, and lived doing penance in a cave. The cave is currently overseen by the Dominican Fathers.

With the permission of the Father General, the Reverend Mother traveled further to Rome by steam boat. She spent the month of May living in Rome, and upon her arrival, was able to participate in a ceremony of St. Catherine of Siena celebrated in the ancient church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. Continue reading ‘Mother Foundress Travels to Rome and Visits Dominican Shrines, and Regains her Strength’ »