Corpus Christi Monastery facts for kids
The Corpus Christi Monastery is a special place founded in 1891. It's the oldest monastery in the United States for nuns from the Dominican Order. This monastery is like a branch of the very first Dominican nuns' monastery, called Notre-Dame-de-Prouille Monastery. That first one was started in France in 1206 by Dominic de Guzman, who also founded the Dominican Order. He believed these nuns were important partners. They supported the friars (Dominican brothers) through their prayers and dedication.
History of the Monastery
The story of Corpus Christi Monastery began with a woman named Mother Mary of Jesus. She was born Julia Crooks in New York City. She joined the Dominican Order in France. In 1880, she founded the Monastery of St. Dominic in Newark, New Jersey.
Nine years later, Mother Mary of Jesus and five other nuns moved. They went to the Morrisania area of New York City. This area later became part of the Bronx. They were invited by Archbishop Michael Augustine Corrigan. He wanted a special group of nuns to live there. This group would focus on prayer and quiet reflection. Their main job was to pray for the future priests (called seminarians) and current priests of the Archdiocese of New York.
Land was bought at Lafayette Avenue and Baretto Street. Soon, the Corpus Christi Monastery was built. By the time it was finished, there were twenty nuns living and praying there.
