By Katie Beckmann Mahon, Communications Manager
This week’s “Embracing Faith” article will focus on Embracing Faith through Community.
“So then, as we have an opportunity, let us do good to everyone,
and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
-Galatians 6:10
Recently, Preaching with Their Lives: Dominicans on Mission in the United States after 1850, the second book detailing the history of Dominicans in the United States was published.
Readers of Preaching with Their Lives: Dominicans on Mission in the United States after 1850 will learn, “the little-known story of the Dominican Family―priests, sisters, brothers, contemplative nuns, and lay people―and integrates it into the history of the United States. Starting after the Civil War, the book takes a thematic approach through twelve essays examining Dominican contributions to the making of the modern United States by exploring parish ministry, preaching, health care, education, social and economic justice, liturgical renewal and the arts, missionary outreach and contemplative prayer, ongoing internal formation and renewal, and models of sanctity. It charts the effects of the United States on Dominican life as well as the Dominican contribution to the larger U.S. history. When the country was engulfed by wave after wave of immigrants and cities experienced unchecked growth, Dominicans provided educational institutions; community, social, and religious centers; and health care and social services. When epidemic disease hit various locales, Dominicans responded with nursing care and spiritual sustenance. As the United States became more complex and social inequities appeared, Dominicans cried out for social and economic justice. Amidst the ugliness and social dislocation of modern society, Dominicans offered beauty through the liturgical arts, the fine arts, music, drama, and film, all designed to enrich the culture. Through it all, the Dominicans cultivated their own identity as well, undergoing regular self-examination and renewal.”
A notable aspect of Preaching with Their Lives: Dominicans on Mission in the United States after 1850 is the connection the book has to the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Blauvelt, New York.
The cover of the book includes a photo of Sr. Pat Horan, OP, and members of the Dominican Alliance are carrying a “Dominicans for Peace” banner at a demonstration in Georgia, several years ago.
Sr. Pat viewed the book cover photo as, “a tribute to our community, ministries, and activism.”
This photo, was submitted by Archivist, Sr. Geraldine Milbert, OP, who was “honored” by the book cover photo and felt that “it is always good to know we are part of the big picture and story of the Dominican Order.”
Preaching with Their Lives: Dominicans on Mission in the United States after 1850 also included several excerpts detailing the ministries of our sisters and associates, as well as a ministry photo of Sr. Berchmans, OP.
Sr. Michaela Connolly, OP, Prioress, expressed her gratitude for this book, as well as its connection to the congregation.
“We are grateful to our archivist, Sr. Geraldine Milbert, for providing the cover photo for this important chronicle of the history of apostolic Dominican women in the US after 1850. Our congregation was founded to meet a particular need of late 19th century New York City and, throughout our history, we have moved quickly to address the new needs as they arose. The cover photo speaks eloquently. Having some of our ministries included in the book, as well as a photo of one of our early sisters and the children she cared for, is appreciated by all our sisters.”
To purchase a copy of Preaching with Their Lives: Dominicans on Mission in the United States after 1850, click here.