To Praise, to Bless, to Preach...

Celebrating 75 Years of Grace:

The Dominican Sisters at Santa Teresita Convent, Ramona Gardens

For 75 years, the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose have been a steadfast presence in the heart of Los Angeles, nurturing faith, education, and community at Santa Teresita Convent in Ramona Gardens. Their legacy is one of joyful service, deep spiritual commitment, and transformative love.

A Legacy of Light

From classroom chalkboards to parish altars, the Dominican Sisters have shaped lives with grace and purpose. Their ministry at Santa Teresita was more than a mission—it was a home, a sanctuary, and a beacon of hope for the Ramona Gardens community. As we celebrate this 75-year milestone, we honor every Sister who walked these halls, taught with love, prayed with devotion, and uplifted hearts. Their legacy continues in every student formed, every family embraced, and every soul touched by their presence.

Ramona Gardens: A Community Rooted in Resilience

Santa Teresita Convent stood within Ramona Gardens, one of Los Angeles’ earliest public housing developments. Built in 1941 as part of a New Deal initiative, Ramona Gardens was designed to provide safe, affordable housing for low-income families—primarily Mexican American—during a time of great social and economic upheaval. Though the neighborhood faced systemic challenges—poverty, under-resourced schools, and gang activity—the Dominican Sisters offered a counterpoint of hope. Their presence brought stability, compassion, and spiritual uplift to generations of families. Through education, prayer, and community outreach, the Sisters became a trusted anchor in a neighborhood often overlooked by the broader city.

“A Prayer for Courage, Compassion, and Change"

Lord Jesus Christ, send the gift of your Holy Spirit, who is Love, upon us now and always. Bless us as we work to replace fear with love, which St. John says, eliminates all fear.

Pour your gifts of wisdom and understanding into the hearts of all people so that a just and merciful immigration policy will guide us through as a nation.

As we work to replace fear with love, we thank you for those who will accompany immigrants and the undocumented. May they be rewarded for their generosity.

Through the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, our Queen and Mother, and Mother Cabrini, patroness of immigrants, may we strive to change our immigration policy and work to replace fear with love.

We make this prayer in Christ's holy name. AMEN.

Señor Jesucristo, envía el don de tu Espíritu Santo, que es Amor, sobre nosotros ahora y siempre.

Bendícenos mientras trabajamos para reemplazar el miedo por el amor, que, como dice San Juan, elimina todo temor. Derrama tus dones de sabiduría y comprensión en los corazones de todas las personas para que una política migratoria justa y misericordiosa nos guíe como nación.

Mientras trabajamos para reemplazar el miedo por el amor, te damos gracias por quienes acompañarán a los inmigrantes e indocumentados. Que sean recompensados por su generosidad.

Por la intercesión de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, nuestra Reina y Madre, y de Madre Cabrini, patrona de los inmigrantes, que nos esforcemos por cambiar nuestra política migratoria y trabajemos para reemplazar el miedo por el amor.

Hacemos esta oración en el santo nombre de Cristo. AMÉN.

Bishop Elshoff of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles

The Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose trace their origins to Mother Maria Pia Backes, whose vision and devotion laid the foundation for a community rooted in faith and service. Arriving in San Francisco in 1876 with two companions, she established a congregation dedicated to uplifting the young, the poor, and the vulnerable across the United States, Mexico and Germany. Until her passing in 1925, she nurtured a legacy of compassion, spiritual commitment, and tireless outreach—a legacy that continues to flourish through the Sisters’ ministry today.

Archivist: S.M.Catherine Antczak O.P.

We, the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, the Congregation of the Queen of the Holy Rosary, are called to live and proclaim Jesus Christ through evangelizing, preaching, educating, and promoting justice and peace.

In the spirit of St. Dominic and of our foundress, Mother Maria Pia Backes, we witness to this call through our vowed life.

Our prayer, study, ministry, and life in community empower us to participate in the mission of Jesus, especially among the young, the poor, and the vulnerable.

Our Mission Statement

“Mary Magdalen went and announced to the disciples,

‘I have seen the Lord!’” John 20:18

Appearing to Mary Magdalen, Jesus sent her to the community to tell the good news of his resurrection. We, too, are sent to go forth and tell others the good news of God’s love.

The Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, the Congregation of the Queen of the Holy Rosary,

currently ministers in California and Mexico.

Center for Education and Spirituality (CES) Events

Christmas Blessings from the DSMSJ Council