Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As I am preparing for my annual regional gathering of the Western Region of the National Council of Vicars for Religious (NCVR) this Thursday, October 1, Feast of St. Therese of Lisieux (a Saint to which I have a strong devotion), I would like to ask for your prayers for us. For the previous five years, we have been gathering in person (a couple days) in October at the Motherhouse of the Dominican Sisters of San Jose, California in Freemont. We will be gathering this Thursday via MS Teams for a video conference. This is the way many of us are meeting with others now, and we are counting the benefits of this type of meeting, saving money, time and travel. Today, I would like to share with you the beauty of meeting in person. A great benefit from meeting in person, which I will always cherish, is the experience of collaborating with the wise, loving, generous, compassionate and joyful Sisters that I have come to know over these past 6 years now that I have served in this role. You can see them above in our last group photo.

Here are photos from my precious time with the Dominicans of San Jose:

Mater Dei Chapel is a small, unique Chapel with historical preciousness.

On the way to Mass at San Jose Mission Church, founded by the Franciscans.

Thank you for allowing me to share with you the beauty of our Regional Gatherings at the Motherhouse of the Dominican Sisters of San Jose in Freemont, CA who welcomed us all those years of gathering. Their hospitality, kindness and joy made our visit so beautiful and productive. Productive in the sense that we had the time and space to get to know each other in our time of meetings, to speak with freedom and to enjoy the time together, which helped us grow in friendship in our service to the Lord Jesus Christ and His Church. Let us always remember that Jesus Christ has conquered evil by His sacrifice and death on the Cross. Have courage!

Your Sister in Christ,

Sister Anthony Mary Diago, RSM

Director of the Office of Consecrated Life

Diocese of Phoenix