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Dominican Sisters of the Presentation
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Since 1216, when St. Dominic received papal approval for a new Order dedicated
to preaching the Gospel, preaching has been the primary mission of all
Dominicans. Lay persons soon shared in the vision of St. Dominic, striving to
procure the salvation of souls by works of charity and mercy.
As a young woman, Marie
Poussepin had attended parish missions preached by the Dominicans and when a
chapter of the Third Order was established in her parish, Marie was received as
a member and given the name, Sr. Catherine. The Dominican spirituality,
particularly, its zeal for the salvation of souls and its mission to bring to
others the true knowledge of Jesus Christ and his mysteries, resonated in her
own heart and guided her in the establishment of the community she was to give
to the Church.
Marie Poussepin wanted her community to be uncompromisingly Dominican from its
very beginning. She intended to establish "A Community of the Third Order
of St. Dominic, for the service of the parish, to educate youth, and care for
the sick poor." Although, due to various historical circumstances, it would
take nearly two centuries for our congregation to be formally recognized as
Dominican, Marie Poussepin's writings and the rule she gave to
her sisters are permeated with the Dominican spirituality.
As Dominican Sisters of the Presentation today, we share in the spirituality
proper to the Dominican Order throughout the world. Dominicans have a particular
way of living the Christian life, emphasizing four fundamental values: (1)
Ministry of the Word; (2) community life; (3) prayer; and (4) study, especially
study of the Word. The combination of these four elements helps to focus our
daily life and ministry.
In her "Reglemens," the original rule given to her community, Marie
Pousspin stresses "the intensity of contemplation directly related to the
proclamation of the Word and the service of charity; the search for Truth in
humility and simplicity; the importance of liturgy and life in common according
to the 'custom of Communities of regular life'; the active participation of all
sisters in community assemblies." (Reglemens XIII and "The Original
Vision" ) We find here, at least implicitly, all the elements of Dominican
Spirituality. It was said of Marie Poussepin, as was said of Dominic, that
"she spoke always to God or of God." These words describe a true
preacher of the Gospel, according to the Dominican tradition. We are to
contemplate, to be persons of deep study and prayer, and then to share
with other the fruits of our contemplation. It is from our time spent in prayer
and study that we learn Christ, especially his charity. Our common life allows
us to grow in that charity, which we are called to witness to God's people.
Every Dominican is called "To praise, to bless and to preach." We
proclaim the truth that in Christ, we are all brothers and sisters, members of a
great human family redeemed by his blood. We try to witness joyfully to the Good
News of God's grace and mercy given to us in Jesus Christ. Christ can fill the
longing of every human heart. The people of our day have as great a need to hear
this good news as did the people of Dominic's day.
*For a fuller treatment of Dominican Spirituality, see Benedict Ashley --
Dominican Spirituality.
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