250 Dominican Sisters Who Shaped the USA

Join the Celebration!

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the United States of America, the Dominican Sisters Conference honors 250 Dominican women religious whose lives and ministries have helped shape our country.

From the Feast of St. Dominic on August 8, 2026, through the Feast of St. Catherine of Siena on April 29, 2027, we will share stories of Sisters whose contributions in education, health care, spirituality, social justice, and many other fields have strengthened communities across the nation.

The story of Dominican women religious in the United States begins in 1822, when nine women in Kentucky answered God’s call to Dominican life. Their courageous “yes” opened the way for generations of vowed Dominican women religious whose faith, compassion, courage, and commitment have enriched communities across the United States for more than two centuries.

From Kentucky to New York, California, Michigan, and communities across the country, these 250 Sisters represent the thousands of Dominican women religious whose lives of prayer, preaching, service, and ministry have helped shape our nation.

Throughout this 250-day journey, we will lift up the stories and legacies of Dominican Sisters who have shaped their congregations, their communities, and our country. Their stories remind us of the enduring impact of a life rooted in faith and dedicated to serving others.

Join us as we celebrate 250 Sisters Who Shaped the USA—and the Dominican women who continue to shape our world today!

Follow along on our social media page and visit the Dominican Sisters Conference website for additional stories throughout this special celebration.