Corpus Christi Monastery facts for kids

Corpus Christi Monastery is a very old and important building in the United States. It was started in 1891. This makes it the oldest place in the U.S. for nuns (women who dedicate their lives to God) from the Dominican Order.

The Dominican Order is a group of Catholic religious people. It was founded by a man named Dominic de Guzman in France in 1206. He started the first monastery for nuns, called Notre-Dame-de-Prouille Monastery. Dominic believed these women were important partners. They helped the friars (men who are also part of the Order) by praying and dedicating their lives to God.

History of the Monastery

The story of Corpus Christi Monastery began with a woman named Mother Mary of Jesus. Her original name was Julia Crooks, and she was born in New York City. She joined the Dominican Order in France.

Starting in New Jersey

In 1880, Mother Mary of Jesus founded a place called the Monastery of St. Dominic. This was in Newark, New Jersey. It was an important step for the Dominican nuns in America.

Moving to New York City

Nine years later, in 1889, Mother Mary of Jesus and five other nuns moved. They went to the Morrisania area of New York City. This area is now part of the Bronx. They were invited by a leader of the Catholic Church, Archbishop Michael Augustine Corrigan.

Archbishop Corrigan wanted a special group of nuns in New York. He asked for a contemplative community. This means a group that focuses on prayer and quiet reflection. Their main purpose was to pray for the seminarians (students training to be priests) and priests. These prayers were for the Archdiocese of New York, which is the main Catholic area in New York.

The nuns bought land at Lafayette Avenue and Baretto Street. By the time the Corpus Christi Monastery building was finished, there were twenty nuns living there.