“A place of plenty”: Who lived here?
The first residents of the land that will become our butterfly garden were likely, well-butterflies-and many other winged, and multi-footed species who thrived in the Eastern Deciduous Forest biome that makes up much of Sangamon County. The first two-legged caretakers were likely the Kickapoo, members of the Illiniwek Confederation, or Potawatomi […]
Read MoreButterfly Garden is sanctuary for humans and all creation
Donate to the Butterfly Garden Here “In joy or sadness, flowers are our constant friends.” ― Kakuzō Okakura The butterfly garden will be a sanctuary for humans and all creation, an unending source of spiritual renewal, and a place that creates a sense of social well-being for all who visit. Last […]
Read MoreMedicaid 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 […]
Read MoreButterfly Garden offers green urban space and beauty for all
Donate to the Butterfly Garden 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,” […]
Read MoreTaking 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 […]
Read MoreSpirituality: 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 […]
Read MoreNew 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 […]
Read MoreCreation’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 […]
Read MorePilgrims 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 […]
Read MoreResurrection 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 […]
Read MoreDominican Sister M. Paul McCaughey travels to Rome—but not for the Conclave
She will arrive in Rome May 4 for Union of International Superiors General Assembly and 10th Dominican Sisters International Confederation Assembly Conclave to elect successor to Pope Francis likely to coincide with her visit. The superiors of Catholic Sisters’ congregations worldwide generally meeting triennially in Rome, and this is the […]
Read MoreDominican Sisters Reflect on Pope Francis’ Life and Legacy
Mourners welcome to pray virtually at the Motherhouse chapel This story was updated at 9:30 am, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Early this morning the United States awoke to the news that Pope Francis died in Rome about 7:30 a.m. at Casa Marta, his residence in Rome. The Dominican Sisters of Springfield, […]
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