Join the Celebration
To join in the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America’s Declaration of Independence, the Dominican Sisters Conference is remembering and honoring 250 Dominican women religious who have helped shape this country.
Honoring our patron saints, this celebration will begin on the Feast of St. Dominic (August 8, 2026) and conclude with the Feast of St. Catharine of Siena (April 29, 2027). We will highlight the contributions of 250 women in education, medicine, spirituality, social justice, and many other fields of influence.
The women we will feature have played a role in our country’s story since the first group of nine women said ‘yes’ to God and followed their calling to Dominican Life in February 1822.
From that first group of sisters in Kentucky, to New York, California, and many places in-between, join us on our journey to honor the past and present of Dominican Sisters in the United States.
Dominican Sisters of Springfield Illinois
Throughout the series, the Dominican Sisters of Springfield Illinois, will celebrate Sisters whose lives helped shape our congregation, our communities, and our country. First up, we look forward to introducing our Foundresses Sisters Mary Josephine Meagher and Mary Rachel Conway, and many more to follow.
Featured Sisters
Sisters Mary Josephine Meagher and Mary Rachel Conway
On October 16, 1874, the unveiling of the Lincoln Monument at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois brought the sisters into the pages of history. Two of the founding sisters, Mother M. Josephine and Sister Rachel, were invited by President Grant to assist with the unveiling.
Sisters M. Josephine Meagher, OP, Agnes Maguire, OP, M. CeciliaCarey,OP, Rachel Conway, OP, M. Thomas Wight, OP, M. Thomasina Simpson, OP, and Catherine Young, OP
In August 1873, the original seven pioneers traveled from Kentucky to Jacksonville, IL. Little did they know that 747 Sisters, and 753 Associates would minster in over 120 educational centers, four hospitals, and 25 ministries. Our sisters have served from shore to shore, San Diego to D.C.
