Below is a picture of the motherhouse chapel in which the sisters professed their vows. Neither the chapel nor the motherhouse exist today because of a fire in 1990, but  the sisters who professed their vows on that day, know that their vows and God’s faithfulness still stand.

The old motherhouse chapel of the Dominican Sisters in San Rafael

Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to be prersented to God. Let us pray:

Christ, be our light.

Jesus, light of the world, you revealed the love of God to us
- let our lives lead other to the truth of God’s mercy.

Jesus, longed for savior, you are presented with the gifts of the poor;
- help us to dedicate our lives to those in need.

Jesus, child of mystery, your mother’s heart was pierced by prophecy;
- strengthen all women whos dedication to you brings pain and sorrow.

Jesus, child of promise,Simeon had waited and prayed for your coming;
- give us patience and hope as we pray for the fulfillment of your gospel.

Jesus, joy of all who seek God, Anna had given you lifelong service;
- bless the elderly and teach us how to give them joy and encouragement.

Bountiful God, you are father and mother to us. You receive the dedication of the infant Son, Jesus, with two turtle doves. You inspire aged Simeon and Anna to bless and announce his mission. O gentle, strong God, we rejoice in your care for us. Help us to draw those who turn away from yo in fear. Let the saving light of Jesus bring truth and peace to our world. This we ask in his name. Amen.

- from People’s Companion to the Breviary, Carmelite Monastery, Indianapolis, IN

This is a door of a Dominican Sisters' convent in Pisa, Italy.

In today’s Gospel (Mark 3:20-21) we read:

Jesus came with his disciples into the house. Again the crowd gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat. When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”

Some people wonder why a young, happy, and intelligent woman would want to be a sister. They might even think it’s a crazy idea.

What might God be calling you to do? How might God be calling you to live? Do you worry about what people might think or say? “What-people-think” never stopped Jesus – don’t let it stop you. Come and meet the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael on February 4th. We don’t know what others would say, but we don’t think it’s a crazy idea.

Doorway at a home in Caleruega, Spain, St. Dominic's birthplace. Might a Dominican doorway be inviting you?

In today’s Gospel reading we see Jesus naming the Apostles and sending them (the word apostle means one who is sent) to do the ministry of preaching. All of us are called at the time of our baptism, and we are all sent to preach the Gospel in our own particular way, according to our own particular gifts.

The Dominican Sisters are hosting a “Come and See” day in San Rafael. It is an opportunity to reflect upon how God is calling you to preach the Gospel, in your own particular way, according to your own particular gifts. Why not come and see if life as a Dominican Sister might be good way for you to live out the call you received from God at your baptism. The date is February 4, 2012 – please contact us at 415-257-4939 or vocations@sanrfaelop.org for more information.

We, the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, are hosting a Come and See Day on February 4th. We’re not  asking for a commitment either, we are simply inviting single Catholic women, between the ages of 20 and 45 to come . . . to investigate . . . to observe . . . to ask questions . . . and to find out for themselves just what being a sister might be like.

Why don’t you come? Why don’t you encourage someone?

Come and You Will See

Happy Thanksgiving from the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael!

Christ the King as Pontius Pilate might have seen him before sending him off to be beaten and finally crucified.

This statue is found in the chapel of the Dominican Nuns of Prouille, France. This was the original site (though not the original buildings) of the first convent of Dominican Nuns, founded by St. Dominic in 1206. Dominic founded the nuns first; the Dominican Friars were founded in 1216.

St. Martin de Porres in one of the tapestries at the Cathedral in Los Angeles

Today is the Feast of our Dominican Brother, Saint Martin de Porres (December 9, 1579 – November 3, 1639). He is known for his care for the poor and vulnerable, and care of the sick. Many are the reports of his gift of healing, and he was skilled in the art of healing herbs. Animals loved Martin, and he they; they were comfortable in one another’s presence.

Though the priests of the Order were far more educated then he, Martin continually taught his brothers through example how Jesus taught us to value one another.

It was recalled by his prior that once when Martin was punished for picking up a destitute elderly beggar and placing him in his own bed at the monastery, Saint Martin went humbly to his superior and asked for forgiveness. He said that he didn’t know that obedience took precedence over charity.

He said, “Compassion is preferable to cleanliness. Reflect that with a little soap I can easily clean my bed covers, but even with a torrent of tears I would never wash from my soul the stain that my harshness toward the unfortunate would create.”

Saint Martin is one whose life was a preaching, and when necessary, he could add the right words.

Watercolor of Mount Shasta

 Truly, this painting of Sister Joanne Cullimore does all the preaching that is necessary.
God is revealed in creation.

Nonetheless, we know that Dominic was a man of deep prayer and of great love for Our Lady, and that Dominicans have treasured this particular form of prayer over the centuries. The website of the Order of Preachers in Santa Sabina in Rome sheds more light on the subject.

Praying the rosary is a very meditative and contemplative way of prayer. It has brought hope, comfort, and solace to many in difficult times throughout the centuries.

We have a history, from Fra Angelico in the 15th century, to the present time of recognizing that our artists preach through their art. Our sisters have taught in schools and ministered in hospitals. Their lives are the Holy Preaching. Our sisters are involved in parish ministry and serve the poor. Their lives are the Holy Preaching. Many work at effecting changes in systems that are unjust and create poverty. This is the Holy Preaching.

I begin with “Sometimes Photography is Preaching.” Sister Adele Rowland was the first in our community to use that medium in the Holy Preaching, and you can view a few of her photo montages on our congregational website.

This photo, Morning Glimpse, reflects a passage from today’s Psalm 43 is:
“Send forth your light and your fidelity;
they shall lead me on and bring me to your holy mountain,
to your dwelling-place.”