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.
Sr. M. Alverna Hollis, OP (1937-2015) Advocate for the Deaf
Sr. Alverna’s service to the Deaf community began in the early 1970s. While still teaching art, she worked in the Joliet Diocese as an advocate for the deaf. She later established an Office for the Deaf in the Springfield Diocese and later became the Director of the National Catholic Office for the Deaf in D.C. Expanding her role internationally, she learned Spanish in order to create and teach sign language in Peru, establishing a high school for the deaf.
Sr. Josephine Therese Uhll, OP Hospital Visionary
The Sisters have served and sponsored in four health care facilities in Texas, Denver, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Sr. Josephine Therese led the struggle for integration and the expansion of St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson MS, the highest ranked hospital in Mississippi which includes several centers, a free clinic, and a three-stage eldercare facility.
Sisters Janet Guretz (Mary de Montfort), OP, Doris Taylor (Mary Leona), OP and Mary Rene Lawless, OP Pioneers/Missionaries
As early as 1961, the Springfield Dominicans answered the call for missionary work in the mountains of Peru. In 1964, they were called to work in schools, prisons and parishes and with youth in La Oroya, Lima, and Jarpa, Six Peruvian Sisters, 28 Peruvian Associates, and two North Americans continue the work.
