Medicaid fulfills a Gospel Mandate
By Cynthia Gallo Callan Cynthia Gallo Callan, is a Springfield Dominican Associate who works for the Diocese of Springfield. “Change is the only constant” is an expression that sometimes keeps people afloat. It has spun over the generations and is widely accepted as the norm. But sometimes change comes too fast and furious, and when it does, there is a metaphorical implosion, hurting the most vulnerable around us. Last week, during one of Pope Leo’s first addresses, he […]
Read More
Butterfly Garden offers green urban space and beauty for all
A growing body of research indicates that urban green spaces benefit people and Earth by improving physical and mental health, increasing social wellbeing, reducing crime, and curbing the hazards of climate change. Is there a spiritual dividend as well? “The world will be saved by beauty,” Catholic Worker founder Dorothy Day said. So yes! We anticipate that our 4,500 sq. ft. butterfly garden will bring all of these things to our neighborhood: health for people and Earth, well-being […]
Read More
Taking in the news: Dominican Sisters respond to the election of first U.S. Pope, Chicagoan Robert Prevost, OSA
About the photo: Chicagoan Sister Marie Michelle Hackett, OP, shares her joy over the announcement of the Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV. When it was evening in Rome, the Dominican Sisters of Springfield were finishing their noon meal in the dining room at Sacred Heart Convent, having heard these encouraging words from their fellow Illinoisan, standing on the balcony at the Vatican, Robert Prevost, OSA, now known to the world at Pope Leo XIV: “Let us keep in our […]
Read More
Spirituality: Every creature is a book about God
Spirituality is “the lifestyle of faith” according to the theologian Tomas Halik. “It is the sap of the tree of faith.”-a fitting description for this garden we are creating, a place where our spirits-and our spiritualities-can soar as we contemplate the greatness of the Creator. “Every creature is a book about God,” This is what our Dominican ancestor and mystic Meister Eckhart said. So, as Sister Rose Marie Riley, prioress at Sacred Heart Convent, notes in this video, […]
Read More
New Associates Make Commitment at Sacred Heart Convent
Springfield, Ill. – A commitment ceremony for the 2025 Springfield Dominican Associate class was held at Sacred Heart Convent Chapel on Sunday, May 4, 2025. During the homily of the Mass Father Robert Kelly, OP, chaplain for the Dominican Sisters, thanked the associates for their commitment and preached on Sunday’s Gospel from John about the disciples fishing after the resurrection and hearing the risen Christ calling to them from the shore. He wondered whether they went fishing, in […]
Read More
Creation’s sanctuary
Spirituality is “the lifestyle of faith” according to the theologian Tomas Halik. “It is the sap of the tree of faith.”-a fitting description for this garden we are creating, a place where our spirits-and our spiritualities-can soar as we contemplate the greatness of the Creator. “Every creature is a book about God,” This is what our Dominican ancestor and mystic Meister Eckhart said. In his encyclical Laudato Si’ On Care for Our Common Home, Pope Francis wrote “…if […]
Read More
Pilgrims of Hope: Honoring Pope Francis
Family-friendly public prayer 4:00 p.m. Sunday, May 4, Sacred Heart Convent Chapel All are welcome. The Dominican Sisters will welcome guests to join them in honoring and celebrating the life of Pope Francis, who died April 21 at the age of 88 after serving as the successor of St. Peter for twelve years. Family-friendly and open to guests of all faiths, this 30-minute service will be a joyful remembrance of the gift of Pope Francis to the Church […]
Read More
Resurrection happens in the midst of darkness
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. Jn 20:1 Usually, I prefer to focus on the resurrection and all the signs of new life that springtime brings in the northern hemisphere. This year I’m pondering (read “caught in the midst of”) circumstances that lead to resurrection. Resurrection happens in the midst of darkness. While […]
Read More