By Katie Beckmann Mahon, Communications Manager
Saturday, August 8th, marks Saint Dominic’s Day, the feast of Saint Dominic, the saint who laid the foundation for the Order of Preachers, also known as the Dominicans.
As we approach this feast day, amid a pandemic and chaos throughout the world, take a moment to focus on prominent moments of the history of the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Blauvelt, New York, and note the transformation that our congregation has experienced throughout the years.
· Mother Mary Ann Sammon, Foundress of the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Blauvelt, New York, first came to “Blauveltville” in 1870, when her congregation purchased property near Saint Catharine’s Church with the hope of building a school for children of local German immigrant farmers.
· In 1878, the first sisters and children arrived at the Saint Joseph’s Orphan Home, which later became Saint Dominic’s Home, and today is Saint Dominic’s Family Services.
· Mother Mary Ann Sammon incorporated the Sisters of Saint Dominic in 1890.
· After its incorporation, the Sisters of Saint Dominic established ministries in locations from New York to Illinois to Rhode Island to Florida to Connecticut to Jamaica, West Indies, and beyond.
· At its 25th Annual Corporation Meeting, the Sisters of Saint Dominic membership reached 560 Sisters and expanded their ministries to over 40 schools.
· In 1990, the Sisters of Saint Dominic celebrated their Centennial Year and commemorated 100 years of incorporation as an independent congregation.
· Saint Dominic’s Family Services celebrated its 140th year of service in October 2018.
· Siena House, a family shelter in the Bronx, and ministry of the Sisters of Saint Dominic celebrated their 30th Anniversary in January 2020.
As we prepare to celebrate Saint Dominic’s Day, let us focus on continuing in Dominic’s footsteps and preaching the message of hope, wherever we go in life.
Happy feast day and God bless!
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