Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa facts for kids
The Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa are a group of Catholic women who dedicate their lives to serving others. They are officially known as the Congregation of the Most Holy Rosary of the Order of Preachers. This special group was started in 1847. Their main home, called the General Motherhouse, is in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin.
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The Story of the Sinsinawa Dominicans
The Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa were founded in 1847. A pioneering Italian priest named Samuel Mazzuchelli started the group. He was a Dominican friar and missionary in the Upper Midwest region of the United States.
How the Sisters Grew Over Time
When Father Mazzuchelli passed away in 1864, there were about 25 sisters in the community. Just ten years later, their numbers grew to 100. By the end of the 1800s, nearly 400 sisters were part of the congregation. They began working in schools across the region. The group continued to grow, reaching almost 2,000 members in the 1960s. After the Second Vatican Council, like many other religious groups, their numbers began to decrease.
Sinsinawa Mound: A Special Place
The main home of the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters is called Sinsinawa Mound. It is often called the "Hill of Grace." Since 1847, over 3,200 women have come to this place to become Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters. From here, they went out to share the Gospel and teach. Today, Sinsinawa Mound is still the main home for about 250 sisters. It is also home to more than 200 associates, who are people connected to the sisters' mission.
What the Sisters Do: Their Mission
Sinsinawa Dominicans are called to share the Gospel through preaching and teaching. They work to help build a fair and holy society. These Dominican Sisters are connected with Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin. They are also associated with Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois.
Their Work Today: Making a Difference
The sisters have a special plan for 2023–2028. They aim to be joyful preachers who take risks for the Gospel. They want to respond to the world's needs. Here are some of their goals:
- They speak up for justice and act responsibly for the environment and economy. This follows the ideas in Laudato Si' and their group's beliefs.
- They challenge unfairness in the Church and work to bring people together. This is inspired by Dominic and Catherine, important figures in their order.
- They work to be anti-racist and practice nonviolence in everything they do.
- They strive to be honest and true in their relationships with God, each other, and all of creation.
- They offer healing and kindness to each other and to those who are struggling.
- They welcome different people and ideas, creating a sense of belonging.
- They support each other in their spiritual journeys and faith.
Sinsinawa Dominican sisters are dedicated to preaching and teaching the Gospel. They believe that building relationships is key to their work. The sisters are involved in many different jobs. Some are teachers, counselors, or caregivers. Others are doctors, lawyers, or pastoral ministers. They are active in over 30 ministries. These ministries are located across the United States, Bolivia, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Notable Sisters
- Sister Mary Clemente Davlin was a well-known expert in medieval studies. She also supported diversity on college campuses.
- Sister Rosemary Gannon O.P. was the choral director for Trinity High School choirs. She even appeared in the movie Home Alone.
See also
In Spanish: Dominicas de la Congregación del Santísimo Rosario de Sinsinawa para niños
