To Praise, to Bless, to Preach...

Gathered in Spirit: A July 7th Invitation to Prayer

The Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) is inviting congregations of women religious to participate in 100 Days of Prayer—a national initiative for peace and justice running from May 29 to September 5. Each congregation has chosen a day to lift their voices in prayer for the needs of our world. The Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose will offer prayers on July 7.

While there is no in-person gathering at the Motherhouse, we warmly invite our supporters to join us in spirit—praying from home, wherever you are, as part of this sacred day.

God of Peace and Justice, on this day, as we join voices with the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose and communities across the nation, we lift our hearts in prayer for healing in our world. May compassion overcome division, and may our intentions ripple outward in grace. Guide our leaders, comfort the suffering, and awaken us to be instruments of peace— in our homes, in our communities, and in the quiet of our hearts. Amen.

Lord of compassion, on this sacred day, we pray for peace, justice, and unity. May our quiet reflections echo with hope and help heal a hurting world.

Mother Maria Pia Backes (1852–1925), foundress of the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose. Her unwavering faith and vision continues to inspire generations.

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

Dan and his brother Nick Sciabica and their spouses joined the Sisters on Pentecost Sunday, June 8, for Mass and Lunch. It was a beautiful and sunny day, when Sister Jane welcomed the family and escorted them into the Chapel, where Sister Celeste Botello, Congregational Prioress, welcomed them. During the Intercessory Prayers, our Chaplain, Fr. Carl Seewald SVD, prayed God's abundant blessings upon Dan and the entire Family and Company and also prayed for Nick's son, Jonathan, for healing through the intercession of Carlo Acutis (the first Millennial Saint on the Path to Sainthood). After Mass, the Sisters gave a warm welcome to the Sciabicas as they entered the dining room for a festive luncheon. The Sisters expressed their wholehearted gratitude to Dan Sciabica, his parents, and family for producing the Dominican Sisters olive oil from the Sisters' historic olive trees for 25 years at the Company's expense. Sister Celeste and Sister Rose Marie Hennessy, former Motherhouse Administrator, presented a Peace Plant, a Plaque of Gratitude, and an engraved crystal cube for each of them and for Jonathan, Nick's son, and CEO of the Company. It was a lovely 25th Anniversary Gathering and before the Sciabicas left, the Sisters sang their Dominican Blessing for them all.

It is a joy to serve our Congregation and give leadership to the Direction Statement from our General Chapter. We desire to “live out of a deep center of love” as we minister to “the young, the poor and the vulnerable” with joy, building “bridges of love” and unity in our world today.

SISTER CECILIA CANALES, O.P.
CONGREGATIONAL PRIORESS

A Journey of Growth, A Moment of Celebration

With the school year ending, we recognize the graduates of our Mission San Jose-sponsored schools. Their journeys have been filled with learning, reflection, friendship, and faithful discovery—and now they step forward, shaped by the Dominican spirit that has guided generations before them.

St. Catherine’s Academy – Anaheim. We honor the young men of St. Catherine’s Academy who have been formed in the Dominican charism. Their years of formation have shaped them into thoughtful, courageous leaders, ready to serve with character and heart. As they take their next steps, we send them forth with gratitude and faith.

Immaculate Conception Academy – San Francisco. The graduates of ICA have walked a path of purpose, rooted in faith and fueled by a passion for justice. These young women leave with sharp minds, compassionate hearts, and a commitment to building a more equitable world. We celebrate all they’ve become—and all they will do.

Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy – La Cañada-Flintridge. On the hilltop, a new generation of graduates rises. At Flintridge Sacred Heart, these young women have grown in wisdom, creativity, and grace. Grounded in Dominican values, they step into the world with courage, conviction, and joy.

With love and blessings to each graduate and their family: we give thanks for the light you’ve shared in our communities, and we send you forth with hearts full of hope. The world is waiting—and so are the lives you’ll touch.

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.

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Christmas Blessings from the DSMSJ Council