Dominican Sisters of the Immaculate Conception

This is the continuation of the story of the life of the Mother Maria Kolumba BiaŁecka, foundress of the Dominican Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. In our last installment, new Sisters made their profession in the Order after a retreat led by Father Weber.

Because Mother Kolumba was growing older, the Sisters made a point to write down the stories and virtues of their beloved Reverend Mother, so they could pass them on to future members of the Congregation.

Mother Kolumba had many virtues, and her faith was alive and strong. She set an example for the Sisters in the Congregation in her prayer and worship of Jesus, particularly in the Blessed Sacrament. She spoke with much love and gratitude about the Mystery of Love which was the Eucharist. Every Mass on Thursday was celebrated in thanksgiving for the Sacrament of the Eucharist and in reparation for the offenses against the sacrament. The Reverend Mother spent many hours in prayer — marked with a visible love for Jesus. And as her biographer wrote, “The youngest Sisters testified that the very presence of Mother motivated them to pray even more enthusiastically.” Continue reading ‘All-night Chapel Vigils Were Part of Mother Kolumba’s Intense Devotion to the Eucharist’ »

This is the continuation of the story of the life of the Mother Maria Kolumba BiaŁecka, foundress of the Dominican Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. In our last installment, Father Weber visited the Sisters to lead a retreat, but gives them a somber talk, in which they are reminded that their beloved Reverend Mother Kolumba will not be with them forever.

Following the retreat, as was the custom, the Order celebrated the ceremony in which the new Sisters took their veil and the older Sisters made their religious profession. The Sisters fondly bade their farewells to Father Weber, singing the “Cantemus Domino” for him. Mother Kolumba honored the dear Father by speaking to him of the many blessings which the priest had given to both the congregation and to herself personally in his years of service to the Order. Continue reading ‘Sisters Bid Farewell to the Very Helpful Father Weber’ »

This is the continuation of the story of the life of the Mother Maria Kolumba BiaŁecka, foundress of the Dominican Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. In our last installment, the Congregation celebrated the wedding anniversary of two generous benefactors.

In the evening of the jubilee celebration, several of the older Sisters shared stories about the beginnings of the Foundation, and the joys and sorrows which they had experienced together. Mother Kolumba’s biographer spoke about the goodness of the Lord, “who so miraculously protected us during these 25 years; He protected us from different calamities and blows of the enemy, turning everything for our good.” On this special day, the Reverend Mother seemed “exceptionally radiant” and once again in good health. Continue reading ‘The Sisters Endure a Challenging Homily by a Dear Priest’ »