World Forum on Migration
Tragedy in Tamaulipas spotlights unjust migratory policies

The massacre of 72 migrants in Tamaulipas, Mexico in August was a blip on the CNN screen. The Human Rights Commission of the diocese of Saltillo, Mexico (Bishop Raul Vera OP) issued a statement condemning the “systematic violation of the Human Rights of migrants.” The unjust treatments of migrants is a critical issue for the Fourth World Social Forum on Migration, which begins today in Quito, Ecuador, and continues through Oct. 12. READ MORE

Dominican Leadership Conference
Annual meeting held Oct. 1-4 at Maryknoll

The 59th annual DLC meeting and 75th anniversary celebration was held Oct. 1–4 at the Maryknoll Sisters Center in Ossining, New York. Highlights of the meeting included presentations by Ann Willits, OP (“At Home with the Word: Eight Hundred Years of Preaching”) and Barbara Reid, OP (“Preaching with the Mind, Eyes, and Heart of a Woman”); a gratitude social for Mary Ellen O’Grady, OP, DLC executive director, who is leaving the position after 15 years of service; and a visit to the United Nations or to Ellis Island to see the “Women and Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America” exhibit. The meeting's theme, “Facets of Change,” reflected the transition of the organization to the Dominican Sisters Conference. Photos from the meeting were not immediately available but will be posted soon.

Dominican Sisters of Peace
Congregation welcomes first professed sisters

In August, Hoa Nguyen, OP, became the first woman to make perpetual profession of vows as a Dominican Sister of Peace. In September, Sister Mai-Dung Nguyen made her perpetual profession.

International Day of Peace
Dominican sisters across United States honor occasion

On Tuesday, Sept. 21, hundreds of Dominican sisters celebrated the International Day of Peace. The Dominican Sisters of Peace gathered in local motherhouses, community parks, and various other locations to mark the day with prayer. READ MORE In Washington state, the Tacoma Dominican Sisters and associates dedicated a peace pole in front of their office building on Sept. 18, and held a special event that focused on peace and reconciliation. READ MORE

International News
Br. Bruno Cadoré is new Master of the Order

In September, the General Chapter of the Order of Preachers, founded by St. Dominic, elected Brother Bruno Cadoré as the new Master of the Order. Elected for a nine-year term, he takes the place of Fr. Carlos Azpiroz Costa (Argentinean), Master from 2001 to 2010. Read more about Br. Bruno on the Order of Preachers web site, and watch a video interview with Br. Bruno on YouTube.

Women and Spirit
Dominican sisters visit exhibit at Ellis Island

Dominican sisters were present for the opening of the “Women and Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America” exhibit at Ellis Island Sept. 23. Mary Hughes, OP (Amityville) was among the Dominican sisters who joined Archbishop Dolan for the ribbon-cutting. Sisters also visited the exhibit as part of the Dominican Leadership Conference meeting Oct. 1–4 in Ossining. READ MORE

Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic
International Bazaar set for Saturday, Oct. 23

The annual Maryknoll Sisters International Bazaar in Ossining is a popular attraction every autumn where visitors can purchase handicrafts from the countries where Maryknoll Sisters serve. This year, the bazaar will be held on Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Maryknoll Sisters Center, 10 Pinesbridge Road in Ossining, New York. READ MORE

Dominican University
Sr. Toni Harris honored with Bradford O’Neill Medallion

Dominican University presented its 2010 Bradford-O’Neill Medallion for Social Justice to Toni Harris, OP, the International Co-Promoter of Justice and Peace for the Dominican Order, during the university’s convocation Sept. 28 in River Forest, Illinois. Sister Toni also served as convocation speaker. READ MORE

Good Neighbor Award
Yankees honor Sister Ellenrita Purcaro

The New York Yankees presented Sister Ellenrita Purcaro, OP (Blauvelt) with the State Farm Good Neighbor Award Sept. 7. Once a month throughout the baseball season, State Farm Insurance honors a local organization or community based leader that positively impacts the New York City area. Sister Ellenrita is the executive director of Highbridge Community Life Center, which provides counseling for families and children, adult basic education, job training, after-school activities for youth, and other services through a network of collaborative organizations. READ MORE

Sister Pat Daly, OP, finished the Danskin Triathlon in Sandy Hook, New Jersey, Sept. 12 (half mile swim, 10 mile bike and 3.5 mile run. Above: Sister Pat (left) at the finish line with her cousins: Regina Conlon Pacicco, Marianne Conlon Conefrey and Nancy Trust Johansen.

Photo of the Week

Faith and Film
Get Low

Get Low is a surprisingly moving film about the power of confession and reconciliation. It stars Robert Duvall as Felix Bush, a mysterious, reclusive man who has lived for many years in a cabin outside a small Tennessee town in the 1930s. Review by Tom Condon, OP. READ MORE

The next Dominican Life | USA update will be published on Wednesday, October 20. Deadline for submission of articles/photos is Friday, October 15.