The consecrated life is called to reflect Christ’s light in an exceptional way… for you are like a “leaven” of hope for humanity. You are “salt” and “light” for the men and women of today, who through your witness can glimpse the Kingdom of God. ~ St. John Paul II
Dear Friends in Christ,
As the sun shines brightly in Phoenix, the light of Christ continues to touch our hearts and minds to know God’s Mercy. Religious Sisters, Brothers and Priests are often called upon to teach the Faith and provide strong Catholic Education. There is a great community of Sisters who teach at St. Thomas the Apostle Elementary School and St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix. These Sisters are the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. Their Motherhouse is Ann Arbor, Michigan, and there is a local community of five Sisters living at St. Thomas the Apostle Convent the heart of the City of Phoenix on 24th Street. This foundation was established in Phoenix 9 years ago in 2006. Their prayer life includes the Liturgy of the Hours, daily Mass, and a daily Rosary prayed in common. The Dominican spirituality emphasizes a love for the Truth (Veritas), by means of an intense and prayerful study of the Word of God and the truths of our Catholic tradition. The preaching and teaching of Dominicans are fruits of their contemplation. The Sisters strive to be authentic proclaimers of the Truth, like St. Dominic, to bring the Person of Jesus Christ to the world.
Tuesday, February 10th on the Feast of St. Scholastica, St. Benedict’s twin sister, I had the joy of praying with these Sisters.
Preparing to pray Vespers and the Rosary.
Angels praying for the intentions of Phoenix.
Sr. Martin Therese, OP is the local superior.
A mural of St. Dominic, founder of the Order of Preachers.
A stunning portrait of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, a Carmelite.
The common room of the Sisters has an extensive library of great works.
Sister Mary Grace’s smile invites!
What a gift these Sisters are to the Diocese!
I had an amazing encounter with Sister Teresa McIntier, CSJ, a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet, who has been in Phoenix many years serving full-time as a bereavement counselor for the Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese. She is 91 years old, and she is celebrating her 75th Anniversary of her Profession of Vows! Her joy is infectious, and her witness is clearly one of a strong faith and love for the Lord. Here’s a video of her filled with excitement for her 75th Anniversary!
She shares a bit about her vocation story…
The Sisters of St. Joseph were founded in Le Puy, France, on October 15, 1650. In 1836, six Sisters left France and came to Carondelet, Missouri. From there, the Sisters of St. Joseph were established in many areas of the United States to serve by spiritual and corporal works of mercy. Although there is not a community of these Sisters here in the Diocese of Phoenix, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet have a community in the Diocese of Tuscon.
We have been so blessed to have Sr. Teresa in the Dioceses of Phoenix!
Thank you, Sister Teresa and all Religious Sisters and Brothers who have dedicated your lives to serve the Lord and the needs of the Church!
God bless you,
Your Sister in Christ,
Sister Anthony Mary, RSM
Waking Up the World 