Look to the Star

If you perceive yourself as drifting in treacherous waters, turn to the guiding star...  Look to the star, call upon Mary.

With her for your guide, you will not go astray.

(From a homily by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux whose feast is August 20.  Bernard lived from 1091-1153.)

The Wise

See clearly

Hear distinctly

Speak sincerely

Live graciously

Behave courteously

Work for respect

In doubt, seek information

When angry, think of consequences

When engaged in profit, reflect on ethics and integrity.

                                                        Confucius ( Adapted)

                                                        Sculpture: Frederick Franck

Dominic de Guzman, Founder of the Order of Preachers

On August 8, the Church celebrates the feast of St. Dominic, founder of the Order of Preachers, often referred to as the Dominicans.

Dominic de Guzman (1170 - 1221) was a man who was steeped in the Word of God and received Papal permission to found an Order dedicated specifically to preaching.  Up to that point in history, the only ones permitted to preach were the bishops.

He and his followers, both women and men, were on fire with the love of the Word of God and the desire to share the fruits of their contemplation with a world in flux.

Unlike their predecessors who gave witness to the Gospel through the monastic life, Dominic and his band of followers made the world their cell.

The city was their cathedral and the streets were their pulpit. The joys and sufferings of all peoples were the living Scriptures which would inspire their prayer and their preaching. Preaching and healing went hand in hand. 

There are thousands of Dominican sisters, brothers, priests, and nuns serving worldwide. You might be interested in finding out about my congregation, the Dominican Sisters of Hope. Visit www.ophope.org.

-    Jo-Ann Iannotti, OP

Riding the Ox, A Spiritual Journey #10

Sculpture and poems by Linda Shinji Hoffman

On exhibit in the Marie Louise Trichet Gallery through August 25, 2012.

Ordinary being            

         Doing ordinary things

                   Effortlessly and joyfully

Completely awake, you return to daily life with no trace of the journey.

(For complete poem, visit www.lindahoffman.com and click "new works")

New General Council

Sr. Isabelle Retailleau (France), Sr. Natalia del Redentore (Italia),

Sr. Louise Madore (Canada) – Superior General,

Sr. Carmen Belèn Vergara, (Colombia), and Sré Rani Muthukattil, (India)

The international congregation of the Daughters of Wisdom held its general council in Rome, Italy this summer.  The purpose was to set directions for the coming years and to elect a governing council.   The elected council members are shown here.  The international website is www.fdlsagesse.org.  Wisdom House is a ministry of the Daughters of Wisdom.